Ridley’s half-up, half-down hairstyle is reminiscent of Qui-Gon Jinn’s style. Ridley wears her hair like that to redress the look of her ancestors, and this hairstyle is easy to imitate. The bobby pins secure the loose front part of the hair, which is twisted backwards. The rest of the hair is pinned and wrapped around an elastic hair band to disguise the band. Alternatively, loose strands can frame the face.
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Ridley’s hairstyle is similar to Qui-Gon Jinn’s
The hairstyle of actor Ridley Scott reminds us of Qui-Gon Jinn’s in the first Star Wars film, The Phantom Menace. This character is one of the most popular in the series, although he only appeared in one movie. He was introduced to the public as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s master in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and was praised for his wisdom and willingness to go against the book.
In “The Force Awakens,” Ridley’s hairstyle remains tied up. Fans have been copying this style ever since it was unveiled in December 2015, but we can’t say the same thing about Finn and Poe’s appearance. Finn’s jacket, however, is still the one Poe told him to keep. Force Friday, the fan event where fans can buy Star Wars merchandise and meet the cast, will return in 2016.
It’s half-up, half-down
After a decade of wearing her hair in the traditional triple-bun, Rey has switched it up. In July, Daisy Ridley posted a video of herself working out, wearing a pillowcase to protect her hairstyle. In her caption, Ridley wrote, “My pillowcase is for the hairstyle of Rey.” She added the hashtags #topemployee and #secrecyqueen to signify the changes.
In the second act, Rey has her hair in buns, which represents her past. After learning to face the dark side, she decides to take her new hairstyle. While her parents may not care about her new look, the dark side says that they don’t. This is the reason why Rey’s hairstyle is half-up, half-down.
The braid on the top of Rey’s hair in Star Wars has deep meaning for the Jedi Order. Jedi in training wear a tight braid that hangs over one shoulder. Their braid is a symbol of dedication as they must renounce romantic relationships and cut ties with their family members in order to train. While the braid is symbolic, it is also practical. Rey’s hair must be kept out of her face during the training process, so the braid is a practical necessity.
It’s hiding no Padawan braid
If you’re a fan of the Star Wars series, then you’ve probably noticed the famous padawan braid worn by the Jedi Knights and Apprentices. While it might not be very practical for you, this braid is a symbol of rank and pride. Jedi have traditionally disqualified those who don’t wear hair, but there are a number of Force-sensitive species that would have made their own braids if they had the choice.
The term “Padawan” indicates a Jedi-in-training, but Luke never wore one. Even though Jedi had almost become extinct, he trained to become a Jedi and refused to train Rey, who was Force-sensitive. This is the reason why the braid is so important in Star Wars. And yet, the braid has other meanings beyond the lore behind the Star Wars franchise.
It’s a nod to her ancestry
In Star Wars: Episode VII, the female character Rey is forced to discover her own identity when she is awakened from her shell. This revelation makes her realize that her parents were not legendary figures like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. The reveal that she is the granddaughter of a Dark Lord of the Sith came as a shock to many fans. While some thought she was a scion of the Skywalker family, others thought she was the child of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.
Despite her apparent lack of Jedi training, the movie does give her some insight into the past of her ancestry. The novelization notes that her grandfather had kept his sword, called a lightsaber, until Ben grew worthy of using it. The Jedi were highly trained and extra-balanced, and they would gang up on the Emperor if they knew he was capable.