Nic Vansteenberghe has a brand-new look. The Love Island USA season 7 star recently traded his signature dark curls for a much lighter shade during a trip to Korea.
Vansteenberghe, 25, showed off the Nic Vansteenberghe blonde hair transformation in a TikTok video posted on October 6. The reality star documented part of the salon process before revealing the finished style.
He also appeared ready to embrace the change, joking that he had heard blondes have more fun.
Nic Vansteenberghe Shows Off His New Blonde Hair
The transformation took place at a salon in Korea.
In the video, Vansteenberghe gave viewers a look at his hair being lightened and trimmed. He then revealed the final result in a mirror shot.
The new color has sparked plenty of conversation among fans. While some viewers welcomed the dramatic change, others said they preferred his natural dark hair.
Several comments also debated the exact shade. Some fans described the color as more silver or blondish-purple than traditional blonde.
People’s coverage similarly described the finished color as a light blondish-purple shade.
Fans Have Mixed Reactions to Nic’s New Look
Vansteenberghe’s makeover quickly became a talking point among Love Island USA viewers.
Some fans said they missed his darker curls. Others suggested that he experiment with a different blonde shade or return to his original hair color.
The reactions show just how recognizable his dark curly hairstyle had become during and after his time on the reality dating series.
However, Vansteenberghe has not publicly said that the transformation was connected to his relationship status or breakup.
The Hair Makeover Comes After His Split From Olandria Carthen
The timing of the Nic Vansteenberghe blonde hair transformation has also caught fans’ attention because it comes months after his split from Olandria Carthen.
Vansteenberghe and Carthen met during season 7 of Love Island USA. They eventually became a couple and finished the season as runners-up.
The pair continued dating after leaving the villa but confirmed their separation in July 2026.
According to reporting from PEOPLE, the former couple’s distance and busy schedules made the relationship difficult to maintain. A source also said they remained close friends and continued to have love and respect for one another.
Vansteenberghe later addressed the breakup himself, asking fans to respect the private nature of the situation.
Nic and Olandria Remain Supportive of Each Other
Despite their breakup, Vansteenberghe has continued to speak positively about Carthen.
At the 2026 Video Music Awards on September 27, he told E! News that the two still have “a lot of love” for each other and continue supporting one another.
He also said he would always be Carthen’s number one fan.
That positive tone is notable because fans have continued to follow the former couple even after their relationship ended.
What Inspired Nic Vansteenberghe’s Hair Transformation?
Vansteenberghe has not publicly confirmed why he decided to change his hair.
In his October 6 TikTok, however, he described his trip to Korea as an opportunity for an “ultimate glow-up.”
That gives fans some context for the makeover, but there is no confirmed statement connecting the hairstyle to his breakup with Carthen.
For now, the blonde makeover appears to be a personal style change rather than an officially explained statement about his love life.
Nic Vansteenberghe Continues His Post-Love Island Journey
Since appearing on Love Island USA, Vansteenberghe has remained in the public eye while working on projects outside the villa.
His relationship with Carthen became one of the most closely followed storylines from season 7. Even after their split, interest in both stars has continued.
Now, his latest hair transformation is giving fans something new to discuss.
Whether the silver-blonde shade becomes a permanent part of his look remains to be seen. For the moment, though, Vansteenberghe is clearly enjoying a very different style from the dark curls viewers first knew him for.