Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • 2025 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • News

Hairstyle File: Kelis

When you think about true modern style innovators, only a few names spring to mind--and one of them is always Kelis. Since she first burst on the scene ten years ago with "Caught Out There," the delightfully kooky, unabashedly avant garde singer has kept us guessing with her envelope-pushing hairstyles. In honor of her brand-new album, "Flesh Tone," let's take a look back at Kelis' most memorable hair moments, from emerald-green curls to a pink pixie cut.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
01
2000, Green Day

When you think about true modern style innovators, only a few names spring to mind—and one of them is always Kelis. Since she first burst on the scene ten years ago with “Caught Out There,” the delightfully kooky, unabashedly avant garde singer has kept us guessing with her envelope-pushing hairstyles. In honor of her brand-new album, “Flesh Tone,” let’s take a look back at Kelis’ most memorable hair moments, from emerald-green curls to a pink pixie cut.

Hairstyle File: Kelis
02
2001, Flower Power

At the 2001 MTV Europe Music Awards, the singer showed up with a ladylike chignon accessorized with live gardenias.

Hairstyle File: Kelis
03
2005, Strike a Pose

At the “Just Like Heaven” premiere in Hollywood, Kelis flaunted a bodacious, fluffy blowout and candy-coated lips.

Hairstyle File: Kelis
04
2006, Bad Girl

Kelis debuted her super-short, side-shaved hairstyle at the 2006 BET Awards. Did this look inspire Rihanna’s career-making “rooster” cut?

Hairstyle File: Kelis
05
2007, Think Pink

Kelis shocked everyone at the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend when she hit the red carpet rocking a brand new, powder puff pink hairdo!

Hairstyle File: Kelis
06
2008, Shady Lady

At the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, Kelis was the queen of cool in her retro mushroom wedge cut and tinted shades.

Hairstyle File: Kelis
07
2009, Blue Our Minds

A very pregnant Kelis was feeling blue at Samsung’s 8th Annual Four Seasons Of Hope Gala.

Hairstyle File: Kelis
08
2010, To the Point

At the First Annual Data Awards, Kelis pushed the envelope with a Statue of Liberty-esque headpiece paired with a long, silver braid.

Hairstyle File: Kelis
09
2010, Red Alert

Recently, Kelis chopped off her locks and dyed them a showstopping, fire engine red. Here, she flaunts the style at her ‘Flesh Tone’ album release party.

Hairstyle File: Kelis