How the Hair Looks Came to Life in “Percy Jackson & The Olympians"

Twelve-year-old demigod Percy Jackson is sent on a dangerous quest to find Zeus's Master Bold with the help of Grover, a satyr, and Annabeth Chase, a fellow demigod and daughter of Athena, in the first season of "Percy Jackson & The Olympians" on Disney Plus. Based on the book series by Rick Riordan, the Percy Jackson series has received a second life on the small screen after receiving a two-film adaptation with 20th Century Fox in 2010 and 2013. This opportunity has allowed longtime and new fans of the series to see the characters reimagined. As a hair designer, this offers plenty of opportunities to play and experiment with the character's look on screen. Here, the show's Hair Department Head Jeannie Chow (@jeanniechowhair) shares how she got involved in "Percy Jackson & The Olympians," what inspired the hair looks seen on screen, her favorite memories on set and more!

Beauty Launchpad (BLP): How did you get your start in the industry?

Jeannie Chow (JC): Initially, my career as a hairstylist took shape in the world of fashion and editorial styling, where I honed my skills and developed a keen eye for trends and innovation. With each project, I found myself drawn to the transformative power of hair and makeup, realizing the immense potential they held in storytelling. Driven by this newfound passion, I made a conscious decision to transition into the world of film. With my experience and creativity, I embarked on a journey to carve out my niche in the industry. I began by immersing myself in every aspect of hairstyling, from mastering intricate techniques to staying abreast of emerging trends. Learning new hair skills that pertain primarily to film and TV. Networking played a pivotal role as well; I connected with industry professionals, attended workshops and sought out opportunities to collaborate with like-minded creatives. I found myself under the wing of some talented women who took the time to show me the ropes – shout out to Judy Cooper-Sealy, Angie Cameron and Nancy Steyns! Through persistence and dedication, I gradually secured my foothold in the film industry. Whether it was working on independent projects or assisting seasoned professionals, I embraced each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.

BLP: How did you first get involved in working on “Percy Jackson”?

JC: As with everything, it all begins with a phone call or email. An interview with Executive Producer Dan Shotz was set up via Zoom. The connection was terrible and kept glitching in and out. We couldn’t hear each other very well. Afterwards I thought, I’ll definitely need to follow up! Fortunately, with my combination of positive relationships I forged in the industry and my previous experience on large productions, I had secured the position of Hair Department Head for Percy Jackson. From the moment I stepped onto the set, I was captivated by the magic of the production design and inspired by thecollaborative spirit of the cast and crew.

BLP: Once you joined the team, what did the process look like for starting to craft and develop the hair looks for the show? Jeannie Chow on the Camp Half-Blood set.Photo by Heather McLellan

JC: It began with in-depth discussions and brainstorming sessions with author Rick Riordan, directors, producers, cast, makeup and costume designers. Understanding the vision for the characters and the overall aesthetic of the production was crucial in shaping our approach to hairstyling. Next, I delved into extensive research, drawing inspiration from the novel. Rick had developed such strong and vivid characters, fused with historical references of Ancient Greek gods and goddesses’ artwork and contemporary trends. You can already imagine them in your head while reading. This helped us establish a foundation for each character's hairstyle, taking into account their personality, background and narrative arc. Collaboration was absolutely key throughout the entire process. I worked closely with Naomi Bakstad-makeup department head and special effects makeup teams to ensure a cohesive and seamless look. Feedback from the actors, directors and producers were invaluable in refining the hair looks and ensuring that it felt authentic to each character and to enhance their on-screen presence. With a clear vision in mind, we began the process of practical experimentation. This involved creating mock-ups, conducting hair and makeup tests and fine-tuning the details until we achieved the perfect balance between authenticity and artistic expression.

BLP: What influences played a role in the hair looks you created for the show?

JC: Creating the hair looks for Percy Jackson was a dynamic and multifaceted process that drew inspiration from a diverse array of influences. From Greek mythology and historical references to fantasy, nature and the animal kingdom to current pop music trends. Each element played a unique role in shaping the final aesthetic of the characters' hairstyles. By incorporating all of these elements, we were able to craft hair looks for the world of Percy Jackson that felt both timeless and contemporary.

BLP: Did anything from Rick Riordan’s “The Lightning Thief” stand out to you in how you chose to bring the characters’ looks to life on screen?

JC: Bringing Rick Riordan's "The Lightning Thief" to life on screen presented a unique opportunity to honor the beloved characters and vivid imagery from the book while also infusing our own creative vision. We were mindful of capturing the essence and spirit of each character rather than just their physical descriptions. Here's how these character traits influenced our approach to their looks: Image courtesy of Disney and David Bukach

• Percy's journey from an ordinary teenager to a heroic demigod was central to his character. His adventurous spirit was mirrored through his hairstyle—fluid and windswept, reminiscent of the water waves he navigated with courage and determination.
• Annabeth's intelligence, resourcefulness and leadership qualities were key aspects of her character. We sought to embody these traits in her hairstyle, choosing a lustrous and abundant look that conveyed sophistication and confidence.
• Grover's loyalty, compassion, and sense of humor defined his character. We aimed to capture his playful and nurturing nature through his hairstyle, incorporating whimsical elements like earthy textures.

