17 Beyoncé Hair Looks That Are Hall of Fame Status

Beyoncé’s enduring diva status comes down to her vocals, artistry, stage presence, and luxurious glamour. And as the pop superstar launches her own hair-care brand, Cécred, her chameleonic bombshell mane deserves a worthy mention.

“My entire life and career, I’ve worn my hair in so many different ways: natural, flat-ironed, braids, colored, weaves, wigs,” said Beyoncé in a Cécred press release. “I want everyone to have the freedom to express their hair in ways that make them feel good.”

Throughout the past few decades, Beyoncé’s best hair looks have run the gamut from brunette and braided to bright blonde and brushed-up-and-out, a medley of lengths and textures styled to make a strong, head-swiveling statement.

In recent years, an ongoing collaboration with colorist Rita Hazan has created an era of dimensional blonde, creamy caramel hues juxtaposed by sun-washed shades. And for her most recent reinvention, it seems that Queen Bey is opting for an icy white platinum blonde that makes an unexpected (and infinitely eye-catching) statement.

Here are 17 of Beyoncé’s best hair looks from the ’00s to today.

Baby Braids, 2001

The early aughts saw Beyoncé embracing tiny brunette cornrows woven through with blonde, the look appearing gold at first glance. And because Y2K was all about play, each braid was punctuated by a translucent green bead.

Retro Curls, 2002

She’s Foxy Cleopatra, and she’s a whole lot of woman! To honor her role in the Austin Powers franchise, Beyoncé opted for a cloud of brushed-up curls, the loose ombré ringlets moving from tawny gold to deep toffee as they cascaded over shoulders.

Bombshell Bouffant, 2003

Bey’s bombshell bouffant stole the show at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. Along with volume at the crown, a medley of undone texture and gently curled ends converged in a retro red carpet moment both glamorous and effortless.

Ironed Maiden, 2007

Ironed lengths were a 2007 essential, and Beyoncé’s long, pin-straight blonde is certainly a sign of the times. While ample texture may be the pop star’s signature, there’s something to be said for an evening spent stylized and straight.

Brunette Beehive, 2008

This updo honors the female powerhouses that came before. Bey’s brunette beehive calls to mind those worn by the likes of Diana Ross, Audrey Hepburn, and more, the style polished and glamorous enough to steal the correct amount of spotlight.

Glossy Waves, 2009

The transition into Beyoncé signature waves began with glossy brunette curls styled to make a splash onstage. A medley of chocolate and golden browns creates a dimensional color crafted to catch the light.

Blunt Bob, 2013

Beyoncé’s take on abbreviated blonde is blunt, textural, and chic. Her chin-skimming bob came replete with deep roots and subtle curtain bangs, an ideal chop for day-to-night styling.

Asymmetrical Chop, 2015

A golden lob is made all the more eye-catching via a soft wave and asymmetrical ends. A deep part adds a vampish quality to the chin-skimming style, as does a rough and undone finish.

Playful Ponytail, 2015

A high ponytail can be both playful and sophisticated, as demonstrated by Beyoncé at the 2015 Met Gala. Honeyed blonde extends from roots to curled ends, the jaunty style sleekly secured with a wrap-around section of strands.

Brushed-Out Blonde, 2016

Throughout her career and in recent years, Beyoncé has moved toward hairstyles that take up more space. A waist-grazing mane of brushed-out blonde curls is a mainstay for the pop star, the shade provided by longtime colorist Rita Hazan.

Rapunzel Braid, 2016

A Rapunzelian braid offers an updo worthy of the Queen herself. A taut high ponytail becomes even sleeker when braided into an interminable blonde plait, the style slung over one shoulder and left to swing past her hips.

Crown of Curls, 2017

This time, more brushed and fluffed blonde curls are framed by glossy waves around the face. Less you doubt the nature of the style, Bey’s goddess-inspired sunburst crown insists that the long, voluminous style is regal in its own right.

Finger-Waved Cornrows, 2019

A break from blonde and buoyancy results in a maze of finger-waved cornrows supplemented by stylized edges and well-placed kiss curls.

High Volume, 2021

A triangle of texture defines this Grammys moment, curls brushed and teased so thoroughly that Beyoncé’s blonde reaches horizontally past each shoulder for a ‘70s moment à la Donna Sommers.

Radiant Waves, 2023

Ditching the brush allows Bey’s waves some time to shine. Golden bronde waves separated at the center fall glamorously over her shoulders in a style that feels memorable, mermaid-esque, and radiant, particularly when paired with an all-gold ensemble.

Sun-Washed Blonde, 2023

Hazan calls the color that defined Bey’s Renaissance World Tour “sun-washed blonde.” The summery shade is statement-making in its softness.

Icy Platinum, 2024

She’s in her country era. This year’s Grammys saw Beyoncé teasing her latest pivot, icy and pin-straight lengths extending from beneath a milky white cowboy hat. The look was among her most unexpected yet and perhaps hinted at more unexpected aesthetics to come.

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