Mariska Hargitay Hairstyles: Like most of us, Hargitay (and her character, Benson) has chose for a new look here and there as her life and conditions have changed. She’s worked with some great stylists to help her navigate those inevitable periods in which her love of a nice short haircut has given way to the desire to have long hair again. (Shania Twain’s “I Feel Like a Woman”)
Mariska Hargitay’s Original Layered Long Bob
During the first season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 1999, Hargitay debuted one of the most popular and flattering hairstyles of the late ’90s: a mid-length cut with layers that framed her face. (This particular photo is from 2000.)
Mariska Hargitay’s Pixie Cut
However, in season two, Hargitay opted for a more bossy haircut, which gave her character more gravitas, and in season three, she opted for a pixie cut with blonde highpoints. (She later said in a 2013 interview that the pixie conversion was an accidental mistake.) In the summer of 2001, as seen here, she went all platinum blonde with her pixie cut and looked fabulous.
Mariska Hargitay Growing Out Her Hair
Any woman who’s cut her hair and grown it out knows that her stylist is her best friend, helping her look her best during that in-between stage.
But Hargitay shined throughout her growing-out years, as evidenced by this 2003 photo of her sporting a short, strawberry-blonde hairstyle.
Mariska Hargitay Gets Bangs
Who among long-haired women hasn’t decided they needed bangs? Of course, Hargitay, who grew out her hair and then opted for a layered look and bangs in 2006, looked fantastic when she did.
Mariska Hargitay Cuts Her Hair Short Again
But as anyone who has ever given in to the temptation of wearing bangs knows, it’s almost harder to look good growing out bangs than growing out short hair. In 2007, Hargitay cut her hair again into a glamorous short bob, foreshadowing years of long hair.
Mariska Hargitay Gets Extensions (For Red Carpet)
But even though she spent seasons 10 and 11 of the show growing her hair out and looking fabulous, Hargitay wanted something long and sleek at the Emmys in September 2009, and she put some incredible extensions in her mid-length, highlighted hair.
She must have loved the look since she grew her hair out until the end of season 14.
Mariska Hargitay Chopped Her Hair For Work
But in season 15, Hargitay’s appeal, Benson, cut her hair after existence one of the show’s special victims. Hargitay was later seen looking fabulous with a lob (a long bob, for the inexperienced) in 2014.
Mariska Hargitay’s Long Straight Center Part
For season 17, Hargitay opted for an extended, straight cut with highlights and a middle part—four years before Gen Z declared the side part out of style, for the record.
Mariska Hargitay Shoulder-Length Waves
Just a year later, in 2017, Hargitay sported softer highlights and a easy, wavy, shoulder-length hairstyle. She would stay in this (and very well-suited) style for several seasons.
Mariska Hargitay Long Hair
These days, Hargitay sports some of the most extended hair of her career in a gorgeous honey-brown color, with layers that help frame her face.
Bohemian Braided Crown
Try the boho braided crown for a fresh and distinctive Mariska Hargitay-inspired look. This hairstyle offers an air of natural beauty and elegance. Start by creating loose, beachy waves with a curling iron, or braid your hair overnight.
Then, divide your hair and create two loose braids on each side. Pull the braids over your head and protected them with bobby pins to make a crown effect. Leave a few strands to frame your face and give it a soft, romantic touch.
This hairstyle is perfect for casual outings, outdoor events, or anytime you want to convey a relaxed, bohemian look.
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s ever-evolving hairstyles reflect her versatility as an actress, her timeless beauty, and her fashion savvy. Whether she’s opting for classic waves, sleek bobs, or bold transformations, Hargitay continues to inspire fans with her ability to effortlessly reinvent her look without losing her unique style.
Mariska Hargitay’s career in hairdressing is a testament to her enduring influence on entertainment and fashion, and she’s a shining example of how to show off every step with a bold, show-stopping hairstyle. Without a doubt, she’s become a role model for Gen Z, proving that confidence and individuality are essential elements of true beauty.