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Home • News

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes

It all started with Etta James, the bawdy, brassy, ultra-blonde torch singer who showed 1950s-era Black women that Marilyn wasn't the only one who could rock a platinum 'do. These days, our sexiest A-listers are following in her footsteps, sporting ultra-blonde wigs, extensions and dye jobs. From Eva Marcille's white-blonde pixie to Keri Hilson's sunny curls, these superstars are looking pretty in platinum.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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Cute & Curly

Keri Hilson adds a couple curls to her funky-cute bob.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Haute Housewife

During a visit to ESSENCE.com’s offices, Atlanta Housewife Nene Leakes showed off this ultra-pretty platinum pixie. So fierce.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Chic Chignon

At an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul event, Monica pulled her blonde-streaked strands into a loose side-chignon. So elegant.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Going Platinum

Out and about near Rockefeller Center in NYC, Keri Hilson sported a razor sharp, platinum bob with full bangs. Hot!

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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How YOU Doin’?

Wendy Williams looked beyond glam in honey blonde waves at the International Emmy Awards.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Bang Bang

Mary J. Blige looks festive in a high, oversized bun with full bangs. We’re obsessed with her golden highlights and buttery blonde lowlights.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Chasin’ Tail

Sometimes the simplest hairstyles have the most impact. Exhibit A: Leona Lewis’ loose, messy fishtail braid. Add a stunning amber-and-gold hair hue and black liner, and you’re done.

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White Hot
From Eva Marcille’s white-blonde pixie to Keri Hilson’s sunny bob, these superstars are looking pretty in platinum.
Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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The White Stuff

Eva Marcille goes for an edgy hipster look with her slightly grown out, white-blonde pixie ’do.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Wild Streak

Selita Ebanks embraces the new two-toned trend by sporting bleached blonde bangs.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Haute Highlights

Zoe Kravitz recently added honey highlights to her dark brown, shoulder-length ’do. So summery!

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Barbarella Braxton

New reality star Toni Braxton channels Barbarella with her tousled, golden-streaked mane.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Hot Hue

Mary J. Blige has spent most of her career as a blonde—and this softly highlighted, pale yellow look might be our favorite shade yet.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Mellow Yellow

Beyonce’s bright blonde highlights and buttery lowlights give her haircolor natural-looking dimension.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Party Perfect

Keri Hilson adds a single curl to her straight asymmetric for a funky-cute spin. Add shimmery makeup and an LBD, you’re party-perfect.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Beach Babe

“Basketball Wives” star Evelyn Lozado looks beachy and radiant with golden skin and matching, sun-streaked strands.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Bright Side

Coif chameleon Nicki Minaj turned heads in a platinum blonde wig and bubble gum pink lips.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Braided Beauty

Chrisette Michele pulls her sunny yellow braids back in a chic, oversized chignon.

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Sexy Sisters

Sisters Erika and Tina Atkins-Campbell of Mary Mary look super-glamorous in their radiant, honey blonde tresses.

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Gorgeous Goldilocks

Cassie tosses her long, side-shaved goldilocks over one shoulder for a casually chic look.

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Buzz Worthy

Amber Rose goes for the bold with her white-blonde buzz cut.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Lighten Up

Angela Simmons recently added a golden blonde layer on top of her chestnut brown strands.

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Lighten Up

Singer Amerie (posing with hairstylist Johnny Wright and Niecy Nash), shocked her fans when she dyed her black tresses a Debbie Harry-inspired, white-blonde hue.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes
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Mohawk Mama

Ever the tress trendsetter, Erykah Badu debuted a platinum faux-hawk during a performance earlier this summer.

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Model Behavior

Model of the moment Ajak Deng caused quite a stir at New York Fashion Week with her short, platinum natural. Chic!

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Silver Belle

Kelis recently took her short, curly natural from cherry red to silvery blonde—which look do you think is more flattering?

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Honey Bunch

After sporting chocolate brown tresses all last season, Nicole Richie recently lightened up with this wavy, pale blonde bob. We likey.

Hot Hair: Bold Blondes