Black hair has constantly redefined beauty standards by pushing the needle on what has been traditionally seen as mainstream.
There is a rich history behind Black hair that goes beyond its beauty. The unique hairstyles and variety of textures tells stories of experiences only Black and brown communities know. Its complexity has been the focus of political and social movements that, at one point, weren’t as celebrated as they are now. A sense of pride comes with embracing Black hair for oneself, but also in spaces where locs, twists, and other natural styles are encouraged to be concealed.
In honor of Juneteenth, here are ten unapologetic hair moments disrupting conventional beauty norms and forming new standards.
1. 2021 Inauguration – Amanda Gorman
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In 2021, poet and activist Amanda Gorman captivated audiences’ attention with more than just her words at Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s inauguration. As Gorman read her powerful poem “The Hill We Climb,” viewers noticed her stylish updo.
While dressed in a striking yellow blazer and bright red headband, she took that moment to honor her Black heritage by wearing stylish braids. The braids were wrapped into a bun, with a few front pieces accessorized with gold hair jewelry.
2. Met Gala 2019 – Lupita Nyong’o
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Class was in session as “Us” actress Lupita Nyong’o dressed according to the 2019 Met Gala theme, “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” As she stunned in her rainbow pink Versace star-patterned dress and rainbow-colored top that resembled wings, her hair was also a standout feature.
Her afro made a fashion statement on the red carpet, celebrating the beauty of textured hair. The several golden hair picks placed throughout different parts of the afro added flair to the iconic look.
3. Cannes Film Festival – Naomi Campbell
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Naomi Campbell has proven throughout her modeling career that she can rock any outfit and hairstyle. So when she arrived on the 2024 Cannes Film Festival red carpet wearing a curly middle part hairstyle, there was no doubt it would be flattering on the model. Campbell is known for her straight hair. This time, however, she decided to switch it up and embrace a textured hair pattern instead.
4. Super Bowl Performance 2024 – Andra Day
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The “Rise Up” singer sported a protective hairstyle as she blew the crowded stadium away with her powerhouse vocals. The singer performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in February at the 2024 Super Bowl.
She delivered a special rendition of “The Black National Anthem,” wearing auburn twists in a half-up, half-down hairstyle. She secured the top half of her twists with a nude-tone claw clip that complimented her business chic outfit.
5. JaJa’s African Hair Braiding Broadway Show – Dominique Thorne
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The “Black Panther” actress dominated the theater world as one of the leading performers in the Broadway show “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” Onstage, she wore locs styled in a high ponytail—this wasn’t an average ponytail. To add extra personality, curly hair pieces were attached on the ends, giving the overall look more dimension and fullness.
6. 2024 Country Music Awards – Tanner Addell
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With the help of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, more eyes have been drawn to other Black country music artists. Tanner Addell, featured on “BlackBird,” is one artist experiencing an influx of new fans. She recently attended the Country Music Awards, where she showed off her gorgeous blond bantu knots.
7. Coachella 2024 – Chloe Bailey
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Chloe Bailey does not let her locs stop her from experimenting with different hairstyles. The “Have Mercy” singer made her debut solo Coachella performance in April. While her top-notch performance blew fans away, her hair stole the show. The singer sported a braided ponytail with loose ends, her locs still apparent at the front of her head.
8. September 2018 “Vogue” Cover – Beyoncé
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There is nothing that Queen Bey can’t do. The multifaceted singer and performer made history not once but twice by being “Vogue’s” cover star for their September 2018 issue. She is the first subject to grace the magazine’s front page with cornrows. Beyoncé is also the first to have a Black photographer, upon her request, capture her essence and beauty for the publication’s cover.
9. Coach’s 75th Anniversary Pre-Fall Fashion Show – Winnie Harlow
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Strutting down runways is not a new experience for this “America’s Next Top Model” alum. In 2016, however, it was Winnie Harlow’s first appearance walking a catwalk with her natural curls on display. Her curly afro turned heads, as natural hair isn’t typically seen on major runways. As more fashion shows embrace diverse hair textures and styles, Harlow will always be remembered for proudly wearing her natural hair.
10. Supreme Court – Judge Ketanji Brown
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Judge Kentanji Brown became the first Black woman justice to serve in the Supreme Court. She fearlessly wears her sisterlocks in the courtroom. The representation she provides for other Black women with locs continues to shift the discourse of “professional hair” in the workplace.
Black hair will always be a moment worth celebrating and highlighting. The constant pressure to assimilate to society’s vantage point of hair and beauty is dissolving. As more people continue to embrace the versatility of Black hair, it inspires younger and future generations to take pride in their natural hair.
Feeling inspired to switch things up? Discover the latest haircut trends as inspiration for your big chop.
