Melissa Leong reveals dramatic haircut during mental-health struggle ahead of memoir

Melbourne-based television presenter and former MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong has revealed a dramatic new look, sharing a sharp cropped bob in a candid social media post this week. The 43-year-old writer and broadcaster said the hairstyle change came during a difficult period in her mental health, though she stressed that people should not feel pressured to follow the same path. The post signals a broader, public reckoning with her personal story as she prepares to publish her memoir, Guts, and speaks about healing through storytelling.

In the clip Leong posted, she faces the camera to show off the cut while pairing the new hairstyle with a natural makeup look. She also offered a thoughtful caveat about making major changes during a rough stretch, writing, 'Not saying you should cut all your hair off while having a mental health crisis, but maybe I'm not not telling you to either?' The message, delivered in a casual, reformulated voice, resonated with followers who have watched Leong publicly navigate difficulties in recent years. The public response, via comments and shares, suggested a mix of concern, admiration and curiosity about how the star will translate her experiences into her forthcoming work.

[IMAGE: Melissa Leong transformation]

The hair change comes as Leong opens up about her upcoming memoir, Guts, in conversations with Australian outlets. Speaking to the Herald Sun, she said the book forced her to confront painful truths and that there are unexpected twists and turns, with revelations she has never shared publicly before. She described portions of the manuscript as dark, noting they are nonetheless relevant to current issues facing women today. While acknowledging the writing process was difficult, Leong said she hopes the memoir will be healing not only for her but also for readers who may see reflections of their own struggles on the page. 'That was a really difficult process for me. And it's going to be very difficult to talk about it in a public sense as the book is promoted,' she explained. 'But I am committed to healing through it because I think it will help the public. And I really hope it will help me.'

Leong has spoken openly in recent years about the emotional toll of working in the public eye while also pursuing personal projects. Last year, she shared a raw photograph of herself crying in her car after beginning work on the audiobook version of Guts, signaling the emotional weight of translating intimate experiences into a form meant for a broad audience. In that post she wrote about the moment: 'Today was a hard day. I started recording the audio version of my memoir, and I knew sharing some of what I wrote might be the most difficult thing I have ever had to say out loud to strangers.'

Her narrative stance marks a notable shift in how she presents herself publicly. Leong left MasterChef Australia in 2023 amid a major hosting shake-up at Channel 10 and has since appeared on Dessert Masters. While she has not ruled out a return to MasterChef’s flagship series, she has continued to build her profile through new projects and media appearances. The public conversation around her memoir, and the manner in which she shares her life story, reflects a broader trend in culture and entertainment toward more transparent discussions of mental health among high-profile figures.

Colleagues and publicists have echoed support for Leong as she navigates these revelations. Publicist Adriana Glass praised her courage, saying, 'Sharing something like this is never easy, and it matters that you did.' The reaction underscores a growing expectation that celebrities use their platforms to destigmatize mental health and to offer practical, empathetic perspectives on healing and resilience. While the specifics of Guts remain to be seen, the momentum surrounding Leong’s storytelling reflects her intent to reach audiences with honesty drawn from lived experience.

As Leong continues to work on Guts and pursue other television and media commitments, she remains a figure of significance in Australian culture and entertainment. The public record of her journey—from MasterChef judge to a style-forward public figure candid about mental health and personal growth—offers a narrative arc that resonates with many viewers who appreciate authenticity and vulnerability in today's media landscape.