Fun Fact About 'Wicked' Cynthia Erivo Hair Story

The long-awaited Wicked movie, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has finally hit the screens, and the buzz is everywhere. It's impossible for us not to notice Cynthia Erivo's stunning presence, both on and off set. Cynthia has altered beauty norms with her brazen approach to hair, having embraced radical buzz cuts and shaved heads long before they were a red-carpet trend. In this article, we'll look at the intriguing origin of her characteristic hairstyles and how they reflect her colorful personality and steadfast confidence.

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Challenges for Cynthia Erivo in Portraying Elphaba

Before filming began, Erivo shaved her eyebrows and head for the role of Elphaba. Although she could have worn a wig to create the makeup, Erivo thought that a bald head would make it easier for the makeup team to paint her scalp green, which would have a more realistic visual effect. What is more unique is that Erivo chose micro braids in the styling details, which undoubtedly echoes her identity as a black woman. And as the plot develops, her hairstyle also reflects the character's emotional development.

The change from tight braids to loose hair symbolizes that Elphaba is starting to let her guard down and show a softer and more carefree side. “[Elphaba] starts with the tight braid at the opening of Shiz, which was a very iconic moment from the play, then she starts to let her hair down a little looser and more casual,” said Frances Hannon, Wicked's hair and makeup designer. You can check the video below to learn more about Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba.

What Is Cynthia Erivo Natural Hair Color?

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Cynthia Erivo’s natural hair color is full of beautiful brownish or blackish tint. If you take a glance at some of her childhood photos, you'll notice her hair was a rich, dark shade, effortlessly framing her face in loose curls. At her core, Cynthia's natural shade is that classic deep brown—a color that highlights the warmth of her complexion and adds to her undeniable glow.

Why Doesn't Cynthia Erivo Have Hair?

Cynthia Erivo's decision to grow bald has significantly aided her stage career. Without hair to worry about, she can experiment with a variety of bold, theatrical looks that really complement her performances. Cynthia usually undergoes dramatic makeovers for parts, and her shaved head allows her to easily slide into a range of various characters, such as Elphaba.

A Look Back at Cynthia Erivo's Hairstyles

While Cynthia Erivo’s iconic bald look often steals the spotlight, her hair journey has been just as dynamic. From stunning long locks to chic short styles, Erivo has embraced a range of looks, frequently using wigs to experiment with different textures and volumes, showcasing her versatility both on and off the stage.

Cynthia Erivo at Oscar

Cynthia Erivo dazzled at the 2025 Oscars in a Louis Vuitton emerald velvet gown with a sculpted fan collar, channeling her Wicked character Elphaba. Diamond earrings, bracelet, and an emerald ring mirrored the witch's iconic green-and-black allure.

Cynthia Erivo Buzz Cut

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Cynthia Erivo confidently embraces the audience's gaze with a crew cut that perfectly emphasizes her facial features and showcases her fearless attitude toward fashion.

Cynthia Erivo Long Hair

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Cynthia Erivo's long hairstyles are a rare treat. I came across a stunning photo of her sporting light blonde waves at an event in 2016 on her Instagram. I can’t wait to see more of her long hair looks, whether on stage or in future movies and TV shows.

Cynthia Erivo Fluffy Curly Bob

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This playful and voluminous style brought out her fun side. The curls added texture and movement, creating a lively and youthful appearance. It was a refreshing change that demonstrated her ability to pull off diverse looks effortlessly.

Cynthia Erivo Box braids

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Cynthia Erivo's box braids showcase her ability to blend style with cultural significance. The braided style not only highlights her facial features but also pays homage to her roots. It's a look that speaks volumes about her identity and creativity.

Cynthia Erivo Silver Bob

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This chic and modern look captures attention with its sleek lines and striking color. You can see how the silver hue complements her skin tone, adding a futuristic edge to her style. The bob's sharp cut frames her face beautifully, emphasizing her strong features.

Cynthia Erivo Mint Green Wavy Hair

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This vibrant and playful look showcases Cynthia Erivo's willingness to experiment with color and texture. It's a look that stands out in any crowd, highlighting Cynthia Erivo's unique sense of style and her ability to push boundaries.

Things You're Curious about Cynthia Erivo

How Old Is Cynthia Erivo?

Cynthia Erivo was born on January 8, 1987, making her 38 years old as of 2025. The British actress and singer rose to fame through works like The Color Purple and Harriet, with her age contrasting sharply against her achievements: winning a Tony Award at 30 and earning an Oscar nomination at 33, challenging Hollywood’s “youth-centric success” stereotypes.

Does Cynthia Erivo Have Cancer?

No, Cynthia Erivo does NOT have cancer. Those bold, browless looks are a deliberate artistic choice, not a health crisis. While speculation sometimes links her style to alopecia, she’s never confirmed this. Her ability to crush intense roles (like her upcoming Wicked performance) proves she’s in top shape—no whispers can dim her shine.

Why Doesn’t Cynthia Erivo Have Eyebrows?

Erivo shaves her eyebrows intentionally, initially for stage roles (e.g., The Color Purple required quick makeup changes) and later as a signature style. She explained in interviews that eyebrows limit facial expressions. She occasionally uses faux brows or makeup, proving this is a controllable aesthetic choice, not a health issue.

Does Cynthia Erivo Have Alopecia?

Erivo has not officially confirmed alopecia areata. Combined with what has been said above, Erivo's choice to shave her head and eyebrows was to serve the role better. If her hair loss was pathological, it would probably appear in patches instead of falling out evenly.

Conclusion

From bold styles to dramatic looks, her hair journey in the film promises to be as memorable as her performance. If you're excited to see Cynthia take on this legendary role, make sure to support Wicked when it hits theaters! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and reactions—let's celebrate this new chapter in the Wicked saga together!

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