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Home · Hair

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Big Wigs

We love Nicki Minaj -- and not just for her saucy songs and crazy fashion sense. Although she's debuted a more tamed look lately, that girl still knows how to wear a wig! In honor of her hair-raising style, let's take a look at the evolution of over-the-top wigs since the Supremes first popularized the big bouffant...
By · April 5, 2014October 27, 2020
01
1960, Blonde Ambition
The original Black Blonde Bombshell, torch singer Etta James wore a shockingly bold wig in the early 60’s.
02
1962, Girl Group
As the iconic Supremes, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard helped make mile-high bouffant wigs the fancy hair choice of teens of all races, all over the world.
03
1965, Big Tease
Motown chanteuse Mary Wells always wore the most intricate, teased-and-sprayed wig styles.
04
1978, Suddenly Last Summer
In the disco-themed movie “Thank God Its Friday”, Donna Summer plays an ambitious singer with a suitcase full of glamorous performance wigs. Here’s one of the hottest!
05
1984, Fierce Frost
For her “What’s Love Got to do With It” comeback, Tina Turner sported this now-ionic, frosted and teased wig.
06
1986, Winged Woman
Patti Labelle was known for her over-the-top wigs and hair pieces in the 80’s. Here, her real hair around the hairline is blended in with a spiked, wing-like wig.
07
1990, Fashion ‘Fro

At a party with photographer Steven Meisel, Naomi Campbell rocked an oversized, Angela Davis-esque afro.

08
1995, Dude Looks Like a Lady
Rupaul didn’t dial down the glamour when she attended a Pediatric AIDS Kids For Kids benefit. She turned heads in a fluffy platinum wig and red lips.
09
1999, Sexy Spirals

Iman hit an Interview party sporting a cherry red wig overflowing with face-framing, high-volume spirals.

10
2002, Purple Reign
At the 2002 MTV VMA’s, Diana Ross famously jiggled one of Lil Kim’s semi-exposed boobs. We loved this moment and Lil Kim’s headline-grabbing, ultraviolet wig!
11
2002, Going for the Gold
At an Austin Powers In Goldmember screening party, co-star Beyonce sported a poodle perm wig that made headlines the next day.
12
2004, Glamour Girl

At the 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards, Tyra Banks wore an elegant lace front wig with tons of high-drama volume at the crown.

13
2005, Big Wig
At Janet Jackson CD release party, TV and radio personality Wendy Williams rocked out in a huge, crimped, amber-colored wig.
14
2011, Red Ringlets

At a pre-Grammy bash in Manhattan, Rihanna sported a wig that was virtually exploding with wild woman ringlets. Love!

15
2011, Bride of Young Money`
At the 2011 Grammy awards, rapper Nicki Minaj showed up with a two-toned, Cruella de Ville-meets-Bride of Frankenstein afro wig.

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