Emilia Clarke, celebrated for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has not only captivated audiences with her acting but also with her ever-evolving, jaw-dropping hairstyles. Behind these transformations is a master of the craft — her hairstylist, who plays a pivotal role in shaping her red-carpet presence, character looks, and overall style. But who is this creative force, and how do they bring such iconic looks to life?

Who is Emilia Clarke’s Hairstylist?

When it comes to celebrities, a great hairstylist is more than just someone who cuts and styles hair; they are a collaborator, an artist, and a visionary. Emilia Clarke’s hairstylist, who has been a constant companion on her journey to stardom, is no exception. The mastermind behind Clarke’s striking hairstyles is Jenny Cho, a sought-after stylist in the world of Hollywood who has worked with numerous stars but is perhaps best known for her collaborations with Clarke.

Jenny Cho’s reputation in the beauty industry precedes her. With a career that spans over two decades, Cho’s artistry has been showcased on red carpets, in fashion spreads, and through high-profile campaigns. Born and raised in South Korea, Cho moved to the United States in her teens, where she eventually trained at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy. From there, her career flourished as she became a key figure in the world of hairstyling.

After gaining traction as a stylist for A-list celebrities, Cho began working with Emilia Clarke in the mid-2010s. The collaboration between the two was an instant success, as Cho’s unique ability to blend Clarke’s natural beauty with bold, imaginative styles brought Clarke’s red-carpet and on-screen appearances to new heights.

The Creative Process: How Jenny Cho Crafts Styles for Emilia Clarke

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jenny Cho’s work is her creative process. Hairstyling, particularly for a high-profile actress like Emilia Clarke, is about more than simply following trends. Cho approaches each style with careful thought, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources while always keeping Clarke’s persona and the context in mind.

For Cho, every hairstyle is a form of storytelling. Whether she’s crafting a look for Clarke’s role on screen or styling her for an awards show, Cho ensures that the hairstyle speaks to the character, event, or mood. This involves an intimate understanding of Clarke’s hair texture, face shape, and personal style, allowing her to create bespoke styles that perfectly complement the actress’s image.

In interviews, Cho has explained that her process often begins with mood boards and reference photos. She draws inspiration from classic cinema, fashion photography, and even nature. Cho also spends time discussing ideas with Clarke to ensure that the actress feels confident and comfortable with the final look.

One example of this collaboration is the Game of Thrones premiere in 2019, where Cho styled Clarke’s platinum blonde hair in an intricate braid that paid homage to her character, Daenerys Targaryen, while still feeling fresh and modern for the red carpet. “It’s always a balance between honoring the past looks and bringing something new to the table,” Cho has said about her approach.

Inspiration Sources for Creating Iconic Looks

For Jenny Cho, inspiration comes from everywhere. Her creative eye is finely attuned to both the past and present of fashion and beauty, drawing heavily from the Golden Age of Hollywood, where stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly captivated audiences with their elegance and iconic hairstyles.

But Cho’s inspiration also stretches beyond the glamorous world of old Hollywood. She has spoken about how architecture, art, and even landscapes play a role in her creative process. This diverse range of influences allows her to infuse Emilia Clarke’s hairstyles with an almost cinematic quality, making them more than just fashionable — they become works of art that tell a story.

For instance, during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, Cho styled Clarke’s hair into a timeless, retro-inspired updo, which she later revealed was inspired by the architecture of the Palais des Festivals. By combining elements of classical beauty with a modern twist, Cho’s styling decisions frequently leave a lasting impression on fans and fashion critics alike.

Signature Hairstyles: Breaking Down Emilia Clarke’s Most Memorable Looks

Emilia Clarke’s hairstyle evolution has been nothing short of impressive, and many of her most memorable looks can be traced directly back to Jenny Cho’s creative vision. Whether she’s channeling a fierce warrior queen or a classic Hollywood starlet, Clarke’s hair has become a vital part of her identity both on and off-screen.

1. Daenerys Targaryen’s Braids

Perhaps the most iconic of all Emilia Clarke’s hairstyles is the long, flowing platinum blonde hair of her Game of Thrones character, Daenerys Targaryen. Cho wasn’t involved in the original styling for the show, but she helped Clarke translate that powerful look into her off-screen appearances. The elaborate braids that Daenerys sported became a symbol of her character’s strength and determination, and Cho often found ways to incorporate subtle nods to the character into Clarke’s red carpet looks.

2. 2018 Cannes Film Festival Updo

One of Clarke’s most memorable red carpet appearances came at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, where Cho styled her hair into a voluminous, retro-inspired updo. This hairstyle was both elegant and dramatic, perfectly complementing Clarke’s deep purple gown. The look was widely praised by fashion critics and became a signature moment in Clarke’s red carpet history.

3. 2019 Met Gala

For the 2019 Met Gala, Cho once again delivered an unforgettable look, this time drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinette for a towering, bejeweled updo. The theme of the event was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and Cho’s whimsical take on 18th-century French aristocracy was a show-stopper. The hairstyle was not only visually stunning but also a testament to Cho’s ability to adapt historical styles to modern-day fashion.

4. The Tousled Bob

Off-screen, Emilia Clarke is known for her playful, carefree attitude, and her hairstyles often reflect this. Cho has frequently styled Clarke’s hair in a tousled bob, a look that radiates effortless chicness while still being practical for everyday life. This versatile style has become one of Clarke’s signatures, and it showcases Cho’s ability to create looks that are both fashion-forward and approachable.

Styling Techniques: Achieving the Looks

Behind every stunning hairstyle is a meticulous process, and Jenny Cho is known for her expert use of products, tools, and techniques. Cho’s approach to hairstyling is grounded in the belief that healthy hair is the foundation of any great style. For this reason, she is meticulous about the products she uses, ensuring they are both high-quality and nourishing for the hair.

Products

Cho is a proponent of using lightweight, versatile products that enhance the hair’s natural texture rather than weighing it down. For example, she frequently uses texturizing sprays to add volume and movement, as well as lightweight serums to add shine without creating greasiness. Some of her go-to products include Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray and Leonor Greyl’s Eclat Naturel cream, both of which help create the glossy, voluminous looks that Clarke is known for.

Tools

When it comes to tools, Cho relies on a few essentials: a high-quality hairdryer for creating volume, a variety of curling irons for different types of waves, and a trusty flat iron for sleek, polished looks. She also emphasizes the importance of using heat protectants to shield the hair from damage, a tip that’s crucial for anyone looking to replicate Clarke’s looks at home.

Techniques

Jenny Cho’s styling techniques are as varied as the hairstyles she creates. For Clarke’s signature tousled bob, Cho uses a method called “French lacing,” where she gently backcombs sections of hair to create subtle volume before tousling it with her fingers for a natural finish. When creating updos, Cho is known for her precision and attention to detail, often using a combination of braiding, twisting, and pinning to craft intricate, long-lasting styles.

Expert Tips for Achieving Similar Looks at Home

While not everyone has access to a celebrity hairstylist, Jenny Cho believes that many of the looks she creates for Emilia Clarke can be replicated at home with the right tools and techniques. Her advice for achieving Clarke’s signature tousled waves is simple: start by applying a lightweight texturizing spray to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to create volume. After drying, use a curling iron to create loose waves, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural, undone look. Finish by gently tousling the hair with your fingers and applying a shine serum for a polished finish.

For those looking to recreate Clarke’s more intricate updos, Cho recommends starting with freshly washed hair and using a texturizing spray to give the hair grip. From there, experiment with braids and twists, using bobby pins to secure the hair in place. Patience and practice are key, but with time, anyone can master these red-carpet-worthy styles.

Impact on Pop Culture: How Emilia Clarke’s Hairstyles Influence Fashion and Beauty Trends

Emilia Clarke’s hairstyles, particularly those created by Jenny Cho, have had a significant impact on pop culture, influencing fashion and beauty trends around the world. The intricate braids of Daenerys Targaryen became a defining aspect of the character, sparking a widespread trend of braided hairstyles in both fashion editorials and everyday life. Clarke’s red-carpet looks, meanwhile, have consistently been praised for their timeless elegance and modern flair, cementing her status as a style icon.