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Home • Hair

Hairstyle File: Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is one of the most standout tress chameleons of today. Last fall, we were thrilled when she debuted her fabulous bob haircut, and now we're extra hype about her recent Instagram pic of her with a shaved head. After wearing a variety of up-dos, long curls and other show-stopping styles over the years, we can honestly say there isn't a look that doesn't look amazing on this songbird.
By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
2001, It Girl

At the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, Alicia Keys rocked her trademark cornrows.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
02
2002, Puff n’ Stuff

At a NYC store opening, Keys sported huge afro puffs and face-framing braids.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
03
2003, Twist and Shout

At the VIBE Awards, Keys had her skinny cornrows twisted into adorable mini-buns.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
04
2004, Straight Up

At the MTV Europe Music Awards, Keys rocked a sleek, stunning blowout.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
05
2004, Retro Chic

At the American Music Awards, Keys rocked a throwback 1940’s coif, with pink curls and a dramatic side part.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
06
2006, Swept Away

At the 48th Annual Grammy’s, Keys swept her strands across her forehead in a graceful, chic style.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
07
2008, Pony Up

At the “We Are Together” premiere, Keys kept it simple by slicking her strands back in these chic low ponytail.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
08
2009, New Wave

At the 81st Annual Academy Awards, Keys was the picture of glamour in rippling, Old Hollywood-style waves.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
09
2009, Layer Cake

At the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, Keys rocked the red carpet in soft, swingy layers and bright emerald eyes.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
10
2010, Spiral Star

At the 2010 Brit Awards, Keys rocked a tumble of copper-colored spirals with the the front slick back.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
11
2011, Sophisticated Lady

At ZO’s Summer Groove concert, Keys went for drop dead elegance in this oversized topknot.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
12
2011, Curly Cues

At the Proenza Schouler show during Fashion Week, Keys added definition to her natural curls by winding them around a half inch curling iron.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
13
2011, Pretty Plait

At the 2011 BET Awards, Keys was on-trend in a fishtailed side plait.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
14
2011, Sleek and Chic

At the Keep a Child Alive ball, Keys turned heads in a dazzlingly simple, slicked-back style.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
15
2011, So Romantic

At the unveiling of the Alicia Keys Wax Figure at Madame Tussaud’s, Keys rocked romantic waves swept over one shoulder. Very Veronica Lake!

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
16
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Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
17
2012: Cutting Edge

At the Billboard Music Awards, Keys graced the red carpet in a stunning braided updo.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
18
2012: Keep it Curly

Keys arrived at the 2012 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner wearing a head full of shiny ringlets.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
19
2012: Curly Girl

At the Social Innovation Summit 2012, Keys flaunted a lush halo of her natural curls.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
20
2012: Long Story Short

Keys posted images of her sassy haircut on Instagram. The photo shows the singer proudly flaunting her new cut both naturally curly and smooth and sleek. We love the new look!

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
21
2012: Glamour Girl

Keys sported a fabulous and sleek updo at the Keep A Child Alive’s Black Ball.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
Ben Hider/Getty Images
22
2012: Perfect Pair

At the MTV EMA’s 2012 in Germany, Keys stepped out in a sleek bob paired with a bright tangerine lip.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
Mike Marsland/Wireimage
23
2013: Curls Galore

Keys added volumious curls to her updo when she attended the KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2012 at Nokia Theatre LA Live.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
24
2013: Bobbed and Beautiful

At the SiriusXM Town Hall Live On ‘Heart And Soul,’ the “Girl on Fire” singer showed off her sizzling hot, blunt-cut bob.

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
25
2014: Shaved Side

A. Keys wowed the internet when she uploaded a photo on Instagram displaying her new ‘do with shaved sides. The photo, captioned “Hi….:-)”, is a welcomed surprise from her Instagram absence that lasted slightly over a year. 

Alicia Keys' Hottest Hairstyles Through the Years
Instagram