Taryn Manning talks beauty, 'Orange is the New Black' in an exclusive interview

If you've recently binge-watched Netflix's Orange is the New Black, you've seen Taryn Manning as Tiffany ("Pennsatucky"). You may not even realize that you've also seen her in films Crazy/Beautiful, Crossroads, 8 Mile to name just a few. That's because her Orange is the New Black character's appearance reflects that of an incarcerated former meth addict. The busy actress is dedicated to these serious roles, and also a fashion designer and singer in the electronic duo Boomkat. In this interview, she's taken the time to give us a glimpse into a little bit of everything -- from beauty, to the causes she cares about and what it's like working on OITNB. At the end, you can hear how she recently transformed her color, directly from renowned celebrity hair stylist Beth Minardi.

1. In a recent Refinery 29 interview you said you feel most pretty when you have hair and the color is pretty. What color are you feeling this winter? Do you take risks when it comes to beauty decisions, or stick to what always works for you?

TM: This winter I'm feeling brunette, but brunette with dimensions. Beth Manardi recently added different shades of browns woven in to add dimension.*

I'm definitely a risk-taker in all aspects of life, as I have gotten older I have realized some dos and don'ts. The don'ts I can look back and laugh. As I mature I have a greater idea of what works for me and what doesn't.

2. For filming they clearly do a ton to make your appearance as believable as your acting. Even still, do you have any style restrictions in terms of your haircut and color, or any other aspect of your usual look?

TM: Actually it's quite the opposite I wear zero makeup. My teeth have color enamels to emphasize my characters past. My hair is dulled to a lifeless mousey brown. Because of my personal dedication I have chosen to forgo tweezing my brows and mani pedis in order to stay true to character as beauty is not customary in jail.

3. You speak in support of animal rights, what are some causes you like to use your spotlight to shed some light on?

That's a great question, I sometimes feel very helpless and sometimes have to find the courage and strength to think about what is really going on from Animal Rights, Animal Cruelty, corrupt Organizations and try to use my one voice heard and bring notice to human food consumption due to the way some of those animals are treated.

4. What's been the most challenging and rewarding part of the first Orange is the New Black series?

TM: The most rewarding part is being part of a hit series. I am grateful to be a working actor in this industry and maintain a level head with a positive outlook. The most challenging is moving cross country to NYC and being away from friends and family.

5. What are some reactions your fans have when they spot you (do they have a hard time connecting the dots that you play Pennsatucky)?

TM: They actually don't realize that Pennsatuckey has played many parts outside OITNB like Hustle and Flow, Crossroads, Crazy Beautiful and 8-Mile as well as my band Boomkat and solo endeavors.

*How to get Manning's hair color pictured here, for the season ahead? Beth Minardi, co-owner of the Minardi Salon in NYC, explains:

"I prefer to enliven brunettes by creating dimension with lowlights using an opaque Demi Creme color. Blending and weaving in punctuation marks of rich colors gives brunette hues movement, texture. Dimensional hair color is so much more visual interesting than covering hair with one shade of color. Beth Minardi Signature Demi Creme color contains a perfect blend of conditioning agents, leaving the hair shiny, pliable and strong. In Taryn, I wove shades of 'Cinnamon Toast' and 'Bamboo' throughout her medium brunette base.

I wanted to articulate sensuality and sophistication with velvety brunette tones. I then applied a glaze of Beth Minardi Signature Demi Liquid 'Buttercream' and 'Sunflower' to infuse the hair with a warm, radiant glow. This is a modern way to fashion alluring, bombshell brunettes. Taryn was then shampooed with Minardi Luxury Color Care Wash System 1: Weightless and conditioned with Weightless After Wash for color and volume support."