54 Iconic Rihanna Hairstyles Through The Years
Get some inspiration from these trendy hairstyles that make you look unique.
Jessica Noonan is the owner of Friseur NYC, a zero waste, sustainable mobile hair service. She has 35 years of experience behind the chair and a passion for education. She specializes in edgy haircuts emphasizing natural texture and high impact minimalist color.
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Experience: 4 yearsJyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.
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Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
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Pop singer Rihanna is known for her quirky and out-of-the-box style. Her style is unique, and she looks like a true diva on the red carpet, and most importantly, her bold hairdos have gained a lot of popularity worldwide as the ‘Rihanna style.’ We all love how playful Rihanna is with her style, she seems to love to experiment. Hair is our ultimate accessory and she seems to have fun with it! Scroll down to check out some of Rihanna’s hairstyles.
Before You Get Started- Rihanna is blessed with an oval face shape, which complements almost all hairstyles.
- Her styling team often uses wigs and extensions. Her long hairstyles are mostly complemented with side-swept bangs that frame her face.
- She often sports sleek, straight hair. The simplicity of the hairstyles and the straight lines do not draw attention away from her eyes, one of her best features.
In This Article
Rihana’s Hair Style Evolution Through The Years
Rihanna’s hairstyles have become iconic over the years. It reflects both her evolving personal style and the ever-changing trends in the fashion and beauty industries. Let’s look at how her hair has evolved from the early 2000s to the present.
1. Early 2000s
When Rihanna first burst onto the music scene in the mid-2000s, she embraced a fresh look with long, flowing locks. Her hair was often styled in sleek, straight cuts with a side part, showcasing her natural waves. This classic look was a hallmark of her early music videos and red-carpet appearances.
2. 2007
As Rihanna’s career soared, she became known for her daring fashion choices, including her first major hair transformation. In 2007, she debuted a sleek, asymmetrical bob that turned heads and began her fearless experimentation with different styles.
3. 2009
Rihanna’s 2009 hairstyle saw a dramatic shift when she went for a fiery red, cropped bob with an almost punk rock edge. This bold color choice and choppy cut made waves, and it solidified her status as a style icon. The red hair became synonymous with Rihanna’s fearless approach to fashion and beauty.
4. 2011
By 2011, Rihanna had chopped her hair even shorter, sporting a pixie cut that was playful. She mixed the short length with fun, textured layers and experimented with different colors, often switching between blonde, brown, and red hues. This versatility in her hairstyles is truly inspiring, showing her adaptability and creativity in the world of beauty and fashion.
5. 2013
In 2013, Rihanna returned to longer hair, often styled in loose, beachy waves. This softer look contrasted with her earlier edgy styles and showed her versatility. Her hair was usually glossy and voluminous, making a statement on red carpets and in music videos alike.
6. 2015
By 2015, Rihanna was back with a choppy bob, but this time, it was layered and highlighted with a lighter shade, giving it a more textured, tousled appearance. This “bedhead” look gave her a more relaxed vibe while maintaining her signature edgy touch.
7. 2016
Rihanna continued to experiment with bold looks, going platinum blonde in 2016. Her hair during this period ranged from pixie to blunt cuts to voluminous waves, with edgy, fashion-forward styles like the bob with an undercut.
8. 2018
In 2018, Rihanna embraced her natural hair texture, often curly or styled in voluminous, loose waves. This was a nod to her Caribbean roots and showcased a more relaxed yet equally stylish approach to beauty.
9. 2020s
As a mother and entrepreneur, Rihanna has continued experimenting with her look, rocking everything from braids and sleek ponytails to dramatic updos and head-turning colors. Her bold, statement-making hairstyles show no signs of slowing down!
Through the years, Rihanna’s hair has become as much a part of her brand as her music and fashion. Her hairstyles have consistently set trends and redefined beauty standards. Each of her iconic looks has sparked global conversations and inspired countless fans and stylists alike. Now let us move on and take a look at some of her classic hairstyles in detail.
Key Takeaways
- Rihanna is known for her unique yet simple hairstyles that always enhance her best facial features like the eyes.
- Rihanna’s hairstyles showcase a stunning range of versatility from edgy pixie cuts and mohawk tails to long glamorous waves and romantic updos.
- Her hairstyles often include wigs, hair extensions, intricate braids, and experimentation with bold colors that complement her outfits.
1. Textured Wavy Bob
This textured bob with curly ends and wispy bangs has a cool, laid-back feel to it. It draws attention to the jawline and the neck. .
2. Fulani Braids
Braids are a great way to inject fun and a sense of edginess into your look. Fulani braids with their crisscross patterns in sections look nothing short of stunning.
3. Sleek Side Swept
The sleekness here boasts of unique edginess. The hairdo is glossy and pulled back tightly into a thin ponytail offering smooth finesse.
4. Top Big Bun
The top big bun is tied up neatly and offers a powerful and glamorous style. The big bun has a classy and elite appeal.
5. Long Bangs Bun
The bun features long bangs which offer a very quirky and stylish feel. The hairdo looks wild and formal at the same time.
