Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked wig maker reveals she was given just three days to create the design

A London hairdresser has revealed how a Hollywood request left her shaking in her boots – after she was given just three days to create a wig for Cynthia Erivo’s character in Wicked.  

The plot of Wicked follows the friendship between Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman with green skin played by Erivo, and Glinda, a popular rich girl played by Ariana Grande.

Maria-Josee Mampuya Yonda, who’s originally from the Democratic Republic (DRC) of Congo but runs a salon in North London, welcomed the golden yet ‘scary’ chance to create a braided wig for Elphaba’s character after Cynthia’s team decided her initial hairpiece was too thick, reported the BBC.

Maria, who came to Britain as a refugee without a ‘word of English’ worked tirelessly for ‘three days and three nights’ to create the custom wig from her very own hair salon, Josee’s Professional Braiding Studio, in Seven Sisters.

Though Maria’s skillful hands boast 30 years in the business and a recent feature in Vogue, she insists the entire project was a frightful one.

Opening up to the BBC, she said: ‘I wouldn’t lie, I was trembling. I was scared, I was worried. [I thought] it wasn’t up to my strength but I said I can do it.

‘I got the call and I told my daughters “oh by the way we have to do a wig that’s going to be used for a film and the actress is called Cynthia”‘.

Maria’s dedication to the mission proved successful, as the stunning wig made the final cut and has been seen live in action adorning Elphaba’s head by Wicked fans across the world. 

Called a micro knotless braided wig, it gives the illusion of real micro knotless braids – a style utilising one’s own hair, in which tiny hair extensions are rhythmically fed into the the braid until a desired length is reached.

The outcome is a natural-looking hairstyle, essentially one less bulky than typical braids as each plait starts with your own hair rather than an extension.

It is also loved for its durability as the style can last for months at a time, and in Cynthia’s case, it was perhaps an efficient way for the British actress to step into character without compromising her famous shaved style.

Completing a wig version of micro knotless braids in a short amount of time is no easy feat, and is testament to Maria’s prowess – despite at one time feeling like she didn’t measure up to her competitors.

‘The other hairdressers used to kind of criticise me and look down on me’ she told the publication while making an animated thumbs down gesture.

The interview took place at the ‘home of luxury braids’, Maria’s professional hair salon in Seven Sisters, where even for the cameras she refused to take a break, and insisted on attending to her clients’ hair.

The same attention to detail is applied to her own appearance; Maria sported a crisp navy blue oversized shirt and matching jeans, along with black block-heeled leather boots.

Her black and honey brown hair was sleek, divided by a side part was tied backward in a voluminous bun.

She stood proudly in the unassuming, yet spacious salon while several members of staff – including her daughters – diligently braided their customers’ hair. 

The clients – predominantly black – appeared at ease as they sat in comfy black leather chairs and monitored the progress of the braiders’ work in lengthy mirrors pinned to the wall.

The specialist salon contained grey marble tiles and multicoloured floral art on its walls. 

Maria’s interest in hair stems from childhood; a hobby she picked up decades ago and has always ‘loved’. 

‘I came here as a refugee from DRC Congo with no word of English so I learned English and then because braiding is like Senegal, Ivory Coast – all the French countries. It’s our hobby. When we were young we really loved doing braids’ she said.

Her passion was the perfect antidote for Wicked’s hairdressing team who revealed they’d hit a massive stumbling block.

According to the BBC, the film’s hairdresser said the wig that Cynthia Erivo intended to wear contained braids that were ‘too thick’ and selected Maria’s salon to create a thinner replacement in just three days.

Finally able to let the cat out of the bag, Maria took to her own Instagram page to detail the experience.

In a carousel post revealing Cynthia donning the wig, along with images and video of the hairpiece itself, she wrote:  ‘The secret’s out!’

She continued: ‘Keeping this under wraps for so long has definitely been a challenge but we can finally reveal that @cynthiaerivo hair was done by none other than @joseesprobraidingstudio

‘When we say this micro knotless braided wig took us three days and three nights to complete! It was no joke. Let’s just say our fingers were hanging on for dear life by the end of it’.

She also thanked Sim, the movie’s hair designer, and Universal Pictures UK for the ‘wonderful opportunity’ and said she were grateful to have her work on the big screen. 

While Wicked is still breaking box office records in theaters, the hit musical is now available on digital formats, which includes a number of deleted scenes. 

Wicked has taken in $432.9 million at the domestic box office and $643 million worldwide, making it the largest-grossing Broadway adaptation of all time. 

One of the deleted scenes has since surfaced online (via @GlindasUpland) – entitled Elphaba’s Promise – featuring Glinda (Ariana Grande) amd Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo).

The scene finds Glinda asking about a prior scene where Elphaba asked Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) to free the lion cub from their class.

Glinda insisted she would have helped her if she needed it, as Elphaba turned to her and apologized, adding, ‘It was a mistake. I’ll never leave you behind again.’

Now fans are up in arms over the scene being omitted from the theatrical release, claiming it would have strengthened Glinda and Elphaba’s bond even further.

@TheKalenAllen said, ‘Wow! I wish this would’ve stayed in. It would’ve made the following moments even more powerful. Especially, when she tells her to come with her.’

Another user dubbed @nyxeli21 added, ‘This is like so crucial why did they delete???’

One fan (@yonoexiste) speculated, ‘they deleted this because they knew it was too gay and nobody would have cared (nobody does) about the love triangle they want to push.’

@mslinneag said, ‘This literally makes 0 sense as to why they deleted this?!?! It adds so much depth to their friendship.’

@ItsBankhead_ joked, ‘“I won’t leave you behind again” and then Glinda leaves her.’

Another user dubbed @kehvvin insisted ‘NOTHING should’ve been left out,’ while @kinyaNGitonga wondered, ‘Why delete.’

@ItsBankhead_ joked, ‘“I won’t leave you behind again” and then Glinda leaves her.’ 

‘This would’ve added so much to the story,’ added @24jeegol, while @itshayleydavies said, ‘Oh woooow.’

@daktabryce praised Elphaba’s line, ‘maybe it’s harder for you to make magic because things have been kinda easy for you. so you don’t need it,’ adding, ‘what an amazing line…’

@honeymoonant said ‘this scene is necessary. it makes more sense why she invites glinda to come to the emerald city with her. it gives elphaba a motive.’

@alxjandrasofia added, ‘THIS MADE ME SOBBBBBB. Glinda being so vulnerable and being genuinely hurt that she didn’t get considered to be a “friend” or “help” aghhh my heart.’

@FactVomit said, ‘How did they even left out this.??’ while @dickkoriandr insisted, ‘this really shouldve stayed in.’