Home • News

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years

From her role as teenaged Brenda on the 1980's NBC series "227" to her recent turn as beleaguered LAPD detective Lydia Adams on TNT's gritty drama "Southland," award-winning actress Regina King has grown up before our eyes! Almost without any fanfare, she quietly managed to be one of the most prolific actresses in Hollywood. Consider the fact that, along with starring in mainstream blockbusters like Enemy of the State, Jerry McGuire and Ray, she also appeared in practically every Black hit made in the '90s (hello, Boys n The Hood, Poetic Justice, Friday, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Higher Learning)! Along with building an impressive resume of classic films, King has also amassed a series of fabulous hairstyles over the years. Here, a gallery of our favorite Regina King coifs since she first stepped on the scene.
By Essence ·
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
1985, “No Place Like Home…”

From her role as a teenage Brenda on the 1980’s NBC series “227” to her recent turn as beleaguered LAPD detective Lydia Adams on TNT’s gritty drama “Southland,” award-winning actress Regina King has grown up before our eyes! Almost without any fanfare, she quietly managed to be one of the most prolific actresses in Hollywood. Here, a gallery of our favorite Regina King coifs since she first stepped on the scene.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
02
2001, Flirty Flip

At the 2001 BET Awards, Regina King rocks a flirty shag with soft, face-framing layers.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
03
2003, Curly Cue

At the premiere for “Daddy Day Care,” King hit the red carpet in casual chic Shirley Temple curls.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
04
2003, Braided Beauty

Regina King rocked a head full of striking, waist-length cornrows at an even for “Legally Blonde 2” in 2003.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
05
2004, Sporty Spice

At a 2004 appearance on NFL Network Total Access, King curled the ends of her shoulder-length blunt cut underneath for a classic, elegant look.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
06
2004, Retro Waves

At the 10th Annual Critic’s Choice Awards, King paired fire engine red lips with expertly Marcelled waves for a 1930s cabaret singer style.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
07
2005, Sleek Chic

Regina King gave great elegance at the 2005 Oscars ceremony with a tightly swept back, oversize princess bun.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
08
2006, Miami Mama

Regina King glammed up her bob with a couple of sunny streaks and bouncy ringlets at the “Miami Vice” premiere.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
09
2007, Straight Talk

In 2007, King steamed up Vanity Fair’s Oscar party with shiny, pin-straight extensions. So flattering!

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
10
2007, Silver Star

King rocked the red carpet at a Conde Nast event with her slinky metallic gown, fresh-faced makeup and tousled sex kitten waves.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
11
2008, Side Swept

At a Hollywood event, King wore her straight strands swept over to one side in a pretty bun. Easy, chic, and muss-proof!

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
12
2010, Red Hot

With her sexy faux lashes, coral gloss and covet-worthy short crop, Regina King ripped the red carpet at the 2010 Heart Truth Red Dress Collection.

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
13
2010, Pretty Pixie

On Tuesday, March 2nd, Regina King stopped by the ESSENCE offices to talk about her fabulous turn as an LAPD detective in TNT’s “Southland!” We loved chatting with the award-winning actress, but we might’ve loved her chic little pixie ’do even more…

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years
Jennifer Cooper
14
2010, Fabulous Pixie

Even into the New Year, Regina King is sporting her sexy pixie cut that has makes her look ageless and fabulous!

Hairstyle File: Regina King Through The Years