6. Frizzy Curls
The curls are frizzy and have a very wet feel to it. The top is smooth with curls emerging at the lower part of the hairdo. The style is edgy and chic.
7. Messy Updo
The messy updo blends with her style so well. The style can be called Rihanna personified with the messy edginess it offers. Not everyone would be able to wear this hairdo.
8. Messy Ponytail
The messy ponytail is a blend of opposites. It looks tidy at the top with ruffled curls embodying the ponytail.
9. Black Messy Updo
The hairdo is secured by a headband which binds it at the crown. The style is essentially pretty and perky.
10. Knotty Knots
The multiple small knots resemble an alien’s head! The style is definitely unique and perky.
Richelle, a blogger, shares her first experience with Bantu knots. She claims to be a Rihanna fan and decided to try this hairstyle that was donned by this superstar trendsetter. She added, “It involves coiling or wrapping your hair into little knots all over your head and has become a trend in the beauty world since superstar and trendsetter Rihanna was spotted rocking them a couple times (i).”
11. Long Bed Curls
The bed curls offer a very sexy and attractive ‘do’. The style enhances her personality beautifully.
12. Big Curly Bun
The hairdo consists of curly hair gathered into a big bun. The bun is pretty and stylish and resonates with elegance.
13. Beachy Black Waves
The beachy long waves are simply enchanting. The long waves make her personality simply enthralling. She looks strikingly beautiful with coiffure.
14. Headband Hairdo
The hairdo resembles a big plain black headband which is secured by medium length hair pins. The pins give an exciting detail to this hairdo.
15. The Mohawk Tail
The Mohawk and the spikes mix is just an up to the minute update of the Mohawk hairdo. The hairdo features the thick layered tail which gives a different touch to the hairdo.
16. Tangy Curly
The tangy curls do resemble the noodle. The style is peculiar with textured curls extending beyond the forehead. They contour the eyes like edgy frills.
17. Side Swept Burgundy Waves
The waves are oddly curled and side swept with an edgy side part. The blackish brown hairdo represents a style with all the beauty in peculiarity.
18. Side Shaved
Have you ever thought of trying out Rihanna shaved hairstyles? This hairdo consists of one side shaved with all the edgy essence. The hairdo is perky and stylish.
19. Ombre Hairdo
The wavy ombre hair is stylish and smart. The hairdo is elegance personified with the strong ombre wavy hair and orange lips.
20. Side Shaved Medium
The side shave is this time coupled with shoulder length thick curls. The hairdo is fine and perky.
21. Head Gear
This hairdo is enhanced by the headgear she wears. The hairdo consists of edgy side curls which are further complemented by the head gear.
22. Textured Aura
The hairdo with one side shave offers another variation to her peculiar styles. The wavy bang styled in the front is heavily textured and pretty. The hairdo sits pretty with vintage curls.
23. Sleek Side Shaved
Another version of the side shaved the sleek hairdo which gives a very smooth effect.
24. Edgy Vintage
The vintage curls worn by her display the chic class and stylish aura she possesses. The look is definitely refined and gorgeous and is one red carpet hairstyle that you can bookmark for the future! However, you may also look for more red carpet hairstyles to ace that jaw-dropping look for your next outing with your friends and families. So, all set to have all eyes on you with some vintage curls on your side?
25. The Wavy Black Bob
The wavy bob is neatly set. The style is done with a back comb which is extremely trendy and crisp.
26. Pixie
The pixie features trimmed cuts which blends with her feminine appeal. The style is simple yet very perky.
Trivia27. Side Shaved Waves
The style offers is yet another variation of her side shaved style. The hairdo features a bald section while the rest of the hair is styled with beachy waves. The beachy waves are styled in an edgy back combed style.
28. Tucked In Bun
The bun is styled the French wavy and is tucked in with pins. A different French bun, can definitely e called the Rihanna style.
29. Long Bald
The bald section and the uneven hair on both sides are pretty and chic. The hairdo is classy and stylish.
30. Side Shaved Bob
The side shaved hairdo is styled with a wavy textured bob. The sides have definitely symbolizes Rihanna in many ways.
31. Edgy Bang & Side Shaved
The edgy bang and the side shaved side is pretty synchronised. The style offers a very rock star appeal.
32. Wavy Flare Side Shave
The side shaved is features with a gently wavy side which offers a mix of the tamed and the insane.
Trivia33. Fringed Blonde Bob
Here’s a stunning bob haircut for black women! The fringed blonde bob is extremely smart and pretty complete with the Rihanna factor. However, options galore when it comes to bob haircuts for black women that you should definitely check out if you are looking for something chic and timeless, just like Rihanna!
34. Voluminous Blonde Curls
The voluminous blonde curl offers a fiery elegance. The hairdo is simply amazing.
35. Shaded Ombre Bob
This shaded hairdo appears to be pretty tamed and gives a completely punk look which Rihanna enhances with her attitude.
36. The Red Horny Curls
The hairdo gives a very ‘horny’ look. The curled horns are and the red hue mix to give the edgy Rihanna appeal.
37. Red Bob
Want to try out Rihanna red hairstyles? Then red bob is the perfect one to start with. The red bob has the full hair essence to it. The style can be worn for a formal affair if you can wear the red tinge. The hair is super wavy and pretty.
