Written by Fadeke Banjo
From Issa Rae to Chloe and Halle these black female celebrities showcase the beauty of black natural hair!
Photo collage made by me!
Hey, Curl friends, Fadeke here. For today’s blog post, I will be discussing my top 9 black women celebrities favs rocking their natural hair. I also shout out some black celebrities who rock their beautiful locs/dreadlocks.
1) Issa Rae - @issarae
Issa Rae's Instagram
First up on the list is the beautiful, funny, quirky, multi-talented actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae. I first came across Isae Rae from her popular comedy web series on youtube called ' The Misadventures of an Awkward Black girl' premiered on youtube in 2011 and lasted for two seasons. Issa Rae stars as the main character J, who is awkward and a black woman as the show's title depicts. The web series follows this main character's life and her awkward interactions with her workplace and love life. I have been a fan of Issa Rae ever since and have tried to support her future projects, including her hit series Insecure, which aired on HBO in 2015, with four seasons and ended this year. She has also been featured in a couple of films, such as 'The Lovebirds (2020)', 'The Photographer (2020)' and 'Little (2019) '.
One of the many things I admire about Issa Rae, apart from being multi-talented, is how she isn't afraid to showcase her natural hair through film and TV (two platforms that have not represented black women with their black women natural hair with all its different curl textures). From her humble beginnings on YouTube, where she rocked her short natural hair, to modern-day Issa Rae, she continues to showcase the beauty and diversity of kinky afro hair in all its glory. But, unfortunately, this particular curl type has not always been represented positively within the media.
A gif of Issa Rae playing Issa Dee's character from her hit show 'Insecure.'
Moreover, Issa Rae also by rocking her natural hair within the profession that she is in also acts as a visual statement that black women's natural hair, whether it's short or long, is beautiful and deserves to be shown on our tv screens in film, and on the red carpet.
A gif of Issa Rae interviewed on the red carpet at Beverly Hilton.
In an interview with Vogue last year, Issa Rae discussed her natural hair journey. Issa Rae mentioned in this interview that she did not always love her hair (King, 2020). For most of her life, she heard her natural hair being referred to as 'nappy' which didn't particularly help her embrace her natural hair (King, 2020). However, things began to change when she went to college (or what we would refer to in the UK as a University). She started to see women that looked like her with different hair types, embracing their natural hair (King, 2020). She was still navigating how to take care of her natural hair, but now she was surrounded by some inspiration to help her with her natural hair journey (King, 2020). Issa Rae made the statement during this interview with Vogue, which is powerful and relatable to me. Still, I believe perhaps other black women and women of color with their naturally curly hair can resonate with. This is what she had to say:
“Loving and learning to take care of my hair is a journey that I’m continuously on,” - Issa Rae, taken from Vogue interview 2020.
A gif of Issa Rae receiving a text & showing different facial expressions. Promoting the show 'Insecure' with the hashtag #InsecureHBO
Here is a slide show of my favorite photos of Issa Rae rocking some natural hairstyles. I hope you enjoy viewing these stunning looks from Issa Rae.
Photo credit: @issarae (Instagram)
If you want to see more of Issa Rae as well as her natural hair, make sure to follow her on her socials and subscribe to her youtube channel:
Instagram: @issarae
Twitter: @issarae
Facebook - Issa Rae Presents: https://www.facebook.com/IssaRaePresents/
YouTube channel - Issa Rae Presents: https://www.youtube.com/user/actingrl112
2) Teyonah Parris - @teyonahparris
Teyonah Parris's Instagram
Next on the list is another stunning black woman Teyonah Parris an American American actress who has starred in several shows and films, including the drama series Mad Man, the independent film 'Dear White People,' Spike Lee's Chi-Raq, If Beatle Street could Talk and more recently has taken on the iconic role of Monica Rambeau a black female superhero in Marvel's 'WandaVision' on Disney Plus. In the show, WandaVision, Monica Rambeau (played by actress Teyonah Parris) wears an Afro hairstyle most of the time. Seeing this representation of black women's natural hair on screen, particularly within the Marvel comics universe, is truly incredible to witness.
A gif of Monica Rambeau from a scene from the series WandaVision.
A gif of Monica Rambeau from the series WandaVision, wearing the iconic Afro.
Off the screen, Teyonah continues to showcase her natural hair. With just a quick google search of her name or typing 'Teyonah Parris natural hair,' you will see a vast amount of photos of Teyonah rocking either her own natural hair or wearing a particular natural hairstyle or protective hairstyle. Whether she is wearing a natural hair updo on the red carpet or a massive afro, Teyonah showcases the beauty and versatility of black women's natural hair, particularly those with kinky, tight-coil afro hair like hers.
