Glam Squads Gone Wrong: 8 Worst Makeovers in TV History
If it ain't broke, maybe don't try to fix it with scissors, hair dye, or, for the love of all things stylish, dreadlocks.
1. Felicity (1998-2002) – Felicity's Haircut
The epic tale of Felicity Porter's college years had us all captivated, but the show took an unfortunate turn when the lead character decided to chop off her signature curly locks. Keri Russell, who portrayed Felicity, came to symbolize the 'girl next door' with her flowing curls. However, in the second season, she opted for a dramatic pixie cut, which was, to say the least, polarizing among fans. The series creators hoped the new hairstyle would symbolize Felicity's development and maturation. Unfortunately, it was widely criticized and is often jokingly blamed for the show's drop in ratings during the second season. The lesson here? Never underestimate the power of a great head of hair.
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) – Willow's Goth Phase
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is known for its clever writing and genre-bending blend of horror, comedy, and drama. The character Willow Rosenberg, played by Alyson Hannigan, was the sweet, nerdy sidekick whose transformation into a powerful witch was praised for its depth and complexity. However, when she turned evil and adopted a full-on goth look in the sixth season, fans weren't too impressed. The black hair, the heavy makeup, and the dramatic wardrobe just seemed out of place, not to mention it screamed 'I'm evil now!' in a not-so-subtle way. The makeover was a miss, but it didn't take away from the show's enduring popularity, holding an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017) – Spencer Hastings' Post-Time Jump Look
Pretty Little Liars was known for its twists, turns, and ridiculous plotlines, but one thing that left fans scratching their heads was Spencer Hastings' (Troian Bellisario) post-time jump makeover. The show skipped five years into the future in Season 6, and all the characters came back with matured looks, but Spencer's new bangs felt forced and out of character. Her preppy and polished look was traded for an artsy, bohemian style that just didn't fit. Spencer's makeover didn't help the fact that the series finale has a mere 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many viewers feeling the series lost its way.
4. One Tree Hill (2003-2012) – Lucas Scott's Season 5 Hair
One Tree Hill was a show full of teen drama, love triangles, and, most importantly, great hair...until it wasn't. In the fifth season, Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) debuted a questionable hairstyle that can only be described as Elvis goes to the disco. The voluminous quiff, coupled with sideburns, left many fans longing for the return of Lucas' simpler, boy-next-door look from the earlier seasons. The fifth season received mixed reviews, and Lucas's hair transformation was undoubtedly a significant contributor.
5. Smallville (2001-2011) – Lana Lang Turns into a Witch
Smallville told the story of a young Clark Kent before he becomes Superman. Lana Lang, Clark's love interest, played by Kristin Kreuk, undergoes one of the most bizarre transformations in TV history during the show's fourth season. After being possessed by the spirit of a French witch, Lana not only adopts a new personality but also gets a darker, edgier look. Fans found the whole witch storyline and Lana's transformation quite jarring, causing a dip in the show's otherwise consistent ratings.
6. Gossip Girl (2007-2012) – Jenny Humphrey's Dark Transformation
Gossip Girl was a style paradise that gave us some of the most fashionable moments in teen drama history. However, the transformation of Jenny Humphrey, played by Taylor Momsen, from a sweet, innocent schoolgirl to a rebellious goth was less than well-received. Her dramatic eyeliner, platinum blonde hair, and all-black wardrobe were quite the departure from her earlier look. The change was a little too drastic and didn't resonate well with viewers. Despite this, Gossip Girl remained popular and maintains a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
7. Friends (1994-2004) – Monica Geller's Dreadlocks
Friends is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, but even they had their share of questionable style choices. When Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) sported dreadlocks during the gang's trip to Barbados, it was a far cry from her usual sleek, straight hair. The humidity-induced hairstyle felt forced for comedic effect and was not a great look for Monica. Still, Friends is an iconic show and boasts a stunning 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating, so we'll let this hair mishap slide.
8. Charmed (1998-2006) – Phoebe Halliwell's Bangs
Charmed was a beloved supernatural drama that showcased the Halliwell sisters' evolving styles throughout its eight-season run. However, Phoebe Halliwell's (Alyssa Milano) season six bangs were a change fans wish they could magically erase. They felt uncharacteristic for the usually fashionable witch and were a misstep in an otherwise stylish series. The show maintained solid ratings throughout its run, though, indicating that viewers could look past a bad hair day or two.