Create a Sci‑Fi Lookbook: Inspired Hairstyles from 'Traveling to Mars' and Other Graphic Novels

Stuck between 100 product choices and one deadline? Use graphic novels as your creative shortcut

Editorial hair for sci‑fi shoots should be bold, repeatable, and photograph beautifully under studio lights — yet many stylists and creative directors get bogged down by product overload and vague inspiration boards. If you’re planning a lookbook or campaign in 2026, pull tested, high‑impact ideas from graphic novels and transmedia IP like Traveling to Mars. These stories give you clear visual language: silhouettes, textures, and color cues that translate directly to editorial hair.

The evolution of graphic novel hairstyles in 2026 — why this matters now

Transmedia studios and agencies doubled down on graphic novel properties in late 2025 and early 2026, turning illustrated worlds into fashion and beauty reference points. Major coverage — like The Orangery signing with WME for hits including Traveling to Mars — has made these IPs mainstream inspiration for shoots, campaigns, and brand collaborations (Variety, Jan 16, 2026).

That matters because graphic novels give you: distinct silhouettes, repeatable motifs, and that translate to editorial hair quickly. Instead of reinventing concepts, you can extract one visual rule from an illustration and build multiple testable looks for different hair types and budgets.

How to use this lookbook: a quick workflow

1. Identify the visual anchor — pick one defining element from the comic panel (e.g., a crescent shaved line, neon streaks, or a helmet silhouette).
2. Convert anchor to hair language — ask: is this a cut, color, texture, or accessory?
3. Choose one stunt product — a neon hair paint, a sculpting gel, or a pre‑made topper. Limit to 2–3 new products per look.
4. Make a test sheet — step‑by‑step styling plan + photo settings. Shoot small tests before lock day.
5. Document touch‑ups — include on‑set fixes and product dilutions in the kit list.

Look 1 — “Martian Commander” (Traveling to Mars inspired)

Why it works: Traveling to Mars panels often balance military structure with futuristic motifs — strong parting, sculpted volume, and a single accent color. This look reads like authority on camera and photographs well from multiple angles.

Key visual elements

• Sculpted quiff or pompadour front
• Tight sides — undercut or slicked back
• One neon streak (temporal or semi‑permanent)

Step‑by‑step styling

1. Prep: Start with clean, midweight hair. Apply a bond‑building leave‑in (Olaplex No. 0/3 for damaged hair) and heat protectant.
2. Create volume: Blow dry with a round brush or use a large barrel hot brush (ghd or T3). Lift at the roots and finish with a cool blast to set.
3. Sculpt: Use a strong but pliable paste or pomade (a matte paste for texture, a glossy pomade for slickness). Work product from mid‑lengths to ends, building shape.
4. Sides: Flat iron or gel the sides smooth. Use a wet‑look glue for super sleek on set if needed.
5. Accent: Paint a neon streak using temporary color spray or a chalk pencil placed along the hairline or within the fringe. For multi‑shot sessions, opt for clip‑in color wefts to maintain consistency.
6. Finish: Lock with a high‑hold aerosol hairspray (L’Oréal Elnett is industry‑standard for photoshoots) and matte touch of pomade on ends if needed.

On‑set kit

• Strong hold spray, small jar of paste, combs, color wefts, clear hair gel, oils for sheen

Photo tip

Use a single key light with a backside rim to emphasize the quiff silhouette and the neon streak. Dial down diffusion to catch texture.

Look 2 — “Orbital Bob” (futuristic minimalism)

Why it works: Clean lines and precision cuts translate well from panels to glossy spreads. The orbital bob is a structured short cut with a micro‑undercut or shaved nape and an exaggerated curved fringe.

Key elements

• Precision blunt ends
• Curved, sculptural fringe
• Subtle metallic root shimmer or silver‑blue glaze

Step‑by‑step

1. Cut base: Work with your cutter to add an internal curve — this is easier on wet hair. If you don’t cut on set, use a layered wig made to spec.
2. Smoothing: Apply a lightweight silicone serum to damp hair and use a flat iron to create a precise curve at the ends.
3. Fringe: Sculpt the fringe with a small round brush and a low‑heat tool; finish edges with a razor for soft internal texture if needed.
4. Color finish: A clear gloss with a silvering spray at the root adds the sci‑fi cast without committing to permanent color.

