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Home • News

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair

Once upon a time, Black actresses and singers had to straighten their hair to even get a foot in the door. But after Cicely Tyson rocked cornrows on the 1960's TV show "East Side West Side," and Pam Grier and Chaka Khan sported proud 'fros in the '70s, perceptions slowly (verrry slowly) began to change. These days, a slew of celebs have decided to embrace the beauty of their natural tresses -- to gorgeous, inspirational results. From YaYa DaCosta to Esperanza Spalding, here are our favorite stars with fierce "freedom" locks.
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
Sexy Strands

Model/actress YaYa Dacosta pins her natural ringlets behind one ear for a spunky, sexy look.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
02
Curly Top

We just love Alicia for rocking out with her natural ringlets at the ‘Stickfly’ premiere. Go ’head girl.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
03
Fierce Fro

In the past couple of years, Solange Knowles has become an icon for women with natural hair. Whether she’s rocking a TWA, braids, or this ultra-fluffy ’fro, her tresses always look fierce!

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
04
Pomp and Circumstance

In the past year, Janelle Monae’s signature style — the expertly sculpted pompadour — has become a favorite among natural girls. So chic!

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
05
Tress Trendsetter

The Noisettes’ lead singer Shingai Shoniwa always rocks super-sculptural, flawlessly accessorized natural hairstyles. We love her style!

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
06
Naturally Gorgeous

Comedienne Kim Wayans rocked a sexy halo of natural coils at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
07
Huxtable Hair

Twenty-five years after she first set trends as Denise Huxtable, Lisa Bonet’s waist-length dreadlocks are an inspiration to natural women everywhere.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
08
Too Cool

Singer Teyana Taylor’s mass of lush curls give her look a funky-cool vibe.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
09
Curly Girl

With her clear caramel skin and riot of natural ringlets, Vanessa A. Williams is absolutely glowing.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
10
Grace Jones, Pt. 2

Dominican supermodel Rose Cordero made waves a few seasons ago when she hit Fashion Week with an afro flattop. She helped bring the androgynous style back into vogue!

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
11
Haute Highlights

Former Floetry songstress Marsha Ambrosious’ adds a few amber highlights to her curly bob for a fun, flirty look.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
12
Badu ‘Do

Whether she’s sporting an afro wig, braids, or this natural textured extensions, Erykah Badu has long been a natural hair maven.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
13
Cinnamon Strands

Kelis’ recently colored her short natural curls a fierce cinnamon shade — so pretty with the cobalt blue eyeliner.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
14
Lush Layers

TV personality Tanika Ray layers her sun-kissed curls for luscious body and movement.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
15
Cool Cornrows

Jill Scott adds a cool edge to her endless waves with a few intricate cornrows in front.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
16
Lion Queen

Singer Leela James’ leonine, strawberry blonde strands look gorgeous with her golden brown skin.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
17
Sparkle and Shine

Neo-soul singer Ledisi’s rocks sparkling auburn highlights in her natural twists — so pretty with her walnut complexion.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
18
Lustrous Locks

We don’t know what’s more impressive, that Esperanza Spalding took home this year’s Best New Artist Grammy…or her perfectly shaped, lustrous afro!

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
19
Pony Up

Here, “I Am Not My Hair” singer-songwriter India Arie sweeps her braids into an elegant side ponytail.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
20
The Girl WIth the Curl

Corinne Bailey Rae defines her natural curls by winding a few tendrils around a 1/2 inch curling iron. So prety!

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair
21
Up and Away

Stunningly gorgeous singer Goapele sports her natural hair twisted up into an intricate, uber-chic updo.

Hot Hair: Celebs with Natural Hair