Ariana Grande’s Hair Colorist Talks Her Glinda Blonde-to-Brunette Transformation
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s “Wicked: For Good” press tour is taking over the internet—and, of course, it’s the beauty moments that have us obsessed. From Ariana’s fresh soft-brunette transformation to Cynthia’s XXL nail glam, the duo is serving nonstop inspiration. For anyone looking to channel Glinda’s glowing, buttery-blonde magic or recreate Ariana’s new rich brunette shade, we tapped her go-to colorist, Francesco De Chiara (@frankhaircolour), to share the exact formulas behind both looks. (Spoiler: Frank used shades you probably already have at your backbar.)
How Ariana Became the Iconic Glinda Blonde:
Transforming Ariana’s naturally dark hair into that ethereal, pearly Glinda blonde required strategy, patience and major hair integrity planning. Frank explains that the process began with a global bleach out to create the bright canvas needed for the role followed by a toning formula and nourishing masks.
Here’s the three-step process:
- All over: Hand-paint Redken Blonde Idol Flash Lift Bonder Inside Lightener + developer from scalp to ends
- Roots: Redken Shades EQ 8N + a drop of 8NV + Shades EQ Processing Solution
- Midlengths and Ends: Shades EQ 10N + 10VG + Shades EQ Processing Solution
Tap the beaker on the picture below or click here for Ariana’s Glinda blonde formula.
To repair and preserve the integrity of Ariana’s hair, Frank reached for K18 Professional Molecular Repair Mist before every color touch-up appointment to restore elasticity, prevent damage and promote long-lasting color.
To further nourish Ariana’s strands, Frank says his go-to mask is Virtue Labs Restorative Treatment Mask resulting in a silky—not brittle—blonde.
More of Ariana’s blonde Glinda era…
Ariana’s New Soft Brunette Hue:
After wrapping her Glinda era in fall 2025, Ariana stepped into a gentler, chocolate-toned brunette—still soft, still glossy, but with richer depth. To achieve her new shade, Frank applied an all-over toner and gloss to create that creamy, light-chocolate finish that blends cool and neutral reflections that keep the brunette flattering, dimensional and incredibly wearable.
Here’s the formula…
All-Over Toner: Wella Professionals Color Touch 7/71 + 7/97 + Wella Color Touch Emulsion Cream Developer (1:1)
Here’s how Frank became Ariana’s Go-To Colorist During her Wicked Era:
Frank was born and raised in Southern Italy but is now a London-based colorist working at Nicola Clarke Salon (@nicolaclarkesalon). “I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work in the hair industry,” Frank shares. “I began my career at 15 in a small salon in my hometown, and at 20 I made the decision to move to London to further develop my craft and pursue the work I love.”
Frank’s gateway to working with the Wicked cast? His boss and friend Nicole Clarke (@nicolaclarkecolour). “My wonderful boss and friend, Nicola Clarke, is a close friend of the talented Frances Hannon, who served as the hair and makeup designer for ‘Wicked’,” shares Frank. “When Frances asked Nicola who she thought would be the right person to transform Ariana’s hair into Glinda’s, she recommended me.”
Frank at the “Wicked: For Good” Premiere:
More color formulas hairstylists can’t get enough of right now…
