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Home • News

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill seems to be in the media more than ever -- performing at Coachella, hinting at a new album and a new pregnancy (neither has been confirmed, but both would make us so happy). The iconic beauty is even looking better than she has in years! In honor of Hill's comeback, let's take a look back at the tress trendsetter's most memorable hairstyles since she first burst on the scene as 1/3 of the seminal hip-hop group, The Fugees.
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
01
1996, Pretty Plaits

When “Killing Me Softly” dropped in ’96, Lauryn was rocking a long, braided look.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
02
1997, Cute Coils

At the 11th annual Soul Train Music Awards, Lauryn Hill rocked an short coily coiffure.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
03
1998, Lovely Locs

Hill’s bouncy dreadlocks quickly became an iconic style for a generation of Black girls.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
04
1998, Perky Ponytails

At the Billboard Music Awards, Hill rocked her lush dreadlocks in two schoolgirl ponytails.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
05
1999, Wavy Baby

At the 1999 Source Hip-Hop Music Awards, Hill wore her dreadlocks in trendsetting, roller-set waves.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
06
1999, Up and Away

Hill swept her locs into a spiky updo at the 13th Soul Train Music Awards.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
07
1999, Loose Locs

Hill wore her dreadlocks loose and full at the 41st annual Grammy Awards.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
08
2000, Twist and Shout

At a Grammy event, Lauryn Hill rocked a modern French twist with face-framing tendrils.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
09
2005, Retro Chic

When the Fugees reunited at the 2005 BET Awards, Hill sported a retro Dorothy Hamill-style mushroom wig.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
10
2005, Natural Woman

At a performance in Kuala Lumpur, Hill sported a soft, natural ’fro. Simple, yet so chic!

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
11
2006, Big Hair

At an Oscar party, Lauryn Hill sported an oversize coily wig and Harlequin-style makeup.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
12
2010, Belle of the Ball

At the Rock The Bells concert last year, Hill’s feathered hair peeked out from her sequined beanie.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
13
2010, Curly Cues

At the Tanzania Education Trust Gala, Hill sported a head full of short, soft curls.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
14
2011, She Bangs

At the 6th annual Jazz In The Gardens concert, Hill rocked a sleek, short bob with full bangs.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill
15
2011, Long Story

Hill sported long, coily tendrils at the 2011 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival.

Hairstyle File: Lauryn Hill