In the popular Netflix series The Crown and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, two royal women, Princess Diana and Queen Charlotte, captivate audiences with their powerful personalities and captivating storylines. These women’s transformation is not only depicted in their character development but also in their hairstyles. As the seasons progress, Diana’s hair grows out from her iconic crop, becoming sleeker and more glamorous, reflecting her liberation from her tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles. Queen Charlotte, on the other hand, evolves from a confused newcomer to a confident and influential figure, embracing the towering updos that become her signature. Through the evolution of their hair, these characters assert their independence and take charge of their narratives.
The Crown’s hair designer, Cate Hall, explains that Diana’s hair transformation signifies her realization of her own value and star power. She evolves from a woman trapped in a stifling marriage to someone who radiates confidence and glamour. As her hair grows out, it becomes silkier and more glossy, resembling that of a film star. This evolution coincides with the changing dynamics in Diana’s personal life, as she breaks free from the constraints of her royal marriage.
In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, hair designer Nic Collins takes a different approach. She aims to create an intimate hair journey for the character, highlighting her personal growth and transformation. By basing young Queen Charlotte’s ball wigs on those worn by the regency-era Queen Charlotte, Collins establishes a connection between the past and present. Through the character’s evolving hairstyles, audiences witness her journey from a confused newcomer to a powerful figure who embraces her role and the towering updos that symbolize her authority.
Both The Crown and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story have been nominated for Emmy awards in outstanding period and/or character hairstyling. Despite their differences in narrative and historical accuracy, both shows share a similar approach to hairstyling. Both Hall and Collins started with archival materials for reference but ultimately relied on their own creativity and the actors’ interpretations of the characters.
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Hall acknowledges the need for accuracy in certain iconic moments, such as Diana’s appearance in her revenge dress or her notorious Panorama interview. However, she also emphasizes the importance of transforming actors into recognizable public figures, even if they may look nothing like their real-life counterparts. The key, according to Hall, lies in the wig fitting. By creating a hairline that closely resembles the real person’s, the audience can fill in the gaps and recognize the character.
For Queen Charlotte, Collins took inspiration from actress India Amarteifio’s own hair texture to create a more intimate and personal connection. Using wigs modeled on Amarteifio’s hair, Collins aimed to keep the 18th-century oval shape consistent while still incorporating elements of innovation. She looked to hairstyles from various periods and eras, constantly seeking texture as a key element. By combining historical accuracy with contemporary flair, Collins managed to create a unique and visually striking look for Queen Charlotte.
In contrast, The Crown’s Queen Elizabeth II has a more static hairstyle, despite the change in actresses between seasons. Imelda Staunton took over the role from Emmy winner Olivia Colman, but the iconic coiffure remained largely unchanged. As Hall aptly states, “Can you imagine the queen without queenie hair?” The consistency of Queen Elizabeth II’s hairstyle serves as a visual representation of her enduring reign and unwavering presence as the queen.
Both The Crown and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story demonstrate the power of hairstyling in character development and storytelling. The evolution of Princess Diana and Queen Charlotte’s hairstyles reflects their personal growth, liberation, and assertion of their own narratives. Whether it’s Diana’s sleek and glamorous transformation or Queen Charlotte’s embrace of towering updos, their hairstyles become an integral part of their characters, symbolizing their independence and strength.
