Dana Scully, portrayed by Gillian Anderson in The X-Files, is a character whose sharp intellect and no-nonsense attitude have made her a beloved figure in television history. Beyond her professional attire, it’s her understated yet defining hair and makeup that play a significant role in her iconic look. Her signature red bob and natural, minimal makeup perfectly reflect her grounded and pragmatic personality. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to recreate Dana Scully’s hair and Dana Scully’s makeup, helping you achieve her timeless, recognizable appearance for any occasion.
Check out our complete guide to making your own Dana Scully costume and copying her style along with our Fox Mulder costume guide.
How to Do Dana Scully’s Hair and Makeup
How to Style Dana Scully’s Hair
The Classic Red Bob
Dana Scully’s signature red bob from The X-Files is as recognizable as her sharp intellect and unwavering resolve. This iconic hairstyle is defined by its blunt cut that falls just around shoulder length, with minimal layers to keep the look clean and polished. The simplicity of the cut reflects her no-nonsense approach to life, and her fiery red hair adds a distinct and bold touch to her character. Achieving Dana Scully’s red hair is essential to fully capturing her appearance, whether through a wig or dyeing your own hair. This classic bob, with its structured yet natural feel, remains a key element of her timeless style.
Using a Wig for Dana Scully’s Hair
If you don’t have short hair but still want to replicate Dana Scully’s red hair, using a wig is a simple and effective solution. Look for wigs that are labeled as “auburn” or “copper red,” as these shades closely match her classic hair color. When selecting a wig, make sure it has a blunt cut that falls around shoulder length to reflect her clean, professional look.
Once you have the right wig, you can make slight adjustments to achieve perfection. Trim the length if necessary to match Scully’s precise style, and use a curling iron or straightener to create the smooth, sleek finish she’s known for. For a better fit, don’t forget to use a wig cap to keep your hair in place, ensuring a neat, polished appearance.
Styling Your Own Hair
If you prefer to style your natural hair to match Dana Scully, here are some tips to achieve her iconic look. First, start by getting a blunt cut that falls just above the shoulders, either at a salon or by trimming it at home. This structured cut is key to matching her classic bob.
To style your hair, use a straightener or blow dryer to smooth the hair and add volume at the roots. This creates the sleek, professional finish Dana is known for. If you don’t already have red hair, consider using temporary hair dye or a spray to match her distinctive color. Brands like L’Oréal or Clairol offer temporary red hair dye options that allow you to experiment without making a permanent change.
Haircare for a Dana Scully Look
To maintain the sleek, polished look of Dana Scully’s red hair, use key haircare products like heat protectants before styling and a light hairspray for hold. This ensures your hair stays smooth and in place throughout the day.
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How to Recreate Dana Scully’s Makeup
The Natural Makeup Look
Dana Scully’s makeup is all about minimalism and professionalism, reflecting her no-nonsense attitude. Her makeup is typically subtle, creating a polished but natural look that is perfect for both everyday wear and cosplay. To achieve this look, you’ll need a few key products: foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and a neutral lipstick. Scully’s makeup is understated, enhancing her features without being overly dramatic. The simplicity of this makeup style not only makes it practical but also captures the essence of her character. Whether you’re dressing up for an X-Files event or simply want a refined look, this makeup approach works for various settings.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Dana Scully’s Makeup
Step 1: Flawless Skin with Foundation
Start by applying a light to medium coverage foundation that matches your skin tone. The goal is to create a natural finish, not heavy or cakey. A matte foundation is ideal for achieving that polished, professional appearance. Focus on blending the foundation evenly over your face to create a smooth base. If you have any blemishes or dark circles, use a concealer to provide extra coverage, especially under the eyes. This will give you the flawless skin that’s key to Dana Scully’s makeup look.
Step 2: Subtle Eye Makeup
Dana Scully’s eye makeup is simple yet effective in enhancing her eyes. Start by applying a light taupe or brown eyeshadow to your eyelids, keeping the color soft and understated. Next, use a brown eyeliner to draw a thin line along your top lash line. Smudge the liner slightly to soften the look, keeping it natural rather than sharp or bold. Finish off with a coat of black or brown mascara, focusing on lengthening and defining the lashes without making them too dramatic. The goal is to subtly enhance the eyes while maintaining a professional look.
Step 3: Defined Brows
Dana Scully’s eyebrows are always neatly defined but never overdone. To achieve this, use a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural brow color. Lightly fill in any sparse areas, focusing on maintaining a natural shape. The idea is to create subtle definition without making the brows look too harsh or overly styled.
Step 4: Soft Blush and Contour
Add a touch of soft color to your cheeks with a blush in a peach or rose shade. This will give your face a healthy, natural glow. For light contouring, use a bronzer to define your cheekbones, but keep the application subtle. Dana Scully’s look is never about bold makeup, so the blush and contour should enhance your features gently.
Step 5: Neutral Lip Color
For the final touch, apply a neutral pink or peach lipstick or gloss to your lips. The color should be soft and natural, avoiding bold or dark shades. This keeps the overall look in line with Dana Scully’s minimalist makeup style, completing the polished and professional aesthetic she’s known for.
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Tips for a Long-Lasting Look
To keep your Dana Scully hair and Dana Scully makeup looking fresh all day, there are a few essential steps to follow. Use a setting spray after applying makeup to lock everything in place, ensuring long-lasting wear without the need for touch-ups. For those styling their own hair, applying heat-resistant products will help maintain volume and prevent frizz, especially if you’re using heated styling tools. These steps will keep your look polished for any event.
Where to Find Products for Dana Scully’s Hair and Makeup
You can find wigs, hair dye, and makeup products at various stores like Target, Ulta, or even Amazon for budget-friendly options. For higher-end choices, check out Sephora or specialty costume shops for wigs and professional makeup brands.
Conclusion
Styling Dana Scully’s hair and makeup is all about achieving a clean, professional look that’s true to her character. With the right products and steps, you can easily transform yourself into this iconic X-Files agent. Whether you’re preparing for cosplay, Halloween, or themed events, follow this guide to perfect your Dana Scully makeup and hair for a convincing and lasting transformation.
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