If Hair Could Talk - Fantasy Films
One of the most important things in a fantasy film or movie is world building. You want to be transported to a place completely unique from anywhere that exists in our world. In order for authors or filmmakers to achieve this, style is incredibly important, whether it's in the location and set design, the wardrobe, or in this case: the hair. Take Daenerys in Game of Thrones for example: her intricate braided hairstyles are her signature as a ruler and represent her many victories in battle. Or Katniss in Hunger Games with her simple side french braid that not only became popular in the film series but with thousands of girls in real life. Our hair holds meaning and when powerful women use their hair to convey a message, purposefully or not, it resonates with us.
In the first season of Game of Thrones, it is established that the dothraki, the race of warriors that Daenerys marries into, use their long braids to signify victory. The longer someone’s hair is, the more battles they have won and on the opposite spectrum, when someone is defeated, their braid is cut off. Daenerys starts off the show with long, icy blonde hair that is usually styled down, sometimes with small pieces pulled back.
But as she grows into her role as a leader, her hairstyle starts to reflect that. She starts wearing her hair pulled back with a couple of small braids. As her army and name recognition grows, so do the braids in size and number. By the end of the show, we see an incredibly intricate braided style that crisscrosses in the back and makes it hard to count her number of braids (or victories). While her journey is not exactly linear, and her hair does reflect this, she is an incredibly powerful ruler and her hair does a great job of showcasing her regality.
While The Hunger Games is more of a dystopia than fantasy, the flamboyant nature of the Capital is incredible to see and does a great job of transporting the viewer to a new society. The stark differences in the style of the districts versus the Capital make the popularity of Katniss’s signature hairstyle even more interesting. While the Capital is known for extravagant and brightly colored wigs, the district's style and hair is all about utility. Katniss’s side french braid allows for her hair to be out of her face while she hunts at home and in the arena. While she doesn’t always wear this same braid, it becomes her trademark style with viewers. The hairstyle becomes popular in the Capital and the districts not for its uniqueness or originality, but because it made people feel like they were connected to Katniss. She is revered for her bravery in volunteering for her sister as well as her strong survival skills. Having similar hair to her makes people feel connected to her as well as inspired to be more like her. And this translated outside of the film with young girls copying the hairstyle for years to come.
There are many more examples of strong, female women whose style and hair we try to emulate in the real world. Fantasy helps us escape, but it also gives us fun, new ideas of small things we can bring into our everyday life that bring us joy. I loved having my hair french braided growing up, but wearing the same hairstyle as Katniss brought me a different kind of delight. On that note, what can you do with your hair that will bring you joy?
