Actor Ha Ji-won has undergone a striking physical transformation for her latest film project, surprising fans and her family alike.
Appearing as a guest on MBC FM4U's radio show Music Party at Noon, Ha discussed her decision to join the cast of the upcoming film Portrait of a Family. Host Kim Shin-young asked whether she hesitated after receiving the synopsis, noting that the character lives a lifestyle vastly different from Ha's real-life experiences.
"This time, I wanted to try a more human role that feels grounded in everyday life," Ha explained, adding that she accepted the role immediately.
In Portrait of a Family, Ha portrays a former top star who falls from grace and struggles to make ends meet as a working entertainer. To authentically capture the character's downfall, she drastically altered her look, shaving her eyebrows and bleaching her hair until it suffered noticeable damage. "Even I found my new face unfamiliar," Ha admitted. "When I showed my mother, she was completely shocked."
Protecting Hair and Scalp During Bleaching
While dramatic physical changes are common in acting, severe bleaching takes a heavy toll on hair and scalp health. The process strips color by applying strongly acidic chemical solutions combined with diluted hydrogen peroxide. These harsh compounds disrupt the hair's natural moisture balance while oxidizing and breaking down structural proteins like keratin and melanin, leaving strands brittle and damaged.
Achieving extreme lighter shades often requires multiple bleaching sessions. Repeated processing can cause hair shafts to weaken, fracture, or even melt, while exposing the scalp to chemical irritation, weeping sores, and severe itching. To minimize these side effects, experts advise having bleaching performed by a trained professional and limiting major chemical treatments—including perms and dyes—to no more than twice a month. If a burning sensation occurs during the procedure, clients should immediately inform the stylist and thoroughly rinse the scalp with running water.
Essential Care After Chemical Processing
Proper post-bleach maintenance is crucial for recovery. Using conditioner during every wash prevents tangling and stiffness, reducing mechanical damage, while applying deep conditioning treatments or hair masks two to three times a week delivers essential nutrients.
Protecting hair from environmental stressors is equally important. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exacerbates chemical damage, making it beneficial to wear a hat, use a parasol, or apply UV-protectant hair spray before going outdoors. Finally, hair should never be combed while wet; wet hair strands are stretched and fragile, making them exceptionally vulnerable to severe breakage.
