To say I’ve always been comfortable with my hair would be a lie. Although I never saw my curls as bad or unacceptable, the truth is it took some time for me to truly love my God-given coils.
Like any other millennial, I’ve found solace and inspiration through my discovery of iconic and big-haired women. Now, I knew who Diana Ross was long before computers came into my life, but my appreciation for her expansive hair journey leveled up after taking a deep dive into her career on through photo-focused sites like Pinterest.
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Beyond her longstanding music and film career, Ross is in a league all her own, simply because her look went through an equally iconic evolution. There isn’t a hairstyle she hasn’t tried–trust me, I’ve done the research. What I love most about seeing Ross’ hair journey is how confident and unapologetic she was in her hair. It’s certainly helped me embrace my own.
And because it’s Black History Month, there’s no better time to look back at just how singular her mane moments are.
Keep scrolling and get inspired one of our favorite hair heroes!
Ross kicked off the '60s with short length, but major volume.
As you can see, the singer consistently proved that there are a million and one ways to rock a bob.
Bangs included. This look is so mod.
During her time with The Supremes, Diana sported more wigs than we can count.
The higher the hair, the better!
And she never shied away from teasing out her afro for press conferences.
Here, she performs on the Ed Sullivan Show in towering curls.
The stage can barely contain a garden of tresses. It doesn't get more epic than this!
Diana's hair history also includes a plethora of braided styles, including this accessorized moment, caught on the Broadway stage.
By the time she entered the '70s, Diana had already mastered her chameleon-like hairstyles.
She also traded in more outrageous mane for slicked back dos.
Now is when she started to wear the free-flowing curls we'd eventually label her signature look.
For her critically acclaimed turn in Lady Sings The Blues, Ross embraces finger waves and other styling techniques from the jazz era.
And while accepting awards for the Billie Holiday-inspired story, Diana paid tribute to the singer with flowers in her hair.
"Laid for the gawds" started with Miss Ross.
Diana embraced even bigger hair and curls when she started touring as a solo artist.
Promo shots provided an opportunity for Ross to embrace her inner disco diva.
The '70s pixie reached new levels of fab when Diana posed for this portrait.
As Tracy in Mahogany, Diana's hairstyles (and accessories) were the epitome of regal.
But, have you seen an afro more glorious?!
As you can see, long lashes were also a signature part of Diana's beauty journey.
Regardless of her movie or tour schedule, Diana always reverted back to her voluminous bob for the occasional photo op.
Perfectly imperfect hairstyling achieved.
Diana's iconic work for The Wiz included slaying in a TWA (teeny weeny afro).
The '80s were all about adding length and of course--more volume.
But flowers were still a part of the equation.
Diana continued to step out in her au naturel tresses.
This portrait of Diana is iconic, thanks to the sparkly fishnet head wrap. Classic!
High flying hair made Ross' side profiles instantly recognizable.
Her hat game never interrupted a hairstyle.
Gone with the wind fabulous!
Per usual, her stage show doubled as a hair show, with plenty of looks to gawk over.
Even while off-duty, Diana made sure her hair was camera ready.
The iconic performer also embraced straight hairstyles as she entered the '90s.
Frizz? No big deal when you're Diana!
All angles. All flawless.
We almost didn't recognize the icon when she sported straight hair to the Grammy Awards.
But make no mistake, it took zero time to pull out her signature do!
For movie premieres and other appearances, Ross sported wild curls on the red carpet.
The performer embraced even kinkier textures in the New Millennium.
Yes, she's even tackled hair color. Here, Miss Ross takes on purple tresses for the CFDA Awards.
For the NAACP Image Awards, Ross pinned up her hair, while still serving volume.
Her headpieces were legendary.
She was also honored with a MAC Icon Collection and looked every bit the beauty queen while launching it.
Feathers and curls are an integral part of Diana's show.
Last year, Diana's legendary status was cemented with a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
