Understanding the importance for Claire's hair color change in Outlander

In the Outlander books, Claire’s hair color comes up on numerous occasions. It’s something that is important in the overall story, and it is connected to something special about her in later books.

The TV series did touch on it briefly, so it’s not a complete surprise that hair color and Claire are important. However, the series hasn’t kept the focus on it, and it suggests that this isn’t a storyline that the series will continue with into the final season of the series.

So, with all this in mind, it’s understandable why some Outlander fans are disappointed in the choice of hair color for Claire in the leaked Outlander Season 8 photos. Let’s take a look at why it’s so important.

Claire’s hair color shows her coming into her powers in Outlander

We know that Claire is special, and not just because she can time travel. Those who can time travel can have other abilities. Look at Master Raymond who is able to heal people magically. That’s the power that Claire is set to have.

In the fourth book (and the fourth season), Nayawenne/Adawehi tells Claire that she will come into her full power when her hair turns white. That means that Nayawenne knows that Claire has a special ability about her. Rather than judge or be scared, she sees it as a blessing. She wants Claire to understand that as she gets older, she will be able to hone that skill. Once her hair turns white, she has that ability.

Well, in the books, we’re seeing that happen. By Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Claire’s hair is much whiter than the TV series is portraying. We see her have the blue glow in her hands that other healers have. Fans are naturally disappointed that we won’t get to see that play out in the TV series. It means that we won’t see this final major moment for the growth of Claire’s abilities, which have been foreshadowed for so long.

What’s the point in foreshadowing something from the books if it’s not going to play out? That is an issue the Outlander TV series has.