Lili Reinhart stars in “The Love Hypothesis,” a film adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s popular novel. Her character, Olive Smith, is a Ph.D. student in STEM. The hair department head, Frédéric Bélanger, designed her look to reflect that role.
Bélanger aimed for a natural appearance that suited a busy academic. The goal was to show a character who prioritizes her research over styling. The result is a low-maintenance but intentional aesthetic.
Reinhart’s hair color was a key part of the transformation. Bélanger chose a warmer, darker blonde tone to ground the character. This shade contrasted with the actor’s usual lighter, brighter blonde.
The texture also played a major role in the storytelling. Bélanger used subtle waves and a lived-in look. This suggested a practical routine rather than a polished, salon-fresh style.
Bélanger described the process as a balance between art and science. He analyzed the script and the novel to build the character’s visual identity. Every choice, from shade to cut, served the narrative.
The team also considered a cameo from the fanfiction-inspired source material. A specific scene almost featured a meta nod to the book’s origins. However, the idea was ultimately cut from the final film.
Reinhart’s transformation shows how hair design supports character development. The look helps the audience believe her as a dedicated student. It proves that subtle choices can have a major impact on screen.
