‘Practical Magic 2’ Star Nicole Kidman Shows Off Natural Waves in Portofino
Nicole Kidman is renowned for her stunning transformations. From her early career’s red ringlets to sleek blonde blowouts on the red carpet, her hair has always been a significant part of her public persona. Recently, Nicole Kidman’s natural hair has taken center stage, and her latest vacation photos highlight this trend.
Over the past year, the Oscar-winning actress has subtly redefined her hair journey, opting for a more understated look instead of her famously elaborate wig collection. This transition has been prominently showcased on Instagram, where she increasingly appears as herself rather than in character. Her latest photo set is the clearest illustration of this shift.
On September 24, Kidman shared a series of photos from her sunny getaway in Portofino, Italy, where she stayed at the Belmond hotel on the Italian Riviera. She celebrated her sister Antonia Kidman’s 55th birthday during this trip, and the images quickly gained traction across entertainment platforms.
In one snapshot, she leans against a table outside the hotel, dressed in a white strappy shift dress, with her blonde hair styled in natural waves tied back into a low ponytail, with tousled strands framing her face. She accessorized with oval, silver-rimmed, pink-tinted sunglasses. Another photo captures her lounging on an outdoor sofa in a burnt orange silk slip dress with white lace trim, her waves cascading around her shoulders, appearing shorter than in recent appearances.
The length of her hair has sparked discussions, as many have noted it appears significantly shorter than in her recent appearances. Styled in relaxed, beachy waves, it contrasts with her signature straight look.
Another photo features her posing on a balcony with Antonia, wearing a fluttery white sundress and her hair in a messy high ponytail. In a separate image, she is seen in a satin bronze skirt paired with a light-colored lace-trimmed top against a garden backdrop.
Kidman is known for her versatility in hair styling for various roles and public appearances, often utilizing wigs and extensions to achieve her desired look. Last year at the Cannes Film Festival, some social media users claimed to have spotted the edge of a wig at her hairline.
She has been candid about her approach to hair. Her two-tone pixie cut at the Met Gala last year was reportedly a wig, and she has expressed her love for changing her hair frequently. Notably, even her iconic hairstyle from the first ‘Practical Magic’ was a wig, as she is naturally a redhead.
Her natural texture is curly, and it has been making more frequent appearances lately. She showcased her natural curls at a Christmas Eve party in Sydney with her daughters and shared a curly-haired photo for her daughter Faith’s 15th birthday. She also welcomed the new year with an Instagram post captioned “looking forward into 2026.”
InStyle noted earlier this year that Kidman seems to be embracing her curls more often. In January, she posted a photo from a trip to Chile, sporting her curls in a casual low ponytail under a fuzzy beige cap. The waves from Portofino represent the latest chapter in that evolution.
The timing of this transformation is fitting. Kidman is coming off a busy summer promoting ‘Practical Magic 2,’ the highly anticipated sequel that reunites her with Sandra Bullock as Gillian Owens. The press tour featured stunning outfits, including an icy blue gown adorned with pearls in London, a sheer black lace ruffled gown in Los Angeles, and a white satin floral cut-out gown in Sydney.
Earlier this month, she also donned a glamorous white corset strapless gown with floral appliqué embellishments at the Emmys. In contrast to her polished public appearances, the Italian vacation photos offer a refreshingly low-key vibe, reminding fans that she can be just as striking without the assistance of a styling team.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many outlets have noted that the warm reception seems to encourage her to adopt a more laid-back style more frequently. Her ability to seamlessly transition between polished glamour and effortless texture has become a significant part of her allure.
Fans have also resonated with her authenticity. In an era where celebrity beauty is often heavily curated, a star revealing her natural hair while on vacation feels significant. For an actress whose looks change with each project, this natural version may be the most surprising yet.
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