Amazing TV Hair and how to get it

Article by BR Natalie

Dana Scully from The X Files.  Farah Fawcett in Charlie's Angels.  The Rachel.  

The silver screen might have once been considered the most glamourous and trend setting of mediums, but let's be honest - TV has made a huge comeback.  No longer the ugly duckling to cinema's beautiful swan, television shows have the ability to influence and dictate trends - especially hairstyles.

Now those that know me well, know I love TV.  I used to be a film girl, but somewhere along the way I discovered the joy of a good TV series (ok they don't even have to be good) and when I look back over my hairstyles past, I realise most of them were influenced by someone on the box.  I rocked the Rachel back in the 90s.  I lusted after and then tried to persevere with Gwen's fringe from Torchwood.  I contemplated going ginger because Gillian Anderson made it so darn hot.  I once tried tiger print bleaching after an episode of Lost. 

And the current crop of hit shows are sporting some pretty iconic styles right now - so let's have a look at the best hair on TV!

Clare Underwood - House of Cards.

Robin Wright seriously owns this asymmetric crop.  It's sexy.  It's sassy.  It's powerful.  It's homely.  It's intimidating.  It's welcoming.  It's ice queen.  It's feminine.  Seriously this haircut is so complicated, it might just be the epitomy of women's hair styling.

This style looks best on those with a long neck and delicate features.  You'll want to ask for choppy layers for texture, and here's the scary part - the trick to getting it to sit just so on the dominant side?  A slight undercut.

Joan Holloway - Mad Men

Ok, so the 60s up do might be a bit much every day for us modern girls - but for an evening out or occasion, they're delightfully retro.  And no one does the 60s better than Christina Hendricks.  From the perfect side fringe to that stunning colour, the whole look screams femininity.

So how do you get the look?  You'll want a teasing comb, lots of bobby pins, lots of hairspray and for the soft waves, a curling iron.  Christina Hendricks notoriously colours her hair herself, she's actually a dark blonde.  After choosing Clairol Nice and Easy (shade 6R Natural Light Auburn) for 20 years, she's now their spokeswoman.  That being said - if you're dying to try out auburn hair, please go to see a professional!  Ginger-by-accident is seldom a good look!

Lagertha - Vikings.

Katheryn Winnick plays one of the most badass women in TV history.  Legertha is a shieldmaiden - she fights in actual Viking battles alongside the menfolk.  Her hair is equally badass and surprisingly easy to rock - if you have the confidence.

Forget perfection - the key to this look is a don't care attitude.  From the heavily backcomb pomp, to the messy braids, your secret to this do is a teasing brush.  Don't be afraid to braid close the scalp, creating an almost shaved look.  This is not the do for freshly washed hair, so use sea salt spray to 'dirty' your hair up a bit.

And feel free to adorn with chains and stuff.

Lady Edith - Downton Abbey

She might play the neglected sister but Laura Carmichael seriously wins in the immaculate hair do competition.  Those finger waves are to die for!

Now if the thought of going full on 1920s is a little too avant-garde, why not take inspiration from the above look and rock an en-trend head scarf.  Or pull your hair back into a messy updo or bun and simply finger wave the front sections for added texture and panache?

Cersai Lannister - Game of Thrones

Let's be honest, while us GOT fans are dying to find out who George is going to kill off next, we also secretly can't wait for the hairstyles.  

Lena Headley's character may have questionable morals (and taste in erm, brothers) but she does have fabulous hair..  Cersai's super long locks are perfect for the intricate braided dos - to get one of those looks we highly recommend you enlist the help of a friend - two hands just aren't enough!  But for a simple and striking look, you can't beat the classic Cersai pictured above.  You'll need to embrace the centre part and forget super straight hair - you want to give the impression of body, so add waves for texture - especially if you aren't blessed with thick hair.

Daenerys Targaryen - Game of Thrones

Cersai might like to think she's the best blonde on the block, but she has serious competition from our favorite Khaleesi.  Her signature style has to be the half up do - which keeps her hair off of her face, yet keeps her looking super feminine with flowing locks.

Let's get this out in the open right now - white blonde hair is simply neither achievable nor attainable for the faint of heart or light of funds.  Emilia Clarke who plays Daenerys is a brunette and found the colouring process too damaging on her hair - her look on the show is a series of wigs costing around $14,000 each!  Going blonde is an expensive journey and even after you reach you desired shade, the maintenance is all but constant.

Our favourite Daenerys look is the one pictured - the front looks inspired by victory rolls, the intricate twists keep the hair firmly in place, before cascading into a waterfall of loose curls. You'll want to check out some braid tutorials online (like this one) unless you have time for some trial and error.

Who are your top hair inspirations on the box right now?  Are you tempted to try and emulate any of the looks above? Get chatting below!