Minka Kelly Flaunts Long Locks in NY Post Shoot
The star ditches her bob for a fleeting long-haired moment in a glossy new magazine spread

Image: Instagram
Minka Kelly surprised fans this week by trading her trademark lob for flowing tresses in a special shoot for Alexa, the New York Post’s lifestyle magazine. The actress, best known for Friday Night Lights and her recent Netflix series Ransom Canyon, shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, revealing a playful side to her signature style.
Inside The Alexa Ny Post Shoot
Kelly’s post thanked the entire creative team, from publicist Megan Moss Pachon at Narrative PR to photographer Victoria Will. “This was such a fun shoot,” Kelly wrote, adding that it “felt so damn good to have long hair again for a day!” Hair stylist Mark Townsend was on hand with extensions and loose waves, while Kristofer Buckle handled makeup and Nail Couture KK delivered a neutral manicure.
Kelly’s captions tagged writer Sara F. Stewart, stylist Anahita H. Glitters, and digital tech Dustin B., underscoring how collaborative magazine features have become. Producers Shippa and lighting assistants Before My Eye and Vita Burn kept the set humming, while photo editor Jessica Hober and talent booker The Life of the Patty rounded out the production team. Even prop stylist Linden Elstran and assistant Seamus Creighton were celebrated, giving readers a full rundown of everyone who helped transform Kelly’s look.
From Hamptons To The Big Apple
This isn’t Kelly’s first time in front of an Alexa lens. In a June Instagram post promoting the Hamptons issue, she recalled working with Taylor Sheridan—creator of Yellowstone—during her early audition prep for Friday Night Lights. Kelly laughed as she remembered his advice: “Don’t put your hands in your pockets if you’re nervous.” That role launched her into the spotlight and paved the way for parts on Parenthood, Titans and the new Netflix drama Ransom Canyon.
She shared candid images from that Hamptons shoot as well, including a sun-drenched cover shot styled by Anahita H. Glitters and again photographed by Victoria Will. In both features, Kelly’s look has ranged from tousled beach waves to sleek updos, showing off her versatility and willingness to experiment with hair and wardrobe.
Career Highlights And Future Projects
Born in Los Angeles, Minka Kelly made her onscreen debut in 2003 and steadily built a résumé of memorable characters. Her portrayal of Lyla Garrity in Friday Night Lights earned critical praise and introduced her to mainstream audiences. Subsequent roles in Black Christmas, Southpaw and Drive Angry showcased her range from horror to action.
Kelly recently starred as Abby Dixon in Netflix’s western thriller Ransom Canyon, which she calls “my favorite job yet.” Behind the scenes, she dusts off her piano skills—she once served as a scrub nurse in an operating room before turning to acting—and credits her diversified background for giving depth to her performances. Fans can also catch glimpses of her city life via Instagram posts about dinner outings with friends and brand partnerships like her recent Airbnb collaboration.
While long hair was only a one-day affair, Kelly’s willingness to shift her style reflects a broader trend among celebrities embracing versatility on camera. Whether she’s wielding a lasso in a western or experimenting with a fresh haircut on a glossy set, she continues to keep both fans and industry insiders guessing.
Ultimately, Kelly’s latest magazine feature offers more than just a hairstyle change—it underscores her evolution from football-field drama to headline-making photo spreads. Even if those long locks were temporary, they provided a welcome reminder that reinvention can be as simple as flipping a few hair extensions and smiling for the camera.

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