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Home • News

The Hair Evolution of Oprah Winfrey

She may be known as the queen of all media, but Oprah Winfrey is just as famous for her every changing shape and hairstyles. From curls to short bobs, the talk show titan continuously keeps her fans and many admirers guessing. We flashback through the ever changing do’s of this hair icon as she welcomes comedian Chris Rock on her show to discuss his new documentary, “Good Hair.”
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
The Queen of Good Hair

She may be known as the Queen of All Media, but Oprah Winfrey is just as famous for her ever-changing hairstyles. From curls to short bobs, the talk show titan continuously keeps her fans guessing. Flashback through the years to see her many styles.

By Qianna Smith

The Hair Evolution of Oprah Winfrey
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02
The Bigger the Better

1986
Oprah Winfrey sports a short shag to the 43rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. It was all about volume for the soon-to-be-larger-than-life star.

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03
Tease, Please

1987
Teasing the hair out was a popular trend in the 80’s, and here at 14th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Winfrey is a big winner.

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04
Time to Shine

1990
Slim and trim Winfrey goes all out glam with this feathered bang do at the 9th Annual National Conference For Women in New York City.

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05
Pretty Fancy

1990
It was a formal affair at the American All-Star Tribute to Oprah Winfrey. The star mixes it up with a french twist and layered bang.

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06
Chic & Sleek

1995
Having established her media dominance, Winfrey takes her look to a new sophisticated level.

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07
Mix It Up

1997
Occasionally, Winfrey has worn a wig or hairpiece to create a new look. Here she goes for short layered pixie at the premiere of “Before Women Had Wings.”

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08
Curl Power

1998
Oprah Winfrey debuts her now trademark curls at the 24th Annual People’s Choice Awards.

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09
Trendsetter

1999
Here at The National Book Awards in New York City, Winfrey’s soft body and shakeability sets the tone for how many Black women want to wear their hair.

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10
Class Act

2000
Keeping a demure sensibility with her tresses, Winfrey and Bill Cosby joke with each other during the opening of the 2000 ESSENCE Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

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11
O So Stylish

2001
This year marks the 1st anniversary for Winfrey’s highly successful O Magazine. Looking young and vibrant, the star rocks a choppy layered short cut.

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12
Braided Beauty

2002
With no-fuss cornrows, Winfrey concentrates on the kids while distributing Christmas gifts to underprivileged schoolchildren in the rural town of Harding, South Africa.

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13
Turning Heads

2002
Winner for the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Winfrey dons a flipped-out short shag packed with body at the 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

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14
Star Quality

2004
As a media personality, Winfrey keeps her appearance fresh with these soft, flowing curls at the Sesame Workshop’s Second Annual Benefit Gala.

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15
All Out Glam

2005
You know it’s a special occasion when Winfrey rocks voluminous spiraling curls, and that was certainly the case at the Broadway opening of “The Color Purple.”

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16
Change Is Good

2006
One of our favorite Winfrey looks is here at the TNT Black Movie Awards where she dons a soft half up, half down wavy style.

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17
Some Style Is Legendary

2006
Winfrey is honored at the New York Public Library’s Annual Library Lions Gala where she sports an elegant updo that looks regal with her subtle highlights.

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18
All Dolled Up

2007
The Humanitarian Award recipient attends The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity Award Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC on May 20, 2007.

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19
Up, Up, and Away

2008
Whether glammed up on the red carpet or casually chic on her TV show, Winfrey looks lovely wearing an easy pinned-up loosely held chignon.

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20
The Real Deal

2009
For those who think that Winfrey wears a weave, you better think again! This past April the star revealed a photo of herself with hair undone and natural. Get ready for another hair reality check when Winfrey let’s Chris Rock run his fingers throughout her hair on today’s highly anticipated “Good Hair” episode.

Watch the “Good Hair” special today on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Check your local listings.

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