You see it everywhere. That buttery, 1960s-inspired "Short n' Sweet" blonde that has basically become a legal trademark for Sabrina Carpenter at this point. It’s voluminous, it’s bouncy, and those curtain bangs? They’ve launched a thousand Pinterest boards. But here’s the thing: the "Espresso" singer hasn't always lived in the platinum lane.
There is a version of Sabrina that feels like a fever dream to newer fans—a version with deep, moody, chocolate tones. Whenever a photo of Sabrina Carpenter dark hair resurfaces on TikTok, the comments section usually goes into a collective meltdown. People start questioning if she’s a "secret brunette" or if the blonde is just a very expensive lie.
Honestly, the truth is a bit more nuanced than a simple "yes" or "no."
The Brunette Eras You Probably Forgot
If you only know Sabrina from her Coachella sets or her SNL monologue, seeing her with dark hair is jarring. It changes her whole vibe. While the blonde gives "America’s Sweetheart," the darker shades bring out a sharp, cinematic edge that's easy to miss when she's covered in glitter.
The Indie Film Transformation
Back in 2018 and 2019, Sabrina was doing the "serious actor" pivot. For the film The Short History of the Long Road, she didn't just play a girl living in a van; she fully committed to the aesthetic. That meant no makeup and, more importantly, a transformation into a brunette.
She played Nola, a character far removed from the high-glam pop star we see today. Her hair was a muted, natural-looking brown that made her blue eyes look almost piercing. It wasn't a wig, either. In interviews from that era, like with Hero Magazine, she talked about how stripping down the glamour—hair dye included—was vital for the role.
The "Fast Times" Edge
Then there’s the "Fast Times" music video. If you want to see Sabrina Carpenter with dark hair that looks intentional and high-fashion, that’s the blueprint. It was a darker, almost espresso-bean brown (ironic, right?) that felt more "femme fatale" than "Disney alum."
Fans still argue on Reddit about whether she should go back to this. Some swear the dark hair makes her features "pop" in a way the blonde washes out. Others think the blonde is her soulmate color.
Wait, Is She Actually a Natural Brunette?
This is the big one. Because she looks so good with dark hair, and because her roots often show a bit of shadow, people assume she's naturally dark-haired.
She isn't.
Her longtime colorist, Laurie Heaps, has gone on record multiple times—including a chat with PopSugar—confirming that Sabrina is a natural medium blonde. If you scroll back far enough on her Instagram to her 25th birthday post, you’ll see the "receipts": baby photos with sweet, strawberry-blonde curls.
The "dark hair" moments are almost always for a specific project. Whether it’s a movie role or a guest spot on Saturday Night Live (where she recently rocked a few different brunette wigs for sketches), the dark hair is a costume.
The "Recession Blonde" Trick
So, why does her hair look dark at the top sometimes?
In 2025 and 2026, the trend shifted toward what stylists call "recession blonde" or "lived-in color." Laurie Heaps uses a technique called a root tap. Basically, she applies a darker gloss—usually something like Redken Shades EQ 8NV—to the roots.
This does two things:
- It creates a shadow that makes the hair look thicker.
- It mimics a natural regrowth, so Sabrina doesn't have to hit the salon every two weeks.
When that root tap is a bit heavier, it can give the illusion of Sabrina Carpenter dark hair starting to take over. It’s a clever way to keep the blonde from looking "fake" or flat.
Why the Dark Hair Works (And Why She Stays Blonde)
The science of color theory is pretty wild here. Sabrina has a cool-to-neutral skin tone with very bright eyes.
When she goes dark, the contrast is high. It’s striking. It makes her look older and more "editorial." However, the blonde she wears now isn't just a color—it’s a brand. It fits the 1960s Brigitte Bardot aesthetic that has defined her recent chart-topping run.
Switching to a permanent dark brown would be a massive "rebrand" move. It’s the kind of thing artists do when they want to tell the world, "I’m in my dark, experimental era now." For now, she seems happy with the "buttery" tones that reflect the light on stage.
How to Get the "Sabrina Brunette" Look Safely
If you’re inspired by those rare brunette sightings and want to try it yourself, don't just grab a box of "Darkest Brown" from the drugstore.
- Go for a Gloss: Use a demi-permanent gloss rather than permanent dye. It fades more naturally and doesn't leave a harsh line when your hair grows out.
- Keep the Dimension: Sabrina’s dark hair is never a flat, "inky" black. It usually has chestnut or mahogany undertones that keep it looking like real hair.
- Mind the Brows: One reason Sabrina looks so good as a brunette is that she (or her team) usually adjusts her eyebrow tint to match. If you go dark but keep blonde brows, it looks "off."
- Bond Repair is Non-Negotiable: If you’re going from blonde to dark, your hair is likely porous. Use something like the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate line—which Sabrina actually uses—to keep the hair from feeling like straw after the color shift.
Whether she’s rocking the signature gold or a moody chocolate brown, the takeaway is pretty simple: she’s a hair chameleon. The dark hair might be a rarity, but it’s a reminder that beneath the pop-princess packaging, there’s an actor who isn't afraid to look "unrecognizable" for the sake of a good story.
Next Steps for Your Hair Journey
If you are planning to transition from a light blonde to a darker shade like Sabrina's "Fast Times" look, start by booking a consultation for a demi-permanent gloss. This allows you to test the depth of the brown without the long-term commitment of permanent pigment. Additionally, invest in a sulfate-free bonding shampoo at least two weeks before your appointment to ensure your hair's pH is balanced, which helps the new dark color "grab" more evenly and last longer without fading into a murky green or orange.