Beyoncè has seen and done it all, and so has her hair. Over the last two decades, the iconic singer has graced stages and red carpets wearing nearly every style under the sun, from curls to cornrows. And when it comes to hair, she's also become equally known for experimenting with color, trading in her natural dark brown locks for stunning variations of blonde.
With an archive of hair looks just as iconic as her discography, it's hard to narrow down Queen Bey's best hairdos. But we managed to round up 44 of our favorites. Ahead, take a glimpse at Beyonce's best hair looks in the past two decades, along with some tips to help you follow suit.
Platinum Face-Framing Layers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/platinumface-framinglayers-fcb2bd30cef646acad653470b294a268.png 750w)
Here's your reminder that Queen B looks good in every shade, including this icy white platinum. She rocked this face-framing cut and cool color post the "Renaissance" World Tour.
Renaissance Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce11-78f83f7bcd1e4018bd138e627c209479.png 750w)
Beyoncé is still in her "Renaissance"—and her hair looks from the tour were nothing short of stunning. These big, bouncy curls are just one shining example.
Long Lengths
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/longplatinum-3610f6d56e9a496994a24df25be5d25b.png 750w)
Long and luscious were the first words that came to mind when Bey unveiled this new 'do. In fact, this may be the longest hairstyle she's ever had, proving she's a versatile Queen.
Top Knot
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/topknotbun-e122d05ab45e4384b00021446af997e7.png 750w)
This look is by no means your average bun. It's sculptural, defined, and a romantic, with curly tendrils at the nape and face left loose.
Crème Brûlée Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce3-23b2f039e9d645a18f49a491a67e1b9a.png 750w)
With the help of her go-to colorist Rita Hazan, Beyoncè has achieved her lightest blonde yet. Dubbed "crème brûlée blonde," the shade features three shades of blonde (baby, pale, and golden). When worn in a half-up, half-down style, it captures the golden gradient's beauty.
Glass Waves
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce1-8eb1e7b2db43400fa1cdbbdb909137f4.png 750w)
Mason Poole /Parkwood Media /Getty Images
Wrapping your hair around a small barrel wand will give you the perfect wave pattern, but for that smooth, glass-like effect a la Bey, keep a conditioning shine spray on hand at all times.
Platinum Waves
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/longplatinumcurls-02c1f5a86a104244b9e9bc9995d4e2b6.png 750w)
If there's one look that Beyoncé returns to time and time again, it's mermaid waves. This time, she tried the style in an icy platinum blonde with natural roots.
Side Split
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce43-665750f3a9ca420c9142d863b301881e.png 750w)
Put the side bang controversy aside. You can get the fringe, and side part too. Beyonce yet again sets an example that we can do it all.
Tri-Color Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce7-dfa80fbd783c412eb7eb228100252378.png 750w)
We told you: Beyoncé loves to play with color. This tri-color brown-blonde blend is such a stunning take on the ombré hair trend.
All Brushed Out
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce2-f16e028cf95b459c9a468aa74dffa17f.png 750w)
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
We're loving the Diana Ross vibes coming from Beyonce's brushed-out waves at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Leaving some natural texture brushed out beneath ironed waves is going to help gives the look that fluff factor.
Pulled Back Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce9-828aebd3511548b0a25b4443ade9dcd6.png 750w)
These loose curls are undoubtedly gorgeous. However, we're more so obsessed with Bey's chocolate brown and light brown hair color. It's such an eye-catching blend.
Hollwood Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce10-50fb0605d54d47958f4373f12ebde00d.png 750w)
Everything about this look screams Old Hollywood glamour. Bey's auburn brown hair makes her cascading curls look even more mesmerizing.
Disco Diva
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/246426687_568910947707199_220179535645920994_n-4e7aed80890f42f4ae5495ad2af4d60b.jpg 750w)
With a glam pony this high and bouncy, it won't be the only thing swaying on the dance floor. Using a blowout spray and ceramic round brush will help give your tresses that disco-dancing bounce that'll last all night long.
Cascading Braid
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce6-dcf082e112c842d9a66b7f295b630ff6.png 750w)
Getty Images / Brad Barket
Everything Beyoncé does is larger-than-life, so, of course, her hair looks are no exception. Her blonde braid extends past her thighs, creating a dramatic and ultra-cool hair moment.
Brushed Out Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce5-7a252617083c41bd9c551e35781155b0.png 750w)
Getty Images / Ezra Shaw
Beyoncé's 2016 Super Bowl performance was legendary, and her hair was perfect for the occasion. Her full, fluffy blowout was achieved by adding tight curls to the hair and brushing them out with a paddle brush.
Snatched and Natural
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce32-345ac1faa0874d1599c3bf3c89f65b9e.png 750w)
We love a naturally textured style and a fearlessly snatched 'do. Here's how to get the look: First, use a boar bristle brush around the hairline to help bring the top half of your style together at the crown. Then, secure it with a bungee hair cord to minimize damage and pulling. Finish things off by using your favorite edge control to smooth any flyaways.
