‘Practical Magic 2’ Star Nicole Kidman (59) Shows Off Her Natural Waves in Portofino, and Fans Are Loving the Wig-Free Look
Nicole Kidman is known for transformations. From red ringlets in her early career to sleek blonde blowouts on the red carpet, her hair has always been part of her public image. Nicole Kidman’s natural hair is having a moment, and her latest vacation photos show why.
Over the past year, the Oscar winner has quietly redefined her relationship with her hair, trading her famously elaborate wig collection for something more understated. That shift has played out largely on Instagram, where she increasingly shows up as herself instead of in character. Her newest carousel is the clearest example yet.
On September 24, Kidman shared a set of photos from a sunny getaway in Portofino, Italy, staying at the Belmond hotel on the Italian Riviera.She spent the time with her sister Antonia Kidman to celebrate Antonia’s 55th birthday. The images quickly circulated across entertainment sites.
In one shot, she leans on a table outside the hotel in a white strappy shift dress, with her blonde hair in natural waves tied back into a low ponytail with tousled strands framing her face. Oval, silver-rimmed, pink-tinted sunglasses finish the look. In another, she lounges on an outdoor sofa in a burnt orange silk slip dress with white lace trim, her waves falling around her shoulders and looking shorter than in recent appearances.
The length is a talking point in itself. Several outlets noted that her hair appears noticeably shorter than in other recent appearances. It is styled in relaxed, beachy waves rather than her signature straight look.
Another photo shows her posing on a balcony with Antonia. She wears a fluttery white sundress with her hair in a messy high ponytail. A separate photo shows her in a satin bronze skirt and a light-colored lace-trimmed top against a garden backdrop.
Kidman is known for changing her hair for different roles and public appearances, and she often uses wigs and extensions to get the look she wants. During last year’s Cannes Film Festival, some social media users claimed to spot the edge of a wig at her hairline.
She has been open about the approach. Her two-tone pixie cut at the Met Gala last year was reportedly a wig, and she has said she simply loves changing her hair. Even her iconic hairstyle from the first ‘Practical Magic’ was a wig, since she is a natural redhead.
Her natural texture is curly, and it has been making more frequent appearances. She wore natural curls to a Christmas Eve party in Sydney with her daughters and shared a curly-haired photo for her daughter Faith’s 15th birthday. She then rang in the new year with an Instagram post captioned “looking forward into 2026.”
InStyle observed earlier this year that Kidman seemed to be making curls her thing. In January, she shared a photo from a trip to Chile with her curls in a casual low ponytail under a fuzzy beige cap. The Portofino waves are the latest step in that evolution.
The timing makes sense. Kidman is coming off a busy summer promoting ‘Practical Magic 2,’ the long-awaited follow-up that reunites her with Sandra Bullock as Gillian Owens. The press tour included an icy blue gown dripping in pearls in London, a see-through black lace ruffled gown in Los Angeles, and a white satin floral cut-out gown in Sydney.
Earlier this month she also wore a glamorous white corset strapless gown with floral appliqué embellishments to the Emmys. Against that polished backdrop, the Italian photos feel refreshingly low-key. It is a reminder that she can be just as striking without a styling team.
The reaction has been warm. One outlet said the positive response seems to be encouraging her to keep things low-key more often. Her willingness to switch between polished glamour and effortless texture has become part of her appeal.
Fans have also connected with the authenticity. In a culture where celebrity beauty is often heavily produced, a star showing her real hair on vacation feels notable. And for an actress whose looks change with each project, the natural version may be the most surprising one.
What do you think of Nicole Kidman’s natural waves?
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