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Home • Hair

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson

Who's hotter than Jennifer Hudson right now? From a coily bob to her super short pixie cut, here are Hudson's most memorable styles since her days as an "American Idol" ingenue.
By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
2004: Color Guard

From multi-colored highlights to her current bangs-and-waves ‘do, here are Jennifer Hudson’s most memorable hairstyles since her days as an “American Idol” ingenue.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
02
2006: Curly Top

At the Mercedes-Benz Carousel of Hope Ball, Jennifer Hudson wore her curls swept up in a princessy, half-up/half-down style.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
03
2007; Curly Cue

At a fete honoring Clive Davis, Jennifer Hudson sported a mass of springy, shiny, corkscrew curls.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
04
2007: Old Hollywood

At the Academy Awards, Jennifer Hudson was the picture of Old Hollywood glamour with her retro curls, swept over to one side.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
05
2008: Fresh Face

Jennifer Hudson sported sweet, chin-length spirals at “The Secret Life Of Bees” premiere.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
06
2008: What About Bob

At the 2008 BET Awards, Jennifer Hudson debuted a sleek, razor-sharp bob with lightly tousled bangs.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
07
2009: Shag-a-delic!

At the 40th NAACP Image Awards, Jennifer Hudson debuted her new choppy, piece-y shag cut.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
08
2010: Pony Up

Jennifer Hudson sported a sleek, high pony and eyelash-grazing bangs at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
09
2011: Pinup Queen

Jennifer Hudson sported her sexiest look—Bettie Page-style bangs and long, loose waves—at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy’s dinner.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
10
2011: Haute Hippie

Jennifer Hudson went for a hippie chic look at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, wearing her tresses long, flat ironed, and parted down the center.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
11
2011: Oh So Pretty

At 2011’s Grammy Awards, Jennifer Hudson was totally stunning in ultra-straight hair with bronzed tips and a center part.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
12
2011: All Dressed Up

Jennifer Hudson was pure perfection at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in this classy updo with subtle auburn highlights.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
13
2011: Do the Twist

Jennifer Hudson hosted an AOL listening session wearing a teased side twist pulled over one shoulder.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
14
2011: Blonde Ambition

Jennifer Hudson took a walk on the wild side with bright blonde lowlights at the Swarovski Elements Installation for Rodeo Drive event.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
15
2011: Tressed to Impress

Jennifer Hudson attended her album release party in long, touchable tresses with soft curls and subtle highlights.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
16
2011: Going Glam

At this year’s Costume Institute Gala, Jennifer Hudson looked ultra glam in a half up/half down hairstyle swept over one shoulder.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
17
2011: Beautiful Bangs

Jennifer Hudson arrived on the set of 106 and Park in super long locks paired with fun, face-framing bangs. We love her subtle blonde streaks!

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
18
2011: Straight Talk

At Fashion’s Night Out in Japan, Jennifer Hudson sizzled in this shoulder-length, bone straight ’do. Did you peep the auburn lowlights? Simply fab!

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
19
2011: Taking Sides

At SELF Magazine’s 4th Annual Women Doing Good Awards, Jennifer Hudson hit the red carpet in Rapunzel-length, layered tresses tossed over one shoulder. So sexy!

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
20
2011: Short Notice

Jennifer Hudson made us do a double-take when she arrived at the VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul event in this faux bob with a soft layers.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
21
2011: Polished and Pretty

We loved seeing Jennifer Hudson rock her sleek tresses with bright brown lowlights again at the American Music Awards.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
22
2011: Cascade of Curls

At the taping of the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” TV special, Jennifer Hudson looked luscious in a head full of ravishing ringlets.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
23
2012: Making the Braid

Jennifer Hudson attended a book signing to celebrate the release of “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighted Me Down” in a fun and funky side role with a hanging braid.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
24
2012: Ride the Wave

At another book signing for her new book, Jennifer Hudson wore a free-flowing half-up/half-down ’do complete with crimped waves.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
25
2012: Ultra Glam

Jennifer Hudson’s long locks were ultra glam when she attended a book signing at a local Los Angeles Weight Watchers Center. We love her accent braids, too!

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
26
2013: Long and Luscious

Jennifer’s Long, wispy layers help create the perfect silhouette for a modern look.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
Getty Images
27
2014: Tousled Pixie

Hudson sports a tousled pixie on and off the red carpet.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
Getty Images
28
2015: Pixie Power

Jennifer Hudson knows how to demand your attention—not only with her sultry voice but with her statement pixie cut. 

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson
Wire Image/John Lamparski
29
2015: Short and Sweet

Jennifer’s new super short and sleek ‘do with tapered sides is fresh and flirtatious.

Hairstyle File: Jennifer Hudson