Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay has become synonymous with her character, Olivia Benson, whose ever-evolving hairstyle has been a key element of her on-screen persona. Fans may debate which hairstyle suits Benson best, but which look does Hargitay herself consider her favorite?
The Hairstyle Mariska Hargitay Feels Most Girly
From shorter hairdos in the early seasons to the longer locks seen more recently, Olivia Benson’s hair has mirrored her development and growth over the years. Hargitay, who has often favored shorter hair since the 80s, explains that Benson’s hairstyle changes with the character’s circumstances.
“For a recent episode, I wanted my hair thrown back because Benson wouldn’t have time to wash it with what was going on in the show,” Hargitay told Allure. “She [was attacked by a street gang and] had a big black eye, so we did a ponytail bun with the front pieces out for something that looked practical.”
Sometimes, Benson’s on-screen hairstyles influence Hargitay’s real-life look. “The hair ended up looking so great that I wore it for three episodes, and I started doing it in real life too. It’s fresh and efficient,” she said.
Hargitay works with trusted stylists to achieve her desired look. Cassi Hurd, one of her stylists, believes that any length works well for Hargitay. Over the years, Hargitay has discovered a preference for longer hair, which can be seen in recent SVU episodes.
“Longer hair fits my face so well, and I’ve learned by now that I’m just better with length,” Hargitay noted. “Plus, I love that longer hair makes me feel girly—my husband, [Peter Hermann], and kids love it too.”
The Haircut That Nearly Cost Hargitay Her Job
Olivia Benson’s hairstyle is so crucial to Law & Order: SVU that Hargitay was almost fired for an unapproved haircut. Deep into her role by the third season, Hargitay visited her regular stylist, resulting in an unintended dramatic change.
“I look up and [my breath caught],” Hargitay recounted. “My hair was so cute, and then all of a sudden, he did the one irrevocable cut. I went, ‘Oh! Oh!’ and he said, ‘What? Honey, you’re gorgeous.’ He kept going. He cuts it and then he leaves. I’m calling the producer at 10:30, [crying], ‘I just got a haircut. I don’t think it looks good!’ I went over to the producer’s house and he was like, ‘Yeah, that’s a problem.’ When they saw dailies [at work], they weren’t happy.”
Hargitay confirmed she got in trouble due to the stylist’s mistake. When she approached SVU creator Dick Wolf about the error, she learned just how close she was to being fired.
“’I’ve fired people for less,’” she recalled Wolf telling her. But Hargitay quipped back, “You can’t be mad at me; I’m the one with the dramatic hairdo.”
The Fans’ Devotion to Benson’s Hair
Hargitay’s hair evolution over the past 25 years has become so iconic that fans frequently request the “Olivia Benson look” from her hairstylists. This admiration even extends to fan merchandise.
“My fans are so hardcore that they even made a shirt about my hair evolution. It says ‘Benson’s Hair’ on it, and it’s so funny. That’s when you know your hair’s a thing,” she said.
The Legacy of Olivia Benson’s Hairstyle
As Law & Order: SVU continues to captivate audiences, Olivia Benson’s hairstyles will remain a crucial part of her character’s identity. Mariska Hargitay’s hair journey reflects not just her personal preferences but also the evolving story of a beloved TV icon.