Olivia newton-john's hair history

Published 09th Aug 2022 by Josie Jackson
Olivia newton-john's hair history Olivia Newton-John, who recently died of cancer aged 73, was best known for her portrayal of Sandy Olsson in the 1978 musical romance Grease – which to this day, is still in the top ten movie soundtracks of all time (it’s fifth, having sold over 28 million copies). However, the actress and singer had 88 acting credits on IMDb in total, alongside countless albums showcasing her stunning vocals. She even represented the United Kingdom at Eurovision in 1974 – coming fourth whilst ABBA went on to win. Leaving such an impressive legacy behind, HJ takes a look back at some of Olivia Newton-John's hair hits…

1. Girl-next-door Sandy

When Grease begins, Sandy is the girl-next-door starting school at Rydell High, having just moved with her family from Australia (a detail which was written into the movie for Olivia Newton-John, who was fairly new to acting and had an Australian accent from living there as a child). Her honey blonde lob was complete with flicky ends, a full fringe, and often a ribbon or bow. It was the epitome of preppy, and the sleekness of the look made her finale transformation even more dramatic.

2. Carnival Sandy

The musical draws to a close with both Sandy and Danny transforming themselves into versions they think are better-suited to one another. For Sandy, this means dropping her sweet side and embracing the rebel within, rocking up to the carnival in skin tight leather trousers, a black bardot and a big perm.

3. Workout Chic

Olivia released 'Physical' for her 1981 eleventh studio album of the same name. The song was turned down by Rod Stewart and Tina Turner, before being offered to Olivia, who spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billborad Hot 1oo with the track. The album cover and the music video alike feature the star with a mullet-esque shag and sweatband. Much like the suggestive lyrics in the song, the music video also helped to change her clean-cut image to a sexy persona.

4. Her Hit Style

Olivia continued releasing music up to 2017, with a compilation album, 'Hopelessly Devoted, the hits' landing in 2018. Having grown her hair for a short while, she returned to her blonde-lob ways, adding some volume with Hollywood curls. aged 69, the star proved that you don't have to let age define your style.

5. Back To Where It All Began?

In early 2022, Olivia showcased a fresh take on Sandy 'the girl-next-door'; the new the style was choppier where the former was smooth, yet was still full of volume. Looking to honour Olivia Newton-John's hair? These 1950s Grease-inspired pincurls might do just the trick.
Josie Jackson

Josie Jackson

Published 09th Aug 2022

Josie supports the team with content for the print magazine, website and social media channels at HJ. Having grown up in a salon environment (thanks to her hairdresser mum) and even working as a Saturday girl before getting her degree in English Literature, Josie feels right at home in the industry. Although she’s experimented with a few creative colour looks in the past, she always comes back to blonde, and loves all things hydrating and bond building.

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