Naga Munchetty’s dramatic Strictly-era hair transformation

The resurfacing of a Strictly Come Dancing-era photograph of BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has sparked fresh conversation about the power of hair to change a public persona. The image shows Munchetty in a noticeably different style to the sleeker, contemporary look viewers usually associate with her on the morning show. From retro volume to bold finishing touches, the snapshot is an instructive reminder of how styling, cut and colour choices can dramatically alter how a familiar face is perceived.

What the image reveals: a look back at a performance-era hairstyle

The photo captures the kind of heightened glamour often used for television performance and ballroom entertainment: greater volume at the crown, exaggerated waves and a finish designed to read well under studio lights and on camera. These techniques are not accidental — stylists working in entertainment routinely amplify texture, depth and shine so that a hairstyle survives high-intensity lighting and movement.

Why the style feels so different from her morning-presenter image

On live breakfast television, presenters tend to favour more natural, resilient styles that communicate approachability and withstand long studio shifts. Munchetty’s on-air hair is typically polished but practical: smooth blow-dries, controlled volume and subtle shaping that frame the face without drawing focus away from presenting. By contrast, a Strictly-style coiffure is deliberately theatrical — weightier products, stronger hold and a silhouette that supports the choreography and costumes.

How stylists create a performance-ready look

Professional stylists use a combination of techniques to achieve the kind of transformation seen in the image. Common elements include:

• Heat-styling with larger-barrel curling irons or hot rollers to build uniform waves and volume.
• Backcombing or root-lifting near the crown to create height and a camera-friendly shape.
• Texturising sprays and pomades to add definition to waves while maintaining movement.
• Strong-hold hairsprays and shine serums to ensure longevity and avoid frizz under stage lights.
• Strategic pinning to keep the silhouette intact during movement or dancing.

These steps are time-intensive and often supported by a professional team on set — which explains why the resulting look can seem so striking compared with everyday styles.

Practical takeaways for readers curious to recreate the look

If you’re intrigued by the transformation and want to adapt elements for everyday wear, consider these approachable steps:

• Prioritise a healthy base: a good cut and nourished hair will hold style better.
• Use a volumising mousse on damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush to lift the roots.
• Create loose curls with a 32mm curling wand, leaving the ends softer to avoid a dated ‘set’ look.
• Tease lightly at the crown for height, then smooth the top layer to keep it polished.
• Finish with a flexible-hold spray and a dab of shine serum on the mid-lengths and ends.

Context: why resurfaced images matter in modern beauty discourse

In an age of rapid image circulation, resurfaced photographs are a cultural prompt. They remind audiences that public figures experiment with looks — often for specific roles or performances — and that context matters when judging a change. For readers and viewers, these moments can be instructive: they spark curiosity about technique, present new aesthetic possibilities, and reinforce that transformation is often a collaborative, stylised process rather than a simple personal change.

Key Takeaways

• Performance hairstyles like those seen during Strictly are created to read on camera: bigger volume, stronger hold and pronounced waves.
• Naga Munchetty’s resurfaced photo highlights the contrast between theatrical styling and everyday presenter looks.
• Recreating the effect at home is possible with root-lifting, larger-barrel heat tools and light teasing — but moderation keeps the look contemporary.
• Healthy hair and the right preparation products help styles last and look polished rather than overworked.
• Resurfaced images offer useful lessons in haircraft and remind us that public personas often involve deliberate styling choices for specific contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I safely recreate a Strictly-style look at home without professional help?
A: Yes. Use volumising products, a larger-barrel curling iron or hot rollers, and a light tease at the crown. Practise technique and keep the finish soft with serum rather than heavy gel to avoid stiffness.

Q: Will teasing damage my hair?
A: Teasing can cause stress to the hair shaft if done aggressively or frequently. Minimise breakage by using a gentle teasing brush, backcomb small sections, and always detangle gently afterwards. Deep-conditioning treatments help restore moisture.

Q: What products are best for achieving camera-friendly shine?
A: Lightweight shine serums, silicone-free oils applied sparingly to mid-lengths and ends, and a flexible finishing spray that combats humidity will give shine without a greasy finish.

Q: Is this kind of style suitable for all face shapes?
A: The silhouette can be adapted. Higher crowns elongate the face, while softer waves around the jaw soften angles. A stylist can tweak volume and parting to suit individual proportions.

Q: How do stylists make sure a look survives live movement or dancing?
A: Professionals rely on layering — strong base products, strategic pinning, and long-hold sprays — and will often create an internal structure with pins that is hidden by the top layer of hair.

Q: Are resurfaced celebrity photos a reliable guide to trends?
A: They can be indicative, but context matters. Performance images often show exaggerated trends. Look for recurring elements across many images to identify a genuine, wearable trend.