She’s used to going incognito in her role as M15 Head Dog Emma Flyte, but Slow Horses actress Ruth Bradley has just pulled off a real-life image swap worthy of any secret agent.
Ruth, 39, looked remarkably different from her on-screen character, who is known for her frosty demeanour and icy-blonde hair tugged back as tightly as her expression. In a transformation that might even fool Diana Taverner for a second, Ruth has swapped her blonde, slicked-back hair for a rich, smokey brunette shade worn in flowing waves.
Sharing the gorgeous look on her Instagram, Ruth captioned her photo: ‘New hair who dis’ – and her fans clearly agreed. ‘Had to do a double-take, thought it Natalie Portman’ wrote one follower (and we can definitely see it).
The colour makeover is the work of celebrity hairstylist Chad Maxwell, and it's being much admired by fellow hair professionals. ‘Ruth’s brunette transformation is such a beautiful change, and it’s amazing how different she looks with this richer, deeper shade,’ says Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and Key Opinion Leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde.
Ruth in her familiar on-screen guise as Emma Flyte
‘The colour has a lovely glossy finish, with subtle lighter ribbons running through the lengths that stop it from looking too solid or flat,’ he adds. ‘The depth frames Ruth’s eyes and creates a beautiful contrast against her complexion, while the warmer tones stop the colour from feeling too harsh. That balance is key when going darker: you want enough depth to make an impact, but also enough warmth and variation to keep the result soft and luminous.’
Ruth has been gradually switching over to the dark side this month
The styling adds to the flattering overall impact, he says. ‘There’s a real softness to the overall look, and the loose, undone waves give the colour plenty of movement. It’s a great example of how a change in hair colour can completely refresh someone’s image without needing a dramatic cut.’
In fact, it’s a switch-up worthy of her on-screen alias, he says. ‘It’s almost a secret identity moment; the colour changes the impression she gives off while still looking completely believable.’ Far too skilful for the notorious losers over at Slough House, then.
Blonde Ruth with her Slow Horses co-stars
How can I get this look myself?
Feeling in the mood for an MI5-level makeover? This is your (not so secret) brief.
‘If you want to recreate Ruth’s colour, ask your stylist for a rich chocolate brunette with subtle caramel or warm mocha ribbons through the mid-lengths and ends,’ Jason says. ‘The aim is to create depth at the roots and through the base, with just enough lighter dimension to catch the light when the hair moves.’
We have a migraine just looking at Flyte’s tight bun
If you’re transitioning from blonde like Ruth, it’s important to have a proper colour consultation first, he advises. ‘Lighter hair may need some warmth added back into it before going brunette to help the colour look rich and even, rather than muddy or hollow.’
Using colour-enhancing products will also you complete the mission in style. ‘I’d also recommend a glossing treatment to enhance shine and help the finished colour look really polished, such as Jerome Russell Color Bomb Caramel, which adds gorgeous warm caramel tones to brunette hair,' he says.
'Style it with loose, soft waves to show off the different tones; that movement is what makes a dimensional brunette look so luxurious.’
Far too beautiful to be tugged back tight, a la Flyte!