7 Secrets Behind Melissa Benoist's Supergirl Hair: The Shocking Truth About Her Iconic Blonde Look And Season 5 Bangs

The hair of a superhero is rarely just hair; it’s a crucial component of their identity, a visual cue that separates the mild-mannered civilian from the world-saving icon. For six seasons of The CW’s Supergirl, Melissa Benoist’s flowing blonde locks became as recognizable as the 'S' shield on her chest, embodying the bright, hopeful spirit of Kara Zor-El. As of this current date, December 17, 2025, the show’s run has concluded, but the behind-the-scenes stories of her hair—from its dramatic color change to the controversial Season 5 cut—remain one of the most fascinating aspects of the Arrow-verse production.

The transformation Benoist underwent to become the Girl of Steel involved far more than just slipping into a Kryptonian suit; it required a complete overhaul of her natural look, creating two distinct, memorable, and often debated hairstyles for Kara Danvers and her superhero alter-ego. This deep dive uncovers the seven biggest secrets and the full evolution of the hair that defined a generation’s Supergirl.

Melissa Benoist: Full Biographical Profile

Before becoming the globally recognized Supergirl, Melissa Marie Benoist established herself as a versatile actress and singer through various roles in film and television. Her journey to becoming a DC Comics icon is a testament to her talent and dedication.

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• Birth Name: Melissa Marie Benoist
• Date of Birth: October 4, 1988
• Birth Place: Littleton, Colorado, United States
• Profession: Actress, Singer, Director, Producer
• Best Known For: Portraying Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers / Supergirl in the CW series Supergirl (2015–2021).
• Notable Early Roles: Marley Rose on the Fox musical comedy-drama Glee (2012–2014) and Nicole in the Oscar-nominated film Whiplash (2014).
• Arrow-verse Appearances: She has appeared as Supergirl across multiple Arrow-verse crossover events, including Crisis on Earth-X, Elseworlds, and Crisis on Infinite Earths.

The Kryptonian Transformation: Natural Color vs. Super-Blonde

The most immediate and essential hair secret for Melissa Benoist’s portrayal was the dramatic shift in color. This change was non-negotiable to align with the character's long-standing comic book canon.

1. The Natural Chestnut Brown Secret

Unlike the bright blonde hair of her character, Melissa Benoist’s natural hair color is a rich, beautiful chestnut brown. When she was initially cast, one of the first production requirements was a significant color change to match the iconic look of Kara Zor-El from the pages of DC Comics. This required extensive work with the hair department, led at one point by professionals like Hair Department Head Janina Rath-Thompson (Season 1).

2. The 'Supergirl' Blonde Shade

The blonde required for Supergirl was not a simple, uniform color. To give it depth and movement, the hair was dyed a vibrant blonde, complete with stunning highlights and low lights. This multi-tonal approach ensured that the hair looked dynamic and bright under the harsh studio lights and when she was flying across National City. The shade often leaned toward a golden or sun-kissed blonde, distinctly different from a stark platinum blonde, giving Kara a warmer, more approachable appearance.

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3. The 'Kara Danvers' Disguise: Styling is Key

A running joke in the Superman/Supergirl mythos is how a pair of glasses and a simple hairstyle change can completely conceal a superhero's identity. For Benoist’s Kara Danvers, the hair played a crucial role in this "disguise." When she was working at CatCo Worldwide Media, her hair was frequently styled in a sleek, simple, and more subdued manner—often a ponytail, bun, or a slicked-back style. The use of styling products like gel and hairspray to achieve this slicked-back look also made her hair appear slightly darker, adding another layer of visual distinction from the wavy, free-flowing hair of Supergirl.

The Controversial Cut: The Season 5 Bangs and Character Progression

The most significant and talked-about hair change in the series occurred at the start of Season 5. This was not merely a stylistic choice by the showrunners; it was a personal decision by the actress herself that was brilliantly integrated into the character's narrative.

4. The Personal Haircut That Almost Became a Wig

Prior to filming Season 5, Melissa Benoist cut her hair, opting for a shorter style with bangs. Typically, superhero contracts mandate strict hair continuity, and a sudden, unapproved change can cause major production headaches. The show's producers initially considered making Benoist wear a wig to maintain the longer, bang-less look from Season 4.

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5. Integrating the Bangs into Kara’s Evolution

Fortunately for Benoist and the show’s continuity, the team decided against the wig. Instead, they embraced the new haircut, using it as a symbol of Kara's personal and professional progression. The shorter hair and bangs debuted alongside her new Supergirl suit—a modernized pantsuit designed by Victoria Auth—signaling a new, more mature, and confident era for the Girl of Steel. This decision allowed the character’s look to organically reflect her development, rather than forcing a static, comic-accurate style.

6. The Return to the Classic Look in Season 6

The bangs and shorter cut were a defining feature of Season 5, but for the show’s final season, Season 6, the look evolved once more. The bangs were gone, and Kara returned to a longer, more classic Supergirl style. This final, more traditional look served as a nostalgic send-off for the character, bringing her visual journey full circle as she faced her final challenges and found her ultimate peace in the series finale.

The Legacy and Topical Authority

The attention paid to Supergirl's hair is a testament to the high standards of the Arrow-verse and the importance of visual detail in translating a comic book hero to the screen. The constant differentiation between Kara Danvers and Supergirl was a subtle but effective tool for maintaining the secret identity trope in a modern context.

7. The Super-Speed Styling Challenge

The need to quickly transition between the two distinct looks—the sleek, darker, professional Kara and the bright, wavy, powerful Supergirl—posed a constant challenge for the hair and makeup department on set. The difference in texture, volume, and color tone had to be achieved rapidly to keep up with the demanding production schedule. This continuity challenge is often solved with extensive use of extensions, careful coloring techniques, and high-hold styling products to ensure a flawless look, whether she was battling a villain like Lex Luthor or writing a story for the Daily Planet's competitor.

Melissa Benoist’s hair journey as Supergirl is a compelling case study in how a simple aesthetic choice can reflect deep character development. From the initial dye job to honor Kryptonian heritage to the bangs that marked a new chapter of self-assurance, her hair was truly the crown of the Girl of Steel.