Nicole Richie has been open about her long journey with hair extensions, which became a signature part of her look during her early career, especially during her time on The Simple Life alongside Paris Hilton. Known for her iconic XXL blond and brunette extensions in the early 2000s, Richie later revealed that her reliance on these hair pieces was rooted in low self-esteem.
In an interview with People in 2024, Richie reflected on her younger years, admitting how much she felt the need to hide behind extensions and makeup. “When I look at my photos of myself in my 20s, the first thing that comes to mind is just how much I thought I needed between extensions and makeup,” she shared. “I would say, ‘I can never let anyone see me without extensions, not even my animals, because my hair is so thin.'” Richie explained that although she enjoyed wearing extensions, she eventually realized they weren’t necessary. “I was still in a stage where I wanted to look like something else,” she said, noting that it would take up to six hours to install her extensions.
While many celebrities, like Jennifer Lopez, have used extensions as a confidence boost, Richie eventually learned to embrace her natural self, and in doing so, her beauty became even more striking. In 2020, Richie shared an Instagram selfie showcasing her natural hair. Her hair, which started straight but evolved into a loose curl, skimmed her shoulders and had plenty of volume. Fans were quick to compliment her, with one writing, “So beautiful.”
Richie also shared another selfie in 2020, where she went makeup-free and showed off her true hair length. Wearing a green floral jacket, her healthy blond curls cascaded over her shoulders in a flattering center part. The reaction from her followers was overwhelmingly positive, with one person commenting, “How are you that naturally gorgeous?” while another added, “Loving your curls.”
Over the years, Richie has learned to love her natural curl pattern. Speaking to Coveteur, she explained how, in her younger years, she constantly straightened her hair. “I’ve gone through a very complex relationship with my hair over the years, always wanting it to be straight,” she said. “It wasn’t really until I was in my thirties when I was like, ‘Wait a minute. I love my hair. I love my curly hair. I don’t know why I have been trying to hide it this whole time.'”
Richie’s transformation is a testament to her personal growth. She now embraces her natural curls, feeling more confident and beautiful than ever. It’s clear that Nicole Richie is at her most stunning when she is comfortable in her own skin, and her natural hair is proof of that.
