21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon
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21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon

Getty Images

And she's still slaying today! 

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Nicole Marie Melton
Mar, 23, 2017

Over the course of Chaka Khan's storied career--from her funkdafied days with Rufus and Chaka Khan to her solo career as a pop/soul legend--she's gone through many professional changes, but one thing has remained the same: Her gloriously bountiful shock of wild woman hair!

Here, we take a look back at the 2017 ESSENCE Fest performer's most iconic mane moments since her earliest days an aspiring funk songstress.

 

1 of 19

Fresh Face

In one of her early portrait sessions, Khan pulled her full natural hair back on the sides for a half up half down look.

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2 of 19

Ribbons in the Sky

In an early promotional shot, Chaka Khan flaunts her flirty side by adding girly ribbons to her fluffy, shoulder-length afro.

3 of 19 Allan Tannenbaum

Queen of the Fro

As a up and coming singer, Chaka quickly made a voluminous mane part of her signature look.
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4 of 19

Afro-tastic!

Chaka hits the stage with Rufus in full super-sexy mode—low-slung leather pants, a feather halter and an enormous afro.

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5 of 19 Getty Images

Shagged Out

Chaka quickly became a chameleon, switching from her signature fro to a '70s-centric shag cut.
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6 of 19

Boho Babe

In a 1975 performance, Chaka Khan rocks a sexy boho look in long, bouncy waves and a skinny, feathered headband.

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7 of 19 Getty Images

In Living Color

Wild-haired and ready to roar!
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8 of 19 Getty Images

Bikini Babe

Gone with the wind fabulous and owning the stage.
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9 of 19 Getty Images

Camera-Ready

When it's time to strike a pose, Chaka never fails!
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10 of 19 Getty Images

Teased Tresses

In her element with larger than life hair!
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11 of 19

Video Vixen

During an appearance on the UK’s video show, Music Box, Chaka Khan sasses up her long, bodacious bushy ’do by pinning it up on the sides.

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12 of 19

Red Alert

At a Grammys ceremony in the mid-Eighties, Chaka Khan turned heads with her over-the-top, fire engine red crimped hairdo.

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13 of 19

Wavy Baby

By 1994, Chaka Khan had deepened her haircolor to a glossy, dark maroon shade. We love the tousled bangs and long, thick waves!

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14 of 19

Rapunzel Ringlets

Chaka Khan showed up to the 2006 Women’s World Awards flaunting masses of rippling, plum-streaked ringlets.

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15 of 19

Award Tour

At Elton John’s 2010 Academy Awards Viewing Party, Chaka Khan hit the red carpet looking hotter than ever in a super-curly, shoulder-length do.

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16 of 19

Cascading Waves

Chaka Khan attended the 32nd Edition Of An Evening Of Stars in 2010 wearing her signature burgundy curls swept over one shoulder.

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17 of 19

New Look

Khan arrived at the 40th Annual Fifi Awards showing off her newly slim figure and her bold, vivid waves.

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18 of 19

Red Hot

At the Hollywood Bowl opening night event, Khan rocked a wet-n-wavy look in her trademark crimson hue.

Check out more of Chaka’s fierce hairstyles during her live appearance at the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival! Get your tickets now!

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19 of 19 Gary Gershoff

Still Slaying

Today, the singer continues to rock her signature red hair, proving that her hair reign is still intact.

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