Products

• Heat protectant, lightweight silicone serum, precision flat iron, silver root tint or demi‑gloss

Variations

Longer hair? Create the same curved silhouette with a bob wig or by pinning longer lengths under and smoothing to create the illusion of bluntness.

Look 3 — “Bio‑Tech Punk” (textured, augmented look)

Why it works: Combines messy texture with technical elements — micro braids, beadwork, and tiny LED or metallic accessories. Great for close‑ups and editorial spreads that need detail.

Key elements

• Soft micro braids or knotting
• Matte texture with controlled frizz
• Accessory points: micro rings, 3D‑printed clips, tiny LED accents

Step‑by‑step

1. Prep with a texturizing spray on damp hair, then blow dry while scrunching to preserve thickness.
2. Create micro braids or knot small sections close to the scalp; secure with clear elastics or microbeads.
3. Add accessories: place rings or clips at the ends of braids. If using LEDs, place them in modular clips powered by tiny coin cells hidden under a wig cap or structured accessory.
4. Finish with a sea salt spray and matte paste to separate and hold pieces.

On ethics and safety

LEDs and battery‑powered accessories must avoid heat and direct contact with the scalp. Always test on a wig first and disclose battery locations to clients for comfort and safety.

Look 4 — “Neon Runner” (high‑contrast streaks for motion shots)

Why it works: Motion images benefit from high‑contrast color streaks. Think fast, streaky paint rather than solid blocks — it reads better in movement.

How to execute

1. Use semi‑permanent color chalks or direct‑design color sprays for short runs.
2. Apply streaks to mid‑section and ends to create trailing light in motion shots.
3. For multi‑take shoots, use clip‑in streaks or hair extensions matched and prepped off‑site to maintain continuity.

Product suggestions

• Temporary color sprays, clip‑in neon wefts, small fine‑tooth combs for placement

Look 5 — “Circuit Braids” (intricate braids and patterns)

Why it works: Graphic novels show patterns and circuitry — translate that into interlacing braids and shaved designs. This is highly photogenic and customizable by face shape.

Technique

1. Map the pattern on the scalp with a washable eyeliner or chalk.
2. Create small cornrows or feed‑in braids following the mapped lines.
3. Enhance with metallic thread, thin wire, or tiny beads woven into each braid for a techy finish.

Quick tip

Use a light scalp oil to reduce friction and protect hair during long braiding sessions.

Translating looks for different hair types

Graphic novel inspiration should be inclusive. For fine hair, use volumizing preps, padding, and clip‑in density pieces. For textured hair, celebrate natural volume — adapt the silhouette by using shaping creams and defined parting rather than smoothing. Wigs and toppers can speed up on‑set changes and ensure consistent color and shape across setups.

2026 technical and trend updates to consider

• AR and AI previsualization: In 2025–26, AR try‑on tools became standard for editorial pre‑vizzing. Use apps to test neon streak placements and silhouette changes on models before the shoot.
• 3D‑printed accessories: Custom hair jewelry and structural clips are now widely available and photograph sharply without extra weight. See how tokenized drops and microbrand packaging approaches are changing accessory runs via tokenized and sustainable drops.
• UV‑reactive finishes: Short‑run sprays and gels that glow under UV are more reliable and safer than earlier formulas — perfect for night or club scenes.
• Portable solar and lightweight power solutions make on‑location UV and LED setups easier to manage for motion sequences and pop‑up shoots.
• Sustainability & scalp health: Vegan formulas and scalp‑first preps are prioritized on set. Traceability and ingredient transparency are increasingly important to clients and brands — read more about traceability trends in consumer products here.

