The Jaw-Dropping Secret Symbolism of Bridgerton's Lead Characters' Elegant Hairdos

Summary

Portraying the characters' personalities and emotional journeys, the fashion and hairstyles in Bridgerton hold great significance.

Queen Charlotte's devotion to King George is vividly expressed through her opulent hairstyles and exquisite outfits.

Kate Sharma's elegant up-do signifies her commitment to her family's future, while her cascading curls reflect her blossoming affection for Anthony Bridgerton.

In addition to its sizzling romance, the fashion in Bridgerton, including its captivating gowns and flawless hairstyles, plays a pivotal role. Set in the British Regency era in London, this immensely popular Netflix series is based on Julia Quinn's Bridgerton novels. The show focuses on the eight siblings of the esteemed Bridgerton family as they navigate the societal expectations of the matchmaking season, with each season highlighting a different sibling's love story. Produced by Shonda Rhimes' renowned production company, Shondaland, Bridgerton has captured audiences worldwide since its premiere in 2020.

Queen Charlotte

The Bridgerton series has not only captured the hearts of many fans, but it has also been recognized and honored as an award-winning show that celebrates the talents of its creators. One of the notable aspects that contribute to its success is the remarkable hairstyles crafted by Marc Pilcher, Adam James Phillips, and other skilled stylists. Their exceptional work on the Bridgerton hairstyles earned the show an esteemed Emmy Award for Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling in 2021. Similar to the exquisite dresses worn by the Bridgerton characters, these hairstyles serve a greater purpose than just looking visually appealing on screen. Each character's unique hairstyle serves as a representation of their personality and the emotional journey they embark on throughout the captivating series.

In each season of Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) presides over the social season and selects the woman she deems most suitable for marriage as the season's diamond. The hairstyles of Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton are the most intricate throughout the entire show. Whenever she appears onscreen, Queen Charlotte can be seen wearing elaborate wigs styled into up-dos, with each wig adorned with layers of hair, jewels, and other accessories that perfectly represent her opulence.

These hairstyles are a perfect complement to the Queen's opulent gowns, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her own unique style even in the midst of the Regency time period. Within the realm of Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte's majestic ensembles and coiffures epitomize her profound love and unwavering devotion to her beloved husband, King George (James Fleet). Oftentimes, the intricate jewels and intricate designs adorning her costumes serve as a beautiful reflection of George's personal interests. By intentionally straying away from the traditional Regency fashion and hairstyles, Queen Charlotte ensures that she perpetually resembles the captivating woman who captured George's heart so many years ago.

Daphne Bridgerton

In Bridgerton season 1, Phoebe Dynevor shines as Daphne Bridgerton, the first sibling of the Bridgerton family to experience true love. Daphne has a signature hairstyle, with her hair pinned back and her short bangs framing her face elegantly. To enhance her Bridgerton look, she occasionally adds a glamorous headpiece. Even when relaxing at home, Daphne prefers to keep her hair partially pulled back, rarely letting it cascade freely around her face. These simple hairstyles beautifully highlight her timeless beauty, emphasizing her classic features. By showcasing her expressive eyes, this hairstyle further highlights Daphne's renowned kindness.

Kate Sharma

Eloise Bridgerton

: In Bridgerton season 2, Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) consistently maintains a flawlessly sleek up-do, illustrating her unwavering commitment to her family's future as the eldest sister. However, when Kate is in the presence of her loved ones in private, she gracefully lets her hair down, adorned with loose curls, showcasing her ability to unwind in specific company. As Kate and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) embark on a journey of love, their pivotal moments together witness stray strands escaping from Kate's composed updo, symbolizing her growing affection for Anthony and her comfort in his presence.

Eloise Bridgerton (played by Claudia Jessie) embodies a carefree nature, which is beautifully reflected in her diverse hairstyles on the Bridgerton series. She daringly challenges societal norms and ceaselessly questions the status quo. When not obligated to attend formal gatherings, Eloise prefers to keep her hair down and unstyled, symbolizing her unyielding fondness for childhood and her resistance to conform. However, upon her grand introduction to society and partaking in the thrilling social season, Eloise typically opts for loose, cascading curls, adorning her youthful charm solely with whimsical, vibrant headpieces.

Penelope Featherington

Cressida Cowper

Unlike Eloise, Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) is infatuated with society and yearns to avoid being overlooked. She often styles her long red hair in half-up, half-down hairdos adorned with tight curls. These intricate hairstyles on the show Bridgerton represent Penelope's desire to stand out in a crowd. In the upcoming season of Bridgerton, Penelope's love interest, Colin Bridgerton (portrayed by Luke Newton), will be the center of attention. From the photos, it is evident that Penelope will undergo a style transformation in the new season, opting for blue attire instead of yellow and wearing her hair in looser curls. This new look suits Penelope better and will undoubtedly play a significant role in the third season.

As an antagonist in Bridgerton, Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) often bullies Penelope and displays unkindness towards the Bridgerton family. Despite Cressida's beauty and yearning for a husband, her desperate desire to attain a high social status reveals her cruel nature. In the series, Cressida frequently showcases elaborate hairstyles, consisting of tightly styled updos adorned with intricately braided hair and accessories. This excessive and fashionable appearance serves as a reflection of Cressida's aspiration to be recognized among the elite and her inclination to look down upon others.

Anthony Bridgerton

Simon Basset

: Upon its initial release, Bridgerton showcased Anthony Bridgerton sporting lengthy sideburns that extended all the way down to his jawline. During a flashback sequence in the second season of Bridgerton, it was unveiled that Anthony's late father had also sported prominent sideburns. Considering the profound impact his father's passing had on him, it appears that Anthony attempted to emulate both his father's hairstyle and leadership qualities, albeit without success. In the subsequent season, however, Anthony adopts a more clean-shaven appearance, symbolizing his newfound self-assurance and dedication to his role as the family's patriarch. Through his endeavors to secure a suitable partner and guide his kin through the various scandals they encounter, Anthony demonstrates a steadfast commitment to asserting his individuality and leading in his own unique manner.

While Bridgerton is set in the Regency era, it cleverly incorporates contemporary elements such as music, writing tropes, and the deliberate exploration of race relations. Simon Basset, Daphne's love interest, stands out as one of the most sought-after bachelors in the show's first season, sporting a distinctive Bridgerton hairstyle and noticeable stubble. Initially portrayed as a playboy who resists marriage due to his animosity towards his late father, Simon's decision to retain his stubble despite societal expectations reflects his prioritization of personal desires and emotions over societal norms.