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Home · News

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, we love you. We celebrate your whole catalog, from "Vision of Love" to your latest, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel." We're even kind of obsessed with your fragrances, especially the sweet chic "Lollipop Bling." But most importantly, we love you and Nick and we're thrilled to death over your pregnancy! So that your little baby one day understands what a mane maven his/her mama is, we'd like to take a look back and some of your most fabulous hair moments. Aspiring divas, take note.
By · Updated October 29, 2020
01
1990: Long Island Ingenue

At one of her first photo shoots as a fledgling pop star, 19-year-old Carey flaunts her carefully moussed-and-scrunched natural curls.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
02
1991: So Emotional

At the shoot for her Emotions, video, Mariah swept her curls up into a loose bun on top of her head, letting a few ringlets escape.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
03
1992: Amber Alert

Carey debuted a new cinnamon hair color atop her naturally curly mane at a record signing.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
04
1995: Yellow Fever

We are now entering One Sweet Day era. In ’95, Carey accessorized her sleek, bouncy blowout with a few yellow barrettes.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
05
1996: Beautiful Brunette

Carey turned heads at the American Music Awards in loosely curled ringlets and eyebrow-grazing bangs.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
06
1997: Sleek Chic

At her Butterfly release party, Carey sported straightened, center-parted strands with tons of body at the ends.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
07
1998: Spiral Star

At the 1998 ESSENCE Awards, Carey hit the red carpet sporting a head full of voluminous, divalicious curls (aided by a few well-placed pieces).

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
08
1999: Straight Up

Carey showed up to the ’99 ESSENCE Awards sporting a straight ponytail, with a few face-framing tendrils.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
09
1999: Pretty Plaits

Carey arrived at an in-store appearance in ’99 rocking two super-sweet, girlish blonde braids.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
10
2001: Totally TRL

In ’01, Carey appeared on Total Request Live wearing a heavily feathered, platinum blonde blowout.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
11
2003: Haute Headband

Carey worked an Upper East Side princess vibe at a Fresh Air Fund event, sporting an embellished, skinny black headband and pearls.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
12
2005: Red Hot

Carey’s 2005 MTV Movie Awards look consisted of a low-plunging red gown, major diamonds, and a softly waved, Veronica Lake hairstyle.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
13
2006: New Heights

Carey rocked the red carpet at the ’06 Golden Globe Awards wearing a gorgeous, sleek updo and a sparkling butterfly hair clip.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
14
2006: Sweet Charity

Carey was in full diva mode an Operation Smile charity event, rocking a mussed mass of sexy waves — and a new, strawberry blonde hair color.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
15
2007: In Full Bloom

Carey choose a feminine half-up/half-down ’do with face-framing curls for her appearance for her Butterfly fragrance launch.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
16
2008: So Precious

At the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, Carey added subtle, ’70s-style wings to her long, softly curled coif.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
17
2009: So Precious

At the premiere of Precious, Carey went for over-the-top glamour in a lush tumble of thick curls. We’re loving the two-toned hair color, too.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
18
2009: Rockin’ Ringlets

Carey went back to her early-’90s curly girl roots at a “Precious” screening last year, sporting a riot of glossy ringlets.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
19
2009: Smiles and Style

Carey made a trip to the Late Show with David Letterman flashing her mega-watt smile and long, flowing curls.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
20
2009: International Glam

Carey brought back her signature ringlets while spotted at the Four Seasons Hotel in Milan, Italy.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
21
2009: Forever My Lady

At the fragrance launch for her Forever scent, Carey rocked sexy straight strands with a hint of curl at the ends.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
22
2009: Glowing and Gorgeous

Carey arrived at Skylight Studios in New York wearing a casual yet chic loosely curled hairstyle with a side part.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
23
2010: Cascade of Curls

Carey debuted a luxurious cascade of golden curls while partying at a Grammy event.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
24
2010: Smooth Move

With her swooped bangs and high, sleek pony, Carey’s 2010 Golden Globes look was simple, chic, and diva-worthy.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
25
2010: Taking Sides

Carey arrived at the Screen Actors Guild Awards with a heap of loose curls over one shoulder and a sexy, side-swept bang.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
26
2010: Eye Know

At the Keepers Of The Dream Awards, Carey rocked sumptuous waves with a long, layered swoop across one eye.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
27
2010: Honey Child

Carey has always made a statement with her honey-blonde hair color, and at the People’s Choice Awards her glowing hair looked radiant swept over one shoulder.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
28
2010: Bun in the Oven

At the listening party for her new album, Merry Christmas II You, a pregnant-and-glowing Carey rocked smooth, flat-ironed hippie hair.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
29
2010: Straight, No Chaser

Carey added a daring, Rapunzel-esque twist to her signature look by sporting straight, waist-length strands at the American Music Awards.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
30
2011: Slim N’ Trim

Shortly after the birth of her twins, Carey appeared on the red carpet for the debut of her Jenny Craig campaign launch in her trademark loosely-curled, blonde locks.

Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
31
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Hairstyle File: Mariah Carey
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