**Disney’s *Snow White* Provokes Debate Over Princess’s Hairstyle**
Disney’s newest live-action version, *Snow White*, offers a contemporary interpretation of the cherished 1937 animated film. While reviewers have lauded Rachel Zegler’s captivating depiction of the legendary princess, certain facets of the movie have generated mixed responses. Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen has been described as lacking, and the CGI-created seven dwarfs have faced considerable backlash. Nevertheless, one subtle yet impactful alteration has ignited discussion—the manner in which *Snow White* portrays the princess’s iconic hairstyle.
### A Disheartening Take on Snow White’s Signature Style
Before Disney princesses became synonymous with luxurious, flowing hair—such as Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Elsa, and Moana—Snow White’s distinctive short black bob was a charming and singular trait. In *Disney’s Snow White*, lead hair and makeup artist Niall Monteith-Mann meticulously recreates this timeless appearance, ensuring it complements both Rachel Zegler and Emilia Faucher, who portrays the younger princess. Although the bob itself is delightful, the film introduces an unnecessary and problematic narrative surrounding Snow White’s short hair.
### Short Hair as a Form of Punishment
In the initial scenes of the film, young Snow White (portrayed by Faucher) is shown with long, flowing black locks while relishing a blissful existence with her parents. Unfortunately, tragedy soon befalls her with the death of her mother, paving the way for the emergence of the Evil Queen (Gadot). As Snow White’s world darkens, she is stripped of her royal position, condemned to servitude, and—most significantly—subjected to a drastic haircut.
In a tense moment, the queen or her minions wield a large pair of scissors, severing Snow White’s long hair and transforming it into the now-iconic bob. The young princess appears visibly distressed, emphasizing that this haircut is a form of punishment rather than merely a style choice. This implication is concerning, as it suggests that short hair is unattractive, unfeminine, or indicative of disgrace.
### The Problematic Implications of the Haircut
The notion of haircuts as a means of control or punishment isn’t new. In reality, some parents have imposed forced haircuts to discipline or shame their children, often showcasing the results on social media as a form of public humiliation. In *Snow White*, the Evil Queen’s action in cutting the princess’s hair appears to be an effort to undermine her beauty and self-esteem.
This representation conveys a troubling message, especially to younger viewers. By portraying short hair as a repercussion of wrongdoing or subjugation, the movie inadvertently upholds outdated beauty norms that link femininity with long hair. Girls with short hair merit better representation—one that doesn’t imply their hairstyle is a source of shame.
### A *Tangled*-Like Blunder
This isn’t the first instance where Disney has utilized a significant haircut as a central plot device. In *Tangled*, Rapunzel’s magical golden hair is cut in a climactic scene, resulting in a shorter, brown style. Although the pixie cut was trendy in a ’90s Winona Ryder sort of way, it was seldom featured in merchandise or promotional content. Instead, Disney persisted in marketing Rapunzel with her long hair, subtly reinforcing the notion that long hair is more desirable.
Similarly, in *Snow White*, the princess’s short hair doesn’t prevent her attraction to the charming bandit Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), yet the film still implies that long hair remains the ideal for a princess. Although no characters explicitly comment on Snow White’s haircut, the manner in which it was introduced as a punishment raises unnecessary queries. Does she continue to face enforced haircuts throughout her life? Or does she ultimately accept the style despite its traumatic beginnings?
### A Missed Chance for a Positive Message
The original *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs* never provided an explanation for the princess’s short hair—it was simply a facet of her character design. By incorporating a backstory that positions the haircut as a punishment, the live-action remake undermines its own moral regarding inner beauty and self-worth. Rather than allowing Snow White’s bob to be an organic part of her identity, the film transforms it into a representation of oppression.
Disney has long championed the belief that authentic beauty derives from kindness, courage, and a good heart. Nevertheless, by reinforcing the idea that long hair represents the paramount standard of beauty, *Snow White* contradicts this principle. Young viewers ought to see princesses who celebrate diverse appearances without their hairstyles being linked to punishment or loss.
### *Disney’s Snow White* is currently showing in theaters.