Rihanna seems to be putting an age-old theory to the test … finding out if blondes really do have more fun — ’cause she’s rocking a short, light new hairdo!

The singer-songwriter stepped out in Santa Monica Friday, and her new look was instantly noticeable — RiRi’s usually lettin’ her long locks flow, but now … she’s trimmed most of it off.

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Just check out the pics … her hair’s not even touching her shoulders at this point — a pretty sharp contrast to the Rihanna we normally see these days … who lets her hair fall all the way to her hips. That’s the ‘do she’s been sporting lately, anyway.

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Also, peep the jewelry … Rihanna’s iced out with a necklace, earrings and bracelets — shining bright like a diamond while on her way to an important meeting. It definitely accentuates the blonde hair up top … and we gotta say, she’s pulling the whole look off and then some.

Rihanna’s look is noticeably different from one of the last times we spotted her … as she was leaving Mukesh Ambani‘s son’s pre-wedding bash in India with a swag bag and at least $6 million for her performance on the special day.

No word on how A$AP Rocky feels about the fresh cut … but when your lady’s RiRi, it’s hard to imagine you can criticize much about her — ’cause she’s a beauty through and through.

Diggin’ the new look, Rihanna … just in time for Spring, too!