In addition, Teyonah also shares with her fans on her Instagram account snippets of her taking care of her natural hair. Teyonah had previously mentioned in one of her Instagram posts last year that she has been natural for eight years (being natural in this case refers to her starting her natural hair journey/how long she has been embracing her natural hair).
Around April of last year, Teyonah posted a short video on her Instagram page titled 'Teyonah Parris' Hair Wash Process.' She showed her followers the steps she takes when washing her natural hair and hair care regimen in another Instagram post by Teyonah (on the 14th of September 2020). Teyonah showcased how long and healthy her natural hair has grown during the lockdown and pandemic. Her natural hair was in a freshly blown out and slightly straight look reaching the back of her bra-strap (hence dismissing the myth that black women's natural hair can't grow past a certain length, Teyonah's natural hair proves otherwise). Teyonah also posted a photo next to her long, slightly straightened natural hair.
Her hair was half its length after being lightly sprayed with water and put into two-strand twists (the power of curly hair when it shrinks in size/length!!). Here are the two posts from her Instagram page:
First, post- Teyonah Parris' Hair Wash Process.
Link to watch the video on Teyonah Parris Instagram page @teyonahparris- Teyonah Parris' Hair wash process. Avaliable at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_N6gtCgqMn/ (13th of July 2021).
2nd post was posted on the 14th of September 2020.
Wow, look how beautiful Teyonah Parris's natural hair is in this pic! Black women's natural hair continues always to amaze me! :)
A gif of Will Smith excited facial expression, clapping (taken from an interview on the film Suicide Squad, which he starred in).
Anyway, moving on swiftly, lol......
Here are a couple of my favourite natural hair looks from her:
Most of the photos have been taken from Teyonah Parris Instagram page @teyonahparris ( I do not own these photos) whist two photos were found on google images.
Be sure to follow her on her socials and check her out on the show WandaVision on Disney plus:
Teyonah's Instagram: @teyonahparris
Teyonah Parris' Twitter: @TeyonahParris
Below is the trailer for the series WandaVision as well as an extended clip from the series featuring Monica, played by Teyonah Parris:
Marvel Entertainment (2020) 'WandaVision Offical Trailer Disney+.' YouTube. September 21st. Avaliable at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj9J2ecsSpo (Accessed: July 13th, 2021).
3) Janelle Monáe - @janellemonae
A gif of Janelle Monae from one of her music videos.
Third on the list is yet another favourite of mine, the one, and only Janelle Monáe. Janelle Monáe is an African-American musician, actor, and one could argue similar to icons before her time, such as Prince, who she has often been compared to, is also known to be quite a fashionista when it comes to her wardrobe choices (Brockes, 2020 - The Guardian).
I have been a fan of Janelle Monáe for some time now; some of my favourite songs and music videos from Janelle include 'Electric Lady,' 'Q.U.E.EN' featuring the iconic Erykah Badu, and 'PrimeTime' featuring Miguel. I loved how creative and unique Janelle's music videos are, as well as her quirky personality. But, one thing that stood out to me when it came to Janelle's earlier music video was her incredible hairstyles, such as her take on the 60's inspired pompadour hairstyle to her rocking her famous 'Wondabraid hairstyles,' she always has one stunning hairstyle after another. Janelle is not new to the black natural hair movement. She has been wearing her natural hair for years; however, in an interview with Essence back in 2014, she mentioned she has not always paid much attention to hair. However, as she grew older, she has found beauty in it (Campbell, 2014). Janelle also alluded that she tends to be extra careful with her natural hair (Campbell, 2014) and tries not to put any heat on it (Campbell, 2014). Janelle also mentioned in the interview that she likes to wear protective hairstyles and lots of hats (Campbell, 2014). Janelle is known for her signature hat looks.
Also, Janelle Monáe is an advocate when it comes to women embracing their natural hair, as shown by her response when asked by Essence to give some advice for women with thick hair :
''Embrace your hair. Natural hair has always been in, but it's celebrated even more now. So let natural hair shine. There is so much beauty in our Natural state...'' - Janelle Monáe, Essence.com (2014)
Furthermore, through her music videos, Janelle represents the beauty and versatility of black women's natural hair. Unfortunately, so often at times, it is very rare to see a black lady wearing her natural hair in mainstream media, let alone in music videos. However, artists like Janelle Monáe are changing this narrative.
This gif was taken from one of Janelle Monáe's music videos.
Janelle is known to switch up her hairstyle quite often. Just a quick search of Janelle's recent posts on her Instagram account, Janelle is currently rocking a copper-colored short pixie cut hairstyle with her natural hair. See below:
Photos are taken from Janelle Monáe Instagram account @janellemonae Photographer for the first photo: @angelokritikos ( This photo was posted on the 29th of March 2021).
