The styling of the main cast of The Iron Claw, featuring Zac Efron, Harris Dickinson, Jeremy Allen White, and Stanley Simon as the Von Erich brothers, garnered significant attention upon its release. Notably, the actors’ iconic mullets and bronzed tans captured the essence of ’80s Texan pro wrestlers, sparking fervent discussion on social media platforms.

Conceptualization and Preparation

Natalie Shea Rose and Elle Favorule, the heads of hair and makeup, meticulously prepared for the film. Immersing themselves in the script and researching the real-life Von Erichs, they collaborated closely with director Sean Durkin to capture the essence of the characters across two decades.

Achieving Natural Tans and Covering Tattoos

Given the Von Erichs’ upbringing on a Texas ranch, natural-looking tans were essential. While Zac Efron boasted a genuine tan, Harris Dickinson and Jeremy Allen White required artificial tanning, complicated by their tattoos. Using a multi-step process involving tattoo cover inks and custom spray tans, the team ensured authenticity while concealing tattoos.

Creating Authentic ’80s Hair

To replicate the iconic ’80s hairstyles, custom wigs handmade by wigmaker Rob Pickens were tailored to each actor. Natalie Shea Rose expertly trimmed and highlighted the wigs, drawing inspiration from historical photos of the Von Erichs. Securing the wigs during intense wrestling scenes was paramount, requiring meticulous pinning techniques.

Maintaining Hair and Makeup Integrity

Throughout filming, the hair and makeup team faced challenges such as Louisiana humidity and the physical demands of wrestling scenes. To combat frizz and maintain the wigs’ appearance, a combination of nourishing products and styling techniques was employed. Despite the challenges, the team ensured that the actors’ hair and makeup remained authentic and visually stunning.

Emotional Attachment to Mullets

Surprisingly, the actors grew attached to their mullet hairstyles, expressing reluctance to remove their wigs. This sentiment, uncommon among male actors wearing prosthetic hairpieces, highlighted the team’s success in creating a comfortable and immersive experience for the cast.

As The Iron Claw continues to captivate audiences, the meticulous attention to detail exhibited by the hair and makeup team remains a testament to their dedication and expertise in bringing ’80s nostalgia to life on screen.