5 Ways Keira Knightley's Iconic 'Pride & Prejudice' Hair Broke All The Regency Rules (And Why We Still Love It)

Keira Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 adaptation of *Pride & Prejudice* remains one of the most beloved and discussed performances of the early 21st century. As of late 2025, nearly two decades after its release, the film continues to draw new audiences who are captivated not just by the romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, but by the movie's distinct aesthetic—an aesthetic that deliberately broke historical rules, particularly with its costuming and, most notably, its hairstyles. This choice, spearheaded by director Joe Wright, was a defining element that gave the film its fresh, earthy, and romantic feel, contrasting sharply with previous, more formal Jane Austen adaptations. From the loose, flowing curls of the English countryside to the slightly more polished, yet still relaxed, updo at the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s hair is central to her character’s rebellious spirit and independent nature. It was a conscious decision by the filmmakers to avoid the stiff, overly formal looks typically associated with the Regency era, opting instead for a look that felt modern, relatable, and reflective of a young woman who preferred walking across fields to sitting primly in a drawing-room. This article dives into the five key ways Keira Knightley’s hair became an enduring, if historically controversial, cinematic icon.

Keira Knightley: Biography and Film Profile

Keira Christina Knightley is an English actress known for her work in both independent films and major blockbusters, often specializing in period dramas.

• Born: March 26, 1985, in Teddington, London, England.
• Parents: Will Knightley (actor) and Sharman Macdonald (playwright).
• Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm).
• Marital Status: Married to James Righton (musician).
• Children: Two daughters.
• Breakthrough Role: *Bend It Like Beckham* (2002).
• Major Film Roles: Elizabeth Swann in the *Pirates of the Caribbean* franchise (2003–2017), Elizabeth Bennet in *Pride & Prejudice* (2005), Cecilia Tallis in *Atonement* (2007), and Joan Clarke in *The Imitation Game* (2014).
• Academy Award Nominations: Best Actress for *Pride & Prejudice* (2005) and Best Supporting Actress for *The Imitation Game* (2014).
• Director Collaboration: She has frequently collaborated with director Joe Wright, most notably on *Pride & Prejudice*, *Atonement*, and *Anna Karenina*.

The Five Iconic Hair Choices That Defined Elizabeth Bennet

The hair and makeup team, directed by Joe Wright, prioritized naturalism and a sense of "lived-in" beauty over strict historical accuracy. This approach to Elizabeth Bennet’s look was revolutionary for a Jane Austen adaptation and is the reason the film still feels so fresh today.

1. The Controversial Decision to Wear Hair Down

In the Regency era (roughly 1811–1820), an unmarried woman of the gentry, especially one attending a social event or receiving visitors, was generally expected to wear her hair up. Hair worn down was typically reserved for very young girls or for private moments, such as in the bedroom. Keira Knightley's Elizabeth Bennet, however, spends a significant portion of the film with her hair down, or at least in a very loose half-up, half-down style. This was a deliberate choice by director Joe Wright to visually represent Elizabeth's free-spirited, non-conformist personality, immediately setting her apart from her more traditional sisters, such as Jane Bennet (played by Rosamund Pike), whose hair is often more formally styled. This single choice is perhaps the most debated element among historical costumers and Jane Austen enthusiasts.

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2. The Signature Loose, Barrel Curls and Bangs

Elizabeth’s everyday look is characterized by long, loose, slightly messy barrel curls, often with a soft, face-framing fringe or bangs. The reality is that Keira Knightley’s natural hair length at the time was shorter, requiring the use of long hair extensions to achieve the desired length and volume for the character. These extensions, styled into soft, natural-looking waves and curls, contributed to the film’s overall aesthetic of a slightly rustic, romanticized English countryside life. The loose curl pattern is far removed from the tight ringlets or intricate braids that were more common in the period, making the style easily adaptable for modern audiences looking for Regency era-inspired hair that isn't overly theatrical.

3. The Iconic Netherfield Ball Updo

When Elizabeth attends the formal Netherfield Ball, her hair is finally styled into an updo, a nod to the required formality of the event. However, even this formal look maintains the film’s signature relaxed sensibility. The style is a soft, low bun or chignon, with plenty of loose, curly tendrils escaping around the face and neck. Unlike the tightly pinned, elaborate styles seen in other adaptations (like the 1995 version starring Jennifer Ehle), Keira Knightley’s updo feels effortless and slightly undone. This particular hairstyle has become a popular subject for Elizabeth Bennet hair tutorials online, proving that its enduring appeal lies in its achievable elegance and romantic softness.

4. The Wig Controversy in the Final Scenes

A little-known fact that adds a layer of complexity to the look is the use of a wig during the film's final scenes. Towards the end of the production schedule, Knightley had to cut her hair short for her role in the action film *Domino* (2005). As a result, she wore a wig to film the remaining scenes, including the iconic, romantic final confrontation with Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). In an interview, Knightley confessed that she needed to cut her hair immediately after filming to "not see Elizabeth Bennet" anymore, highlighting how deeply the long, curly style had become tied to the character for her. This behind-the-scenes detail ensures the continuity of the look, even when the actress’s own hair had changed.

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5. The Visual Statement of Social Class and Independence

The deliberately unpolished hair and makeup choices served a critical narrative purpose: they visually underscored the Bennet family’s lower social standing compared to characters like Caroline Bingley or the aristocratic women of Pemberley. The Bennet sisters, including Lydia Bennet (Jena Malone) and Kitty Bennet, often appear with simpler, less adorned hair, reflecting their family’s lack of wealth and access to the latest fashions or professional hairdressers. Elizabeth’s perpetually messy, wind-blown hair represents her active, outdoor lifestyle and her intellectual independence, a stark contrast to the rigid, perfected formality of Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s world. The loose hair is a visual metaphor for her refusal to be confined by the expectations of the gentry class.

Modern Influence and Topical Authority

The beauty aesthetic of *Pride & Prejudice* (2005) has had a lasting impact, especially in the realm of period-inspired fashion and beauty. The film's look is often cited as a key inspiration for the "Cottagecore" and "Regencycore" trends that surged in popularity in the early 2020s. The emphasis on natural skin (achieved with a subtle "no-makeup makeup" look, as revealed by actress Jena Malone), loose updos, and soft, flowing fabric captured a desire for a return to a simpler, more romanticized elegance.

The enduring debate over the film's historical accuracy—whether it was an acceptable artistic license or a grievous error—is precisely what keeps the conversation about Keira Knightley's Elizabeth Bennet hair FRESH and relevant. The style is not just a costume choice; it's a character statement. It represents the tension between the strict rules of the 19th-century and the modern, relatable spirit of Elizabeth Bennet, making it one of the most iconic and frequently searched period drama hairstyles of all time.

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Ultimately, director Joe Wright’s vision was to make a film that felt real, immediate, and full of life, rather than a stuffy museum piece. By choosing to let Elizabeth Bennet’s hair down, literally and figuratively, he created a look that resonates with the modern audience, ensuring that the 2005 adaptation remains a cultural touchstone for beauty, romance, and rebellion.