But creating these distinct character looks was only part of the challenge. Frances and her team had to develop unique visual identities for each region of Oz, ensuring that every citizen’s hair told a story about where they came from and their place in this magical world.
For Munchkinland, the aesthetic was textured and colourful. “It’s an agricultural region — their hands are stained with tulip dye, and their hair reflects that working life,” Frances explains. “We went for reds of a million shades and simple styles as if they’d done it themselves under their hats.” These choices weren’t just aesthetic – they helped identify Munchkins even when they appeared in other settings. “You had to be able to distinguish them in any room, like in the Shiz University, or Ozdust Ballroom.”
Emerald City, in contrast, was sleek and extravagant. “It had to feel sophisticated, architectural and controlled,” Frances says. “We mirrored that in the hair, beards and facial hair, drawing inspiration from shapes in architecture and nature.”
Even smaller details were meticulously considered, like the beauticians in the Emerald City nail salon. “They only had two types of coloured hair,” Frances reveals. “I used that kind of uniformity in several areas to create visual cohesion.”
For Winkie Country, the palette was cooler and more polished. “It’s all blues and darker, cared-for hair,” Frances says, while the Uplands, Glinda’s homeland, were inspired by Scandinavian tones. “We kept it blonde and fairer, reflecting that softer, lighter palette.”