By focusing on the spirit of each character rather than just their physical appearance, we were able to create hair looks that not only honored Rick Riordan's vision, but also brought the characters' looks to life in a way that respected the source material and engaged both fans and new audiences.

BLP: What would you say were some of the challenges in bringing these hair looks to life on screen?

JC: Bringing the hair looks to life on screen posed several challenges, notably due to tight schedules and deadlines. Continuity and consistency is vital throughout filming, requiring meticulous attention to detail and coordination within the hair team. This is especially important as scenes are shot out of order. Finding time to maintain haircuts, colors, wig prep and designing future characters within the shooting schedule is another huge challenge, as there never seems to be enough time! One prime example is related to wig making and special effects (SPFX) makeup prosthetics. These take time to build and test, anywhere from 3-4 weeks. This adds complexity to the process but is essential for achieving the desired looks on screen. Working efficiently and thinking out of the box really helps in these situations.

BLP: Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase) rocks her natural hair in the show, which is powerful for young Black girls to see on screen in a show like this. Can you talk more about that decision and the importance of it? Image courtesy of Disney and David Bukach

JC: As a person of color, I understand first hand the importance of representation and the message it sends young people. It was very important to me that we supported Leah Sava Jeffries portraying the character of Annabeth Chase with authenticity and confidence. Hair is deeply intertwined with cultural identity, and for many Black individuals, embracing natural hair is an essential aspect of self-expression and pride. Seeing a character like Annabeth confidently rocking her natural hair can be empowering for Black youth, reaffirming the beauty and value of their own natural hair texture while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse identities. This resonates with audiences of all backgrounds and inspires positive change in the entertainment industry.

BLP: Did you have a favorite character to style? Which one and why?

JC: It's tough to pick just one favorite character to style because I've enjoyed working with all our talented actors. If I had to choose, I'd say Mrs. Dodds, Crusty and Augustus stand out for me. It's incredibly fun when an actor is fully committed to the entire look. Combining prosthetics with wigs is truly transformative, and it's rewarding to see the actor fully embrace the character and make it their own. Watching the character come to life on screen is a fulfilling moment of creating art.

BLP: What was one of your favorite memories on set? Why?

JC: Spending time with Walker, Leah and Aryan was the absolute highlight of my days on set. From the moment we arrived until wrap, there was never a dull moment with these three. Lunch breaks often turned into epic water fights, push-up contests and arm-wrestling matches, with laughter echoing across the set. One of my fondest memories is during braid takedown and wash days. This usually involved four hairstylists to remove all [Leah Sava Jeffries'] braids, brush out her hair, wash and condition and blow out straight for a reinstall the next day. We had to get this down to an hour! As we worked on Leah's hair, we'd joke around and belt out our favorite Rihanna and Beyoncé tunes, creating an atmosphere filled with silliness and laughter that made the long hours feel lighter and brought us all closer together. Amidst the excitement, we also cherished quieter moments. Whether it was bonding over waffles after a long day of filming, testing our memory of Rocky Balboa monologues or jokes during breaks, every moment with these kids was pure gold.

BLP: What were some of the go-to products you used to bring the looks to life?

JC: Some of my favorite go-to products for bringing the looks to life include: Image courtesy of Disney and David Bukach

• Unite 7 Seconds Leave-In Conditioner: This is a fantastic hair prep product for wig styling. It helps to condition the hair, making it more manageable and easier to work with.
• Aveda Confixor: I love using this lightweight gel, especially for curly hair. It helps to control frizz, enhance curls and provide hold without leaving the hair feeling stiff or crunchy.
• Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Oil: A must have! It nourishes the scalp and hair without weighing it down, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave an oily residue.
• Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: This product is a must-have for adding hold and volume to hairstyles. It's perfect for creating texture and body, giving the hair a more polished and refined look.
• Aerogel Hairspray: This is my absolute go-to hairspray that I always have on hand. It's incredibly versatile, offering strong hold when needed, while still remaining brushable and allowing for natural movement.

These products have been essential in bringing the looks to life on set, helping to create versatile and long-lasting hairstyles that withstand the demands of filming.

BLP: What tips do you have for other stylists who may be interested in pursuing hair for film or television?

JC: Begin by gaining experience in the hairstyling industry, whether through salon work or freelancing. Developing a solid foundation in hairstyling techniques and skills is crucial. Network with industry professionals to expand your connections and learn about job opportunities. Seek out education specializing in hairstyling for film or television, or consider enrolling in specialized courses or workshops. Create a portfolio that showcases your work, including hairstyles you've created for film or television projects, editorial shoots and other relevant work. A strong portfolio will demonstrate your skills and attract potential clients. Be prepared for the demands of working in the film and television industry, including long hours, travel and last-minute changes, basically good old fashioned work ethic. Stay motivated, keep refining your craft and seize opportunities as they arise. With dedication and perseverance, you can pursue a successful career in hair for film or television.