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Home • Hair

Hairstyle File: Sanaa Lathan's Tress Evolution

From bouncy bobs to waist-length waves, here's a look back at the star's most memorable manes.
By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
1998: It Girl

At the premiere of ’Blade," Sanaa Lathan looked retro glam in a straight, shoulder-length bob.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
02
2002: Wavy Wonder

Sanaa Lathan rocked a wavy half-up/half-down style to the premiere of ‘Brown Sugar.’

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
03
2003: New Heights

Sanaa Lathan opted for a beautiful bouffant at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
04
2003: Shining Star

Sanaa Lathan was all smiles at the ‘Out of Time’ premiere where she sported a cascade of shiny waves with a sexy center part.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
05
2004: Glamour Girl

Sanaa Lathan went for Old Hollywood Glamour in this curly pin-up with flowing waves at the “58th Annual Tony Awards.”

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
06
2006: Totally Banging

At the 22nd Annual Artios Awards, Sanaa Lathan arrived in softly curled, two-toned tresses with a side-swept bang.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
07
2006: Pump Up the Volume

At the 13th Annual Premiere Women In Hollywood gala,Sanaa Lathan wore a voluminous pompadour paired with amber-hued spirals and a side-swept bang.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
08
2008: Spiral Story

At the HFPA Salute To Young Hollywood party, Sanaa Lathan went for a shoulder-length, spiral curled ’do.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
09
2009: High Class

Sanna Lathan arrived at the 8th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in a gorgeous and classy high bun.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
10
2009: Straight Story

Sanaa Lathan traded in her curly look for something straight and sleek at the HollyRod Foundation’s 2009 DesignCare event.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
11
2009: Retro Glam

Sanaa Lathan rocked a mane of gentle curls for a retro-chic look at the 2009 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
12
2009: All Bounce

At the FOX UpFront After Party, Sanaa Lathan hit the red carpet in big, bouncy curls.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
13
2009: Top Notch

We adore Sanaa Lathan’s oversized bun that she accentuated by wrapping a braided piece around the base at the NAACP Image Awards.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
14
2010: Curly Queen

At the Cleveland Show Live event, Lathan looked so pretty in lush, touchable curls accented with a center part.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
15
2011: Top of the Class

Sanaa Lathan rocked an ultra-sleek topknot at Ella Moss’ tenth anniversary party.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
16
2011: Oh So Pretty

At the “Contagion” New York Premiere, we loved Sanaa Lathan’s loose halo of shiny waves.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
17
2011: Pony Up

At the 3rd Annual Bent On Learning Benefit, Sanaa Lathan arrived wearing a high-class, high-style ponytail.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
18
2011: Wavy Wonder

Sanaa Lathan arrived at the Second Annual Art Mere/Art Pere Night wearing shoulder-length waves.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
19
2011: Get Low

At the “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark” Off-Broadway Opening, Sanaa Lathan opted for a low ponytail with hanging, soft curls.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
20
2011: Casual Chic

At the 2011 Comic-Con International Convention, Sanaa Lathan kept her tresses casual yet chic in care-free waves with a center part.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
21
2011: Chic Chignon

At the 2011 Tribeca Ball, Sanaa Lathan wore a pulled back, low chignon accented with a center part.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
22
2012: High Shine

Sanaa Lathan glowed in shiny, bouncy strands at the 13th Annual Warner Bros. and InStyle Golden Globe Awards After Party.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
23
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Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
24
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Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
25
2013: Top Notch

Lathan took her style to new heights in this easy yet chic topknot at a Golden Globe Party.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
Steve Granitz/WireImage
26
2013: Half-n-Half

At the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, Lathan wore a half-up/half-down hairstyle paired with pretty peach lipstick and fun, flirty lashes.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
Jason LaVeris/ FilmMagic
27
2013: Tressed to Impress

Sanaa Lathan rocked big, bouncy curls with a side-swept bang when she attended the L.A. Hair Season 2 Screening Party.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images
28
2013: Miami Heat

Sanaa Lathan glowed at the 2013 American Black Film Festival in Miami while sporting carefree waves with a deep side part.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
29
2013: Ride the Wave

Sanaa Lathan attends the P&G Everyday Effect wearing long, shiny waist-length waves.

Sanaa's Hairstyle Evolution
Michael Rowe