Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Redbook

A Timeline of Zac Efron's Hair

Adrianna Freedman
5 min read
zac efron hair evolution
A Timeline of Zac Efron's HairGetty Images/Netflix

Over the years, Zac Efron has been a staple in Hollywood. From his intense workouts (hello Baywatch!) to his unique style choices (check out his latest ensembles here), the actor has made some unique choices... including those made to his hair. Take a journey down memory lane to see how Efron's hair evolution has changed from a young teen to the man we know and love today. From bleached blonde hair color to cool short styles, here are the 30 best Zac Efron hairstyles of all time.

2004

As the young Cameron Bale in Summerland (a show that deserves to be remembered), Efron's wind-swept hair was perfect for portraying a California teen in the early aughts.

the wb network's 2004 all star summer party arrivals
Albert L. Ortega - Getty Images

2005

The slightly wrinkled grey cargo shirt. The slightly unkempt hair. The youthful smile. It's the perfect look for the beginnings of a star in the making.

ashley tisdale birthday party 9 october, 2005
Michael Bezjian - Getty Images

2006

It was his shaggier locks—and maybe his performance—in High School Musical that jumpstarted Efron's career and put him on the map as one of the stars to watch.

zac efron high school musical
Buena Vista Television

2007

Aw, look—Zac's starting to grow up! With a suit and a side-swept bang, it's no wonder girls (and guys!) worldwide fell in love with the former Disney star.

australian premiere of
Mike Flokis - Getty Images

2007

Oh, the chain necklace, white v-neck tee and vest—so 2007. There's no look Efron can't pull off, especially with showing off just a tiny bit of muscle.

2007 teen choice awards arrivals
Steve Granitz - Getty Images

2007

Am I the only person who loved Efron's 1960s ensemble in Hairspray? To portray the hunky Link Larkin, Efron dyed his hair black and gave the air of a young Elvis. Can you stop the beat of your heart?

zac efron hairspray
New Line Cinema

2008

Even while wearing a simple button-up and sitting courtside of a Lakers game, the actor's hair game is truly effortless.

celebrities at the lakers game
Noel Vasquez - Getty Images

2008

Efron might've been rocking the Troy Bolton hair throughout filming the HSM trilogy, but paired with a Henley tee, Efron's casual Cali style gets a subtle update.

high school musical 3 senior year madrid photocall
Carlos Alvarez - Getty Images

2009

I wonder if Efron's unkempt bowl cut (shown here at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards) became the inspiration for many young men in the early 2010s... You're welcome, Justin Bieber.

18th annual mtv movie awards press room
Jason Merritt/TERM - Getty Images

2009

Well, the 17 Again actor sure knows how to clean up, with his slightly coiffed hairstyle and skinny tie combo at an appearance of The Late Show with David Letterman.

zac efron visits
James Devaney - Getty Images

2010

Ah, the 2010s. Efron's roles might've started becoming more diverse during this time, but his shirt and hair combo in Charlie St. Cloud feels like he got stuck in the mid-late aughts.

zac efron charlie st cloud
Universal Pictures

2010

A man can never go wrong when he dons a classic black suit. But add Efron's styled hair and beard, he looks debonair for a movie premiere.

<span class="photo-credit">Brendon Thorne - Getty Images</span>
Brendon Thorne - Getty Images

2011

I'm not sure if it was Efron's short hair or his motorcycle skills, but the actor definitely stood out in 2011's New Year's Eve.

zac efron new years eve
Warner Bros.

2012

A subtle hair change, some facial hair and a blue patterned shirt leaves Efron looking casual, yet fashion forward. Talk about impressive.

<span class="photo-credit">Jon Kopaloff - Getty Images</span>
Jon Kopaloff - Getty Images

2012

An updated Link Larkin? Efron might look like he's about to head to a 1960s red carpet event, but who can resist a man in a tux?

<span class="photo-credit">George Pimentel - Getty Images</span>
George Pimentel - Getty Images

2012

Portraying the swoon-worthy former U.S. marine in The Lucky One, Efron proved that he had the ability to lose his luscious locks and still look great on camera. We applaud Efron's short hairstyle.

zac efron films
Handout - Getty Images

2012

To quote the great Justin Timberlake: as long as Efron's got his suit and tie (and slicked back hair,) what could go wrong?

the tonight show with jay leno season 20
NBC - Getty Images

2013

Sure, he might've been suffering from an injured hand. But that didn't stop his look at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards from being on point. The uncoiffed hair style looks cool and gives his hand a rest.

2013 mtv movie awards show
Kevin Mazur - Getty Images

2014

Efron's character might've been a jerk in That Awkward Moment, but the slightly spiked hair paired with a beard and a knit sweater definitely suits him.

zac efron that awkward moment
Focus Features

2014

...And there he goes again with the hair and suit combo for a taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

tonight show starring jimmy fallon season 1
NBC - Getty Images

2014

Finally—a more casual red carpet look! But am I the only one who feels Efron's spiked hair and rolled-sleeved denim shirt give him a slightly outdated vibe?

2014 mtv movie awards arrivals
Jeffrey Mayer - Getty Images

2015

Still rocking the slightly spiked cut, Efron makes it work with a pair of headphones (and some muscle flexing) in 2015's We Are Your Friends.

zac efron we are your friends
Warner Bros.

2016

An edgier, blond hairstyle didn't stop Efron's fans from lusting over him—especially while wearing a suit and tie.

premiere of 20th century fox&#39;s
Gregg DeGuire - Getty Images

2017

A slicked back, just got out of the water hairstyle (and an extremely chiseled physique) did wonders for Efron's persona of a beach lifeguard in Baywatch.

zac efron
Paramount Pictures

2017

Along with the release of The Greatest Showman, Efron also debuted a hairstyle reminiscent of the early 20th century, when the film is set in.

zac efron the greatest showman
20th Century Studios

2018

Still working his hairstyle from The Greatest Showman, the actor (with a moustache!!!) looked exceptionally suave in an all-black ensemble at the 2018 Golden Globes.

75th annual golden globe awards arrivals
David Crotty - Getty Images

2019

Okay—did not see this look coming from Efron in The Beach Bum.

zac efron the beach bum
NEON

2019

Taking on a strikingly different look than in the past, Efron sported bleached blonde hair to the premiere of Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile in 2019.

zac efron attends premiere of extremely wicked, shockingly
Pacific Press - Getty Images

2019

Although he was playing a serial killer in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Zac Efron certainly had what it took to pull off Ted Bundy's 1970s hair.

zac efron extremely wicked
Netflix

2020

Fans were shocked when they tuned in to Efron's Netflix series Down to Earth and discovered he not only had a new hairstyle, but had developed a "dad bod"to match.

zac efron down to earth
Netflix

You Might Also Like

Advertisement
Advertisement