Zayn Malik surprises fans with new look on Instagram

The singer performed an acapella version of "Shoot At Will" from his latest album Room Under the Stairs.

Zayn Malik, 31, has taken fans by surprise with a bold transformation that marks a significant departure from his usual clean-cut image. In a recent Instagram video, the former One Direction member unveiled a dramatic new look, featuring a full, grown-out beard, longer hair, and defined sideburns. Dressed in a sleek cream shirt and matching pants, Malik serenaded viewers with an acapella rendition of his track "Shoot At Will," a powerful song from his latest album, Room Under the Stairs.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Zayn Malik (@zayn)

This unexpected change in appearance has set social media abuzz, with fans flooding the comments section with a mix of admiration and disbelief. Known for his meticulously groomed stubble and shorter hair, Malik's new bearded look has left many in awe. "Your hair 🥹 I am dying...... 😩," one follower wrote, while another quipped, "I wasn’t ready😆."

The transformation didn’t go unnoticed by those closest to Malik either. His barber, Mike Webb Jr., playfully joined in on the conversation, commenting, "Now that's a man that's exploring the world and loyal to his barber 😅." Fans quickly responded, urging Webb to maintain the new style, with one saying, "Please don’t cut his hair — we want long-haired Zayn."

Malik’s evolution in style comes on the heels of a milestone moment in his career. Just a few months prior, he performed his first headlining solo concert at London’s Shepherd's Bush Empire, marking his return to the stage after an eight-year hiatus following his departure from One Direction in 2015. At that show, Malik opted for a more polished, clean-cut appearance, making his recent bearded look all the more striking in contrast.

Reflecting on the London concert in an Instagram post, Malik expressed his deep gratitude to fans, writing, “Been 8 days since I performed at London’s O2 SBE … my first gig in over 8 years. The amount of outpouring love and support I felt has left me speechless. All I can say is thank you and I can’t wait to see you all again.”