Water, earth, fire, and air converge as fans are counting the days until the premiere of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” – the most anticipated live-action series coming out on Netflix. Following the Nickelodeon animated show, the new adaptation invites us to the world of elemental magic where power is the most valuable asset. Only the Avatar, the master of all four elements, can restore the balance and bring peace to the lands.
The World of the Avatar is a home of four kingdoms that have different customs, traditions, and lifestyles. Their costumes and hairstyles are parts of their national identity and mythology artfully woven into the main storyline. While most details are kept secret, the latest behind-the-scenes clip reveals traditional hairstyles we’re about to see in the show. Luckily, the creative team sticks to the original saga, reintroducing some of the most iconic looks.
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The water nation girlies like Katara prefer their long locks braided in effortless hairstyles. Living in the far north where frosty air and harsh winds may damage the hair, braids prevent split ends and dryness. As a young waterbender, Katara practices her magic often, so she chooses something quick and easy to keep her hair from getting wet all the time.
She also braids her tendrils in two loops decorated with small beads that frame her face perfectly and reveal her cultural heritage. Katara’s Gran Gran wears the same loopies that remind of the Inuit hairstyle. As a Tumbler fan page suggests, hair loopies are uniquely Canadian Inuit, known as qilliqti in Inuktitut. The resemblance between the animated character and the live-action one is incredible!
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A top knot is a signature hairstyle among the Fire Nation citizens. Small or large – these half buns are both a prominent fashion statement and social status indicator. The Fire Nation hairstyles are largely inspired by Medieval hairstyles typical for Northeast Asia. Back then, top knots were the quintessential Chinese styles popular among the lower members of society and the Emperor himself.
In the Fire Nation, commoners traditionally wear simple top knots tied with leather strips or red threads to show their connection with the homeland. The nobles like Princess Azula prefer more refined top knots. The hair artists recreate her iconic top-knot decorated with a flame-shaped hairpin – the royal regalia. The face-framing tendrils create an aura of mystery around this character. Being a daughter of the usurper, her look screams power and authority.
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The dwellers of the Earth Kingdom follow their own fashion in clothing and hairstyle. Their green and brown costumes resemble their connection to the earth. Some women wear their hair down, while others prefer elaborate updos adorned with flowers and other hair accessories. The earthbenders and legendary Kyoshi Warriors, however, opt for short locks and wear their hair up for convenience.
Suki, the leader of the Kyoshi female warriors, is easily recognized by her blunt bob cut with a metallic headband. Unlike the animated character, the live-action one has soft waves and a more detailed headpiece with symbols of power and loyalty to her kingdom. Suki definitely has a major glow-up in the upcoming show, and we can’t wait to finally see it!
If you’re waiting for “Avatar: The Last Airbender” as much as we do, our hairstyle overview will refresh your knowledge about the universe and even deepen your appreciation of the show. See you at the premiere!
Featured images via @avatarnetflix
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