There are certain TV characters whose hairstyles become almost as iconic as their storylines, and Britt Lower’s Helly R in Severance is one of them. That bold, copper-red hair instantly caught the attention of viewers around the world. It’s fiery, unforgettable, and has sparked endless questions from fans: is it a wig, is she a natural redhead, or is it all clever styling magic? With Britt Lower now fresh off her Emmy win, the spotlight is shining even brighter—not just on her acting talent, but also on the hair that helped define her character.
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Of course, it wasn’t just the hair that turned heads. Britt Lower’s layered performance as Helly R—and her alternate identity Helena Eagan—earned her the 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. On the Emmy stage, she paired a copper-toned dress with a polished ponytail and side-swept fringe, a look that echoed her on-screen fiery shades while keeping it elegant and refined. In her speech, she even joked, “Thank you for this… and thank you for Helly R, for choosing me.” The Emmy win sealed her status as one of TV’s most compelling new stars, with a look as striking as her acting.
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On Severance, Britt Lower’s character walks the sterile office halls with a vibrant copper-red mane that seems to glow against the minimalist set design. The cut is sleek with a slightly textured fringe, sharp enough to feel modern yet soft enough to frame her expressive performance. This contrast—the warmth of the hair color against the cold corporate backdrop—made Helly stand out even more. No wonder fans quickly started associating her fiery look with her rebellious spirit.
Off-screen, Lower has often kept a similar aesthetic, with baby bangs and rich tones, though the exact copper shade in Severance feels especially bold and cinematic. It’s no exaggeration to say the hair became part of the show’s visual identity.
Yes, Britt Lower wore a wig for her role as Helly R. in Severance, since her natural hair color and length are different from her character’s. Although she usually keeps her hair red on screen and in public appearances, the specific shade and style required for Helly were achieved with a wig. And Adam Scott revealed on a podcast that the set lighting is adjusted: when it’s Helly, the lights make her hair look redder, and when it’s Helena, the lighting gives it a brownish hue.
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Again, Britt Lower hasn’t publicly clarified her natural hair color. On screen, her hair is a deep copper-red, but off-screen, she has been seen with darker hair in earlier photos. Since Lower keeps her personal life relatively private, and she hasn’t commented on this topic, any claims about her being a “natural” redhead would be speculation. All we can say for certain is that the vibrant copper shade in Severance was clearly a deliberate design choice to set her character apart.
For fans of hair and style, Britt Lower’s look in Severance shows just how much a hairstyle can shape a character. Her red hair radiates energy, defiance, and individuality—making Helly truly unforgettable. We can’t wait for Severance Season 3, and it’ll be exciting to see what new looks Britt Lower will bring in her upcoming projects.