Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson weren’t the only stars required to change up their appearance for The Hunger Games (in theaters March 23).
“We bleached 500 people’s eyebrows, and 75 background actress actually let us dye their hair those crazy colors,” head hairstylist Linda Flowers says in Us Weekly’s Hunger Games special (on newsstands now).
Flowers and her team of 45 stylists worked around the clock for a month to create the 450 wigs and pieces that define the upper-crust Capitol citizens. “It was like a factory: We had sewing machines, dyeing areas and shelves and shelves of hair,” Flowers explains. “It was a lot of work, but so much fun. The actors were up for anything!”
Perhaps the most over-the-top character is Effie Trinket, played by Elizabeth Banks, 38. “Effie is a little cooky, a little Marie Antoinette, a little Paris from the ’40s,” Banks tells Us. “It’s a big mishmash.”
In addition to her multiple wigs and bright makeup, Banks’ manicures took 45 minutes a day to apply — and she had different nails to match each of her six outfits.
“I loved all of it. I loved disappearing,” Banks says. “It was totally transformational as an actress.”
For much more on the movie, including 125 gorgeous photos and exclusive interviews, pick up Us Weekly‘s Hunger Games special — available on newsstands now. Order it today!