Curved Cornrows
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce4-a64dcea9b03e48e6a24485e392588621.png 750w)
Getty Images / Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic
Bey wore an intricately curved cornrow ponytail to The Lion King premiere. The front swirls and perfectly laid edges enhance the braided look.
Heightened Half-Up
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce34-8da26dc61f3e40d1b5e89d6e4d2b05d5.png 750w)
Getty Images / Kevin Mazur
Adding extra height to your half-up style can help elongate your look, complementing ensemble details like an extra long earring. To add extra height to your 'do:
- Place your ponytail above the crown of your head (above the curve).
- Add an extra elastic 1/2 an inch above your ponytail.
- Use a small section of hair from underneath your ponytail to wrap around the base and hide those hair bands.
Down Low Cornrows
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce35-f67dee126df54ef58bf51c501e79b909.png 750w)
Getty Images / Kevin Mazur
Beyoncé is no stranger to rocking cornrows. She gave the straight-back look an extra edge by adding in blonde braiding hair.
Golden Goddess
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce36-36c5239f41bb4be1af22d163500c5aed.png 750w)
Getty Images
Bey showed up to the 2017 Grammy Awards looking like a golden goddess. Her all-over golden blonde hair had a curled-crimped vibe to it that we want to recreate ASAP.
Braided Back
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce37-9c45386921524dc6972faff0d7fd729b.png 750w)
Getty Images / Allen Berezovsky
Braids are a timeless hairstyle. They can be a focal point or a minor detail, but no matter their placement, they won't go unnoticed. Bey's braided back updo at the 2016 MTV Awards offers a modern elegance that would work well on any hair texture.
Blunt Bob
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce40-76a003b356284ad6a89743f177ed1237.png 750w)
Getty Images / Jon Kopaloff
We all know Bey looks great in a bob. This blunt edged cut makes it even bolder and adds a thickness that keeps it looking full. This golden blonde color doesn't hurt anything, either.
Side Statement
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce12-062b73ea8cd541fda25bb1405706f7f8.png 750w)
Getty Images / Jamie McCarthy /FilmMagic
Hello, high pony. This statement style was most appropriate for the 2015 Met Gala theme, "China: Through The Looking Glass." Who knew a side ponytail would end up being one of the most talked about looks on the red carpet?
Flawless A-Line
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce39-7fb6c98ea4e44948865113d48249ce10.png 750w)
Steve Granitz / Getty Images
When Beyoncé released her self-titled album in 2013, this haircut became its iconic representation. First seen on Beyonce in her single Flawless, the blonde and wavy a-line bob quickly accelerated the a-line's popularity in a modern way. Ditching the high bevel in the back, Bey's approach to this cut focuses on the subtlety of that longer length in the front.
Middle Part
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce38-1cdf04c9c9ba4e6a96da622775cb5f96.png 750w)
Getty images / Steve granitz
A simple middle part can be made to feel super elevated. Here's how to recreate this pulled-back ponytail:
- Clip all hair behind the ears up and away.
- Brush the hairline taut and secure into its own low ponytail at the nape of the neck.
- Unclip the bulk of your hair, backcomb at the crown for some subtle volume, and gently bring all hair together at the nape, securing around that first small ponytail.
Ultra-Tight Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce31-c4f89189a3ad4f988572fe33256aeaf0.png 750w)
getty images / Stephen Lovekin
This is one of our favorite curly looks on Bey. Achieving this tightly-defined style requires the use of a small curling wand—like Hot and Hotter's 1/4'' Gold Ceramic Curling Iron.
Effortless Asymmetrical
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce30-1339dea2d7ec4e0e891fa5cabad86948.png 750w)
Getty Images / Steve Granitz
This low-side ponytail is easily one of Beyonce's best looks. This style will work best on long hair that isn't layered. Layered cuts may have difficulty sweeping the hair to the side without strands slipping out back.
Tight Ringlets
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce13-895b982d64b44f1cacbd86503135ece7.png 750w)
Getty Images / Kevin Mazur / WireImage
In 2010, Beyoncé hit Coachella with a head full of tight curls. It's easy to replicate this look at home using a curling wand—we recommend Bed Head's Curlipops Ceramic Clamp-Free 1/2" Curling Wand.
Tinsel Strands
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce29-7877dfafba45469bad1d655205151606.png 750w)
Getty Images / Steve Granitz
Tinsel hair was one of the most playful hair trends to come out of the early 2010s. Here, Beyoncé strategically placed multicolor tinsel strands throughout her hair to create a highlight effect.
Unraveled Ringlets
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce28-a0ef181322014f18894e86f4a629a4d3.png 750w)
Getty Images
While Bey wore this style in 2009, these unraveled ringlets are definitely a style we still see everywhere. They're timeless, classic, and each to achieve without pro help. Here's how:
- Blow out the hair with a volumizing primer.
- Once dry, spray 1" sections of hair with a light-hold hair spray.
- Curl each 1" section with a 1" curling iron and let the curls cool untouched to set in place.
