Laura Prepon’s hair color has changed almost as much as her roles. Fans know her for the long red hair of Donna Pinciotti on That ’70s Show, a blonde phase in the show’s final seasons, and the jet-black hair of Alex Vause on Orange Is the New Black. This guide explains her natural hair color, how her look changed over the years, and how to get each of her signature shades safely.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary / At A Glance
- Laura Prepon is a natural redhead; she has said she dyed her hair black for Orange Is the New Black.
- On That ’70s Show (1998–2006) she wore long red hair, then went blonde in the final seasons.
- She wore jet-black hair as Alex Vause on Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019).
- To copy her red look, choose a warm copper or auburn shade; for her black look, a jet or soft black.
- Going from black back to red is the hardest change and is best handled by a professional colorist.
What Is Laura Prepon’s Natural Hair Color?
Laura Prepon is a natural redhead. According to her IMDb biography, she said in an interview that she dyed her hair black for her Orange Is the New Black role to give the character a rockabilly look, even though she is naturally red-haired. Natural red hair is rare, found in only about 1 to 2 percent of people worldwide.
The Evolution of Laura Prepon’s Hair Color
That ’70s Show: Signature Red
As Donna Pinciotti, Prepon’s long, warm red hair became one of the show’s most recognizable looks. The red was her own natural shade, which is part of why the look felt so natural on screen.
The Blonde Phase
Late in the show’s run, Donna appeared with blonde hair, a change that surprised many fans. Entertainment sites such as Looper have written about the switch and noted that Prepon is fond of changing her hair color for roles.
Orange Is the New Black: Jet Black
In 2013 she dyed her hair jet black for Alex Vause and kept a dark look for the run of the series. Paired with thick-framed glasses, the black hair became the defining image of the character.
Back to Red
After years of black hair, Prepon has since been seen with red shades again, showing that even a dramatic dark color can be reversed with time and professional help.
Why Her Hair Changes Inspire People
Prepon’s changes show how much hair color shapes a look. Red feels warm and youthful, blonde feels soft and bright, and black looks dramatic and edgy. Many people use her eras as inspiration when trying a new shade, especially redheads who are thinking about going darker or lighter.
How to Get Laura Prepon’s Hair Colors
1. Donna-Style Red
- Shade: warm copper, auburn or natural red.
- Best starting color: light brown to dark blonde. Our guide to level 6 hair color explains this range.
- Dye: permanent or demi-permanent red; refresh tone with a gloss.
- Tip: warm reds suit warm and neutral undertones. For a cooler, berry red, see our raspberry hair color ideas.
2. Blonde Phase
- Shade: golden or honey blonde.
- Starting from red or brown: expect to need lightening and toning to avoid brassiness.
- Tip: stay within two to three levels of your natural color if you can. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that lightening further needs stronger peroxide and causes more damage.
3. Alex Vause Jet Black
- Shade: jet black (level 1) or a softer black (level 2).
- Any starting color works because you are going darker, so no lightening is needed.
- Tip: a soft black looks more natural on many skin tones; see our guide to soft black hair color.
- Be sure: black dye is the hardest color to remove later.
Choosing the Right Shade for You
| Look | Suits | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Copper / auburn red | Warm and neutral undertones, green or hazel eyes | High: reds fade quickly |
| Golden blonde | Warm undertones | Medium: tone every 6–8 weeks |
| Jet or soft black | Cool and neutral undertones, strong contrast | Low fading, but very hard to change |
Not sure which suits you? Read our guide on how to choose the right hair color for your skin tone, and use the argan oil hair color chart to understand level and tone codes on box dyes.
Going From Black Back to Red
If you have dyed your hair black and want red again, do not try to bleach it all at once at home. Black dye lifts unevenly and can turn patchy orange. A colorist will usually use a color remover, lift gradually over several sessions, then deposit copper or auburn on top, with bond-building and conditioning treatments to protect your hair.
Safety Tips Before Any Color Change
- Do a patch test 48 hours before every dye job. The U.S. FDA advises testing every time you dye your hair.
- Never use hair dye on eyebrows or eyelashes.
- Space chemical services at least two weeks apart.
- Deep condition weekly after lightening or color removal.
How to Keep Your New Color Looking Fresh
- Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and rinse with cool water.
- For red hair, use a red color-depositing conditioner.
- For black hair, use a shine gloss to avoid a flat look.
- Protect hair from sun and heat with a hat and heat protectant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laura Prepon a natural redhead?
Yes. She is naturally red-haired and has said she dyed her hair black for her Orange Is the New Black role.
Why did Laura Prepon dye her hair black?
For her role as Alex Vause on Orange Is the New Black, to give the character a rockabilly look.
What color hair did Laura Prepon have on That ’70s Show?
She had long red hair for most of the series, then appeared blonde in the final seasons.
How can I get Laura Prepon’s red hair?
Choose a warm copper or auburn shade close to your natural level, patch test first, and protect the color with cool water and color-safe care, since reds fade quickly.
Conclusion
Laura Prepon’s hair color journey, from natural red to blonde to jet black and back to red, shows how much a new shade can transform a look. Whichever era inspires you, pick a shade that suits your undertone and starting color, patch test every time, and get professional help for big changes like removing black dye.
This article is for general information only. Celebrity hair details are based on public interviews and media reports.
