Anya Taylor-Joy Dyed Her Hair Pink in a Chipotle Bathroom at 14 Years Old: ‘It Worked Out!’

Anya Taylor-Joy, the acclaimed star of ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, recently opened up about a rather daring decision she made as a teenager while navigating her new life in New York City. During a guest appearance on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’, she recounted how, at the age of 14, she dyed her hair bright pink in a Chipotle bathroom, a spontaneous act that encapsulated her desire to embrace a bolder identity in the vibrant city.

Taylor-Joy described her arrival in New York as a transformative moment, recalling her excitement upon spotting a beauty supply store named Ricky’s. “There was something about it that just called to me,” she said, reflecting on her eagerness to reinvent herself. Her choice to dye her hair pink, she explained, was a tangible expression of her aspiration to adopt a new persona in the city.

The actress vividly recalled the impulsive act, stating, “So I ran in, grabbed some pink hair dye, went to a Chipotle and dyed my hair pink in a Chipotle bathroom. It worked out.” This quirky anecdote was delivered with a sense of nostalgia, highlighting the actress’s adventurous spirit during her formative years in a bustling metropolis.

When prompted about whether the hair transformation was an impulsive decision, Taylor-Joy noted that it was driven by a related fantasy she held about life in New York. “I think my fantasy of New York was, I’m going to come here and everything is going to make sense, and I can’t wait to be this next version of myself,” she explained. For her, this new version inherently required the striking dip-dyed pink hair.

Although she currently sports long blonde locks, Taylor-Joy revealed that experimentation with her hair has been a recurring theme in her life. “I’ve had very dark hair. I’ve had silver hair with no eyebrows — that was a phase,” she admitted. However, frequent dyeing soon became problematic due to her rapidly growing hair, prompting her to reconsider her approach to changing hairstyles.

A particularly memorable moment arose when a concerned friend, during a dinner party, inquired whether she was ‘okay’, as he had assumed that her hair seemed to be falling out. Taylor-Joy explained the mishap, saying, “When you’re blonde and you have dark hair, as it grows out, it looks like you’re balding.” This amusing yet revealing commentary led her to conclude that it was time to halt the frequent dye jobs.

In addition to her unique hair journeys, Taylor-Joy expressed appreciation for her family’s unwavering support regarding her ever-evolving looks. She cited the instance where she appeared at her brother’s wedding with the no-eyebrow look as particularly memorable, though she playfully noted, “I’m not sure he was that pleased.” This support from family has provided her with the confidence to explore various styles, regardless of public opinion.

While Taylor-Joy’s hair transformations have been a narrative thread throughout her career, they also serve as a representation of her bold approach to life. Faced with the pressures of fame and recognition, she reflects on her past with fondness, cherishing the moments that have shaped both her identity and career.

As the actress continues her ascent in Hollywood, her journey from a pink-haired teenager in New York’s Chipotle to an acclaimed actress is a testament to her adventurous spirit and endless curiosity for self-reinvention. Her candid reflections encourage others to embrace their unique styles and identities, no matter how whimsical or unconventional they may appear.