- Use no-crease or prong clips to pin up the curls framing your face around the hairline and part, offering extra hold.
- Once the hair is cool, shake it from side to side and massage the scalp with your fingers to help unravel those curls.
Low-Curled Ponytail
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce27-9b52753ed7dc49f8b54742a661be6753.png 750w)
Getty Images / Steve Granitz
This low ponytail is simple but extremely elegant. Keep things minimal in the front by slicking everything back. Add some texture by giving the ponytail some loose curls.
Power Pouf
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce26-daa5f318b1eb4330bb231bc1614a1420.png 750w)
Getty Images / George Napolitano
The bang pouf was a classic 2000s hair staple. This style works exceptionally well for rounder face shapes looking for a bit of elongation or for fringes that need a trim.
Bey-Hive
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce25-196a661f64994ae2abc9cbe324ec91c2.png 750w)
Getty Images / Jeff Snyder
Bey in a beehive is iconic, and this classic 'do has truly never gone out of style. To get the look:
- Get the hair's texture to be straight. We recommend doing a blowout and giving the hair a few passes with a flat iron, as needed.
- In sections, mist the hair with a dry texture spray and back brush. The spray will help give extra grit. Do this from nape to crown and lightly on both sides of the head, from the ears back.
- Mist a hairbrush with hair spray to pull the hair back, and rely on your hands to sculpt the desired shape and height.
- Secure along the "seam" with hair pins.
Wand Waves
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-87211460-3c7856bf69614d42ad0725a465a48cc2.jpg 750w)
L. Cohen/WireImage
Sculpted wand waves create such a glamorous, classic Hollywood hair moment, but with Beyonce's longer length, it has a mermaid effect that we can't get enough of. Here's how to get the look:
- Spray your sections with hair spray.
- Wrap 1" sections around a 1" curling wand, all going in the same direction.
- Pin up the hair that frames the face for a stronger hold.
- Once the hair is cooled, spray your brush with hair spray and gently brush those waves out.
Curled Updo
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce24-4c3bc97451af4a5abdc0b397ecb08ed3.png 750w)
Getty Images / Jim Spellman
We rarely get to see Beyoncè wear her dark brown hair and an updo. That's why this look is a winner. Her sleek bun is incredibly elegant and chic.
Colored Curls
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce23-27226ffde37040058264fda77ee54d13.png 750w)
getty images / l. cohen
Before we saw the skunk hair trend emerge in the 2020s, the early to mid-2000s gave us a lot of chunky highlights and hair color gradients. Case in point: The light brown-blonde gradient on Bey's fluffy curls.
Lots of Layers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce22-4ef73f1eb6ed4eeaa106f0135cae425e.png 750w)
Getty Images / Vera Anderson
Layers will give the hair movement, shape, and even volume when cut correctly. Talking to your stylist about your goals will help you decide which route to go. These heavy face-framing layers keep Beyonce's length in shape and accentuate her face shape flawlessly.
Woven Topsy Turvy
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce21-a50952a75a50427bb5a9a0c9a18fb8e7.png 750w)
Getty Images / KMazur / WireImage
Beyoncè's woven back ponytail she wore to the 77th Annual Academy Awards looks like a good old-fashioned topsy-turvy. To create a similar style:
- Section off the top half of your hair.
- Secure the remaining hair into a low ponytail.
- Use your fingers to split the hair above your elastic in two, and flip your ponytail through the hole, loosening and adjusting to your liking.
- Spray the roots with texture spray and tease for volume, then gently weave the hair into your ponytail using hairpins.
Heavy-Handed Highlights
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce20-839cfd96d65541a58a6b1e5d867a7066.png 750w)
Getty Images / Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic
It's hard to believe a hair trend from 2003 can still be making its rounds twenty years later, but chunky highlights are next in line for a major comeback. Once again, Beyoncé was ahead of the curve.
Tropical Tresses
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce19-41a8d537d5fa44f8b7bff2ed1e2619f4.png 750w)
Getty Images / SGranitz / WireImage
Bey's woven bright blonde highlights, micro braids, and yellow plumeria exude a totally tropical vibe. All would be enough on their own, but when you throw it all together, it's the perfect look for a summer vaycay.
Beaded Cornrows
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyonce17-b08775266a7c4cb7984658fc8ce9408b.png 750w)
Getty Images / Kevin Mazur
In the '90s and early aughts, you could regularly catch the singer rocking classic cornrows. Here, she added beads on the ends for extra flair.
Box Braids
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2023-06-22at11.00.46AM-43841d9246f047a288fb6c5d0acada34.png 750w)
When you need to give your strands a rest, box braids are a stylish way to go. You can play with the shape of your sections, the colors in your braids, even their width. With a protective style this expressive, you'll never run out of options.
Sporty Spice
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2023-06-22at10.59.48AM-563e6b39ed67478ba16c57e77d37dbfa.png 750w)
Entrepreneur is one of Bey's many hats, and we love the sporty spice hair she's sporting in her Ivy Park ath-leisure wear.