8 Iconic Rihanna’s Hairstyles We Love

From island girl to fashion and beauty icon, Rihanna is the ultimate hair chameleon!  

TIME has named her Fenty Beauty brand as one of the best inventions of 2017, Vogue Paris and Dazed have featured her on their latest covers, so really, there’s no denying it: everyone who’s anyone is talking about Bad Girl RiRi.

After bursting onto the music scene in 2005 with her debut single Pon de Replay (don’t pretend you don’t get ready for a night out to this song!), Rihanna has proudly left her mark on the industry. But it’s not just because of her musical talent and bold personality, but also because of her ability to slay countless hairstyles!

Yep, no matter the look — long or short, curly or straight, blonde or brunette — the Wild Thoughts singer has proved time and time again that she’s the ultimate hair chameleon.

8 times Rihanna’s hair shined bright like a diamond

 

close up shot of rihanna with red curly hair tied up into a scarf updo at westfield shopping centre
Ariel is that you? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

1. When she was RL Ariel

When Rihanna released her Loud album in 2010, she was the Only Girl In The World  (we couldn’t resist!) slaying an Ariel-worthy hair colour.

Whether she was rocking this cherry red hue sleek and straight or in a set of curlicious curls, she brought about a colour crazy that was emulated by women of all ages and hair types!

TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Shampoo

Editor’s tips: Seeing red? If you are, we recommend investing in the TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Shampoo and Conditioner, to help preserve your colour for longer. After all, RiRi wouldn’t be caught out with a faded hair colour!

close up shot of rihanna at the 2012 MTV muisc awards with short hair, wearing white and red lipstick
Now that’s what we call a flattering pixie cut! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

2.  When she proved anyone can rock a pixie

Do you remember the time Rihanna graced the VMAs with this ultra-short pixie crop? Do you remember telling yourself you can pull it off, too? Well it’s true, as it’s an effortlessly versatile look for all!

Regardless of your face shape, pixies can be adapted to suit your natural features and open up your appearance  honestly, there’s nothing not to love about them.

close up shot of rihanna at batteship premiere, wearing green dress with blonde curly hairstyle with fringe, posing
Who can forget when she went blonde? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

3. And blonde hair, too!

Contrary to the belief that platinum blonde only suits those with fairer skin tones, Rihanna decided to showcase her take on the bright and beautiful trend at the 2012 Battleship premiere. And guess what? She killed it!

This gorgeous hue worked a charm with her skin tone, giving RiRi a natural-looking, sunny glow. So, if you’ve ever wanted to test the blonde waters, be sure to look to the star for guidance!

close up shot of rihanna at the iheartradio music awards with bantu knot hairstyle, wearing all black and holding award
This is how you slay bantu knots…Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

4. When she schooled everyone on slaying bantu knots

Happen to have a silky straight weave? Then this might be your new favourite way to style your hair! As Rihanna demonstrates, bantu knots look amazing when styled to sleek perfection – and with Winter hot on our heels, this could be the protective look you’be been hunting for. #Slay!

Editor’s tip: When creating your bantu knots, make sure to use some of the TIGI S Factor Silky Smooth Moisture Serum, which will help give you sleek, smooth and frizz-free strands — all the things this stunning look requires.

close up shot of rihanna at fragrance launch, wearing her hair in a high curly ponytail and pink dress
Pineapples anyone? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

5. And when she made it okay to rock the pineapple in the day

Twist-outs take a lot of time to do, but the gorgeously curly results are always worth it. And in order to preserve your hard work, you might try the pretty and protective pineapple method.

But instead of saving this protective hairstyle for nighttime, you should rock it in the daytime for a seriously chic go-to style. Why? Because Rihanna did it and so can you!

close up shot of rihanna on the brit awards red carpet, with blunt bob with flicked out ends hairstyle
When she arrived at the Brit Awards, everyone couldn’t stop talking about her blunt bob. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

6. When she brought the blunt bob back

While everyone was jumping on the long bob bandwagon, the star was looking to the ’90s for hair inspiration. Here she stepped out to flaunt this sexy blunt bob hairstyle and had us running to the salon.

This short and sharp style has fierce-and-fabulous written all over it, and is destined for those of you who are looking to stylishly switch things up this season.

close up shot of rihanna with faux dreadlocks hairstyle, fashioned into a high bun updo, wearing black jacket and sunglasses
Her fave protective hairstyle? Faux locs! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

7. When she became a faux dreadlock Rapunzel

For her upcoming role in Oceans 8, the star was spotted on and off set with Rapunzel-worthy faux dreadlocks. Now let’s all just take a moment to sit and appreciate the beauty of this natural style…

Now that’s fully sunk in, we can see how this protective look can be rocked in more ways than one, with RiRi chosing to fashion it into a beautiful bun updo (AKA a lazy girl’s best friend!).

close up shot of rihanna with wet look curls, wearing pink top and white trousers
We love this wet-look hairstyle she rocked to her Fenty Beauty launch. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

8. And finally reminding us that beachy waves will never go out of style

Rihanna is always paying homage to her Barbadian roots. How? By rocking beachy waves almost 24-7, for a fresh of the sand look!

Now while we don’t have the luxury to go to the beach everyday, a sea salt spray will help you fake it ’til you make it – so grab yours now for year-round summer vibes!

 

Loved seeing Rihanna’s mane moments? The fun doesn’t have to stop here! Here are Beyoncé’s award winning hair files for you to take a look at. Seriously, they’re not to be missed…

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