Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross took a new hairstyle out for a test run in LA over the weekend.

The actress covered up her trademark ginger locks with a brunette wig after visiting a salon owned by stylist Ken Paves, whose celebrity client list includes Marcia's costar Eva Longoria.

Transformation: Marcia Cross emerged from Ken Paves' LA salon with a brunette bob over the weekend

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Dark side: the Desperate Housewives star slipped on a wig for the LA outing

But the transformation was only temporary,  with the 46-year-old letting her natural hair down again during a Pilates class the following day.

Marcia is reveling in her time off after wrapping the latest series of her hit US show.

The finale, which has already aired in the US, flashes forward five years, offering viewers a glimpse into the future lives of the Wisteria Lane residents.

Next season promises to be eventful for her character Bree, who , says Cross, makes "a big leap."

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Letting her hair down: Marcia showed off her natural locks again at a Pilates class the following day

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Shaping up: the 46-year-old actress flexes her muscle during the class

"She's gone out into the world and she's become a bit of a success."

Of course Marcia has another important role to juggle - motherhood.

She welcomed fraternal twin daughters Eden and Savannah in February last year with her stockbroker husband Tom Mahoney.

And she hasn't ruled out the possibility of expanding her brood.

She said recently: "I don't think I'll have any more kids, but I'm not 100 percent sure we won't adopt."