Amanda Bynes is back in the spotlight with a look that’s as unexpected as her career trajectory. The 38-year-old former child star stepped out on Hollywood Boulevard this week, debuting a new hair color. Amanda now rocks jet-black locks, styled straight with bangs pulled back.
While Amanda’s new hair color was front and center, her outfit didn’t exactly scream Hollywood glam. The Sydney White star opted for an oversized grey t-shirt paired with khaki shorts, black and white Vans, and a floral crossbody purse. It was a low-key look for a high-profile star, but given Amanda’s unpredictable style choices, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised.
Amanda’s transformation is just the latest chapter in a life that’s been anything but ordinary. Since stepping away from acting, she’s had her fair share of ups and downs, battling personal demons in the public eye. But if her recent appearance is any indication, Amanda is ready to embrace a new chapter – even if it comes with a completely new hair color.
Amanda’s decision to go dark follows a March announcement that she would be “going to start wearing wigs now.” At the time, she explained that her hair was “growing out so awkwardly” after she impulsively shaved it all off.
But wigs and black dye aren’t the only things on Amanda’s mind. In April, she revealed that she was returning to manicurist school after failing to obtain her license during a previous attempt. In classic Amanda fashion, she was candid about her struggles, sharing with fans that she was studying hard to pass her board exam. “I’m going to follow that path instead,” she declared, opting for a more consistent career than the unpredictable world of showbiz.
The reactions to Amanda’s new look were all over the map. Some fans expressed concern for the star who has been through so much. “Sad. She was a beautiful girl. I wouldn’t wish mental health issues on anyone. May she be happy and healthy.”. Another added, “Extreme mental illness wreaks havoc in every direction. It’s just devastating. Wishing her peace!”. One sympathized with “I read once that even mental health professionals do not yet know why some people can find the correct meds/therapy and recover from mental illness. Whereas others just never get well. Brain scans are needed more often to properly understand and then heal the brain.”
In a move that some might see as out of character, Amanda declined to participate in the docuseries Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which exposed predatory behavior at Nickelodeon. According to a source close to the star, Amanda is “grateful for her time at Nickelodeon” and didn’t feel she had anything to contribute to the series. Meanwhile, The Amanda Show creator Dan Schneider, who’s faced his own share of accusations, continues to defend his relationship with Amanda, even as he grapples with the fallout from the docuseries.
What do you think of Amanda Bynes’ new look and career shift? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more celebrity news and gossip!
