With Waist-Length Mermaid Hair, Mariska Hargitay Has Never Looked Less Like Olivia Benson

Mariska Hargitay is one of the few celebrities opting out of chopped-bob summer.

On May 2, the 60-year-old actor was photographed arriving at Variety’s Power of Women event in New York City in a classic black dress with a subtle thigh-slit, her ultralong mermaid extensions styled into a low ponytail and curtain bangs. This youthful style featuring blond highlights is an unexpected departure from her usual chest-length brunette hair and serves as a refreshing way to change things up, as so many of her celebrity peers have chosen to counter the upcoming hot weather with neck-baring chops.

Mariska Hargitay on May 2, 2024, in New York City

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin

With this stunning transformation, Hargitay has never looked less like the iconic police officer she’s played on Law & Order: SVU for over three decades, though Olivia Benson has always had pretty stunning hair for a woman so often caught in the middle of a shoot-out. (Sorry, it’s actually Captain Olivia Benson now.)

Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T are seen on the set of Law and Order: SVU on April 22, 2024, in New York City.

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin