‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

After battling a chronic intestinal disease that led to a shocking weight loss and then surgery, actress Amy Brenneman has bounced back and is showing off a pixie-inspired hairdo that is equal parts inspiration and necessity. “My hair was looking so weird, and it was growing back out in such bizarre different lengths,” the Private Practice star told PEOPLE while attending the Healthy Child Healthy World Gala in Los Angeles, “so it was either this style, or I become an Orthodox Jewish woman and wear a scarf on my head!” While her new look isn’t as drastic as a change in faith, it’s definitely one that required a leap of faith, which the 46-year-old actress took with an eye on a certain Big Love actress. “That Ginnifer Goodwin, she really inspired me!,” she said. “She is so cute with that short, short hair.” Though it’s still relatively new for her, Brenneman feels as if she’s mastered the most important rule of being a woman with short hair. “The one thing you have to remember,” she said, laughing, “is that you have to wear lipstick so that you don’t look like a seventh-grade boy.” Despite the potential pitfall of being mistaken for Justin Bieber, Brenneman admits that the short cut has had a positive effect on her self esteem, an aspect of her personality that took a serious blow while she battled Ulcerative Colitis. “It actually makes me feel more feminine somehow,” she said, “and even more young. I’m digging it!”

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

(and I am a fan of short hair)

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

Sorry she was sick buy man that is a baaad haircut.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

oh I hate it

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

She clearly said that she didn't have a choice in this unless she wanted a wig or a headscarf. I'm not really sure how productive it is to gawk at her.

I know a few people who are sick and whose hair has been affected, and I can't imagine saying (even in my own head) that those who chose headscarves or a short do rather than a wig made a bad choice.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

No! I don't like it!

Message edited 10/16/2010 4:47:48 PM.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

Posted by seaside

She clearly said that she didn't have a choice in this unless she wanted a wig or a headscarf. I'm not really sure how productive it is to gawk at her.

I know a few people who are sick and whose hair has been affected, and I can't imagine saying (even in my own head) that those who chose headscarves or a short do rather than a wig made a bad choice.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

She was on the view a few weeks ago with this haircut, so I don't think she just debuted it. She looked cute I thought on the view.
She also said that Violet on the practice will still have long hair.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

The lenth isn't so bad, it's her high forehead and the height of her cowlick that's throwing off the look.
Longer bangs to compensate for the cowlick might have looked better.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

Posted by seaside

She clearly said that she didn't have a choice in this unless she wanted a wig or a headscarf. I'm not really sure how productive it is to gawk at her.

I know a few people who are sick and whose hair has been affected, and I can't imagine saying (even in my own head) that those who chose headscarves or a short do rather than a wig made a bad choice.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

Posted by Cacarina

Posted by seaside

She clearly said that she didn't have a choice in this unless she wanted a wig or a headscarf. I'm not really sure how productive it is to gawk at her.

I know a few people who are sick and whose hair has been affected, and I can't imagine saying (even in my own head) that those who chose headscarves or a short do rather than a wig made a bad choice.

I totally agree. My mom is a cancer survivor and she has a similar haircut now since she lost all of her long hair. It was really hard for her to lose her hair and her self-esteem was pretty low for a while. I am glad Amy came out with her new haircut...hopefully it will help other women who have this difficult thing happen in their lives.

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

Honestly, I saw her on Regis and Kelly w/ her new do and it was super cute! This is just a bad pic, it really doesn't look this bad!

Re: ‘Private Practice’ Star Amy Brenneman Debuts Dramatic New Hair

I think the shadow around her head/hair may be throwing off the actual cut. Once I covered that, I thought it looked nice.