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Home • Hair

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah

Happy Birthday, Queen Latifah! Since it's hard to know what to get a woman with two SAG awards, two NAACP Image awards, a Grammy, a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, we're toasting her 40th with a look back at her most memorable mane moments. From her "All Hail the Queen" days as a groundbreaking rapper to her recent, show-stoppingly gorgeous turn on the Oscars red carpet, here's a timeline of the Queen's prettiest hairstyles.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
1989, All Hail the Queen

Ah, remember Queen Latifah when she first stepped on the scene? Not sure about you, but we couldn’t get enough of her during these “All Hail the Queen” days as a groundbreaking rapper.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
02
1994, U.N.I.T.Y Tresses

At the 1994 American Music Awards Nominations Press Conference, Queen Latifah rocked a fluffy, hot-rollered flip.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
03
2001, Braided Beauty

Latifah rocked the Soul Train Awards wearing mile-long, gold-flecked cornrows.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
04
2002, Blonde Ambition

Latifah lightened up for Premiere magazine’s “Women In Hollywood” luncheon, sporting a new, lighter hair color and soft, Farrah-esque feathered style.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
05
2003, Sleek & Chic

Queen Latifah arrives at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards wearing an ultra-sleek, straight, half-up/half-down hairstyle.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
06
2004, Curly Girly

At the 2004 Golden Globe Awards, Latifah went ultra-girly with a head full of glossy Shirley Temple curls.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
07
2006, Straighten Out

With her center-parted, expertly flat-ironed tresses, out-to-there lashes and crimson lips, Latifah was all things Hollywood glamour at the 2006 Oscars.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
08
2007, Sundance Siren

Latifah wore her hair swept to the side in a curly ponytail for her 2007 Sundance Film Festival portrait.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
09
2008, Pretty Pompadour

Queen Latifah looked jaw-droppingly beautiful at the 2008 American Music Awards, pairing a sleek, half-up/half-down style with a trendy pompadour.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
10
2009, Side Sweep

Queen Latifah wore a glamorous updo with a chic, side-swooped bang at the American Idol Season 8 Grand Finale.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
11
2010, Copper Top

At the 2010 BET Honors ceremony, Latifah added some bouncy, tousled ringlets to her copper-colored bob.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
12
2010, Glamour Girl

Latifah swanned into the Oscars wearing a lush lavender gown, subdued Cover Girl Queen makeup and a slicked-back, uber-elegant bun.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
13
2011: Chasing Tail

Queen Latifah rocked a high, sleek ponytail at a Net-a-Porter event in London.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
14
2011, Copper Tone

At the 2011 New Jersey Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, Latifah sported a softly curled, copper-hued ’do with lots of bounce and shine.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah
15
2011, Golden Girl

At the 2011 People’s Choice Awards, Latifah was radiant in gold-highlighted hair and matching metallic makeup.

Hairstyle File: Queen Latifah