The story of Cinderella has been told countless times — but in 2021, it was reimagined with a modern twist. Starring Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, and Billy Porter, this version of the fairytale combined tradition with bold new style choices. Wigs and hair design were central to creating the film’s striking visuals, bringing together fantasy, glamour, and a modern edge.
At How’s Your Head Wigs, we love celebrating the way wigs elevate storytelling. Here’s a closer look at how wigs helped define the magic in Cinderella (2021).
Cinderella – Effortless Beauty with a Modern Twist
Unlike classic versions of Cinderella, this reimagining gave Ella a more natural, youthful look.
- Soft, flowing styles kept her relatable and grounded while still allowing her to shine on screen.
- Subtle use of lace-front wigs and hairpieces ensured continuity during the transformation scenes.
- The look was deliberately less “polished princess,” making her journey feel fresh and empowering.
The Stepmother – Regal, Structured, and Commanding
Idina Menzel’s wicked stepmother is as fierce as she is fashionable.
- Wigs and updos reflected her authority and sharp personality.
- Strong silhouettes and sculpted hairlines gave her a commanding screen presence.
- High-quality synthetic wigs helped maintain structure under studio lights and multiple takes.
The Fairy Godmother (Fab G) – Pure Theatrical Glamour
Billy Porter’s “Fab G” is one of the film’s most memorable characters, and his look is all about show-stopping style.
- The wig design embraced fluidity, sparkle, and extravagance.
- Golden tones and sleek styling amplified Fab G’s otherworldly, magical aura.
- Wigs had to balance fantasy styling with practical durability for performance and costume changes.
Ensemble & Ballroom Looks – A Fairytale in Motion
The ballroom scene is a feast for the eyes, and wigs were vital to its richness and over 500 were used for this scene.
- Ensembles wore a variety of period-inspired wigs in bold colours and elaborate shapes.
- Wefts and bulk hair were likely used to create custom updos and height for royal characters.
- Synthetic fibres ensured each wig kept its shape through long filming days.
Why Wigs Matter in Fairytales
In a film like Cinderella, wigs aren’t just accessories — they are character-defining. They separate royalty from villagers, villains from heroines, and fantasy from reality. The 2021 adaptation used wigs to push boundaries, blending tradition with modern style to tell a timeless story in a fresh way.
Final Thoughts
The wigs of Cinderella (2021) prove that hair design is central to world-building in film. From Cinderella’s understated elegance to Fab G’s dazzling magic, each wig helped shape the movie’s identity.
At How’s Your Head Wigs, we celebrate this kind of creativity every day. Our professional-quality wigs, fibres, and accessories make it possible for stylists and performers to bring their own fairytale looks to life.
Discover our the wigs used in Cinderella and create a little magic of your own.