With a sweep of a colourist’s brush, American actress Rooney Mara has gone from the girl-next-door to a gothic sex kitten. Her dramatic change was essential for the starring role of Lisbeth Salander in the new film adaptation of the Stieg Larsson book The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. John Clark, head of colour at Brooks+Brooks, talks us through her look.
The look:
I love that although she has finished filming her new movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara has chosen to keep her hair hard and strong but utterly feminine. The inky-blue black on a solid, hard-lined cut works really well and emphasises her alabaster skin and sapphire eyes, which add to her striking image.
The palette:
There is no denying that this colour is the darkest of dark – a stunning blue-black. I would use a demi-permanent colour on top of her natural brown locks so that her hair is given a vinyl-like shine. The colour looks great with her blue eyes and minimal make-up. The striking slash of plum on her lips adds a real edge.
The technique:
I would first use a global application of colour and after processing use a high-shine treatment to create ultra gloss. I would use clippers on her fringe to get a razor sharp edge and then chip in to the line for an almost elfish softness.
Alternative:
This look is not for the fainthearted and is certainly a no-go for wallflower-types! So to make it more wearable I would move the colour up a level or two to a coffee-coloured brunette and allow the fringe to grow a little for a softer line.
