52nd NAACP Image Awards Hairstyles We Love!

The 52nd NAACP Image Awards may have taken place this weekend, but we’re still swooning over the fabulous natural hairstyles worn by our favorite celebrity women. The Image Awards always bring the best in Black fashion, TV, film, and philanthropy in an evening dedicated to praising Black excellence. Texture was the trend on the virtual carpet. Braids, twists, and baby hairs, oh my! From Alicia Key’s 90s inspired ponytail with squiggly baby hairs to Issa Rae’s twisted bun and pony, we’re obsessed with the versatility and beauty of Black hair. Keep scrolling to see the most memorable hair looks.

1. Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett’s chin-length bob, by Nkki Nelms, paired perfectly with her black and emerald Alexandre Vauthier gown.

2. Issa Rae

Love CLEO TV? Get more! Join the CLEO TV Newsletter

Subscribe

We care about your data. See our privacy policy.

Issa Rae and her personal hairstylist/natural hair guru Felicia Leatherwood are a match made in hair heaven. Felicia keeps Issa’s hair healthy and laid in fabulous protective styles. 

3. Andra Day

The “United States vs. Billie Holiday” star Andra Day rocked her natural kinks and coils to present at the Image Awards. 

4. Brandee Evans

“P-Valley” star Brandee Evans took her natural hair to new heights with hair artist Sasha MaRi, who created this larger than life look for the Image Awards.

5. Madalen Mills

“Jingle Jangle” starlet Madalen Mills’ mom adorned her wavy bun with this fabulous flower to accentuate her red Nina Cannaci dress.

6. KJ Smith

KJ Smith’s kinky caramel and blonde up do can be credited to Harlem hairstylist Shelli Mosley.

7. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys looked gorgeous next to her husband Swizz Beatz. The beloved singer wore a 90s inspired ponytail with exaggerated baby hairs executed flawlessly by celebrity stylist Kendall Dorsey using Dark & Lovely products.

“Inspired by styles of the ‘90s, Alicia’s playful ponytail is relaxed and glam at the same time. The look is full of soft texture, with beautiful shine,” said Dorsey.

 

8. Novi Brown

“Sistas” actress Novi Brown rocked this braided style by hair artist Fesa Nu.

“I decided to keep it sleek and elegant with a bit of texture, so I played with shapes (which I LOVE TO DO) & gave Novi some chunky braids with a blunt cut,” Fesa wrote on Instagram.” I accented the braids with rope & wallah ✨✨✨ a crowned Queen in her Couture gown off to thee NAACP IMAGE AWARDS. This look was unmatched.”

9. Marsai Martin

Alexander Armand swept Marsai Martin’s knotless braids into a messy bun to compliment her Christian Siriano dress. 

10. Regina King

King’s hairstylist Angie Perrantes styled her hair in braids, which were colored with a metallic tone throughout that complemented the same hue of the Oscar de la Renta gown.