Celebrities who rock natural hair styles
Kinky coils, curly ‘fros and fly Bantu knot outs have been ruling urban sidewalks, boardrooms and the red carpet since the natural hair phenomenon exploded back in 2005. Recently, celebrities like Solange, Elle Varner, Janelle Monae and others have been gracing the red carpet, magazine covers and ad campaigns with their natural tresses on display. The resurgence of natural hair in the last few years has made a plethora of black women across the country throw out the creamy crack (i.e. permanent relaxer) and embrace their natural roots. Versatility is just one of the benefits of going natural.
Here’s a list of five hot natural hair styles rocked by celebrities that are a breeze to recreate. –melanie ennis
The Architectural Up-Do
Solange Knowles
Teyonah Parris, “Mad Men” starlet
The updo has always been a staple for women, but natural hair brings a unique element to the classic style. The thick texture of natural hair helps create dramatic architectural styles like “Mad Men” starlet Teyonah Parris rocked at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards. Or opt for the more simple, effortless up do like boho goddess Solange Knowles. All you need are bobby pins, smoothing pomade and attitude.
The Tinted TWA
Jill Scott
Viola Davis
For the natural women rocking a TWA (teeny-weeny afro), spice up your chic cropped do’ with some color. Adding color to your natural mane in a lighter hue like bronze brings a glam feel to your cropped coils, like Viola Davis for her Oscars red carpet look. For a funkier punch of color, follow soul singer Jill Scott’s lead and try a rich plum to really turn your mane up a notch.
Vintage Inspired Pompadour
Janelle Monae
Ledisi
Harking back to the days of refined, glamorous screen sirens the vintage-inspired pompadour is a breeze to recreate. Whether you’re rocking jawbone length coils, bra-strap length curls or long locs, volume is the key to this retro up-do. Make sure you have your bobby pins, comb and some creativity handy!
Glam Slick Back
Kelly Rowland
Alicia Keys
For the effortlessly glam look, try the sexy slick back made popular by celebs like Kelly Rowland and Alicia Keys. Whether you choose the center part or add braids for a more urban vibe, this easy style is sleek in the front and wildly glam in the back making it perfect for the party girl who wants to make a natural statement.
Side Swept Curls
Elle Varner
Corinne Bailey Rae
What better way to play up your God-given volume as a naturally curly girl than with this drama filled side swept look? Revamp your twist out or wash and go by sweeping your hair to one side and secure with this small hair comb or bobby pins. Finish the look with a little finishing spray for a bit of extra shine.
Slowly but surely, sleek permed hair is being transitioned out of the mainstream. Now more than ever, natural tresses are becoming the sought after look for many black women. This drastic shift has unleashed the fierce, commanding and freeing presence of natural hair. Be daring and try one or all of these easy to wear styles!
