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The events that unfolded onscreen were disturbing; I was immediately hooked.

Mariska Hargitay hair collage

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Hargitays current shoulder-length waves have become her signature onscreen and off, but her hair evolution has been dramatic.

I had short hair for a while, and then I hated having to grow it out.

We didn’t have the styling right, and I made some mistakes with the color too.

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson SVU season three

Hargitay as Benson during season three with the cut she called “incredibly stressful.”

Now I know immediately what works and what doesnt, but it took me some time to get there.

Hargitay as Benson during season three with the cut she called incredibly stressful.

I think he made a mistake and then had to go shorter than he intended.

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson SVU season 10

By season 10, Hargitay had settled into a bob complete with caramel highlights.

But my hair was justsoshort, there was no going back.

I called my producers crying, she says.

They thought I just went rogue and did it myself.

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson SVU season 17

Hargitay opted for a sleek center part during this season 17 episode.

It was one of those haircuts that was incredibly stressful.

And then, on top of that, I had some bad years growing it out.

(Hargitay is perhaps referring to her season five pixie-mullet.)

Mariska Hargitay at 2022 People’s Choice Awards

Hargitay says the extensions she wore at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards inspired her to grow out her hair.

I think part of Bensons hair journey has been her growing into herself, says Hargitay.

By season 10, Hargitay had settled into a bob complete with caramel highlights.

She’s getting a kid out the door and going to work.

Chris McMillan and Mariska Hargitay

Hargitay and her mane man McMillan go back more than 20 years, she says.

It should feel easy, so a couple of bends in the morning, and we’re done.

Hargitay appreciates the fact that Hurd stays true to who Benson is as a person.

Cassi is so thoughtful about where my character’s been and what she’s doing, she says.

Dyson Airwrap Multistyler Complete Long on white background

Hargitay opted for a sleek center part during this season 17 episode.

A great onscreen look can also become an off-camera go-to.

It’s fresh and efficient.

Roz Santa Lucia Styling Oil on white background

Hargitay often works with Hurd when shes attending New York City events, such as last yearsCFDA Awards.

Her look at that event turned out to be an all-time favorite.

I was like, Why have I never looked better, and you did it in five minutes?"

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In addition to Hurd, Hargitay frequently taps hairstylistsMara RoszakandMia Santiago.

Looking back at her hairstyles over the years is, just, wow.

And then, of course, theresChris McMillan.

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The celebrity hairstylist has worked with Hargitayfor over two decades.

Hes responsible for many of her standout moments, including eight Emmys red carpets and Hargitays 2004 wedding-day look.

I like to let Chris just do his thing, Hargitay says.

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He’s done some truly killer looks.

One of those was for the2022 Peoples Choice Awards, where the pair decided to experiment with length.

My fans are so hardcore that they evenmade a shirtabout my hair evolution.

A white and black spray bottle of the LolaVie Glossing Detangler on a white background

It says Benson’s Hair on it, and its so funny.That’swhen you know your hair’s a thing.

Hargitay and her mane man McMillan go back more than 20 years, she says.

To keep overall softness and movement, Hargitay tries not to overdo it with products.

How my hair feels is almost as important to me as how it looks, she says.

Still, she has her go-tos.

I love LolaVie when Im on vacation, says Hargitay.

Jennifers whole situation there is great, especially when I dont have a blow-dryer.

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