Janet Jackson solidified her stance in superstardom at a young age. Now, the mega-mogul, mother, and one of our generation’s most talented pop stars will hit the Essence Festival stage for its 30th anniversary. The Jackson family royalty and award-winning songstress started her career as “Penny” from Good Times, then shifted her focus to making chart-topping hits, touring the world, and perfecting her craft on the big screen. Jackson also entered the fashion and beauty world by unofficially trademarking trendy hairstyles like box braids and feathered extensions.
NaturallyCurly crafted 26 hair styles that made Janet Jackson shift pop culture.
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Janet’s radiant smile is a testament to her timeless charm, accentuated by her iconic slick-back, middle-part ponytail, a trendsetting style that emerged in the 1970s. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in the delicate swoop of her baby hair. This unique touch added a distinct flair to her look, reflecting the era’s fashion trends.
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Janet’s chameleon-like ability to transform her look is a key element of her “Control Tour.” She mesmerizes the audience with her performance and crimped half-up, half-down style, a look as iconic as her music. Side bangs added a touch of femininity, making it a memorable moment that showcased the intersection of her music and fashion.
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Jackson looks so fresh and feminine in her medium-length pressed do. The style is completed with choppy bangs secured by a butterfly clip—giving 90s realness.
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Call Kendrick because Miss Poetic Justice just came through in this angelic ensemble. This look at the 35th Annual GRAMMY Awards solidified her crown as the box braid queen.
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Janet’s appearance at the 12th Annual MTV Video Music Awards was a true showstopper. Her featured pixie cut turned heads and inspired stars like Teyana Taylor to pay homage by replicating this simplistic yet impactful look. This look was a clear testament to the influence of her fashion choices, sparking trends and setting the stage for future styles in the industry.
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Goldilocks at the Golden Globes! Janet gleams in her golden brown wavy hair. The singer’s look was taken during her self-titled album, which gives a huge nod to her neo-soul era.
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Janet struts in her golden brown, half-up, half-down do while celebrating her sold-out tour and selling 10 million copies of her album. Though she made history, the mega-star keeps it down to earth.
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We’re blown away with this blowout. The songstress looks striking at the 66th annual Academy Awards.
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A top ten favorite from Ms. Janet! Janet rocked this abstract red protective style—giving afro-futuristic vibes.
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She gave 70s glam during her Damita Jo era! Her voluminous pressed strands looked effortless during the release of her highly anticipated pop album.
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Janet exudes elegance in her pin-up box braids at the 1999 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
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Ms. Jackson’s fashion-forward pixie cut looks elegant during her 2011 appearance at the amfAR Gala. The subtle shaved side and dashing mohawk accentuate her bone structure and the mid-aughts vibe.
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Jackson smiles for the camera in a top knot bun with burgundy fringe bangs at the “America’s Promise” organization.
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This is another iconic moment for the songstress during the BET Awards. Janet strutted in a white dress while rocking tousled wavy extensions.
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This sleek hair look, paired with a playful, natural, textured ponytail, gave Janet’s appearance at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards a messy, elegant vibe.
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Janet stepped out in her cherry curly mane! This voluminous, colorful do garnered much attention as the pop singer entered her vixen era.
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This mogul shined in her choppy layered look! She was all smiles during the 2nd Annual BET Awards.
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Jackson added drama and simplicity to this short hairdo. She styled her pixie in a sleek side part while appearing at the “ For Colored Girls” premiere.
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Another box braid moment for the performer! Janet scooped her plaits in a high ponytail, this time at the Versace fashion show during Milan Fashion Week.
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An icon with iconic tresses—serving beach waves onstage! Janet is stunning with her long, flowy, medium-brown extensions. She accepted her Ultimate Icon Award during the 2015 BET Awards.
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Ms. Feedback ate with the long, natural high ponytail, wrapped effortlessly as the base during her performance at the 2018 UCSF Benioff Dreamfest benefit.
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Another abstract moment for the mega-superstar and fashion girl! Janet Jackson rocks this maximalist, upscale updo while attending the Thom Browne Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023. The hairdo has box braids, natural hair pieces, and a subtle plait wrapped at the base and elongated toward the side.
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Janet Jackson is an authentic glam doll at heart! During Paris Fashion Week, the songstress wore boho braids styled into pigtails and exaggerated baby hair.
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Jackson is giving goddess vibes with this afro-puff updo she rocked at the “Forever – Valentino” Exhibition.
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All we can say is..period! The singer-songwriter shines in a coily coif during her appearance at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.
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Janet owns protective styles. At the EMERGE Fashion Show & Gala Dinner, she wore clean box braids plaited into one braid.
With each look Janet rocks, she wears each style effortlessly but with attitude. Stay tuned for more celeb hair styling techniques connected to the Essence Festival of Culture.