BLAKE LIVELY showed up last night for the Time 100 Gala with a brand new hair color. The Gossip Girl actress wowed passerbys with a reddish hue, in departure from her usual blonde locks.

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So what was the reason for the change? Lively says it was for her role in the upcoming movie, Hick, about a teenager who’s transformed once she moves to Las Vegas.

“I thought [my character] needed red hair. It helps when you’re playing a role, when I don’t feel like myself. And I don’t really feel like myself with red hair. I love it,” she gushed. “I feel like Ariel.”

What do you think? Do you prefer her hair red or blonde? I personally liked it better lighter.

Photos: WENN

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