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Home • News

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles

Back when we knew Solange Knowles as Beyonce micro-braided kid sister, following behind her at MTV TRL appearances, we had no clue she'd become a bonafide hair trendsetter! In 2010 alone, the singer/actress/DJ rocked four different hairstyles--and she's almost single-handedly responsible for the resurgence of the super-short natural. From a long, swingy blowout to her most recent look, braids swept up in a '60s-esque bun, here's a timeline of Solange's standout strand moments.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
2001: Red Alert

Back when we knew Solange Knowles as Beyonce’s micro-braided kid sister, we had no clue she’d become a tress trendsetter! Check out our timeline of the singer/actress/DJ’s standout hair moments.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
02
2006: Amber Waves

At an MTV TRL appearance in 2006, Solange sported long, amber-hued waves and side-swept bangs.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
03
2008: Rockin’ Ringlets

Solange Knowles hit a 2008 People magazine party rocking a head full of lush, jet-black ringlets. Love the teal eyeshadow!

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
04
2009: Bang Bang

Wearing a blunt cut blowout with eyebrow-grazing bangs, Solange Knowles hit a Dita Von Teese party in L.A.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
05
2009: Short Story

At the 2009 MTV Music Awards, Solange debuted the ’do that spawned a million imitators—a super-short natural with a super-cute, deep side part.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
06
2010: Coily Cues

By early 2010, her closely cropped cut had grown out into springy, two-inch long coils. She flaunted the chic look at star-studded leukemia benefit.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
07
2010: Big Top

Solange debuted her wild, sexy extensions at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. Chaka Khan would be proud.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
08
2010: Natural Woman

By November, Solange was back to flaunting her natural hair—soft, full, springy coils. Paired with strong brows and wine-stained lips, this look rocks.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
09
2010: Braided Beauty

Always on the cutting edge, Solange sported butt-length, early ‘90s-style braids—plus a chic, African print turban—at the grand opening of Las Vegas’ Marquee nightclub.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles
10
2011: Hot Cross Bun

At a Hollywood dinner party last week, Solange swept her braids up in a wildly glamorous, oversize topknot. We imagine we’ll be seeing versions of this uber-elegant bun everywhere, very soon.

Hairstyle File: Solange Knowles