Actresses in “Star Wars” films have had to endure some pretty eccentric hairstyles over the years, from the side-buns sported by Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in the 1977 original to the dramatic braiding worn by Natalie Portman in “Episode III,” released last week. Those outlandish styles could not prepare the world for Ms. Portman’s most radical look so far, however.

Last week, shocked onlookers at the Cannes Film Festival gasped as the actress arrived on the red carpet for the premiere of “Revenge of the Sith” with a freshly shaven head. But, if anyone can get away with such an extreme hairstyle, it’s Ms. Portman, who got the dramatic haircut for a role in her next film, “V for Vendetta.” Her exquisitely pretty elfin face has mesmerized audiences since she first appeared in the assassin thriller “The Professional,” at age 12, with a neat bob.

Ms. Portman is renowned for making more interesting fashion choices than many of her contemporaries; she chooses quirky dresses by designers such as Zac Posen for premieres and parties. At this year’s Academy Awards, she wore an unusual, yet beautiful, pleated goddess dress by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, which made her look far more chic than most of her red-carpet rivals.

By carrying off a style that would make most women look, in her words, “like a neo-Nazi or a lesbian,” Ms. Portman joins an exclusive club: Only a handful of women can pull off the sexy skinhead trick. Demi Moore, who shaved her head for the film “G.I. Jane,” was also saved by her pretty gamine face; and Sigourney Weaver’s fine features lent themselves to the style for “Alien 3.”

Even singer Sinead O’Connor has always managed to look angelic despite her trademark shorn head. A number of models have made a living despite a lack of locks. In the 1990s, Kristen McMenamy sported a shaved punk style while Alek Wek has an extreme crop, too.

Ms. Portman seems to be ignoring her fans’ shocked reaction and is said to be enjoying her new look.

After wearing intricate headpieces for “Star Wars,” she is thinking about keeping her new style. At least for a while.