Cynthia Erivo Shocks With Her Decision To Give Elphaba Micro Braids In Wicked.
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in the movie adaptation of Wicked has garnered massive praise for its authenticity, not only in her performance but also in her character’s look. One of the standout features of Elphaba’s appearance in the film is her micro braids, a choice that Erivo fought for to connect her personal identity as a Black woman with the character she was portraying. Her decision to reimagine Elphaba’s traditionally long, wavy black hair has sparked discussions around representation, cultural significance, and how hair plays a role in storytelling.
Reimagining Elphaba’s Look: The Significance of Micro Braids
In the stage version of Wicked, Elphaba’s hair is typically styled as long and wavy, reflecting the traditional look of the Wicked Witch of the West. However, Cynthia Erivo, who portrays the iconic character in the film, wanted to bring a more personal and meaningful connection to her role. Erivo pushed for Elphaba to wear micro braids, a hairstyle that not only reflects her own experiences but also symbolizes something deeply significant for the Black community.
Erivo explained in a recent interview, “I asked if we could reimagine that hair as micro braids because I knew you’d still have the movement, and you could still have the length, but there was a texture that was slightly different to what you would normally see on stage.” This decision was more than just a stylistic choice—it was about giving Elphaba’s hair the kind of representation that resonates with Erivo’s identity and with Black women everywhere.
Hair as a Form of Empowerment and Representation
Erivo’s desire for Elphaba’s hair to be more than just a look aligns with the greater narrative of her character. In Wicked, Elphaba is marginalized due to her green skin, a feature that leads to her rejection by society. By choosing micro braids, Erivo added another layer to the character’s journey, one that is empowered and unapologetically herself. “I wanted to show how versatile braids could be, how much fun we could have with them—and how emotional the hair can be,” Erivo remarked.
This choice was not just about her but also about showing young Black girls that their beauty can be reflected on the big screen in ways that feel authentic and empowering.
The Viral Praise for Elphaba’s Hair
The impact of Erivo’s decision was immediate. When Wicked was released, fans were quick to notice and praise Elphaba’s hair. A tweet that went viral with over 8 million views read: “Whoever on the wicked team thought it was a good idea to give Elphaba micro braids… I love you deeply.” This overwhelming response from fans highlighted how representation matters in visual media and how such thoughtful choices resonate with viewers on a personal level.
One fan echoed this sentiment, stating, “Seeing Cynthia Erivo play Elphaba in #Wicked has had the same effect on me as seeing Brandy play Cinderella as a young girl.” This comment reflects the deep emotional impact that representation in film can have, especially when cultural symbolism is woven into the story through something as intimate as hairstyles.
