Black History Month: 12 iconic celebrity black hair moments
These black hair moments deserve a standing ovation!
This month is Black History Month, (AKA a time for us all to celebrate black culture and its achievements!). And for the All Things Hair team, it’s also a time for us to look back on our favourite celebrity black hairstyles – from Rihanna to Grace Jones – there are just so many amazing looks to appreciate!
Join in on the fun by scrolling down to see the hairstyles we can’t get enough of, below.
Our favourite black celebrity hairstyles for Black History Month
1. Lauryn Hill’s afro
Hello voluminous hair! If anyone can rock an over-the-top afro, it has to be singer Lauryn Hill.
This ‘do really does hold the essence of every black hairstyle out there – big, bold, and beautiful. Come on, just look at how gorgeous her ‘fro is!
2. Lupita Nyong’o’s afro puff
Lupita Nyong’o’s natural looks (be it a pretty TWA or a sleek ninja bun) always manage to enchant us.
For the Cannes red carpet, the actress donned an elegant high afro puff with lots of volume, and a mini puff at the front to create a faux bangs effect.
Editor’s tip: Every naturalista (including our beauty editor Amra!) knows the importance of keeping black hair moisturised, which is why a leave-in conditioner should be your mane’s BFF.
When in doubt, try the TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Hydrating Mist. It’ll help smooth and condition your hair, leaving it smelling like a tropical island.
3. Alicia Keys’ cornrow ponytail
All hail the Queen of cornrows! We love how Alicia Keys used to accessorise her braids with an array of dainty, colourful beads. Can we please bring this look back!?
4. Erica Ash’s Fulani cornrows
If you’ve been keeping up with the latest natural hair trends, you’ll know that Fulani braids are everywhere.
They’re simply cornrows with more intricate detail at the front, but distinctively feature beads and hair accessories for a royal, glam effect. Thanks for the inspo, Erica Ash!
5. Issa Rae’s Halo/ponytail hybrid
Another royal hairstyle you can pull off this season? This dazzling double halo braid with a low ponytail, that we spotted actress Issa Rae sporting.
Recommended read: 10 African hairstyles you need to try next.
6. Yara Shahidi’s bantu knots
According to Yara Shahidi, bantu knots aren’t just for the gym! In fact, black hair ‘dos like these neat knots are fit enough for the red carpet and beyond.
If you haven’t learnt how to create them yet, master bantu knots in a flash with our fun tutorial.
Editor’s tip: Giving your natural hair a snatched finish will be easy with the VO5 Frizz Free Cream at hand!
Apply this smoothing cream to your mane before creating your bantu style to help your tresses look seriously on-point.
7. Zendaya’s faux locs
Singer, actress and all-round mega-babe, Zendaya made headlines when she stepped out on the red carpet with these stunning long locs.
Styling them into a romantic half-up, half-down ‘do, she allowed one side of her dreadlocks to cascade down her back.
8. IAMDDB’s dookie braids
’90s hairstyles, like these effortless dookie braids, never fail to impress us. Whether they’re worn high up in a ponytail or down, they’re a popular, protective look that black celebs love to sport.
Team your braids with micro sunglasses (like R&B/soul artist IAMDDB has done) for extra style points.
9. Grace Jones’ high top
Not only has she done so much for black culture over the years, but she has also given us the epitome of all natural hairstyles: the Grace Jones high top.
This retro-tastic ’80s hairstyle takes us way back to the electronic dance era, where everyone would wear their afros out, shaped and proud!
10. Janelle Monae’s modern pomp
If anyone should be credited for bringing the natural pompadour back into fashion, it’s Janelle Monae.
This naturalista isn’t one to shy away from her lovely hair texture, and is often seen out and about rocking intriguing retro styles. You go, girl!
11. Kelly Rowland’s red bob
Remember that time Kelly Rowland had a red, choppy bob? Of course, you do! This cropped look has to be one of the most iconic styles from the former Destiny’s Child singer, showing us all the right way to work a fiery mane.
Recommend read: Short black hair ideas to consider.
12. Rihanna’s pixie
During her career, Rihanna has sported some pretty impressive hairstyles (think cornrows, blunt bobs and hot red tresss). But our all-time favourite RiRi hairstyle has to be when she rocked this ultra-edgy pixie crop.
Take a look at these 25 black hairstyles you’ll never tire of!
