Does Emilia Clarke Dye Her Hair for Game of Thrones?
Emilia Clarke, the actress who portrayed Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, indeed dyed her hair for her iconic role. Over the course of her performance, Clarke took on the transformation to embody the character with platinum blonde hair, a crucial aspect of Daenerys' appearance in the series.
The Hair Transformation for Daenerys Targaryen
Clarke's natural hair color is dark brown. However, to bring Game of Thrones' Daenerys Targaryen to life, she went through several dyeing processes with the help of professional hair stylists. This commitment to the character not only highlighted the importance of the color but also ensured the hair's health and longevity over the years of filming.
Wigs vs. Dye: A Safer Choice
Wearing a wig was a safer choice for Emilia Clarke when it came to sheathing Daenerys Targaryen's iconic blonde hair. Bleaching naturally dark hair to such a light shade can be incredibly damaging, even for those with naturally light hair. For instance, Paul Bettany, who played Silas in The Da Vinci Code, experienced severe scalp damage when they tried to bleach his hair to appear almost white.
In the case of Emilia Clarke, using a wig ensured that her natural hair remained healthy and provided ease in styling Daenerys' complex and long hair. Additionally, wigs can be customized to fit perfectly, ensuring better continuity and realistic appearance. Unlike dye, a wig can be easily removed and re-applied, avoiding the visibility of roots after a few weeks of growth.
The Daenerys Wigs in Detail
The Daenerys wig used for the role is notably longer than it appears on screen. The braids often have curled ends, providing an enhanced look. However, it's important to note that even with a wig, reaching the platinum blonde shade required a significant step without causing extensive damage to her natural hair. The process likely involved lifting her natural hair color multiple levels, even though it's a safer method than direct dyeing.
Conclusion
Emilia Clarke's hair transformation for Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones was a combination of natural dyeing and using a wig. This choice not only preserved the health of her natural hair but also provided a versatile and continuous look for her character. For viewers, the result was a visually stunning and memorable transition that perfectly captured the essence of Daenerys Targaryen.