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Home • Hair

Hairstyle File: Nicki Minaj's Hairstyle Evolution

Colorful, crazy, eclectic...these are just a few words that come to mind when the subject of Nicki Minaj's hair comes up. We've seen a bevy of wild -- and sometimes wacky -- 'dos on the starlet, but these days, she's drastically toned down her look.  She's been front row at Fashion Week showing off her new look and will also be celebrating the release of her new fragrance, Minajesty, in stores this week. Take a walk down memory lane and see how the star's style has evolved over the years.
By Nicole Marie Melton · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
A Different Angle

Minaj took a different angle to her hairstyle when she arrived at the VH1’s Diva Salute the Troops show wearing a triangle-shaped ’fro.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
02
Over the Top

All eyes were on Minaj when she arrived at Lincoln Center for Spring 2012 New York Fashion Week wearing a curly, blue bushel paired with striped bangs.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
03
Think Pink

Minaj was a sight to see at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards where she arrived wearing a bright pink bob wig.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
04
Dipped Tips

At the 2010 American Music Awards, Minaj flaunted a dramatically angled platinum blonde wig, complete with super lush bangs and emerald green tips.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
05
New Heights

Only Minaj could pull off this topsy-turvy, pink, yellow, and blonde updo that she wore at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
06
Fluffy Mane

At a Casio Camera Launch Party, Minaj’s wore a platinum blonde fluffy stack of curls with layered sides.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
07
Half-and-Half

Minaj was feeling a little blue in this bold sapphire and blonde wig at the 2011 American Music Awards Nominees Press Conference.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
08
Ride the Wave

Minaj wore Rapunzel-length blonde waves on the red carpet of Billboard’s Sixth Annual Women in Music event.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
09
Curly Girl

A curly, pastel pink bob was a natural fit for the Pink Friday star when she attended the 2011 American Music Awards.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
10
Neon Brights

Minaj attended the Lil’ Wayne album release party in a long platinum blonde wig with neon yellow and pink spiral curls.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
11
Curls Gone Wild

When Minaj took the stage for a performance on Good Morning America, all eyes were on her curly mass of bright blonde coils.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
12
My, Oh My

Minaj rocked a bevy of wild-and-crazy wigs during the “I Am Music II” Tour with Lil’ Wayne, including this sky-high, cotton candy like ’do.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
13
Rough and Tough

At the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Minaj sported Lady of Rage-esque blonde and pink afro puffs. (And can we talk about that chicken wing necklace, too?)

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
14
Mean Green

At the Lil’ Wayne Welcome Home Party, Minaj flashed her pearly whites while wearing a turquoise green wig with lush, layered bangs.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
15
Pink Out of the Box

Minaj posed for a portrait session to promote her debut album Pink Friday wearing a lopsided, mile-high curly wig with neon pink bangs and sideburns.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
16
Shocking Strands

This might be one of Minaj’s most daring styles to date. At the Grammy Awards, everyone stared in disbelief at Nicki’s Bride of Frankenstien wig with touches of animal print.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
17
Curly Cutie

Minaj arrived at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards wearing shockingly bright yellow curls with cotton candy pink highlights.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
18
Fierce Fringe
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
Getty Images
19
Wondrous Waves

Minaj arrived at the Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show wearing shoulder-length rippling waves with a chic side part.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
20
New Year, New You

At a New Year’s Eve Party at PURE Nightclub, the over-the-top MC left her colorful hair at home, choosing instead a platinum blonde wig with bold bangs and chunky curls.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
Jonathan Leibson/WireImage
21
Back To Your Roots

Minaj has been loving her platinum blonde hair lately and sported these bone straight strands with natural roots at the American Idol 2013 finale.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic & Fraser Harrison/Getty Images
22
Cascade of Curls

At the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Mianj walked the red carpet in a voluminous halo of fluffy, platinum blonde ringlets.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
23
Modern Elegance

Minaj switched up her look with a shoulder-length retro-inspired ‘do at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014 in New York City.

Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
D Dipasupil/Getty Images
24
Elegant Lady
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj, Then and Now
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic