Rating Captain Janeway's 7 Star Trek: Voyager Hairstyles from Best to Worst

Article Overview

Janeway's ever-changing hairstyles on Star Trek: Voyager reflected the creative team's anxieties about the show's first female captain.

Janeway's signature bun hairstyle was not always the most flattering, and she actually looked better in more casual hairstyles. However, her natural bob haircut during season 4 was incredibly flattering and gave her a windblown appearance that complemented her beautifully.

Captain Janeway, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew, showcased a wide range of hairstyles during her time on Star Trek: Voyager. While some of these hairstyles were more successful than others, Janeway's position as the first female lead in Star Trek presented unique challenges in terms of how she was written, portrayed, and styled. The biggest challenge came in the form of Janeway's ever-changing hair, which was a focal point for the show's creative team.

Although Janeway eventually settled on a specific hairstyle for the final seasons of Voyager, early episodes featured a constant rotation of styles, with many variations of updos and bob haircuts. This constant change in her appearance seemed to reflect the creative team's uncertainties about the first female Captain in Star Trek. However, as Voyager gained momentum and Janeway became a beloved character among fans, her hairstyles also became more consistent.

Nevertheless, Janeway's hairstyles throughout Voyager's run had their fair share of successes and failures.

7. The Ponytail

Voyager seasons 3&4

During seasons 3 and 4 of Voyager, Janeway occasionally sported a distinctive hairstyle consisting of a long ponytail intricately styled with side rolls and held together at the back with a large clip or barret. Although the accessories for this style varied slightly in different episodes, the basic ponytail remained consistent. However, this particular hairstyle is not as iconic as others Janeway had and it did not enhance her appearance as much. As a result, it was eventually replaced with a bob halfway through season 4.

6. The Bun

Voyager seasons 1,2&3

Janeway's most iconic hairstyle is arguably her "bun of steel," which she sported throughout most of seasons 1 and 2 of Voyager, as well as a portion of season 3. While the ponytail also made appearances, the bun remained relatively consistent in its overall appearance during Janeway's usage of it. The style featured a substantial bouffant in the front, with the hair puffing out before being tightly gathered on top of Janeway's head in a circular fashion. Although this look is widely recognized as her signature, the bun didn't always flatter her, and the more relaxed styles adopted later in the series were a better fit for Janeway.

5. The Fancy Bun

Voyager season 1

One noteworthy variation of Janeway's bun in Voyager season 1 was an elegant updo that she occasionally sported. Instead of the usual practical knot, her hair was expertly curled and formed into a collection of ringlets that were fastened at the top of her head. While this fancy bun was not frequently seen on Janeway, it made several appearances in season 1, particularly in Star Trek: Voyager's pilot episode, "Caretaker Parts I&II." This hairstyle stands out not only for its rarity but also for its heightened aesthetic appeal when compared to the regular bun.

4. The French Twist

Voyager season 1

One final variation on the bun that Janeway occasionally adopted was a French twist hairstyle. In this style, the hair was gathered at the back of her head and tucked in a way that gave the illusion of being sucked back in on itself. While this style appeared in only a few episodes during Voyager season 1, it became significant for another character in later seasons. Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) consistently wore her hair in a French twist throughout her time as a member of Voyager's main cast.

3. The Pixie

Voyager season 4, episode 23, "Living Witness"

Although Janeway's variation on a pixie cut only appeared in one episode of Voyager, the episode's premise and style itself were notable enough to be included among her most memorable hairstyles. "Living Witness," which aired during Season 4, Episode 23, was the sole episode of Voyager to feature any version of the crew that could have originated from the Mirror Universe, a concept seen in various Star Trek narratives. This particular episode depicted a recreated version of Voyager by an alien race, who had inaccurately portrayed the crew and their iconic hairstyles. Janeway's shaggy pixie cut, although surprisingly flattering, unfortunately never made another appearance on the show.

2. The Straightened Bob

Voyager season 4-7

Janeway's bob haircut, chosen for Voyager's final three seasons, is just as iconic as her bun and even more flattering. Janeway's preferred bob was practical and reached just below her chin, with subtle curls framing her face. This style suited Janeway perfectly, allowing her talent to shine without any unnecessary distractions. As Voyager reached its peak with consistently exceptional episodes in season 5, it became evident that this no-fuss hairdo was the right decision. However, there was one variation of Janeway's bob that possibly surpassed her final choice.

1. The Natural Bob

Voyager season 4

Janeway sported an enchanting natural bob hairstyle on Star Trek: Voyager during a handful of episodes in season 4. It exuded a captivating charm as her chin-length locks cascaded with gentle waves, creating a breezy, effortlessly elegant look. While Janeway's later bob hairstyle was more tamed and controlled, her earlier natural bob possessed a certain untamed allure that perfectly suited her. Although it's understandable that Janeway would choose a more conventionally professional appearance while on duty, it could be argued that the natural bob was a superior variation to its later counterpart.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Star Trek: Voyager, I have always been fascinated by the evolution of Captain Janeway's hairstyles throughout the series. Janeway's hairstyles were not only a reflection of her character's growth and development but also a testament to the changing attitudes towards women in leadership positions.

In the early seasons of Voyager, Janeway's hair was often styled in a severe bun or ponytail, which seemed to reflect the expectations placed on her as the first female captain in Star Trek. However, as the series progressed, Janeway's hairstyles became more relaxed and natural, reflecting her increasing confidence and authority in her role.

I believe that Janeway's hairstyles were an important part of her character development and that they helped to make her a more relatable and inspiring figure for fans. Her willingness to experiment with different hairstyles and to embrace her natural beauty sent a powerful message to women that they could be strong, capable, and feminine all at the same time.