Stephen Kalyn of ‘Off Campus,’ KJ Apa of ‘Riverdale’ & Other Stars Who Played Parts to Dye For

When Off Campus premiered in May, discourse surrounding blonde-boy propaganda was at an all-time high after Briar U heartthrob Dean DiLaurentis became a fan-favorite character, and his blonde was so believable that many people were shocked to find out that actor Stephen Kalyn’s real hair color is not the buttery yellow he sports on the show. Kalyn’s color on Off Campus is the masterwork of the show’s hair department, led by Debra Wiebe.

Speaking at Prime Video’s Obsessed Fest, Kalyn talked about transforming into Dean. “It takes like four and a half, five hours in the chair,” he said, “and we do it every three weeks-ish, and we just touch it up here and there.” He also shared his routine and “needing” to hydrate and condition his hair to make it look as natural as it does on the show.

Dean DiLaurentis, played by Stephen Kalyn, in season one of Off Campus

Jeff Weddell

“Some dryness is completely normal because lightening changes the structure of the hair. The key is making sure temporary dryness doesn’t become long-term damage,” Chris Appleton, Schwarzkopf Professional global color ambassador and colorist to the stars, tells Teen Vogue. “One of the biggest advances in blonde care is that we’re no longer just treating the surface of the hair; we’re helping repair the hair from the inside out.”

Appleton continues, “Once clients leave the salon, I always encourage them to stick with a routine that’s specifically formulated for blonde hair. A nourishing shampoo and conditioner paired with a weekly repair mask can make a huge difference in keeping hair hydrated, strong, and shiny between appointments.”

Actors undergoing drastic hair transformations for roles isn’t a new thing. But, if you look back at the history of TV shows and film, especially young-adult and new adult titles, you’ll find that transformations as dramatic as Kalyn’s don’t always go as smoothly. Famously, Ariana Grande wore her signature high pony with extensions because, as she posted on Facebook, her hair was “completely destroyed” during filming Victorious, when it was bleached and dyed every other week for the first four years of the show to achieve her character Cat’s trademark fiery red.