Cynthia Erivo is known for her fearless style, but seeing Cynthia Erivo with hair is a rare and stunning sight. In playing the role of Elphaba in the Wicked, she welcomed intricate wigs who had a meaning and a beauty of their own. Every strand was a separate part of a greater whole story – namely, a performance situated within the context of identity, art and self-expression. Her hair became more than just a style; it became a powerful statement.
To prepare for the role, she shaved her head completely. This bold step allowed makeup to blend seamlessly, and wigs to sit naturally. Even her eyebrows were shaved to give her a cleaner, more expressive look. It was not only about appearance, being a character, coming into character. Such commitment contributed to making Cynthia Erivo with hair all the more effective, and once viewers could see her metamorphosis on the screen.
Her look in Wicked featured four custom wigs, each hand-tied with incredible detail. They were no ordinary wigs; they were work of arts by professional hands.The textures, curls, and braids looked so realistic, that they appeared to be touching emotions. Each design detail was not chosen in vain, and it made her even more expressive in her Elphaba role.
The standout feature was the micro braids. They were small, delicate, and carefully made, flowing naturally and encompassing the character of her personality. This style was not by chance; it was a symbol of her own culture and preference. It connected the reader with her, making us realize that hair can be used as a strong storytelling tool.
The wigs also evolved as the film progressed. There were also early shots of a tidy, small braid, depicting structure and drive. Afterwards, the style became more relaxed with signs of emotional development. This slight change took the storytelling to the next dimension, and it actually demonstrates that even hair may be an emotional signal.
Behind it all was careful color work. Instead of jet black, her wigs had an “almost black” base with highlights that changed over time. This attention to detail made the look feel authentic and cinematic. In the end, Cynthia Erivo with hair wasn’t just a visual surpriseit was the means of reminding oneself about the potential richness of hair as one of the storytelling elements, when used intelligently.
