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Home · Hair

Chaka Khan's Best Big Hair Moments

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 Chaka's most iconic mane moments since her earliest days an aspiring funk songstress.
By · Updated October 27, 2020
01
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.

Chaka Khan’s Best Big Hair Moments
02
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.

Chaka Khan’s Best Big Hair Moments
03
Afro-tastic!

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

21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon
04
Boho Babe

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

Chaka Khan’s Best Big Hair Moments
05
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.

Chaka Khan’s Best Big Hair Moments
06
Red Alert

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

21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon
07
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!

21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon
08
Rapunzel Ringlets

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

Chaka Khan’s Best Big Hair Moments
09
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.

21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon
10
Cascading Waves

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

Chaka Khan’s Best Big Hair Moments
11
New Look

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

21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon
12
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!

Chaka Khan’s Best Big Hair Moments
13
Big Red
Chaka has spanned four decades of powerful singing and gorgeous natural hair.
21 Photos That Prove Chaka Khan Is Definitely A Hair Icon
14
Lady in Red

Red locs paired with red lips—a win for days!

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