Leighton Meester, best known for her role as Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, is embracing a striking new look. The actress, set to star in Netflix’s Nobody Wants This Season 2, has fully transitioned into her redhead era.
Meester previously experimented with warm auburn tones, a trend also seen on stars like Michelle Yeoh and Emma Stone. However, she recently took it a step further by unveiling a vibrant sunset copper hue. The color, which appears almost peachy under the Parisian sunlight, made its debut at the Elie Saab Autumn/Winter 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week.
Her sleek, straight blowout and full bangs, styled by hair artist Halley Brisker with assistance from Allie Harknett, highlighted the richness of the new tone. Achieving the perfect shade of bright copper can be challenging, as overly orange hues can appear artificial. However, Meester’s deep and balanced color gives a sophisticated and natural effect.
The transformation was crafted by LA-based hair colorist Amy Huson. “We started transitioning Leighton’s hair to red gradually,” Huson shared with Harper’s Bazaar UK. “She was filming in Scotland and wanted a shade that would fade and grow out seamlessly. With each session, we became bolder.”
Huson advises that red shades tend to fade quickly, requiring regular upkeep. “When switching to red, salon visits every four weeks are essential in the beginning to build and maintain the color,” she explains. She also recommends using color masks like Christopher Robin Chic Copper between appointments to enhance vibrancy and shine.
As the new season approaches, sunset copper tones offer a fresh and flattering alternative to winter’s deeper cherry reds. The “copper sundowner” look, as seen on Aimee Lou Wood in The White Lotus, is another stylish option. Unlike Meester’s uniform hue, this version uses balayage to blend golden and copper tones, creating a soft, sun-kissed effect.
For those seeking a hair refresh, Meester’s latest transformation provides the perfect spring inspiration.
