The Truth Behind Jean Harlow's Blonde Wig and Bleaching Controversy
Many people have wondered about Jean Harlow's famous blonde hair. Was it naturally ash blonde, or did she wear a blonde wig for most of her movies? For those who followed her career closely, the answer is quite interesting.
Harlow’s Natural Hair Color and Its Transformation
Jean Harlow is often remembered for her striking blonde hair, but the truth is a bit more complex. Her naturally ash blonde hair was actually transformed into a much more vivid shade of blonde through the use of severe bleaching. Harlow famously suffered from kidney failure, which some believe might have been linked to her hair bleaching practices, perhaps using ammonia, Clorox, and soap flakes to achieve the platinum blonde look.
Wigs vs. Natural Hair
Before her bleaching techniques, Harlow often wore wigs, especially for her film appearances. This was particularly evident in her finest movies. In some of her notable films, she appeared with a red wig in Red Headed Woman and another type of hair known as a brownette in Riffraff and Wife vs Secretary.
Early Career and Natural Hair Color
It's important to note that the color of Harlow's hair can be deceiving. Many people consider her natural hair color to be ash blonde, which is evident in several old photographs. However, even with the natural hair, the color could appear different depending on the lighting used during black and white film photography.
One of the rarest and most notable instances of Harlow's natural hair color is captured in a rare color film from her early career. This rare footage comes from the film Hell's Angels—a pioneering work shot when she was just 18 going on 19. The actual screen capture from a seven-minute scene shot on the primitive color film of the day provides a glimpse into her true hair color at the time.
From Comedy to Drama: Breaking Stereotypes
Despite the initial association with her blonde hair, Harlow quickly expanded her artistic horizons. She became a serious comedienne and dramatic actress, aiming to move beyond the stereotyping often linked to her blonde appearance. Harlow specifically desired to escape the label that her blonde hair had imposed on her.
The Impact of Harlow's Hair on Her Career
Harlow's famous blonde hair and the bleaching practices she used to achieve that look had a significant impact on her career and were a defining characteristic of her image. While she believed in her ability to be more than just a blonde bombshell, the color of her hair remained a lasting symbol of her iconic status in the early days of Hollywood.
Further Reflections
Even today, discussions about Jean Harlow often revolve around her blonde hair, wigs, and bleaching practices. Understanding these aspects helps to provide a more intricate picture of the person behind the image—and to recognize the real struggles and ambitions of an actress who wanted to break free from the stereotypes surrounding her looks.
In conclusion, Jean Harlow's blonde hair was a complex mix of natural and artificially enhanced features. Understanding the truth behind this aspect of her appearance not only brings to light a fascinating part of her career but also highlights the evolving role of a celebrated actress who wished to transcend societal expectations.