For devoted fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation, rewatching episodes becomes a delightful exercise in spotting minute details. Among these captivating observations, one that often surfaces is the intriguing evolution of Dr. Beverly Crusher’s hairstyles. Played by the talented Gates McFadden, Dr. Crusher wasn’t just the Enterprise-D’s Chief Medical Officer; she was also, perhaps unknowingly, a style chameleon, particularly when it came to her hair. Let’s delve into the fascinating hair journey of Tng Doctor Crusher.
Initially, during the first season, Dr. Crusher graced the screen with what appeared to be Gates McFadden’s natural hair. Rumor has it, the vibrant red hue was a remnant from a previous theatrical role, adding an unexpected backstory to her on-screen appearance.
However, behind-the-scenes drama led to McFadden’s departure at the end of season one. The writing and showrunning reins were then in the hands of Maurice Hurley, who reportedly held a strong dislike for both the Dr. Crusher character and McFadden herself. This resulted in the introduction of Dr. Pulaski, portrayed by Diana Muldaur. Yet, this change was short-lived. By the conclusion of season two, Hurley moved on, Muldaur also exited, and McFadden was welcomed back to reprise her role as Dr. Crusher.
Upon her return in season three, a noticeable shift occurred in Dr. Crusher’s look. She sported a shorter hairstyle, which, as it turns out, was a wig strategically placed over her actual bangs.
The use of wigs in television and film is a common practice, especially for actresses with long hair. Maintaining hairstyle consistency under the demanding conditions of hot studio lights and lengthy filming schedules can be challenging. Wigs offer a practical solution for continuity and style management. Even Julianna Margulies famously wore a wig throughout her tenure on The Good Wife for similar reasons, highlighting the practicality and sometimes even luxury, as in Margulies’ case with a $10,000 wig, that wigs can provide in the entertainment industry.
Interestingly, the early part of season three also introduced a modified medical jacket for Dr. Crusher, featuring a collar. This design, however, was soon replaced by a collarless version, marking another subtle wardrobe evolution for the character.
As the third season progressed, and into seasons four and five, Dr. Crusher’s hair underwent another transformation, becoming longer. This longer style was achieved with a new wig, which Gates McFadden playfully mentioned concealed “three pounds” of her real hair underneath. This wig became a consistent part of her appearance for a significant portion of the series.
Interestingly, glimpses of McFadden’s real hair can be spotted in other projects around the same time. Her brief appearance in the film The Hunt for Red October showcases what seems to be her natural hair.
Similarly, in the season five TNG episode “Violations,” flashback scenes also depict Dr. Crusher with what appears to be her real hair.
For the final two seasons, six and seven, Dr. Crusher reverted to her natural hair. While remarkably similar in style to the wig she had worn, her real hair possessed a slightly finer and more natural texture.
Gates McFadden’s engaging presence extends beyond the screen. She is active on Twitter and hosts a podcast called “InvestiGates,” where she engages in candid and insightful conversations with her Star Trek co-stars. Her social media and podcast appearances often feature lighthearted references to the various wigs and hair-related anecdotes from her time on TNG. In her own words, she humorously summarizes her TNG hair journey: “1 season my hair 3,4,5 wigs, 6 and 7 my own hair again..movies my hair and throughout various shades of red and blonde color on my own darker hair.”
Adding another layer to this hair chronicle, there’s a curious anomaly in season three, episode seven, “The Enemy.” In this critically acclaimed episode, where Worf makes a controversial decision, Dr. Crusher’s hair appears inexplicably longer than the short wig initially seen at the beginning of season three, yet shorter than the longer wig that follows.
This episode falls between the introduction of the short wig and the subsequent longer wig. Immediately in the following episode, her hair reverts to the shorter wig style. One could speculate this was a brief opportunity to showcase McFadden’s real hair, but perhaps the production team opted for the new wig style for subsequent episodes, leading to the now-iconic longer wig look.
This hair observation culminates in a humorous moment, perfectly encapsulating the focus on appearance, in an episode featuring a scene that, rather ironically, fails the Bechdel test.
In conclusion, while seemingly trivial, the changing hairstyles of Dr. Beverly Crusher offer a quirky and engaging lens through which to appreciate the behind-the-scenes aspects of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It’s a testament to the dedication of fans who notice and cherish even the smallest details, proving that in the world of Star Trek, even hair can become a topic of fascinating discussion, perhaps even more so than the ever-debated topic of Shatner’s hairpiece.
