(Celebrity)

It Looks Like Ciara Predicted The Money Piece Trend *Years* Before It Took Off

Level up, level up.

by Amanda Ross
@ciara

From the moment a teenage Ciara exploded onto the scene, instantly dominating the charts, it was clear that she was here to stay. Over the years, she’s grown into both a superstar and a beauty icon. Ciara’s hair evolution is as exciting as her musical one — take a look at some of her best moments.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Back in 2004, a babyfaced Ciara was the ultimate TRL darling — and her sweet side-parted barrel curls prove it. This warm reddish brown hair would stay a Ciara staple shade for some time, but her styles get better over the years.Anthony Harvey - PA Images/PA Images/Getty Images
Just three years later, Ciara was already experimenting with more sophisticated styles and music sounds. Her long, voluminous curls — this time a very flattering cinnamon-brown — thrown over one eye are pure silver screen siren. Yui Mok - PA Images/PA Images/Getty Images
2008 saw plenty of stylish hair moments from Ciara, but few rival this ultra-sleek, sultry look. Years before the liquid hair trend appeared, the star rocked this super-straight, high-gloss hair — marked by a center part. Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
Ciara’s surprise pixie cut in 2009 was a bold choice, but it more than paid off. With sharp, razor-cut pieces framing her arched brows and fluttery lashes, the close-cropped hair just brought more attention to her incredible bone structure. Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
Ciara’s always loved a good updo, but this 2011 polished topknot is a cut above. With sleek, brushed-back hair and a voluminous bun wrapped in warm red-brown highlights, it’s the hairstyle equivalent to a hair accessory — equally chic, equally standout. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images
Let the record show that Ciara’s been working a face-illuminating money piece since at least 2013 — she might have kicked off the entire trend. Here, her caramel highlights, placed towards the front of her hair, act like a spotlight on her radiant skin. picture alliance/picture alliance/Getty Images
Actually, make that two contemporary trends started by Ciara. In 2016, a pregnant Ciara arrived at the American Music Awards with cheekbone-grazing curtain bangs, spilled down from a luxurious, shiny ponytail. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Showing off her gorgeous curl pattern in a sun-soaked selfie, Ciara’s 2018 featured plenty of natural hair moments — all equally stunning. The way the sun highlights her highlights is the perfect touch, too.@ciara
This look (also from 2018) is one that can be considered Classic Ciara: full, lush curls, a sexy side part, and lots of length. Really, the major switch up here is the color. A glossy raven, the color emphasizes her smoky eyeshadow. @ciara
In 2019, Ciara delighted fans with her glamorous twist on locs, featuring a warm brown top knot and plenty of hidden details. Zoom in on her ends and notice the corkscrew curls — a brilliant touch. @ciara
But just because Ciara’s fine-tuned her favorite go-to styles doesn’t mean she isn’t game to experiment and play. All of her Met Gala appearances have featured instantly iconic hair, but her 2019 mega-fro is the be-all-end-all of red carpet drama.Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images
For 2022, Ciara’s beauty philosophy seems much as it ever was. Combining what she’s always loved (glossy black and cinnamon shades, major length, pretty textures) with the coolest trends (layers and money piece highlights), Ciara never misses a step.@ciara