There are few things more dependable in 2026 than the sun rising in the east, an overpriced Pret flat white tasting like day-before-payday regret, and Ed Sheeran existing with a heap of softly frazzled, unmistakably orange hair. His messy 'do – somewhere between choirboy and pub carpet (in the best way poss) – has long been less a hairstyle and more a brand asset. Trademark Sheeran. A ginger halo you could spot from space.

Except... not anymore. [Insert dramatic music for added effect]

In a plot twist that feels aligned with Mercury retrograde (or perhaps just a barber with clippers and hope), Ed has shaved it all off. His signature strands are no more and have been replaced with a softly glowing buzzcut. And honestly? We're so here for it.

Here's a look at the before:

ed sheeran buzzcutpinterest
Paras Griffin//Getty Images
And the after:

The reveal came via Instagram with a post indicating the reason for his big chop. "Life Update Dumpington 1. Yes I’ve shaved my hair. I wanted to shave it to signify a fresh start. A lot of new beginnings in my life atm. I Iove it, thinking of keeping it this way," the singer wrote.

Although not explicit, this message quietly hints at Ed's recent battles with shingles. "Ive had shingles for the last month, wouldn’t recommend it, but on the mend now," he added in the caption of the post.

Everyone's clicking on...

After all, hair is never just hair, is it? Your stands hold memories – breakups, breakthroughs, late nights, early mornings – it all lives up there, split ends 'n' all. So, we don't blame Ed for letting it go.

Although we'll miss his orange halo, this shedding is all about new beginnings. To health and hair! (Or rather, a lack thereof...)

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Headshot of Lia Mappoura
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.