On legal and creative rights: sourcing transmedia inspiration responsibly

Graphic novels and transmedia IP like Traveling to Mars are increasingly licensed for commercial projects. If your lookbook directly uses copyrighted imagery or character names for marketing, clear rights or use generic references to the aesthetic. News in early 2026 — e.g., The Orangery’s deal with WME — shows IP owners are open to brand collaborations, so consider contacting rights holders for cross‑promotion if you need character likenesses (Variety, Jan 16, 2026).

On‑set prep: the ultimate photoshoot hair kit

Pack a concise kit built around the specific stunt product for the look plus reliable staples:

• Heat tools (flat iron, small wand, hot brush)
• Strong hold spray and quick‑set gel
• Pastes, clays, and shine serum
• Temporary color (sprays, chalk, clip‑in wefts)
• Accessory kit (mini elastics, hairpins, microbeads, tape)
• Bond‑repair touch product (small Olaplex or similar)
• Sanitizing wipes, combs, and a lightweight travel steamer for wigs

Label each product with application notes and drying times to help assistants maintain consistency between takes.

Advanced strategies for consistent editorial results

• Test shoots — Always run a 30‑minute camera test with lighting and the actual camera to confirm how textures and colors read on sensor. For fast, field‑ready capture workflows see a practical kit guide for live creators: Field‑Ready Streaming Kit (2026).
• Continuity sheets — Photograph each angle and note products, concentrations, and placement. This is invaluable when multiple assistants cover changes. Use production micro‑workflow playbooks to standardize handoffs: production playbook.
• Use anchors — secure one unchanging element in every shot (the neon streak placement, a shaved motif) so the narrative reads cohesive across the lookbook.
• Hybridize looks — bet on motifs, not exact recreations. Mix a circuit braid with an orbital bob for a modern hybrid that keeps editorial energy high.

Case study: rapid lookbuild for a Vogue‑style sci‑fi spread (timed workflow)

Situation: 8 looks in one day, two models, five outfit changes. Solution: translate three core motifs across all looks — sculpt, streak, and tech accessory.

1. Day‑before: Precut/prepare wigs and clip‑in accents. Map 3 color concentrations and print them for the colorist.
2. Morning: Execute two base looks that anchor the spread (Martian Commander + Orbital Bob). These set the tone and use the heaviest tools.
3. Afternoon: Use clip‑ins and accessories to create the remaining four looks quickly. Swap only the focal element (streak, braid, or clip) to save time.
4. Evening: Quick reshoots with UV‑reactive streaks for motion sequences under controlled dark lighting.

Result: cohesive narrative, minimal on‑set damage, consistent color and silhouette across images.

“Transmedia IP has turned illustrated aesthetics into practical, repeatable editorial language — use that to make bolder, faster hair choices.”

Actionable checklist before you call talent

• Confirm hair health and last color service (bonded or fragile hair needs different approach).
• Decide on temporary vs. semi‑permanent color and schedule accordingly.
• Pre‑fit wigs and clip‑ins; label by look and angle.
• Prepare a one‑page styling sheet per look with step times and who is responsible for touch‑ups.

Final takeaways: editorial hair that travels from panel to print

Graphic novels and transmedia IP like Traveling to Mars are more than moodboard fodder in 2026 — they’re blueprints for repeatable editorial hair that reads well in both stills and motion. Use one clear visual anchor per look, streamline your kit around one stunt product, and leverage modern tools (AR previews, AI previsualization, 3D‑printed accessories) to speed production without sacrificing creativity.

When you execute with intention, these looks deliver high impact, low fluff results that photographers, stylists, and clients will love.

Ready to build your sci‑fi lookbook?

Download our free printable sci‑fi on‑set checklist and a ready‑to‑use product list tuned for 2026 editorial shoots. If you want a tailored lookbook inspired by Traveling to Mars or other graphic novels, book a 30‑minute creative consult with our editorial team — we’ll map three looks to your shoot, list the exact products and wig specs, and send a continuity sheet you can use on set. Also useful: learn about creator monetization and platform strategy in 2026: YouTube’s Monetization Update.

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