(Celebrity)

Rihanna Is Hollywood’s Ultimate Beauty Influencer & Her Best Hairstyles Prove It

One smash after another.

by Amanda Ross
Daniele Venturelli/WireImage/Getty Images

As a once-in-a-generation creative, of course Rihanna’s eye for aesthetics extends to her own beauty looks. Through her near 20-year career, Rihanna's best hairstyles touch on every possible hair color, length, and style out there — which means plenty of inspiration for every taste, too.

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images

It’s crucial to note that Rihanna’s been a beauty chameleon from the very start of her career. In 2007, she kicked off a full-on asymmetric craze when she chopped her long waves, leaving behind edgy, angular bangs she would often dress up with colorful streaks and highlights.Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
Extreme lengths seem to be a Rihanna specialty, particularly ultra-short haircuts. She’s worn multiple mohawks over the years, but this hybrid pompadour with shaved sides, tons of volume, and glossy jet-black color is next-level.WWD/Penske Media/Getty Images
Most often, Rihanna favors more futuristic or avant-garde looks, but her vintage-inspired hairstyles are always a treat for fans. For her 2011 performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, her curly ponytail and finger-waved bangs are so elegant.Fairchild Archive/Penske Media/Getty Images
Super-short pixie cuts are always a welcome look on Rihanna, especially this side-swept, tapered take first debuted at the 2012 VMAs. The close-cropped length helps show off her delicate neck tattoos.Frank Trapper/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images
Anna Wintour may helm the Met Gala, but Rihanna’s its unofficial spokesmodel. For the 2015 gala, themed around Chinese fashion design and its impact, RiRi opted for a flipped-out bob in a shade of red she’s tried a few times over the years.Lars Niki/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images
When Rihanna wore these perfectly-coiled Bantu knots and emerald green lipstick at a 2014 awards show, it became an instant classic. The hexagonal parts surrounding each knot add the coolest geometric flair.Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Surprisingly, Rihanna doesn’t often go for updos, preferring to leave her hair — whatever length it may be — loose and free-flowing. These elaborate, upswept curls from a 2016 Dior show are the best of both worlds, with face-framing tendrils spilling down.PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images
Of course, a list of Rihanna’s best hair moments wouldn’t be complete without spotlighting her lush natural curls. They’ve made plenty of appearances over the years, but her curls had a magic balance of shine, volume, and body at a 2017 Fenty Beauty event.NurPhoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images
That spicy red shade so beloved by Rihanna hit new lengths when she incorporated the color into her long, hip-skimming braids in 2019 — her entire look just screams summertime.Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images
Even through both of her pregnancies, Rihanna didn’t skimp on experimental hairstyles. For her 2022 Fenty fragrance launch, though, she kept things relatively low-key with ultra-long hair straightened and sleek.Mike Coppola/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

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