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Home • News

Hairstyle File: Nia Long

Nia Long's has always made impeccable hairstyle choices. Think about it. In "Boys in the Hood," you wanted her perfectly fluffed bangs. In "Love Jones," you wanted her jet-black layered cut (um, and her man). Her perky coils were arguably the best part of "Alfie." Thank you, Nia Long, for always inspiring us with your dazzling 'dos! Here, we salute the award-winning actress with a gallery of her hottest hair moments.
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
1991: Hood Hottie

In Boys in the Hood, Long played a sweet Catholic school girl, and had the demure bob-with-bangs hairstyle to prove it.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
02
1993: American Girl

Long added some sexy volume to her bob as Will Smith’s love interest in Made in America.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
03
1997: Ladies Who Lunch

Long rocked a slightly shorter, chin-grazing bob at a casual lunch with stylist Lisa Michelle in Los Angeles.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
04
1997: Me & Mrs. Jones

In 1997’s classic Love Jones, Long rocked a jet-black, layered cut with side-swept bangs. That year, Brown girls everywhere copied this trendsetting style.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
05
1998: Short Story

At the premiere of Blade, Long hit the red carpet wearing a brand new, super-short pixie cut.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
06
2000: Award Tour

Long sported a choppy, shoulder-length blowout at the 2000 NAACP Awards show.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
07
2001: Wavy Baby

Long’s wash-and-wear waves are both totally adorable and low-maintenance. Our kind of style!

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
08
2004: Pretty Pony

Sometimes the easiest hairstyles make the biggest impact. At the 2004 NAACP Image Awards, Long accepted her Best Actress in a Drama Series award (for her work in Third Watch) rocking a stunning, slicked-back ponytail.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
09
2004: Straight Up

At the premiere of Alfie, Long kept her look sleek and chic with a center-parted, razor-cut blowout.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
10
2005: VH1 Vixen

At the VH1 Hip Hop Honors show, Long showcased her gorgeous face with a short, spiky crop.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
11
2007: Glamour Girl

At a Hollywood party, Long pinned the top section of her hair back, and let the rest of her full waves cascade around her shoulders.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
12
2007: Orange You Pretty?

Long swept her soft, loose curls to one side at the 2007 NAACP Image Awards.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
13
2008: Lovely Long

Long looked beyond gorgeous at Clive Davis’ 2008 pre-Grammy Awards bash. She added some pieces to her smooth blowout for a voluminous, rumpled-on-purpose look

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
14
2009: It Girl

At the premiere of This is It, Long parted her sexy, boyish cut on the side and finger-styled the layers at the crown.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
15
2009: Sophisticated Lady

At a Good Hair premiere, co-star Long hit the red carpet in a glossy, luscious, roller-set bob.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
16
2009: Taking Sides

Long glowed at the Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2009 Fashion Show in a shiny side-ponytail.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
17
2009: Shaggy Style

At the premiere of Good Hair, Long sported a shiny, layered shag with a side-swept bang.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
18
2010: Short Story

At the ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon, Long styled her short strands into a sassy upsweep.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
19
2011: High and Mighty

Nia Long arrived at the BET Awards in shimmering skin and a sexy, sky-high topknot.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
20
2011: Short and Chic

At at Dark & Lovely event, Long returned to her short, chic pixie cut with eyebrow grazing bangs.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
21
2012: TV Ready

Long made an appearance at the Good Day LA studios in swingable shoulder-length strands.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
22
2012: Totally Bangin’

Long arrived at the Children Uniting Nations Fundraiser wearing a chic center part with long bangs swept to each side.

Hairstyle File: Nia Long
23
2012: Cover Star

For more of Nia’s glowing and gorgeous hairstyles, be sure to check out the August issue of ESSENCE on newsstands now!

Hairstyle File: Nia Long