Maisie Williams’ Head Shave Story

1. A Bold Public Reveal (2022)

In mid-2022, Maisie Williams surprised her followers by debuting a buzz cut in a series of beachside photos. She embraced the new look with humor, joking about the ease of washing her hair and even comparing it to washing her face. At the time, the cut appeared to be partly a playful style choice—minimal maintenance, quick drying, and perfect for a relaxed summer vibe. It also fit a punk-inspired aesthetic she had explored in her creative work and subtly mirrored her partner’s shaved style.

2. Transformation for a Role (2024)

Later, it became clear that the haircut also tied into a major acting challenge. Williams shaved her head as part of a complete physical and mental transformation for her portrayal of Catherine Dior in the historical drama The New Look.

Preparing for the role involved intense changes: significant weight loss under professional supervision, physically demanding routines, strict diets, extreme heat exposure, meditation, and intentionally reduced sleep. These conditions were meant to help her connect with the hardships endured by her character, a real-life French resistance fighter during World War II.

The process took a toll—she experienced insomnia and vivid, unsettling dreams that reflected the trauma her character lived through.

3. Symbolism and Immersion

For Williams, the shaved head wasn’t just cosmetic. It symbolized shedding her personal comfort to fully inhabit Catherine Dior’s reality. In contexts like the one her character faced, shaving one’s head could be an act of resilience or preparation for adversity—a small but powerful step toward mental fortification in the face of danger.