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Home • Natural

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey

Simply put, Viola Davis is on fire. Our December cover star is one of Hollywood's most in-demand actresses and has become an inspiration for black girls everywhere who desire to rock a short cut with sass. To celebrate her December 2016 ESSENCE cover with Denzel Washington, let's look back at the award winning actress' hottest hair moments over the years.
By Nicole Marie Melton · Updated October 26, 2020
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Viola Davis and Denzel Washington ESSENCE December Issue
A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Kwaku Alston/ Styling by Elizabeth Stewart and Linda Medvene
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2002, Amber Waves

At the “Solaris” premiere, Viola Davis rocked amber-streaked, coily extensions.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2004, E is for Elegant

Davis attended the Theater World Awards rocking a simple, backcombed blowout. Elegant!

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2005, She Bangs

At the premiere of “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” Davis sported asymmetrical bangs and long, loose waves.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2006, Just Like Honey

Davis hit the 5th Annual Tribeca Film Festival sporting a sleek, shoulder-length shag with honey highlights.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2008, Sleek Chic

At a screening for “The Andromeda Strain,” Davis debuted a sleek, chin-length bob with tousled bangs.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2008, Glossy Girl

Davis sported bouncy, glossy, jet-black curls at the “Nights in Rodanthe” premiere.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2009, Short Story

At the “Law Abiding Citizen” premiere, Viola Davis debuted a short, piece-y crop with razor-cut bangs. So chic!

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2009, Curly Girlie

Davis sported soft, romantic, chestnut-hued curls the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2010, Swept Away

At the 2010 Princess Grace Awards Gala, Davis’ cheekbone-length hairstyle was sleek and swept across her forehead.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2010, Sweet Heart

At ELLE’s 17th Annual Women In Hollywood Tribute, Davis rocked an Upper East Side-socialite bob that perfectly flattered her heart-shaped face.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2011: The Shining

At the Tony Awards, Davis’ jaw-length bob was glossy, healthy-looking and impossibly shiny.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2012: A Daring Debut

Davis made a big statement by going natural at the 2012 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event. “I feel very powerful, I really do,” said Davis, about wearing her natural hair. “I feel more powerful every day, more secure in who I am, and I’ve waited so long for that… It feels so divine.”

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2012: Cropped and Confident

Davis sported her chic coif at the Academy Awards, and it completely revamped her red carpet look for a bolder, fresher feel.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE
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2012: Red Carpet Ready
Viola Davis
A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
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2013: Natural Glow

Davis attended the CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute flaunting her coily, curly big chop.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
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2013: Classy Crop

Viola Davis beamed on the red carpet of the Screen Actors Guild Awards wearing her classy, cropped curls.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
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2013: Cover Girl

Viola flaunted her beautiful, natural hair for the October 2013 issue of ESSENCE. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Nino Muñoz
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Viola’s Layered Bob

In 2014, the renowned actress stepped out in a series of styles, including this super chic bob. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for NYX Cosmetics
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Golden Girl

Viola shined on the 2015 Golden Globes red carpet in a fierce-looking bob. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Steve Granitz
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How To Get Away With Amazing Hair

Viola looked stuning at the 2014 Television Critics Association summer press tour. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Gregg DeGuire
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Primped and Prepped for Paley

During a 2015 visit to The Paley Center for Media, Viola sported her go-to bob. Super cute! 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Jamie McCarthy
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Oscar-Ready Curls

In 2015, Viola flaunted her natural coif at the Academy Awards. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Dan MacMedan
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Fro’d and Fabulous

She also embraced her natural hair at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Jon Kopaloff
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So Wavy

Remember when Davis donned this fabulous finger waves to the Academy Awards?! So chic. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Dan MacMedan
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Sleek in Lavender

For this year’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, Davis looked absolutely amazing in a purple gown and equally stunning hairstyle.

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Kevork Djansezian
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A List Highlights

And she’s not afraid of a little color either! Loving the subtle hints of brown in her bob. 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Allen Berezovsky
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Radiant Waves

Her wavy tresses look effortless. Continue to slay us with your ever changing hair, Ms. Davis! 

A Look Back At Viola Davis' Inspiring Hair Journey
Mike Windle
TOPICS:  Celebrity Hairstyles Viola Davis