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Home • News

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut

Just when it seemed that mile-long extensions were the only hairstyle option for superstars, along comes Solange with her sassy short natural--and she never looked so chic. Seemingly overnight, singers, actresses, and top models were trading in their long locks for a closely-cropped cut. The best part? The short natural is totally versatile! Stars are rocking it wash-and-go curly, blown out straight or slicked down--all to glamorous, elegant results. From Solange to Sessile Lopez, here are the sexiest short naturals in all of celebdom.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Model Behavior

The ‘bald and beautiful’ trend started with Seventies model Pat Evans! Tired of straightening her fro for castings, she shaved her head and became a star.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
02
Sassy Solange

We love Solange’s supersized ’fros, but her sassy short natural is our favorite look on her. The better to see her gorgeous features.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
03
The Skin She’s In

Skin, the London-born lead singer of Skunk Anansie is well-known for her dramatic costumes and stunning bald dome. No wonder she’s constantly bombarded with modeling offers!

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
04
Blonde Ambition

Eva Marcille’s one-inch long platinum natural perfectly frames her golden-brown skin and model-perfect cheekbones.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
05
Short Cut

Up-and-coming model Ajak is quickly making a name for herself with her pouty lips and boyish, super-short natural. If she looks familiar, it’s because she’s a relative of Sudanese supermodel, Alek Wek!

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
06
Haute Harlem

Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, has worn this short natural cut for years. She’s had a hand in making this look become chicer than chic!

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
07
“A” is for “Awesome”

Alek Wek’s signature short, tight buzz cut is the perfect compliment to her stunning Dinka features.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
08
Dominican ‘Do

When Dominican supermodel Sessilee Lopez first stepped on the scene, she made a name for herself with her two-inch long afro. So elegant.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
09
Head Games

Film/TV producer Sidra Smith (and sister to "Why Did I Get Married? actress Tasha Smith) puts perfectly-shaped head on display with this low razor cut.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
10
Grand Dame

If you’re a woman on the move like model-mogul talent agent Bethann Hardison, a close crop is the look for you.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
11
Janet, meet Josephine

Janet Jackson’s recent super-short haircut completely reinvigorated her look! We love it when she goes for this sleek, Josephine Baker moment. To do, create a side part, and then comb a strong gel like Smooth ’n Shine Polishing Gellation Styling Gel ($3.80, drugstore.com) through wet hair with a fine-tooth comb. Let air dry.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
12
Bald and Proud

“Going bald is much harder than being bald,” says famed interior designer Sheila Bridges, who has the hair loss condition Alopecia. “When I shaved my hair it was empowering. Wigs are awful!”

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
13
Fierce Flattop

In the Eighties, model/actress/singer Grace Jones rocked a short flattop, carrying on the androgynous tradition Pat Evans started in the early Seventies.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
14
Catwalk Queen

Model Henrieth Paul is relatively new on the scene, but she’s already made a name for herself with her baby doll features and, more significantly, her impossibly elegant, teen-weeny-fro.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
15
Coif Chameleon

Sudanese stunner (by way of New Mexico) Ataui Deng turns heads on runways with her deep mocha skin and super-cool short hairstyles. She’s rocked a close buzz, a faux-hawk, and spikes!

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
16
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Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
17
Chic Chantuese

Earlier this year, Chrisette Michelle buzzed off her locks and began sporting a closely-cut natural. We think it enhances her beauty in a major way.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
18
Curly Cue

To recreate Malinda Williams short, wash-and-go curls at home, simply run a dollop of curl-enhancing cream (try Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Cream for Thick/Coarse Hair, $17.50, drugstore.com) through wet hair, scrunch for texture, create a side part and air-dry. So cute!

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
19
Red Alert

Ever the coif chameleon, Kelis struck the right note with her bright-red, super-curly crop. We love the strawberry blonde eyebrows and emerald green eyeliner!

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut
20
Sleek Chic

Since the late Eighties, supermodel Roshumba’s signature hairstyle has been a short, elegant natural. Here, she slicks it to one side for a sophisticated moment.

Hot Hair: The New Super-Short Cut