SHOCKING REVELATION: Cynthia Erivo Opens Up About Shaving Her Head for Wicked Role—How the Iconic Look Changed Her Perspective on Beauty and Self-Identity

Cynthia Erivo, the powerhouse singer and Oscar-nominated actress, has always been known for her bold and transformative performances. However, one of her most personal transformations came when she shaved her head for her role as Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked: Part One. The decision to completely change her appearance for the role was not just a physical alteration—it became a defining moment of self-expression that has resonated with fans and made Erivo reflect on her relationship with beauty, identity, and vulnerability.

At the recent Canva Create event at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 10, Erivo shared intimate details about her experience of shaving her head and the profound impact it had on her sense of self. In front of an audience, the 38-year-old Defying Gravity singer opened up about how she felt when she looked in the mirror for the first time without her signature hair.

A Vulnerable Moment: The First Time Cynthia Erivo Looked in the Mirror

Erivo recalled the moment when she “took the green off” as part of her transformation into the iconic character of Elphaba, the green-skinned witch from Wicked. When she first saw herself in the mirror with a shaved head, she felt both vulnerable and liberated. “I remember feeling so open and vulnerable when there was nothing there. I saw my face in the mirror with no hair at all. I thought I’d really like that. I like how open that is, I like how much of a black canvas it is, and I like that there’s nothing but my eyes,” Erivo said.

This experience marked a profound shift in her sense of self. Erivo emphasized how she felt more “in my body, in myself” after shaving her head. It wasn’t just about altering her appearance—it was about embracing a new level of authenticity and vulnerability, something that has made her relationship with her own image even more personal and empowering.

From Long Locks to a New Look: Erivo’s Journey with Hair

Erivo’s journey with her hair has been one of evolution and self-discovery. Before she embraced the dramatic change for Wicked, she had long, thick hair and was used to experimenting with different styles. “I used to get my hair braided in different colors,” she reminisced. “To this day there was one hair salad. I’m gonna get white and red braids. You couldn’t tell me that it wasn’t the best hairstyle I had ever done.”

However, when Erivo entered drama school, she began to rethink her approach to her appearance. “I had a lot of hair when I was younger. So when I went to drama school, something happened… when we were graduating. I thought, ‘Oh, I want people to see my face,’” she explained. She recalled the shift from having long hair to deciding that she wanted to see herself in a different light. “I want to see what it’s like to have short hair,” she said.

Erivo’s decision to cut her hair was a conscious choice to make a statement. She wanted to walk into rooms, particularly auditions, without any distractions and be seen for who she was—not for her physical appearance but for her talent and authenticity. She went to the hairdresser with the intention to cut it short, but was initially met with resistance. “She was afraid I would miss the length of my hair… and then I went back two days later and I cut it all off,” Erivo shared. The decision to fully embrace the short look was a powerful declaration of self-expression.

The Iconic Elphaba Wig: Erivo’s Transformation into a Legend

While Erivo’s personal transformation was deeply meaningful, her role as Elphaba also required a dramatic transformation on-screen. As she prepared for the role, Erivo worked closely with hairstylist Sim Camps to perfect the iconic look of Elphaba, which involved micro braids. Erivo recalled how she met Camps on a job called Luther and immediately felt her artistic vision and expertise.

“She just had, just had a wonderful way of being, but she is an expert,” Erivo said of Camps. “She’s just brilliant at what she does, and her eye for detail is beyond, and when I told her I wanted to have micro braids for this character, she was like, ‘Hold on, wait, I know exactly what to do.’” This collaboration with Camps, who brought her own creativity and knowledge of hairstyling to the process, helped Erivo embody the character of Elphaba in a way that was both authentic and visually striking.

Erivo’s dedication to capturing the essence of Elphaba goes beyond just the wig. It’s about the emotional and physical transformation required to become such an iconic character. For Erivo, the process of shaving her head, working with talented stylists, and fully immersing herself in the role of Elphaba became a journey of empowerment, growth, and self-discovery.

A Reflection of Confidence and Empowerment

Cynthia Erivo’s head-shaving experience was more than just a physical transformation for her role in Wicked; it was a journey of reclaiming her self-image and embracing the power of vulnerability. Her willingness to share this personal story with fans highlights her authenticity and strength, qualities that resonate deeply with her followers. For Erivo, the shaved head is not just a look—it’s a reflection of her confidence and her commitment to pushing boundaries, both personally and professionally.

The decision to shed the hair and step into Elphaba’s shoes was a bold choice that has resonated with many of her fans, particularly women who admire her courage and self-assurance. As Erivo continues to shine in her role as one of the most captivating actresses in Hollywood, her willingness to embrace her own vulnerability only adds to her growing legacy as a trailblazer in both the entertainment and beauty worlds.

What’s Next for Cynthia Erivo?

As Cynthia Erivo’s star continues to rise, fans are eager to see what comes next for the multi-talented performer. With Wicked: Part One set to premiere soon, Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is poised to make an unforgettable impact. But beyond the big screen, Erivo’s personal journey of transformation and self-expression will likely continue to inspire fans around the world.

As she navigates her career and personal life with grace, confidence, and authenticity, Cynthia Erivo proves that true beauty comes not just from what you look like on the outside, but from the strength and courage you display when you choose to be unapologetically yourself.

What do YOU think about Cynthia Erivo’s decision to shave her head for Elphaba? Was it a powerful move or an unnecessary change? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates on her incredible journey!