Black History Month: Black celebrity hair icons then and now

Come on, who doesn’t love a good throwback, especially when it comes to our favourite boss-lady celebrities? And since Black History Month is well under way, we’ve decided to throw it way back, and dig out some super old red carpet photos of the best modern day style icons. Why, you ask? To compare their old-school hairstyles to their current day ones, of course! So, sit back, relax and let us take you on a journey to see our our fave black celebrity hair icons – then and now.

Black celebrity hair icons: Then and now

Beyoncé

Let’s be honest, has Beyoncé ever rocked a hairstyle that we didn’t love? Nope, we can’t think of one either. But we have to say, some of our favourite looks of this megastar’s have been when she’s worked a stunning set of highlights in her hair.

Back in 2001, she stepped out with these contrasting blonde highlights (pictured left), but since then, Queen Bey has opted for a more subtle balayage in her warm brown tresses. And with her super on-trend middle parting, she works a winning combination in both images – after all, she ain’t called a queen for nothing!

Rihanna

Rihanna first stepped onto the music scene back in the 2003, and has since experimented with a number of different hairstyles – but we think it’s safe to say, she’s an avid fan of the fringe. She’s worked her bangs blunt, choppy, feathered, and parted. You name it, she’s tried it. And although we love bad girl RiRi in whatever ‘do she chooses, we happen to think her long, brow-grazing bangs work best to complement her face shape.

Ciara

Over the years, singer Ciara has proven that it’s possible to transition from dark to light hair, and pull it off with ease! Just a few years ago, back in 2010, she was sporting long and sleek, dark brown hair – but now she’s a firm supporter of sunkissed balayage strands. While both these styles look absolutely stunning on the star, the blonde balayage really works to give her appearance a bright and uplifting finish!

Halle Berry

Halle Berry (AKA the queen of short crops) sure did know how to work a pixie cut, even way back in the noughties. But now, she’s switched out her cropped locks, and grown out her hair into a shoulder-length long bob! Opting for a heavy, choppy fringe and some lovely caramel highlights, she manages to tap into not one, not two, but three of the hottest hair trends of 2016 – proving that she’s still every bit the style maven we know her to be!

Kerry Washington

In our eyes, actress Kerry Washington can do no wrong in the hair department. Always working an elegant hairstyle whenever a red carpet moment arises, the Scandal star has never been caught short of a stylish, well-refined hairdo!

Looking back, we falling in love with her playful, Marilyn Monroe-inspired hair (pictured left) all over again, yet we also adore her modern, sophisticated updo, too. Anyone else feeling serious hair envy right now?

Editor’s tip: If you want to get any of these black celebrity hairstyles for yourself, remember to prep your mane with the LOC, LOCO or LCO method (liquid, oil and cream) before styling. For liquid, try using the TIGI S-Factor Papaya Leave-In Moisture Spray, as it will leave your strands fully hydrated, as well as smelling absolutely heavenly! And for oil and cream, use the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment and the Dove Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute Crème Serum. 

Can’t get enough black celebrity hair inspiration? Well, since your here, you may as well check out the 4 hairstyles that we love from Solange’s new music video!