With the latest season of Stranger Things officially wrapped, fans around the world are revisiting the characters, the nostalgia, and, of course, the iconic hairstyles. From Eleven’s evolving looks to Max’s fiery red waves, hair plays a huge role in defining each character’s identity. But that raises a popular question among viewers and cosplay lovers alike: who actually wears a wig in Stranger Things?
Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how wigs and hairpieces helped bring the world of Hawkins to life.
Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown): Wig or Real Hair?
Eleven’s hair evolution—from a buzz cut to softer, longer styles—closely mirrors her emotional growth and search for identity.
Character introduction: Eleven is first introduced as a quiet, isolated girl with powerful abilities and little control over her own life.
- ◆Season 1: Eleven’s shaved head is completely real. Millie Bobby Brown shaved her hair for the role, making it a powerful symbol of Eleven’s traumatic past.
- ◆Seasons 2–3: As Eleven’s hair appears to grow out, wigs and hairpieces begin to be used to maintain consistent length and shape during filming.
- ◆Later seasons: Eleven’s longer, more polished hairstyles are primarily achieved with wigs, helping protect the actress’s natural hair and ensure visual continuity across episodes.
This gradual shift in hairstyle reflects Eleven’s journey toward independence and self-expression.
Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink): Ginger Hair
Max Mayfield arrives in Hawkins as a confident, independent outsider, and her striking red hair quickly becomes an integral part of her identity. Throughout the series, her style reflects her strong personality and deep emotions.
Sadie Sink is a natural redhead, and while her natural hair perfectly matches her character's look, it can be difficult to maintain consistency during action-heavy scenes and later episodes, while also protecting Sadie Sink's natural hair from frequent dyeing and styling. Therefore, wearing a wig becomes unavoidable.
Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo): Curly Hair
Dustin is one of the most recognizable characters in Stranger Things, known for his humor, loyalty, and signature curly hair that gives him an instantly approachable look.
Most of Dustin’s hair is Gaten Matarazzo’s natural hair. His curls are real and have been part of the character from the beginning. However, for filming purposes, minor styling pieces or subtle enhancements are sometimes used to keep the curls consistent between scenes and episodes.
Because child actors change quickly as they grow, small adjustments help maintain Dustin’s familiar appearance across multiple seasons, especially during reshoots or long production gaps.
Steve Harrington (Joe Keery): Wavy Hair
Steve Harrington’s hair is one of the most iconic features in Stranger Things, often becoming a character trait of its own. Confident, effortless, and very 80s, his hairstyle helps define Steve’s evolution from high school heartthrob to fan-favorite hero.
Joe Keery’s wavy hair is largely real, and his natural texture gives Steve that signature volume. However, in some scenes, light hairpieces or volume padding are used to maintain fullness and shape, especially during action-heavy or long shooting days.
Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer): Styling Over Wigs
Nancy Wheeler, played by Natalia Dyer, starts Stranger Things as a typical high-school girl, but gradually grows into one of the show’s most determined and fearless characters.
In the earlier seasons, Nancy’s hair is long, softly waved, and neatly styled, fitting her more traditional, cautious personality. As the story moves forward, her hairstyle becomes looser and more effortless, reflecting her growing confidence and independence.
Unlike some other characters, Nancy does not wear a full wig on the show. Her hairstyles are created mainly using Natalia Dyer’s natural hair, styled to match the 1980s setting. In some scenes, small hairpieces or clip-in extensions may be used for volume or continuity, but overall, Nancy’s look relies on styling rather than wigs.
Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) : Wig or Natural?
Robin Buckley, played by Maya Hawke, enters Stranger Things as a quick-witted, confident outsider who soon becomes an essential part of the group.
In Season 3, Robin’s hair is longer and more controlled, matching her early, slightly guarded role. In later seasons, it shifts to a shorter, messier, layered cut that reflects her comfort with who she is and her laid-back attitude. The change feels natural and true to the 1980s setting.
Robin does not wear a full wig in the series. Maya Hawke mainly uses her natural hair, though small hairpieces or minor adjustments may be used behind the scenes for continuity and styling efficiency. The result is a look that feels real, effortless, and closely tied to Robin’s character growth.
Why Does Stranger Things Use Wigs So Often?
Using wigs in TV production isn’t about deception—it’s about storytelling. Wigs allow the creators to:
- ◆Keep characters visually consistent across months of filming
- ◆Instantly change timelines or emotional states
- ◆Reduce damage to actors’ natural hair
- ◆Recreate iconic 80s hairstyles accurately
For a show as detail-driven as Stranger Things, hair is just as important as costumes or set design.
FAQs About Stranger Things
Q: When does Stranger Things 5 come out?
A: The fifth and final season of Stranger Things aired on 2025.12.31 marking the end of the series and bringing Hawkins' story to a close.
Q: How many seasons of Stranger Things are there?
A: There are five seasons in total. Season 5 will be the final one.
Q: Where is Stranger Things shot?
A: Most of Stranger Things is filmed in Georgia, USA, mainly around Atlanta. Many Hawkins locations are real towns and buildings in Georgia.
Q: Is Stranger Things over?
A: Not yet. Season 5 will be the final season, officially wrapping up the series.
Q: Is Will gay in Stranger Things?
A: Yes. The show strongly confirms that Will Byers is gay, especially through his feelings for Mike, which are explored more clearly in later seasons.
Q: Who plays Billy in Stranger Things?
A: Billy Hargrove is played by Dacre Montgomery, who appears in Seasons 2 and 3.
Final Thoughts
As Stranger Things comes to an end, its hairstyles remain just as iconic as its monsters, friendships, and music. From subtle character growth to bold '80s statements, hair plays a quiet but powerful role in the story. Whether you’re a fan, a cosplayer, or simply curious about TV magic, one thing is clear—great hair helps tell a great story. And for those inspired to recreate these looks in real life, SunberHair makes it easy to explore versatile, high-quality wigs that bring screen-worthy styles into everyday wear.
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