From ‘Eleven’ to Icon

Millie Bobby Brown’s 10-year beauty evolution


The Stranger Things star grew into a bold fashion icon


Brown and Bongiovi live in a farm, with their daughter and pets© Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
FEBRUARY 19, 2026 2:56 PM EST

It’s officially been a decade since “Stranger Things” premiered and changed pop culture forever. On July 15, 2016, the sci-fi hit launched a new generation of stars, including a then-12-year-old Millie Bobby Brown.

Now, as she turns 22 on February 19, her beauty evolution tells a story of growth, experimentation, and serious trend-setting power. From shaved head to sleek bob, glitter headbands to red-carpet glamour, here’s how her style transformed year by year.

Millie Bobby Brown at the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 © Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
From shaved head to chic bob, Millie Bobby Brown’s 10-year beauty evolution shows how the Stranger Things star grew into a bold fashion icon.

Millie Bobby Brown’s 10-year beauty evolution

Actress Millie Bobby Brown attends the red carpet event of the UNICEF's 70th anniversary celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan borough of New York on December 12, 2016.  (Photo by Mohammed Elshamy/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)© Getty Images

2016: The Sweet Simplicity Era

When “Stranger Things” first dropped on Netflix, Millie’s image was refreshingly age-appropriate. Her short hair, often styled with playful headbands and subtle sparkle, became instantly recognizable. Makeup was minimal. Skin looked fresh. The overall vibe was natural, innocent, and perfectly aligned with her age.

 Millie Bobby Brown attends the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 27, 2017 in Inglewood, California.  (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)© Getty Images

2017: Red Carpet Risk-Taker in the Making

By 2017, Millie was everywhere. Film premieres. Award shows. Fashion events. Her style still leaned girlish, but experimentation had clearly begun.

One standout moment came at the MTV Movie & TV Awards, where she embraced a sleek wet-look hairstyle. It was a bold move for a teenager and signaled something important: she wasn’t afraid to test trends early.

Actor Millie Bobby Brown attends The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.  (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)© WireImage

2018: The Sleek High Bun That Started a Trend

At just 14, Millie entered a transitional phase. At the Golden Globe Awards, she wore a sleek high bun with braided detailing. The look quickly became a reference point for teen beauty inspiration.

It balanced maturity and youth perfectly. Polished, but not overdone. Structured, yet playful. It marked the beginning of a more deliberate fashion and beauty identity.

2019: Certified Style Icon© NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via

2019: Certified Style Icon

This was the year Millie solidified her status beyond child star. She began attending major fashion shows and high-profile premieres, evolving into a Gen Z fashion reference.

At the season three premiere of Stranger Things, she wore a pink tulle ruffled gown that felt editorial and youthful at the same time. Her beauty look elevated the outfit: center-parted hair pulled back neatly, luminous skin, and makeup in soft tones that complemented the dress.

It was coordinated, intentional, and undeniably grown-up.

2020: The Long Hair Transformation© WireImage

2020: The Long Hair Transformation

At 16, she stepped fully into her long-hair era. Glossy, styled waves and refined updos became her signature. Her overall aesthetic leaned more elegant, more structured.

2022: Blonde and Bold© Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images

2022: Blonde and Bold

After a long pause in red carpet appearances due to global event cancellations, Millie returned with a completely different energy. Now legally an adult, she debuted long blonde hair and stronger makeup choices.


Contouring became more defined. Lip liner sharper. Eye makeup more dramatic. The transformation sparked conversation, but it also reflected personal agency. She was clearly experimenting on her own terms.

It was a reminder that public growth can be uncomfortable to watch, yet entirely natural.

2023: Back to Brunette© WireImage

2023: Back to Brunette

Only months later, she returned to her natural brunette shade. The darker tone arguably framed her features more softly and gave her a timeless appeal.

At 19, she embraced more relaxed silhouettes while keeping her beauty looks refined. She continued playing with hairstyles, but the energy felt more grounded. Less about shock value. More about confidence.

2024: Peak Sophistication© Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Image

2024: Peak Sophistication

At the premiere of Damsel, Millie reached what many considered her most flattering look yet. Ultra-long hair with subtle highlights added dimension and brightness. Makeup leaned luminous and defined, but still fresh.

One consistent detail through every era? Bold black eyeliner. It’s been her signature thread connecting every transformation.

Millie Bobby Brown at the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 © Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

2025: The Color Chameleon Year

If there was ever a fearless phase, it was 2025. Brunette. Platinum blonde. Rich red. Dark with reddish reflections at the final season premiere of Stranger Things.

Each shift felt intentional. Each color told a different story. It proved that hair can be more than style.

Millie Bobby Brown's hair history over the past year reads like a style evolution guide.© Millie Bobby Brown/IG

.2026: The Chic Bob Moment

In January, at the Joy Awards, Millie unveiled a sharp, chic bob that instantly refreshed her image. Paired with stronger makeup and sculpted definition, the cut highlighted her bone structure while keeping her youthful glow intact.

It’s polished. It’s modern. It feels like a new chapter.

A Decade of Evolution

Ten years ago, she was the shaved-head breakout star of a sci-fi series. Today, she’s a fully realized fashion and beauty force who understands how to evolve publicly without losing herself. The transformation hasn’t been about chasing trends. It’s been about growing into them. 

Watching Millie Bobby Brown’s beauty evolution is essentially watching a young woman claim her narrative in real time.© GC Images
Watching Millie Bobby Brown’s beauty evolution is essentially watching a young woman claim her narrative in real time.

Watching Millie Bobby Brown’s beauty evolution is essentially watching a young woman claim her narrative in real time. And if the last decade has proven anything, it’s that reinvention isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about revealing more layers of who you already are.

The next phase? Almost certainly unexpected. 

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.