However, Janelle had shared with her Instagram followers some photos of when her natural hair was longer (almost reaching her back); however, this particular photo has since been removed from her Instagram account for some odd reason. However, this particular photo of her natural hair seems to still be avaliable elsewhere on the internet, along with some other images of Janelle's natural hair, through a simple search up on google images.
Below are a couple of my favourite hairstyle looks from Janelle Monáe, including some black natural hairstyles as well:
The top left photo of Musician Janelle Monáe is taken from Janelle Monáe's 'PrimeTime' Music video. The top right photo is from Janelle Monáe's 'Electric Lady' music video. The two bottom images are taken from Janelle Monáe Instagram account @janellemonae.
Follow Janelle Monáe's Instagram: @janellemonae
4) Solange Knowles - @saintrecords
Fourth on the list is the talented singer and actress Solange Knowles; she is also the sister of Destiny's Child lead Beyoncé. One of the things I admire about Solange Knowles, apart from her lovely vocals, was when she decided to wear her natural hair in an Afro hairstyle for her wedding back in 2014 to her now ex-husband Alan Fursugeon. I remember looking at some of the wedding photos she shared on her Instagram. I instantly fell in love with her whole bridal looks,(yes she wore more than one outfit at her wedding, a total of five outfit changes). One of the outfits that stood out to me was when Solange wore a simple yet elegant white/creamy jumpsuit with an attached cape. I also loved that she wore a bold red lipstick, of course, her stunning Afro. One of the first times I saw a black lady wear her natural hair as her bridal hairstyle, and Solange had proven that black women's natural hair is elegant and can definitely be worn as a bridal hairstyle look.
was
Solange's decision to wear her natural hair for her wedding made me consider that whenever I do eventually get married (which I don't know when that would be, I am only 21, and in terms of my future husband, I haven't met him yet lol, but a girl can dream right?) I may consider wearing my natural hair at my future wedding (way, way into the future). Although I know for sure, I probably already have a Pinterest board with wedding themes and hairstyle inspo for my hypothetical wedding. Since Solange's wedding back in 2014, I have seen more black brides decide to wear their natural hair for their wedding, and they have proven again how creative you can be when it comes to styling curly hair. Check out this blog post by Katherine Santana, - '16 Stunning Natural Hair Ideas From Real Brides', to get some ideas on how to style your natural hair on your wedding day or another formal event.
Solange, in 2009 had decided to shave her hair, and she rocked her hair short, and it eventually began to blossom like a tree. This was the beginning of Solange's natural hair journey and embracing her natural hair. As well as embracing her natural afro hair, Solange hasn't shied away from experimenting with her hair and trying different hairstyles over the years (Mbendeni, 2021). Whether it's experimenting with her natural hair or dying her hair a couple of times (Mbendeni, 2021), just like the time, Solange decided to rock a short golden, almost platinum blonde colour curly look (Wu,2017). Solange has also worn different braided hairstyles and weaves (Mbendeni, 2021). From just looking at the photos of Solange from her Instagram account (@saintrecords), you will see how she effortlessly switches from one hairstyle to another. This is one of the many things I love about being a black woman our ability to change from one hairstyle to another and be so creative with it. This year, I want to try different hairstyles on my natural hair, as I tend to alter around the same simple hairstyles. So Solange may have just given me a leg up to experiment more with my hair this year.
A gif of Solange at one of her live performances, yet again, you see her wearing an elegant hairstyle look.
Moreover, through her red carpet looks and her music videos, Solange has shown that black women's natural hair and black culture as a whole is truly a form of art. For example, Solange's hit song 'Don't touch my hair is one of my favourite songs and music videos from Solange. I believe the music video truly captures this concept so well.
A gif of Solange, taken from a scene from her music video of her hit song 'Don't Touch My Hair.'
Here are some of my favourite hairstyle looks from her:
Photos are taken from Solange's official Instagram account @saintrecords and a fan's Instagram account @solangeknowles___
Follow Solange on her Instagram: @saintrecords
5) Lupita Nyongo -@lupitanyongo
Lupita Ngonog is one of my favourite actors of all time, an Oscar winner, known for her iconic roles in films such as '12 years of a Slave (2013)', In Marvel's 'Black Panther' and Jordon Peele's horror 'Us.'
A gif of part of the Black Panther cast at the Oscars.
Lupita is also a curly-haired sister who wears her natural hair out most of the time. However, Lupita did not always love her natural hair when she was growing up as she revealed in an interview with Allure magazine (Barr, 2018), Lupita also mentioned incidents of her pleading with her mother to allow her to get her hair relaxed, i.e., chemically-straightened, when she was little, with many of her classmates at the time had already had their hair relaxed as well (Barr, 2018). However, Lupita now embraces her natural hair and likes to experiment with her natural hair with the help of her hairstylist Vernon François (Barr, 2018).
