The Secrets of Daenerys Targaryen's Iconic Hair: Real or Wig?

In the realm of iconic television characters, Daenerys Targaryen stands tall with her long, flowing silver hair that has become synonymous with her persona. But whether it's her natural locks or a carefully crafted wig has been a subject of much speculation among fans.

Behind the Silver Locks

To unravel the mystery, we delve into the world of the show's creators and hair stylists. According to David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the initial concept was for Daenerys to have long, flowing silver hair, a nod to her Targaryen lineage. To achieve this, they considered several options, including wigs, hair extensions, and custom-made hair pieces.

The Wig Decision

Ultimately, the decision was made to use wigs for Daenerys' hair. This allowed for greater control over the length, color, and texture of her hair, ensuring consistency throughout the show's production. The wigs were made from a blend of human hair and synthetic fibers, giving them a natural appearance while providing the necessary durability for the rigors of filming.

Emilia Clarke's Contribution

While Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys, does have naturally dark hair, she fully embraced the use of wigs. She worked closely with the hair stylists to develop Daenerys' signature hairstyle, which evolved over the course of the series as her character grew and changed.

Custom-Made Perfection

The wigs used for Daenerys were not off-the-shelf models. Each one was custom-made for Clarke, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless integration with her natural hair. The process involved taking measurements, creating a hair template, and then hand-sewing each individual wig, a testament to the dedication and artistry involved.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

The maintenance of Daenerys' wigs was a meticulous process. Each wig required daily washing and styling, which took approximately two hours. The hair stylists used a variety of heat-resistant sprays and gels to keep the wigs in place and prevent damage during filming.

Durability and Longevity

Despite the constant use and manipulation, the wigs used for Daenerys proved to be remarkably durable. They withstood the rigors of filming, including wind, rain, and stunt scenes, and lasted for multiple seasons without requiring major repairs.

Cost Considerations

While wigs can be more expensive than using natural hair, they offer significant advantages in terms of budget and production efficiency. Wigs can be reused multiple times, reducing the cost of hair replacements and saving time on hair styling.

Real Hair vs. Wig: The Pros and Cons

Humorous Tales from the Hair Stylists

1. The Wig that Flew Away: During a particularly windy filming day, one of Daenerys' wigs was blown off her head and landed in a tree. The entire crew had to pause filming until the wig was retrieved.

2. The Hairspray Meltdown: In a scene where Daenerys' hair was exposed to dragon fire, the hairspray used to hold the wig in place melted, leaving Clarke's real hair sticky and singed.

3. The Wigging Out Incident: During a particularly intense scene, Clarke's wig became tangled and she accidentally ripped it off in frustration. The crew burst into laughter, and the moment had to be re-shot with a new wig.

Lessons Learned

These humorous anecdotes not only provide entertainment but also offer valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of working with wigs in film and television. They demonstrate the importance of meticulous planning, adaptability, and a good sense of humor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Was Daenerys' hair always silver?

   

   No, in the books, Daenerys' hair is described as a pale gold, but the showrunners opted for silver to visually differentiate her from other characters.

2. How many wigs were used for Daenerys?

   Over 100 wigs were created for Daenerys throughout the series, each customized to different hairstyles and lengths.

3. Did Emilia Clarke ever wear her natural hair as Daenerys?

   No, Clarke exclusively wore wigs as Daenerys, although some scenes required her to wear a cap to cover her natural hair.

4. What was the most challenging hairstyle for Daenerys?

   The hairstyle for Season 7, where Daenerys wears her hair in a complex braid with intricate details, was considered the most challenging to create.

5. How long did it take to style Daenerys' hair?

   Depending on the style, styling Daenerys' hair could take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

6. What hair products were used on Daenerys' wigs?

   A wide range of hair products were used, including heat-resistant sprays, gels, and conditioners, to protect and style the wigs.

Conclusion

Whether Daenerys Targaryen's hair was real or a wig may have been a mystery to some fans, but the answer ultimately lies in the artistry and dedication of the show's creators and hair stylists. The wigs used for Daenerys were meticulously crafted and played a vital role in creating her iconic persona. They allowed for greater versatility, durability, and budget efficiency, while still maintaining the desired authenticity of her Targaryen heritage.