Tyra Banks’s hair is her most powerful accessory. The Emmy-winning talk-show host goes for hair hues that range from browns, reds, and blonde, which complement her hazel eyes.
Our favorite “Dreamgirl” looks heavenly with this versatile medium shoulder-length cut. We love the side-swept bangs. This style works great because the cut can be worn with long, choppy, or asymmetrical bangs; each variation will add depth and structure to your facial features.
Ditching her signature braids for body-booming curls, Alicia Keys looks lovely no matter how she wears her hair. ESSENCE chatted with the 11-time Grammy winner in June 2008 about her missing her braids and she confirmed, “They’re always in my vibe, in my cipher. I think my braids are beautiful, and there are times that I wear them, just for me. They’re not gone forever.”
Ciara’s gorgeous bone structure rocks this long layered look. To recreate this cute cut, try adding layers that fall right below your chin. The “Fantasy Ride” singer’s soft graduated layers make her face appear lean. Make sure you consult your stylist before you cut or layer your hair. The wrong layers can add bulk and weight to your face.
Sexy, wavy hair will never go out of style, and Ashanti demonstrates why. Her tresses look both touchable and romantic. Celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen dishes, “Whether your hair is long or short, this is a style that needs to move and have body. Anything too stiff will look hard, and that’s the look you definitely don’t want.”
Halle Berry has found the perfect look to balance both motherhood and Hollywood. Her long mane is practical yet chic, allowing her to throw it up in a ponytail or create soft curls for a red-carpet occasion.
Jada looks like a jewel at the “Madagascar Escape 2 Africa” premiere. She knows how to play up her girlish charms when she needs to. Her bangs add a youthful light touch to her high style.
Tia Mowry’s long pixie cut needs to be groomed on a regular basis to keep the texture and shape. But don’t let a few extra trips to the salon deter you from getting this saucy style.
Bone-straight hair never looked better on “Diva Deluxe” signer Kelly Rowland. The trick to getting the perfect blow out is using the right styling products in conjunction with your the blow dryer. We love Coloresse Heat Protection Spray, $7.99, sallybeauty.com. The spray seals the hair cuticle to defend against heat styling damage.
“Unexpected” signer Michelle Williams looks exceptionally stylish with this classic bob cut. The bob needs to be structured to fit your face shape. Choose a style that is short for a thin face or cut to an angle for a rounder face.
These bouncin’ and behavin’ tendrils were meant to be noticed. Lisa-Raye’s shoulder-length chestnut curls are effortlessly chic and slightly layered in the front for a hint of sophistication. This do is perfect for a day shopping with the girls or a hot date of dinner and dancing.
Although this neosoul songtress professed that “she is not her hair”, we must confess that her tresses are a must-see whenever she is on red carpet. Whether twisted, cut in a low Cesear or locked, India.Arie’s strands always reflect her free spirit. Here she opts for a slightly blown out Afro and added a touch of color in the front for a little spice.
Mya looks all grown up as she flaunts this regal updo with ribbon curls. The color-tinged tips of her naturally curly strands are a pleasant surprise to this tried and true look. Since Mya normally wears her long locks down and flowing, it is refreshing to see her step out of her comfort hair zone.
This Simmons sister is quickly becoming a hair chameleon in her own right and we think this look was Vanessa’s best this year. Here, her precision middle part is the perfect complement to sleek, jet-black stands. Slightly graduated layers softly frame her face and provide movement.
Honestly, can Nia Long do any wrong when it comes to her hair? We love it long or short and most importantly it always looks healthy. Here, the veteran actress shows us that ponytails are far from juvenile while rocking one that’s full of bouncy curls.
Our favorite newlywed Malinda Williams keeps her short crop tight at all times. What’s not to love about these soft curls and side part? This low-maintenance do is timeless and the perfect marriage to Malinda’s high cheekbones and gorgeous smile.
Her milkshake might bring all the boys to the yard, but Kelis’s trendsetting style definitely keeps us ladies guessing what she’ll do next with her mane. Here, she keeps her silky, slightly bumped tresses jet black and takes us back with a bowl cut that surprisingly looks very now.
The queen of hip-hop soul has the best blonde do in the game–hands down. The graduated dark roots to light strands prevents this color from being too harsh against Mary J. Blige’s caramel skin. This striking hue also makes a conventional cut look anything but.
Gabrielle Union has been quite frank about her love of weaves and we couldn’t love her more for it. She consistently chooses hair that is the right match for her hairline and texture. Here, loose curls tousled over one shoulder show off Gabby’s flawless complexion and infectious dimples.
Proving that long and blonde aren’t the only two hair options for an R&B diva, Rihanna easily had the most coveted strands in 2008. With the help of her fierce hairstylist Ursula Stephen, Rihanna kept her do in tip-top shape whether she was rocking it in curls (like here), spiked, with bangs or even asymmetrical.
