Do we know why Betty's hair goes from ponytail in highschool to short in the first year of college and then back to ponytail before she graduates?

She looked like a mom when she cut her hair. It was a cute cut, but I thought "she looks just like the mom now".

You kind of hit the nail on the head. She got her hair cut after she became a mom.

I forgot how to post YouTube clips on here, but here's the link...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J_-qH4yyt8

Thank you. She sure got her shape back fast. I wonder if she was a smoker?

She missed a few episodes toward the end of season 3. They kind of tried to hide her pregnancy by having her wear coats and sweaters inside the "house."

Oh wow, so it happened in season 3? That was a good part of the show.

Yes, I can't remember which episodes, but toward the end of season 3 they do the kind-of hiding bits. Once in awhile they do have a shot where she shows, if you're really looking for it. Then she is absent for a few shows, and I think Margaret says in one that she's at a debate. No, she's at a hospital!

I liked that shorter hair, and I think she said on one of the DVD special features that the pony tail was a wiglet. I think she wore the short haircut for seasons 4 and 5, and toward the beginning of season 6 the wiglet reappeared for some reason.

Interesting piece on Eleanor on the above link. I really didn't know much about her private life. Did follow her show biz life with Andy Griffith, The Odd couple and a few appearances here and there. So she was married at 19 and had a child and continue with the Father Knows Best show. She said her son was born in 1957. He is my age.

Those late season 3 episodes of FKB were in 1957.

okay, I finally see her showing a smidge. Its the episode where they babysit little Richie (no not that little Richie).

I do not know if the episodes are in the correct order on the DVDs but it comes on the last disc in season 3.

Thanks for the heds up.

She doesn't show much. When you compare her with other episodes you can see it. They have her go around with a coat or sweater on.

Mothers hair is something I dislike - maybe back then it was ok but not for me

Do we know why Betty's hair goes from ponytail in highschool to short in the first year of college and then back to ponytail before she graduates?

She looked like a mom when she cut her hair. It was a cute cut, but I thought "she looks just like the mom now".

Sometimes I get the feeling she's emulating her mother, the haircuts are so similar.

I have to admit that it had been on more than one occasion I'd fantasized about fully-grown Elinor appearing with very long hair (and perhaps a leather miniskirt). This is especially true for her much later appearances as a recurring character on The Odd Couple, where her hair was cut very short.

Right now I can picture her with long bangs, her hair past bra-strap length with some curling of the ends -- and with the sides pulled back, held in place with a barrette. I just think she would look so beautiful that way, with her ears exposed and wearing nice earrings. The next best style for her was a reality: her shoulder-length style held by a headband on TAGS.

I haven't watched her Star Trek TOS appearance in some years, but I would place that hairspray-controlled style second to her TAGS look. I really love seeing her with her hair bouncing around on TAGS. (Likewise I haven't watched her Get a Life work in many years, and on Dr. Quinn I believe she appeared almost exclusively in up-do styles.)

A woman's pretty face like Elinor's is always nice to see, but long tresses can really enhance her appearance.

On her TV Archive PBS appearances (she's much older, of course) she has very short hair. She's still very attractive, even at a senior age.

Glenn Corbett's character remarks that she is "pretty" on Star Trek, and most any image taken from Elinor's episode underscores a certain radiant beauty, stunning:

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It's also fun to see Jane Wyatt as Spock's mom. Jane was also memorable on an episode of Here Come the Brides.

Yes, that was a wonderful appearance, great episode. Maybe one of her first major appearances on a color TV episode.

"Stunning," apt description!

Kudos to the wardrobe dept. on that gown, too!

"My, Betty, how your hair has grown! Don't forget your purse, in case your date can't pay tonight."
"Don't worry mom, I'm ready to go."

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"You know I disapprove of those tight pants, but I realize all the girls are wearing them."
"Good night...!"

Do we know why Betty's hair goes from ponytail in highschool to short in the first year of college and then back to ponytail before she graduates?

She looked like a mom when she cut her hair. It was a cute cut, but I thought "she looks just like the mom now".

As I wrote earlier, I always kind of thought Betty was emulating her mother on the show, since the hairstyles were both so similar.

I had no idea Elinor was a mother at such a young age.

Yes, she did have the short hair for seasons 4-5 and then the final season was back to the ponytail. I thought I was the only person that noticed that! I never liked that really short style.