YOU might expect the work of a celebrity hairstylist to include perfecting the tresses of the rich and famous for red carpet events — not recreating the hairstyle of a notorious child killer.

But Bury hairdresser Rachael Kennedy was given the challenging task of transforming actress Gemma Lawman into infamous Moors murderer Myra Hindley.

Working from an iconic black and white photograph, it took the 37-year-old six hours and two sittings to make Gemma’s long dark hair resemble Hindley’s distinctive blonde locks.

Rachael, of Rochdale Road, developed the look for three-part Channel 5 series Myra Hindley: The Untold Story and found the television makeover a particularly moving task. She said: “While Gemma and I were both excited to create such an authentic look, it was an emotional experience.

“It is often said women turn to their hairdressers for guidance and I would like to think I offered Gemma support at a difficult time.

“All my work requires me to be creative and professional but not all of it is as emotionally challenging.”

Rachael provides private styling to a range of celebrity clients and remained on-set throughout filming of the drama documentary, which started broadcasting yesterday.

Gemma’s research into the heart-breaking details of the Moors Murders for the role meant creating the transformation was distressing for both women, Rachael said.

She added: “As the show was filmed in high definition, the producers wanted a look that was as authentic as possible, and it was clear a wig would not have been good enough — Gemma’s hair had to be cut and coloured.

“It was quite challenging to produce that brassy Sixties home-coloured look that Hindley was famous for.

“We started one day and had to be up at 6am the next morning to finish work.”

Made by the Manchester-based independent TV production company Nine Lives Media, the series chronicles the late killer’s childhood up until she met Ian Brady aged 18.

A spokesperson for Nine Lives Media said Rachael’s hard work ensured the hairstyle looked genuine.

They added: “Gemma came to us and Rachael with long brown hair but with Rachael’s skill and expertise an amazing transformation occurred and Gemma became Myra Hindley.

“Rachael even came out on location with us and dyed Gemma’s roots away from her own salon. This was the first time we have worked with Rachael but we hope it is not the last.”