A gif of Lupita Nyongo blowing a kiss.
Below are a couple of my favourite hairstyle looks from Lupita taken from her Instagram account @lupitanyongo:
Photos of Lupita Nyongo and hair stunning hairstyles looks, photo credit: @lupitanyongo (Instagram).
Follow Lupita on her Instagram account:@lupitanyongo
6) Chloe and Halle Bailey - @chloexhalle
A gif of Halle and Chloe Bailey on Genius YouTube Channel.
Last but not least, the talented R&B duo and sisters, Chole and Halle Bailey. When I first came across this sister duo, I honestly believed they were twins because they resemble each other so much, but Chole is the oldest out of the two. Chole and Halle began their singing careers through the wonderful world of YouTube (they were teenagers at the time). Performing covers of songs and gaining a good amount of popularity, including catching the eye of Beyoncé, yes you heard me right, Beyonce!!. The pair had done a couple of song covers of Beyoncé's songs on their YouTube channel, including a beautiful rendition of Beyonce's 'Pretty Hurts', they shared in 2013. This video was one of their most viral videos at the time. Here is the video below:
Chloe x Halle - ''Beyonce Pretty Hurt (Chloe x Halle Cover). Video credit: YouTube. It was uploaded: (23/12/13).
After this viral video from the two sisters, Beyoncé put the sister duo under her wings three years later. The sisters were officially signed onto Beyoncé's 'Parkwood Entertainment music label' in 2016 (Suri,2020). Incredible right? The sisters are now in their 20's, Chloe recently turned 23, and Halle is 21 has gone on to be very successful.
A gif of Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion.
Also, did I mention they can act too? I first came across Chole and Halle acting in the hit series Grown-ish where they both ironically play the role of sisters 'Sky Fosters' & 'Jazz Foster.'
A gif of Sky & Jazz Foster played by the Bailey sisters Halle and Chole on the series 'Grown-ish.'
Now that I have given a brief background on the talented sisters, let's get into their gorgeous locs. The sisters have had their locs since they were 5, as mentioned in an interview with the pair. For those who have followed the sisters' journey from their time on YouTube to now, you have probably witnessed how long their locs have grown over the years. However, in the past, the sisters have experienced backlash when it comes to wearing their locs. Before pursuing singing, the sisters had been on to the acting route and experienced casting agents telling them to remove their locs (Perkins,2016). Unfortunately, within the media and some parts of wider society, locs have for many years been frowned upon with negative connotations and assumptions often attached to people who choose to wear locs, including the stereotype that people with locs are 'smoking joints' (The Guardian, 2003).
However, the negative views towards this hairstyle often come from ignorance, assumptions, and lack of education on the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of locs and what it means for those who choose to wear this hairstyle. I believe that Chole and Halle prove that locs are just as beautiful and versatile as any other hairstyle. If you look up Chole and Halle on google, check out their music videos or take a look at some of their photos on their Instagram account, you will be amazed by how they gracefully style their locs.
Chole and Halle are also trendsetters when it comes to their locs; just a quick search on Youtube with the phrase 'Chole and Halle inspired loc hairstyle,' and you will find several videos of people with locs trying to recreate the sister's iconic hairstyle looks. I genuinely believe that this duo is a source of inspiration for many people, especially those who wear locs. To feel seen and represented by this duo who unapologetically wear their locs with pride, despite their backlash in the past due to their locs.
May 24th
These sisters are a reminder that you should be your own beauty standard, with the freedom to express yourself the way you please, including how you choose to wear your hair. This singer duo shows the world their authentic selves and how amazing they truly are, and I love it!
A gif of Halle & Chloe Bailey giving each other a high-five & thumbs up.
Below are my favourite hairstyles looks they have done with their beautiful locs, enjoy!:
Slideshow:
Photo credit: @chloexhalle, Instagram.
Follow Chloe and Halle joint Instagram and their separate accounts too:
Chloe and Halle joint Instagram:@chloexhalle
Chloe's Instagram:@chloebailey
Halle's Instagram: @hallebailey
Who are your favourite famous black celebrities that rock their natural hair? comment below or Tweet it using the hashtag #myfavouritenaturalhaircelebrites
Make sure to follow me at @the_flojournalblog on instagram.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post; like comment, share this blog post with a fellow curl friend of yours and subscribe to this blog so you don't miss out on future blog posts. Also, be sure to check out my other blog posts.
Love, your fellow curl friend, and mentor, Fadeke.
Remember, your natural hair is beautiful, so let it shine!
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