The Bewitching Waves of Hermione Granger

From encounters with a three-headed dog to combating villainous Death Eaters, Hermione Granger has taken on seven years of challenges that the wizard world has thrown upon her. Being one of the most beloved characters in young adult literature, this young witch is now an icon for female heroism and bravery. Best of all, she sports curly, wavy hair.

Fans of the Harry Potter series are gathering at movie theaters left and right to watch the first part of the final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”. Fans have been following Harry and his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, since they were first years taking their first steps into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Since then, the trio has been in all kinds of trouble, from being out after hours to coming face to face with murderous villains. But perhaps what is most remarkable about the films is the way they capture the experience of growing up. Hermione Granger has certainly grown before our eyes, and her hair shows how she blossomed from a child eager to learn to a young woman ready to fight for mankind.

Hermione’s hair has seen many changes from the first film. She first appeared on the silver screen with a bushy head of hair that’s reminiscent of classic storybook witches. Its great volume and tangled state served as Hermione’s signature hairstyle. Fans of the books claim that this image of Hermione is most true to the novels, and expressed disappointment when they saw it change in the second film. In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” she is first seen on Diagon Alley with long, shiny curls. Now well-groomed, her hair has corkscrew curls that seem to resemble the refined girl that Hermione is becoming. In the third film, Hermione’s hair is shorter and has less of a twist. Now shoulder length, her hair has a cute wave that is much more casual. It seems fitting, given that we begin see the students in jeans and casual attire.

The fourth film is where Hermione’s hair is the most diverse. She begins to play with braids and clips that keep her hair out of her face, but doesn’t fail to wear her hair wavy as she makes her daily trips to the library. And of course, who could forget that elegant updo she wore for the Yule Ball? Lovely curls trail the side of her neck as she dances proudly next to Durmstrang Champion Victor Krum. In the fifth film, Hermione’s hair maintains its wavy texture. She parts it to the side, creating feminine looking bangs that sweep across her forehead as she fights alongside her classmates in Dumbledore’s Army. In “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”, Hermione seems to be returning to twists and curls. Her hair looks as if it receives more attention than her books!

In the first part of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Hermione’s hair is starkly different. It is much lighter than any of the previous films, and appears to be blond. But the biggest difference in her hair is the lack of wave or curl. Roaming the wilderness with her best friends who are trying to avoid capture, Hermione hardly has time or the hair products to maintain her curls. She is immersed in the elements, and is constantly on the run from Death Eaters and Snatchers (followers of the evil Lord Voldemort”>. Her hair shows it; it remains uncombed, windblown, and messy. So near to the end, we begin to see a rugged side of Hermione and her hair.

Apparently Hermione isn’t the only one whose hair is representative of her blossoming character. Emma Watson, who has portrayed Hermione since she was ten years old, said goodbye to her role as Hermione by cutting off all her hair, leaving behind a fresh new pixie cut. Inspired by Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby, Watson went to New York Stylist Rodney Cutler for that change she craved. Her new haircut has received all kinds of reactions, but many agree that it’s symbolic for Watson. As she moves on to the next stage in her life, this young star leaves behind the waves and curls that represent Hermione, and says hello to college life at Brown University.