38. Red Braided Curls
The red braided curls are extremely stylish and offer a glamorous diva appeal.
39. Red Fish Tail
The fish tail braid is pretty and chic. The style is extremely edgy and you can try wearing it if you have long tresses.
40. The Red Simple Braid
Here comes one of the most common Rihanna long hairstyles to check out. The simple braid is attractive and elegant. The French braid is done with a French side braid further merged with the long side braid.
41. Red Edgy Bouffant
The edgy bouffant is terrific and stylish. The hairdo features the very edgy bouffant which gives a very refined style.
42. The High Rouge French Bun
The French bun offers a very sleek and pretty style. The hairdo is extremely elegant and consists of a free bang at the front.
43. The Rouge Ponytail
The hairdo is marked by wavy blow dried hair and a thick red ponytail. The thick bangs at the front blend in with the big ponytail.
44. Messy Rouge Blunt Bob
The messy blunt bob in red exudes a very cheerful and carefree vibe.
45. Sleek Blunt Bob
The blunt bob is a very fine and sleeker version of the earlier style. The hairdo is orderly and neat.
46. Red Afro Mane
The red afro mane is huge and big. The style probably imbibes the wild tone and reflects it with a casual tone.
47. Maroon Curly Bob
The bob is edgy and pretty, the maroon curls look embracing and joyful.
48. Messy thick Rouge Bangs
The messy rouge bangs are having a neat and wild tinge to it. The thick side swept bangs give a peculiar uniqueness to the hairdo.
49. Ombre Black Bob
This Rihanna hair style imbibes the side shaved spirit and the thick bangs which drape over the eyes oozing out elegance and punk at the same time.
50. Fork Banged
The bangs resemble a fork! The bangs in the straight mode contour the forehead.
51. Bowed Out Bangs
The bangs are bowed out and have a cute and youthful feel to it. The bangs have the touch of a tomboy personality. The rounded bangs are edgy.
52. The Sharp Mohawk
This is one of the most popular Rihanna mohawk hairstyles that is perky and stylish. The blunt edges give a very sharp effect to the Mohawk and the blonde hue makes it distinctive.
53. Mermaid Waves
Mermaid waves showcase the effortless glamor of Rihanna’s personality. Her hair cascades in voluminous, loose waves that embody a beachy, textured look. It is the sort of hairstyle that can have a playful yet sophisticated vibe. It complements her chic style and all in all, she slays in it!
54. Ombre Curls
How Rihanna dazzles in ombre curls! The gradient of the ombre curls gives her hair depth. It also adds volume to her hair by creating a striking blend of dark to light shades which enhance the curls. Overall, the look adds a sense of drama and elegance to her iconic repertoire of style.
Infographic: 6 Easy Hairstyles Inspired By Rihanna
Rihanna is known for her ever-evolving and daring hairstyles that make a statement. If you are looking to experiment and explore your own sense of style, you can draw inspiration from this fashion icon. We have curated six easy and fabulous hairstyles inspired by Rihanna in the infographic below. Scroll down and try them out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Rihanna is a beauty icon. She has sported several unique and funky hairstyles that give all of us serious hair goals. Rihanna’s hairstyles are a beautiful combination of style, finesse, and power. Be it her memorable black bob to the fiery red mane, Rihanna symbolizes elegance and fierceness. If you want a more edgy and sharp look, try her side-shaved bob, bowed out bangs, or the sharp mohawk. Can’t get enough? Try out your pick from our list of the 54 best Rihanna hairstyles for a badass look. Just weave your hair in some fun look and flaunt that glam appearance!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rihanna maintain healthy hair despite frequent color changes and styles?
Rihanna has a staff of hair stylists and experts, who assist keep her hair healthy despite her regular color and style changes. However, information about the precise procedures and methods they employ to maintain her hair’s health are not available to the general public.
How has Rihanna’s hairstyle evolved over the years?
Over the years, Rihanna’s hair has drastically changed and transformed. She has experimented with a range of hairstyles, including short bobs, pixie cuts, vivid-colored wigs, and lengthy braids. She is recognized for her daring and bold hair choices.
Can you recreate some of Rihanna’s most popular hairstyles at home?
Yes, with the correct equipment and ingredients, anyone can replicate some of Rihanna’s most well-known hairstyles at home. For instance, you can use a straightforward haircut and styling products like gel or mousse to obtain her short bob hairstyle. You can also follow her braided hairstyles with some patience, braiding hair, or extensions.
How has Rihanna’s hairstyle influenced fashion and beauty trends?
Rihanna is famous for making audacious hairstyle decisions that frequently start trends in the business. Her short bob hairdo inspired many others to adopt shorter hairstyles, and her brightly colored wigs helped to start a trend of experimenting with daring hair colors. Additionally, a lot of people have copied her braided hairstyles.
Illustration: Best Rihanna Hairstyles
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Do you find Rihanna’s short hairstyles to be right up your alley? Then, check out this video for Rihanna’s hottest short hairstyles and learn how to recreate her iconic looks.
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