From glam to grunge: Vanessa Hudgens is virtually unrecognisable as she gets a dowdy movie makeover

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 11:19 PM on 15th July 2011

We are used to seeing her looking red carpet ready in a series of glamorous outfits and perfect makeup.

But with her unflattering haircut, facial piercings and shapeless outfit, Vanessa Hudgens looked nothing like her usual stunning self.

In fact, the 22-year-old actress had undergone a dramatically dowdy makeover for her new movie Gimme Shelter.

Radical transformation: Vanessa Hudgens looked remarkably different with short hair and a shapeless casual outfit on the set of her new movie in Newark, New Jersey earlier today

Radical transformation: Vanessa Hudgens looked remarkably different on the set of her new movie Gimme Shelter in Newark, earlier today

The photographs show the star wearing a shapeless grey hooded top over a black T-shirt and baggy faded black jeans and trainers.
Her usually groomed black hair was short and scruffy and she sported a tattoo on her neck and a lip and nose piercing.

Commenting on the striking photographs on her Facebook page, Vanessa wrote: 'Hey guys, what's happenin? I have been so stupidly busy working on Gimme Shelter.

Contrast: Fans are more used to seeing Vanessa with long hair, makeup and a long red carpet gown

Gritty role: Vanessa sported a tattoo on her neck and a lip piercing as she filmed the scene yesterday

Rebel: Vanessa sported a tattoo on her neck and a lip piercing as she filmed the scene yesterday

'I'm so excited and proud of the work I've been doing and let me tell you, you all are going to be SHOCKED with how I look in this movie.

'It's crazy sauce. Lol only one more week of shooting till I'm done! Xx V.'

The new movie, which will be released next year, sees Vanessa take a more gritty direction than her High School Musical fans are used to.

The film sees Vanessa play a pregnant teenager who seeks out her biological father after leaving her abusive mother's home.

New direction: Fans can see Vanessa in the role when the movie is released next year

New direction: Fans can see Vanessa's transformation when the movie is released next year

Far from Hollywood: The High School Musical star plays a pregnant teenager who finds herself living on the streets

However, her father is upset about her pregnancy and urges his daughter to have an abortion.

When she refuses, he kicks her out and she is forced to live on the streets.

Gimme Shelter also stars Brendan Fraser and Rosario Dawson.