Michael Strahan’s daughter shows off stunning new look with long, highlighted curls two years after cancer battle
Her hair became another part of her recovery
While Isabella was rebuilding her strength, another very visible change was taking place. Before treatment, she had long, naturally curly auburn hair that people regularly complimented. Losing it during chemotherapy was an emotional experience, particularly because she had attached so much of her confidence to it.
Speaking to People in 2025, she remembered how much attention her hair used to receive.
”It was strawberry, red auburn and people would always comment on the color, the length, the texture,” she explained.
When her hair began growing back, however, it looked completely different. The new growth was initially dark and straight before gradually becoming curlier and lighter.
In an interview with Us Weekly in November 2025, Isabella opened up about how much her perspective had changed.
”Before my treatment, I had very long curly hair,” she said and continued:
”Everyone would always be like, ‘Oh, your hair is so pretty.’ I feel like I placed a lot of value in my long, curly hair.”
She also admitted that losing it had been difficult, but the experience taught her something important about herself.
”I’m seeing that it’s not just hair that makes someone special, it’s really how they treat other people,” she said.
And while she has grown fond of her shorter curls, she is also looking forward to seeing what happens as they continue to grow.
A new chapter for Isabella and her family
The cancer battle also brought Isabella and her father closer.
She has revealed that Michael regularly makes time for her even with his demanding schedule.
”He’s here in L.A. every weekend during football, so we do a dinner date every Saturday,” she said. ”I feel like it’s just brought us a lot closer.”
She also credited her family with helping her through the darkest moments. Her mother, Jean Muggli, stayed beside her during hospital stays, while Sophia made an effort to keep her connected to everyday college life while she was undergoing treatment.
After being declared cancer-free, Isabella returned to USC in August 2024 and began rebuilding the college experience that had been interrupted by her diagnosis.
She has also spoken openly about the lessons she took from the ordeal, particularly the importance of listening to her body and speaking up when something feels wrong.
”I learned how you should advocate for yourself. I think the whole journey has taught me that,” she told Good Morning America.
And she has no intention of letting the experience make her afraid of living.
”Obviously you can’t predict what can happen, and that’s a little scary,” she told People. ”But I don’t think you can solely live in fear. I think I should live every day. Take every opportunity.””
That may be what makes the latest birthday pictures so special.
For Michael, celebrating his daughters turning 22 was another chance to show how proud he is of the young women they have become.
And for Isabella, the milestone is a reminder of just how much life has changed since the frightening diagnosis that once threatened to take her future away.
