Rare Times Tilda Swinton Switched Up Her Signature Short Blonde Hair

If you were to go into a hair salon and ask for a Tilda Swinton-inspired hairstyle, it's likely that you'd come out sporting a super short, platinum pixie bob. It's a look that has become almost as recognizable as her unconventional film roles, that it's no wonder she fits in the category of celebs you never realized are natural redheads. And although the Oscar-winning actor has rarely strayed from that style, there have been a few occasions where she switched things up and left audiences stunned.

One of the more memorable hair transformations came when Swinton had to grow her hair out for the 2005 film "Broken Flowers." In the movie, the actor appeared with long, dark brunette tresses — a striking departure from the short blond crop fans had come to associate with her. During the film's production period, however, she found herself in an in-between stage as her hair grew out to accommodate the role. 

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At the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, where "Broken Flowers" premiered, Swinton appeared on the red carpet with her hair grown to a rare near shoulder-length, in a red- gingery shade close to her natural hue. Many publications have documented the actor's commitment to switching up her look for a role, and based on the date of this image, it's likely that her choice to don this look was in preparation for her character. It's far from the only time, and not even close to the most extreme hair switch she's shown us. 

While Swinton's brunette hair in "Broken Flowers" will forever remain one of her most recognizable departures from her usual look, it's far from the only time she has switched up her signature 'do. For her role of magazine editor Dianna in the 2015 comedy film "Trainwreck," she donned a shoulder-length, cool-toned blond style with barrel curls. However, according to Entertainment Weekly, this time around, the look wasn't actually her own hair, and rather, owed to "wig maker Alan D'Angerio".

The dramatic makeover was completed with heavy makeup and a polished corporate wardrobe, helping Swinton disappear into the role. At the time, the film's makeup artist Kyra Panchenko -when asked about the color of Swinton's new do – told the outlet, "It's very over-ombré'd," ... "Filthy blonde, I guess." Along with her 'bronde' makeover in "Trainwreck," Swinton has occasionally embraced darker shades, longer lengths, and even unconventional styling choices for film roles. In one case, she even embraced having no hair at all.

In an interview in 2016, with AMNY, about her performance as the Ancient One in the Marvel film "Doctor Strange," Swinton discussed her choice to go 'bald' for the role. "It was my suggestion actually." stated the Oscar-winning actress. "... We went through all sorts of variations with hair and various shapes of head. But my original suggestion was that she should be bald with these scars which show a kind of". Adding in her interview with the outlet that her suggestion was also one with sustainability at the centre, "I kept thinking of the merch. I kept thinking, I'm saving so much plastic because Lego isn't going to have to make a little wig for me."