Gillian Anderson's Best Hair Looks Prove She's Never Afraid To Try Something New

Gillian Anderson was one of the most recognizable stars of the '90s. Thanks to her award-winning performance as Agent Dana Scully on iconic science-fiction series "The X-Files," Anderson got her start in the entertainment industry. Throughout her 30-year career, Anderson has changed up her look quite a bit. Though she is most closely associated with the red bob she wore while filming "The X-Files," it's actually not Anderson's natural color. Her real hair was more of an ashy auburn shade, not quite Agent Scully's bold red. "After we shot the pilot and 'The X-Files' was picked up for series, our executive producer Chris Carter said: 'She's going red,'" Anderson explained to Woman's World in 2025. "And that's how Scully became a redhead. For the next nine years I dyed it on a semi-regular basis."

Nevertheless, the actor has shown that she is not opposed to experimenting with new hair looks. Shortly after the series ended in 2002, Anderson "defiantly" dyed her hair blond. While "The First Lady" actor has remained blond ever since, she has switched up her hairstyle quite a bit. From loose waves to full-bodied curls to elegant updos, Anderson has done it all. While she usually favors a bit of oomph in her hairstyles, Anderson has even experimented with pin-straight hair: the anti-volume trend that came back with the rest of the '90s. Even well into her 50s, the iconic actor is still experimenting with her look, proving that older women can have plenty of fashion and beauty fun. 

Gillian Anderson stunned at the 2021 Fashion Awards in a flowing Chloé gown with wide sleeves and a matching gemstone necklace. Anderson complemented the dress' boho-chic silhouette with an equally understated hairstyle, pinning part of her blond waves behind her ears and allowing the rest to flow down her back. "The X-Files" star knows when to keep things simple and when to make a statement, which is likely why her hair consistently looks fabulous — no matter what she wears.

Gillian Anderson debuted a dramatic new look while attending the 2026 Cannes Film Festival for her film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma." Instead of the loose waves she'd been wearing for a few years, Anderson styled her blond hair in voluminous 1980s-style curls. Long curls were one of the most iconic '80s hairstyles, and one that we're especially happy to see stars like Anderson bring back to the mainstream.

When Gillian Anderson modeled for Miu Miu's Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection, she showcased one of the biggest hair accessories of the 1990s and 2000s: the accordion headband. Even after the show, Anderson was spotted wearing one on her own time. Both on and off the runway, the "Sex Education" actor pulled her long blond hair back with a thin zig-zag headband. Anderson's accessory is both practical and a cool throwback piece; it shows that the actor isn't opposed to having some fun with her look.

Gillian Anderson's look for the 1998 premiere of "The Mighty" bears a striking resemblance to her character Agent Dana Scully on "The X-Files." Like her character, Anderson wore her red hair in a neatly styled bob. However, the actor did make the style her own for the evening, curling her bangs into her face instead of back away from it, as Agent Scully typically did. Anderson completed the edgier look with a black turtleneck and a cropped leather jacket. 

Gillian Anderson joined the club of celebrities who proudly show off their gray hair while attending the 2024 Golden Globe Awards. Anderson allowed the gray at her temples to peek through on the red carpet, where she wore her blond hair straight down her back. The actor loves adding an extra bit of volume into her tresses; here, she teased up the hair on her scalp to add a bit of definition and elegance to her otherwise low-key style. 

While attending the 1999 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Gillian Anderson styled her then-trademark red bob in tight curls. Anderson's ringlets were pushed away from her face, with only one curl escaping to drape over her forehead. The actor paired the elegant hairstyle with a beautiful green gown and matching cloak. We all know that green goes beautifully with red hair, so it is no surprise that Anderson's entire look was fabulous. 

Gillian Anderson always looks stunning while attending The Fashion Awards, and her 2023 look was no exception. The "Tron: Ares" star kept her look classic and elegant on the red carpet, styling her blond locks in a neat low bun at the nape of her neck. As we've noted before, Anderson often adds some extra volume into her hairstyles, and did so here with the strands of hair carefully coiffed at the top of her head. No matter how she styles her hair, Anderson always manages to look gorgeous.