Rachael Harris Chops Off Her Hair in Dramatic Transformation (Exclusive)

The actress debuted a chic, shorter hairdo at the premiere of 'Mother of the Bride' in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 8

Rachael Harrisis ready for change!

The actress, 56, who has typically rocked long blonde hair, debuted a chic shorter hairdo at the premiere of Mother of the Bride in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 8.

Harris attended the event dressed in a long, strapless black dress that featured silver details. Speaking to PEOPLE before the premiere, she shared that she chose to undergo the makeover due to being "ready for something new."

"I've had the same look for a long time, and I want to switch it up," says Harris, who noted that the transformation was done by her longtime friend and hairstylist Heather Abuel.

"I called her and said, 'What if I chop it off?' And before I could finish the sentence, Heather said, 'Yes, can you come now?' She is the best, and she's been cutting my hair for 20 years, so this was a moment for us," says Harris.

The Suits star tells PEOPLE that she "really needed a change."

"Hair is an accessory, and once you update your look, -

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it elevates everything … I can’t wait to see how this cut influences our looks … and by ‘our,’ I mean my fabulous crew of the makeup artist, hair stylist, and wardrobe designer and stylist," Harris says.

"Many cultures believe your hair carries energy and life in it," she explains. "I think a good haircut makes you feel more yourself and lighter. I think we definitely achieved this."

Her upcoming film includes a star-studded cast led by Brooke Shields (Lana) and Miranda Cosgrove (Emma).

"Lana’s daughter Emma returns from abroad and drops a bombshell: she's getting married. In Thailand. In a month! Things only get worse when Lana learns that the man who captured Emma's heart is the son of the man who broke hers years ago," an official synopsis reads.

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The Mark Waters-directed rom-com hits Netflix on Thursday, May 9, and also includes appearances from Chad Michael Murray, Wilson Cruz, Michael McDonald, Tasneem Roc, and Dalip Sondhi.

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