Been studying Kim Novak’s hair in Vertigo again. Hitchcock seems to have been obsessed with using it as a character, these loving close ups make it so obvious. Many shots are composed around her hairstyles [all delicate wigs] and often, the actual lens focus is on her hair, not the faces. The swirl chignon isn’t there for mere decoration, built like a dizzying vortex leading into a dark hole. When Madeleine needs to seem upset, her hair tells part of the story. When she’s in top form seducing Scotty, not a single hair out of place, even on a windy hilltop. When she needs to inspire Scotty’s sympathy and protection, her hair is at its most vulnerable, exposed, sad wet tendrils, crying on her back. Her hair is a main character in the diabolical plot against poor, dazzled Scotty.

Not gone with the wind. Elnett-ed to infinity.

Sad, confused chignon.

Ready for its close up. One of many.

Another miracle of senses is inspired by the two different shots used when Scotty sees Madeleine for the first time. This scene was reshot after filming had been completed [Novak had looked in the camera by mistake] and bears signs of inevitable slips in continuity. Can you guess which is the latter version? It’s the one with the redder background.

Judy is a mere brunette, a lesser breed. She knows it. “I’m just a girl.”

As Judy, she disappears into the background. She has no light.

“I don’t care about me anymore.”

More can be said about Midge’s [sensible] hairstyle and about Carlotta Valdez’ [severe] hairstyle.
Anyway, meet Kim’s wig head, on which Max Factor created her Vertigo wigs.