(Hair)
Timeless is an understatement.
Afros have been beloved for their celebration of natural curls since the early ‘60s with the Black Panther Party. The voluminous and meticulously shaped hairstyle is the symbol of Black power and is still worn by many influential celebrities today. Learn how to style the ‘do via the 12 celebrities with afros ahead.
Long-time actor Angela Bassett stands tall and confident in this undefined afro. Here, specific shaping is not a concern. Instead, the focus is embracing how your hair naturally grows.
Macy Gray is one of those unapologetic A-listers people strive to emulate. Her personality applies to her larger-than-life hair as well. For styling, rake in an anti-frizz cream for a flawless afro every time.
Worn at 2010 Essence Fest, the premier Black culture festival, Jill Scott proved that healthy afros come in all lengths with her short-to-mid-length cut. For on-the-go moments, feel free to spritz in a hair spray to make sure the hair stays in place.
Musician Solange Knowles let her spirals and coils run free in this full-body afro. For daily maintenance, be sure to incorporate a shine spray in your routine to maintain the hair’s luster.
Worn completely out or pulled to the front, afros are statement-making hairstyles. Here, the hair chameleon of them all, Janelle Monáe shows out with an afro puff where all the hair is gathered to the front and slicked back at the sides.
Recently announced 2023 Superbowl Haftime performer, Rihanna is no stranger to the spotlight. In 2011, she encouraged afro wearers to experiment with color and length, proving that the hairstyle has no limits.
The beauty of afros is they can look good with all variations of type 3 and 4 texture. Case in point: Halle Berry in 2012 where her natural waves and curls were put on full display. If recreating at home, be sure to work in a leave-in conditioner for bouncy curls.
Netflix’s Danielle Brooks turned heads at the 2018 Scene Stealers premier with her accented afro. By pulling the front hair to the top, she was able to highlight her amazing cheekbones.
Viola Davis is used to shutting down the Internet with her show-stopping outfits and ability to wear any texture and hairstyle. Her 2018 afro was no different. Styled with a part, accessory, or completely free, you can get the volume of this afro with a hair pick and hydrating oil.
At the NAACP Image Awards in 2018, Jennifer Lewis showed up in a sharp and well-sculpted teeny-weeny afro. It might be a short cut, but it makes a big statement.
Afros come in many shapes and sizes but if you really want to make a statement, take a page out of Ciara’s 2019 Met Gala book, where volume and texture shine.
Black Panther actor Lupita Nyong'o pulled back baby hairs in 2020 to show one large afro puff, without the elastic. To recreate, opt for a pomade to slick back your edges.