6 Throwback Pics Of Betty White Before She Had Her Signature Gray Hair

"I love children, the only problem with children: They grow up to be people, and I just like animals better than people," Betty White told Entertainment Tonight in 2015. That unapologetic, sharp wit is exactly how the world will always remember the iconic actor, whom we lost in 2021. While most of the younger generation know her by the signature gray hair she had in later projects like "The Proposal," she was also once a striking brunette during her early days in Hollywood. Then the "Hot in Cleveland" star went through a blond phase in the '70s and '80s before she decided to join the list of celebs who proudly show off their gray hair. 

For those who are reading this and just can't imagine White with anything other than her gray fluffy bob, looking back at throwback pics of the actor will be a pleasant surprise. In fact, you may even find her to be one of the celebs who are unrecognizable with their natural hair color. Let Glam take you back in time so you can see what America's legendary grandmother and creative mastermind once looked like, decades before she fully embraced her gray hair. 

Betty White has always been known for her fluffy bob that curls in all the right places. You might be surprised to know it's a hairstyle she's had for nearly her entire life. Even in her 30s, the actor boasted the same voluminous bob, even though her color at the time was a rich, natural brunette. While the look was perfect for the '50s, it also seems to have been the style she adored most, as different variations of it would remain her signature 'do for decades. 

Many women contemplate whether they'll opt for a side part or middle part, but Betty White knew from early on that a deep side part was a total power move to enhance her best features. Beyond looking radiant, White's side part added instant volume and swept her brunette locks away from her face. This helped draw all the attention to her flawless features like her iconic dimples and softly sculpted jawline. The added pearl necklace to the overall look gave the ensemble a polished Old Hollywood glam vibe.

While many of us know Betty White for her signature gray hair, for those who grew up in the '70s, the actor was well-known for her blond locks. By the time she was in her 50s, the "Golden Girls" icon had begun her transition to her '70s signature blond hair. In the photo of her holding an Emmy award in 1975, White's hair is no longer a dark brown but a warm honey-toned strawberry blond in a curly pixie crop, rather than the go-to bob that later sit just below her ears. 

By 1983, Betty White had a complete transformation from dark-brown hair to a bright champagne blond. The ultra-light creamy hue complemented her complexion perfectly and added a fresh, youthful vitality to her overall look. Both the style and color gave strong Marilyn Monroe vibes that just gave her a night and day difference compared to her days as a brunette. She's a prime example of just how much impact the color of your hair can have on your image. 

By 1986, Betty White was enjoying "The Golden Girls" era and was loved by many Americans as Rose Nylund. As she posed for a photo with the Emmy she received for the legendary role, the actor showed off a gorgeous ash-blond hair that defined the early days of the iconic character. Fans may remember a snowy-white cloudy pouf but this '86 photo proves the character's trademark hair actually began as a cooler and muted champagne tone. 

Betty White showed up to an awards show hosted by the Humane Society in 1991 looking absolutely ageless. Despite nearing 70 at the time, the actor didn't look a day over 50. Not only that, but she absolutely proved that aging hair could look incredibly chic by styling her usual below-the-ear bob into voluminous curls that framed her face perfectly. Also, instead of trying to hide her silvery roots with heavy and highly contrasting dye, she seemed to embrace her hair's natural evolution towards gray.