A couple of weeks ago, an ESSENCE.com staffer showed up to work rocking a gloriously puffy, kinda-straight, kinda-curly shoulder-length do, and we all exclaimed “Sister Sledge!” Since then, we’ve been obsessed with the late ‘70s/early ’80s girl group—and not just for their post-afro, pre-Jheri curls roller set coifs, either. Their music was everything! Born in Philadelphia, sisters Kim, Debbie, Joni and Kathy Sledge were literally born to sing (their grandmother Viola Williams, was a famous opera singer). After forming a group in 1972, the teenagers toured the local circuit until striking big in 1979 with their Nile Rogers-produced disco anthems, “We Are Family,” and "He’s the Greatest Dancer." The gorgeous sisters kept releasing albums throughout the Eighties, but outside of 1985 hit, “Frankie,” they never enjoyed the huge success of their disco hits. No matter—Sister Sledge was a totally iconic, endlessly fab group, and they had hair to die for. Here, we salute the fierce Sledge sisters with a gallery of products inspired by their hot hairstyles.
Sister Sledge rocked their hair in pre-flatiron era soft, hot rollered curls. To get the look at home, try setting your freshly blowdried hair in Caruso Diva Deluxe Roller Gift Set ($69.99). The steam helps the curls last forever—and it’s healthier for your hair than electric hot rollers.
Aveda Be Curly Conditioner ($21) helps curly hair retain its definition and Sister Sledge-esque softness. Plus, with its blend of certified organic lime, lemon, bergamot, and orange essences, the conditioner makes your hair smell amazing!
To keep your roller set from frizzing up in humid weather, spritz some DevaCurl Set it Free ($17.95) between hands and rub throughout hair to help shield it from moisture in the air.
Go for Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” album cover look with these Satin Lace Flower Pins ($3.89) from Forever 21. The only thing cuter than the delicate pink rosettes is the price!
Heat-styled hair becomes fragile and breaks off easily, so always treat your tresses to a deep conditioning mask twice a month. Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner ($7) was formulated to sleeken frizzy, dry hair with a combination of fruit acids and a good-for-you cocktail of vitamins.
More than anything, Sister Sledge stood for ultra-soft, totally luxurious, touchable hair! Redken All Soft Shampoo ($12.99) softens even the most brittle, damaged, chemically-fried strands.
- ltra-rich formula leaves hair soft
- Gently cleanses and softens
- Advanced silkening formulas
