• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Style

Judge Judy changes up her hair for the first time in decades

6:00
Judge Judy Celebrates 20 Years On the Air
Valerie Macon/Getty Images, FILE
ByJacqueline Laurean Yates
April 25, 2019, 3:00 PM

For the first time in 22 years, Judge Judy has switched up her hairstyle.

The 76-year-old has always been known to wear a short highlighted brunette look, but this spring she went for a pulled back ponytail.

Petri Hawkins Byrd, the bailiff on Judge Judy's daytime television show, had this to say: "Alright, alright! I tried to stay out of this, y'all won't let me! I prefer my boss with the old 'do' (left) More sophisticated and 'Judy'cial. Just my opinion, not law!"

Related Articles

(MORE: Jennifer Lopez's famous Versace dress inspired the launch of Google Images -- here's proof!)

Many Instagram users had mixed opinions.

One person wrote, "I love my JJ without the ponytail." Another chimed in, "I think she looks lovely either way."

Related Articles

(MORE: Ciara goes makeup free and empowers fans to show off their #BeautyMarks)

The comments just didn't stop.

Editor’s Picks

Jennifer Lopez's famous Versace dress inspired the launch of Google Images

  • Apr 23, 2019

California bans racial discrimination against employees with natural hairstyles

  • Apr 24, 2019

Gigi Hadid had a denim-themed birthday party and the looks were amazing

  • Apr 24, 2019

Judge Judy has not made an official statement about her conversation-starting ponytail just yet, but after seeing the uproar it's caused, there's a chance she will try the look again.

==

Editor’s Picks

Jennifer Lopez's famous Versace dress inspired the launch of Google Images

  • Apr 23, 2019

California bans racial discrimination against employees with natural hairstyles

  • Apr 24, 2019

Gigi Hadid had a denim-themed birthday party and the looks were amazing

  • Apr 24, 2019

Up Next in Style—

Metropolitan Museum of Art cancels John Galliano exhibit after controversy

August 31, 2026

Margaret Qualley puts her best feet forward at 'The Dog Stars' premiere

August 21, 2026

Anne Hathaway has fun with maternity fashion at 'End of Oak Street' premiere

August 10, 2026

Priyanka Chopra, EJAE, Tia Carrere and more highlight their heritage in Gold Gala looks

May 12, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News