Elsa stands out from her female royalty peers by wearing her hair loose, which helps distinguish her and sets her apart. She feels comfortable enough to relax her style now that she belongs outside Arendelle, where she can safely experiment with her powers without endangering anyone. This new look reflects her wilder, earth-mother self.
Elsa’s Signature Braid
As the Ice Queen, Elsa’s signature braid has long symbolized power and beauty. It is a double French braid encircling her head like a crown, creating a stunning look suitable for special events and daily wear. However, in Frozen II, Elsa is depicted leaving her castle with her hair down, marking a departure from her coronation look. This change signifies that she feels closer to nature than ever before and seeks an intimate connection with it.
The Impact on Elsa
By wearing her signature braid loosely, Elsa is rediscovering herself and embracing her desired queen-like qualities. She no longer hides behind a facade of cold detachment and suppressed emotions to carry out her duties. Instead, she has accepted herself as she truly is and can embrace all aspects of her unique personality traits. However, her relationship with Anna is complex, filled with envy and ambivalence, as seen through emotional distancing and accidental attacks that leave her heartbroken.
The Impact on Arendelle
Frozen is a complex tale about one woman’s journey toward accepting her power. Elsa’s fear that the world will use her powers against her, combined with her abandonment by both parents, has caused her to retreat into seclusion. She has closed off the palace gates and isolated herself from the residents of Arendelle. However, when she finally ties her hair into a ponytail after “Let It Go,” it symbolizes that she no longer fears being a monarch. Her new look serves as a reminder that she has claimed her identity as the bridge between magical realms and everyday lives.
The Impact on Northuldra
Elsa sings “Show Yourself” while enveloped by nature, standing on the beach and facing crashing waves. She is alone yet determined to fight nature with all her strength, in her proper form, free from social expectations. Elsa encounters and tames various magical creatures throughout the film, unifying the mystical and human worlds. Her journey gives her newfound purposeful strength as she becomes the fifth spirit to link them both. It’s not just Elsa’s hairstyle that changes in Northuldra; the village children often wear braids, contrasting with Anna and the royal family’s hair styling choices.
