Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • News

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music

It's the start of a new season, and hair girls everywhere are dying to update their look with a new style. The question is -- which cut do you choose? Kelis' curly, crimson-hued crop? Esperanza's fluffy 'fro? Or what about Kelly Rowland's long-bangs-and-blowout moment? Don't fret -- for your inspiration (and in honor of Black Music Month), we gathered together the top twenty best hairstyles in music today!
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Pin-Up Pretty

Rihanna goes for retro glam in this pin-up girl inspired ’do. We love the cool rolls in front!

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
02
Loose Blowout

Beyonce rocks a natural, easy-breezy look with this subtly layered, long blonde blowout.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
03
Pretty Pixie

Toni Braxton’s short, curly pixie shows off her gorgeous doe eyes.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
04
Wild Child

In one year, Solange went from a short natural to wild, shoulder-length curls! The fashion-forward songstress always keeps us inspired.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
05
Fierce Flapper

At the MTV Movie Awards, Nicki Minaj turned heads with this surprisingly conservative flapper bob. Love!

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
06
Long Story

Melanie Fiona defines simple chic by pinning back one side of her mile-long, thick black tresses.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
07
Sophisticated Lady

Mary J. Blige is the picture of sophistication with her elegant bun and full, blonde bangs.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
08
Natural Woman

Marsha Ambrosius’ adds definition to her natural curls by winding a few face-framing strands around a curling iron.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
09
She Bangs

Kelly Rowland’s long, swooping bangs give her look a mysterious sexiness.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
10
Short Stop

We love the ease and effortless chic of Kelis’ cropped crimson curls.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
11
Curly Girl

Jordin Sparks is resplendent in a riot of natural ringlets.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
12
Pomp and Circumstance

Janet Jackson’s boyish pompadour has recharged her style in the best possible way.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
13
Bowl-o-Rama

Estelle adds a modern spin to her short bowl cut by dying it a sexy eggplant shade.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
14
Fantastic Fro

With her enormous, fluffy ’fro, Esperanza Spalding has become an icon to natural women everywhere.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
15
High and Mighty

Eve’s high, “I Dream of Jeannie” ponytail is both fresh and uber-cool.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
16
Blonde Ambition

Keri Hilson’s manages to add rock star edge to a shoulder-length bob with an inch or so of dark roots.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
17
Cool Cut

Whether she rocks a corn-rowed natural or this short, architectural cut, Jill Scott is always ahead of the trends.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
18
Wild Streak

Ciara adds oomph to her ’do by adding in some bleached blonde streaks along the bottom.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
19
Going Platinum

Chrisette Michele’s platinum blonde TWA spawned a zillion imitators this year.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music
20
Pump Up the Volume

Alicia Keys caused quite a stir with this high-volume, super-sculptural updo.

Black Music Month: Hottest Hairstyles in Music