Black celebrities with natural hair, like Tracee Ellis Ross, Lupita Nyong’o, and Viola Davis, have become pivotal figures in embracing natural beauty. These women forgo chemical relaxers to celebrate their inherent hair textures, showing authenticity and self-acceptance through their hairstyles.
Black Celebrities with Natural Hair
Ross, a star with curly hair, expressed the significance of this trend on television and film in Entertainment Weekly: “What I think is exciting is that to a certain extent, there is a revolution happening where black women are owning their own beauty, despite the standard of beauty that in the past has not had space for it.”
By showcasing their natural curls, coils, and kinks, these influential women are challenging the traditional biases that have long marginalized Black hair.
Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding likes to rock a big afro hairstyle, highlighting her natural beauty. Her iconic hairstyle complements her unique look and showcases her hair’s texture and healthy fullness. The afro symbolizes cultural pride and pairs well with her bold fashion choices.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe’s pompadour hairstyle is bold and sophisticated, combining classic style with a modern twist. The voluminous yet sleek look beautifully frames her face, showcasing her unique sense of style.
Monáe’s pompadour has been a key part of her artistic identity throughout the years.
Lupita Nyong’o
Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o is frequently spotted with her hair styled in a chic, tapered cut that enhances the natural texture of her locks.
This edgy hairstyle gives a contemporary touch to classic short haircuts, with a shaved part to the side. This star is not afraid to experiment with her hair, inspiring short-haired naturals.
Nathalie Emmanuel
Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel flaunts her hair, which is styled in gorgeous natural curls. The actress has a versatile approach to natural hair, from updos to slick-back styles.
This hairstyle accentuates her loose, curly tresses. Nathalie’s choice to wear her hair is inspiring to young girls and women with textured tresses.
Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles displays a well-shaped afro that reflects her ever-changing and dynamic hair-styling approach. This hairstyle puts a focus on the natural texture and volume of her hair. The afro is styled to frame her face perfectly. Beyond afros, she also has embraced braids and curls.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross is often seen with her natural curly hair on the red carpet and on-screen roles. Tracee’s hair, famous for its voluminous, springy curls, perfectly matches her stylish looks, making a bold statement about celebrating natural beauty.
She even launched her haircare brand, Pattern, to help others take care of their strands.
Yaya DaCosta
America’s Next Top Model alum Yaya DaCosta is often seen with her hair styled in a textured updo, highlighting the curl and bounce of the Black model’s locks. This style demonstrates the versatility and beauty of natural hair, providing a fresh look.
Viola Davis
Hollywood star Viola Davis famously showed her tresses on How to Get Away with Murder. And she often wears her type 4 strands on the red carpet, ranging from an afro to more stylized hairdos.
The actress has worked with L’Oreal Paris as a brand ambassador through the years, proving the change in beauty standards.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo often wears her distinctive short hair on the red carpet. She isn’t afraid to play with color, too, experimenting with platinum blonde or other shades.
A closely cropped and shaped cut gives her a low-maintenance yet stylish look. This bold look emphasizes her striking features and mirrors her fearless fashion sense.
Yara Shahidi
Gen Z star Yara Shahidi is known for her voluminous curly hair. Whether wearing braids or a ponytail, the Grown-ish actress shows off her tresses in a variety of ways. From events to Instagram, she proves that the younger generation is embracing their natural strands, too
Beyond the Roots
As we reflect on the stories of these famous Black women with natural hair, it’s clear that the movement toward celebrating natural hair goes beyond a trend. It’s a confirmation of love, identity, and cultural pride.
By showcasing their natural hair, each of these celebrities underscores a message of self-acceptance and authenticity, challenging outdated beauty norms.
No longer is it necessary to wear a wig or perm to have good-looking hair. And thank goodness for that.
