Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in the Wicked movie has been a topic of excitement, but the buzz around her micro-braided wig has sparked confusion and debate. Recently, some news outlets, including BBC London News, reported incorrect information about who crafted the iconic hairstyle. Let’s set the record straight and celebrate the talented team behind this striking look.

Cynthia Erivo’s Vision for Elphaba’s Hair

Cynthia Erivo brought her own creativity to Elphaba, reimagining the character’s hair to honor Black women. She requested that Elphaba’s hair feature micro braids, blending a unique texture with the character’s green-skinned appearance.

“I asked if we could reimagine that hair as micro braids, because I knew you’d still have the movement and length, but there was a texture that was slightly different,” Erivo explained. For her, this decision was a way to connect her identity as a Black woman with the character of Elphaba in a meaningful way.

The Team Behind the Hairstyle

Creating Elphaba’s wig was no small task, and it required the expertise of several talented individuals. The process involved a group of braiders, wig makers, and stylists who brought Erivo’s vision to life. The team included:

Lorraine Dublin, one of the lead braiders, clarified the situation on social media, saying, “There was not just one wig, there were several micro-braided wigs.” She also pointed out that this was a collaborative effort, giving credit to everyone involved.

The BBC London Mix-Up

Things took a turn when BBC London News incorrectly claimed that Marie-Josée Mampuya-Yonda, a North London hairstylist, was solely responsible for the wig. This sparked outrage, as many people knew the wig was the work of a larger team. Lorraine Dublin and others quickly debunked the misinformation, reminding everyone that the hairstyling credits are listed in the film’s records.

What makes the mistake more baffling is that the correct information had been publicly available since November. A widely shared tweet by Wicked Updates listed all the talented individuals involved in creating and styling Elphaba’s hair, including Frances Hannon, Sim Camps, Samuel James, and Lorraine Dublin’s team of braiders. A quick fact-check could have easily avoided this confusion and ensured that credit went where it was due.

The BBC’s mistake led to unnecessary embarrassment for contributors like Dublin, who worked tirelessly to create the look. Fans were quick to support the braiders and call out the need for accurate reporting, especially on such a high-profile project.

What Really Happened With the Wig?

Contrary to some reports, Marie-Josée Mampuya-Yonda’s work was ultimately not used in the final version of Elphaba’s wig. Lorraine Dublin confirmed that the micro-braided wigs featured in Wicked were created by her and the talented team of braiders, including Tiffanne Williams, Kat Hand, Brenda Ford, and Cloe Nelson. The confusion seems to have stemmed from last-minute adjustments during production, but Dublin’s clarification makes it clear that the final look was the result of months of work by the original team.

Why This Story Behind This Wig Matters

Cynthia Erivo’s decision to use micro braids for Elphaba was a powerful statement. It celebrated Black beauty while bringing a fresh perspective to the character. The collaborative effort of the hairstylists and wig makers added authenticity to the role and showed the importance of representation in film.

However, this controversy highlights the need to credit all contributors fairly. Behind-the-scenes artists often go unnoticed, and misinformation only makes their work harder to celebrate. Accurate reporting ensures that every individual’s efforts are acknowledged.

The story of Elphaba’s micro braids in Wicked is one of creativity, collaboration, and representation. Cynthia Erivo’s vision, combined with the hard work of a dedicated team, resulted in an unforgettable look. Let’s make sure the spotlight shines on all those who made it possible—because their artistry deserves to be recognized.

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