Reba McEntire Ditches Iconic 80s Perm

Reba McEntire, known for her music, has also captivated audiences with her evolving hairstyles. In the early 1980s, she sported a perm on her naturally curly hair, which she found to be unmanageable, describing the tight curls as looking "angry." This '80s trend, popular then, was eventually abandoned by McEntire.

By the late 1990s, specifically in 1996 or 1997, McEntire made a significant change, cutting off her signature perm. This decision marked a liberating moment for her and was well-received by fans. Her subsequent shoulder-length and shorter styles were widely seen in public, on her sitcom "Reba," and in films.

In recent years, including appearances around February 2026 at the 68th Grammy Awards, McEntire has grown her hair out. However, she continues to avoid her natural curls, preferring to straighten her hair or style it with a wavy texture, and expresses a strong dislike for the perm she once wore.

Occasionally, McEntire allows her natural curls to show, as seen in a March 2025 social media post. This uncharacteristic, casual look provides a relatable contrast to her often-styled public image, proving her vibrancy extends beyond elaborate hairdos.