African-American Actresses With Natural Hair

The landscape of Hollywood has seen a significant shift toward the embrace of natural hair textures among African-American actresses. These performers often showcase their curls coils and braids on the red carpet and in major productions. This movement celebrates authentic beauty while challenging long standing industry standards regarding hair. Many of these women have spoken publicly about the importance of representing their heritage through their hairstyles. Their presence on screen continues to inspire a new generation to embrace their own natural hair.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis gained widespread recognition for her powerful performances in films like ‘The Help’ and ‘Fences’. She made a significant statement by wearing her natural short afro at the Academy Awards in 2012. Her choice signaled a departure from the wigs and weaves often required of Black actresses in the industry. Davis has often discussed how embracing her natural hair felt like a liberating step in her personal and professional life. She continues to lead as a role model for authenticity in Hollywood.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o became a global star after her Academy Award winning performance in ’12 Years a Slave’. She is well known for her versatile natural hairstyles ranging from short fades to intricate braided updos. Throughout her career she has consistently used her platform to promote the beauty of dark skin and natural textures. Her role in ‘Black Panther’ further showcased the regal nature of traditional African hair designs. Nyong’o remains a prominent figure in the global conversation about Black beauty standards.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a celebrated actress known for her roles in ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She has long been an advocate for natural hair and eventually launched her own hair care line specifically for textured hair. Her voluminous curls have become a signature part of her public image and brand. Ross frequently shares tips and routines for maintaining healthy curls with her millions of followers. She emphasizes the importance of self love and the joy found in caring for ones natural crown.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae rose to fame with her web series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ and the HBO hit ‘Insecure’. Her character in ‘Insecure’ became a style icon for the many ways she styled her natural hair in every episode. Rae often collaborates with stylists to create unique and modern looks that highlight her hair texture. She has played a major role in normalizing diverse natural hairstyles in lead comedic and dramatic roles. Her influence extends beyond acting as she continues to produce content that centers Black identity.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is best known for her portrayal of Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ and its spin off ‘Grown-ish’. From a young age she has prominently featured her natural curls both on screen and in fashion campaigns. She represents a younger generation that views natural hair as an essential part of their identity. Shahidi often uses her social media to advocate for social justice and authentic representation. Her consistent use of natural styles has made her a prominent face in the natural hair community.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first caught the publics attention in ‘Mad Men’ and later starred in ‘Dear White People’. She is frequently seen on red carpets sporting magnificent natural updos and large afros. Parris has been vocal about her journey to embracing her hair after years of chemical straightening. Her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘The Marvels’ showcased her natural hair on a massive global scale. She continues to inspire fans with her creative and elegant hair choices.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz is widely recognized for her roles in the series ‘Atlanta’ and the film ‘Deadpool 2’. She made headlines for playing Domino in ‘Deadpool 2’ while keeping her signature large afro. Beetz has expressed that maintaining her natural texture is a way to stay true to herself in an industry that often demands conformity. Her hair has become a defining feature of many of her characters on screen. She continues to advocate for the inclusion of natural hair in all genres of film and television.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin rose to prominence as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. As one of the youngest executive producers in Hollywood she has maintained her natural hair throughout her rise to fame. Martin often experiments with various styles including braids twists and bantu knots. Her visibility provides important representation for young Black girls navigating their own hair journeys. She remains a powerful voice for youth empowerment and authentic beauty standards.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg gained early fame in ‘The Hunger Games’ and has since starred in films like ‘The Hate U Give’. They have consistently worn natural hair in various forms including afros and braids. Stenberg is known for being outspoken about cultural appropriation and the significance of Black hair. Their evolving style reflects a commitment to personal expression and cultural pride. They continue to be a leading figure in conversations regarding identity and representation in media.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multi talented artist known for her music and roles in films such as ‘Hidden Figures’. She often incorporates her natural hair into her highly stylized and conceptual aesthetic. Her hairstyles frequently include elaborate sculptural designs that celebrate Black heritage and futurism. Monáe has used her platform to challenge gender norms and beauty expectations. Her unique approach to natural hair continues to be a source of inspiration for fans worldwide.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba became a household name for her role as Suzanne Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She often wears her natural hair in elegant styles for her various television and Broadway appearances. Aduba has shared stories about learning to love her hair and her Nigerian heritage. She has won multiple awards while showcasing her natural texture on some of the biggest stages in entertainment. Her success has helped pave the way for other actresses to embrace their natural selves.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has starred in major films like ‘Creed’ and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She frequently opts for natural styles and intricate braids both in her films and during public appearances. Thompson has spoken about the importance of Black women seeing their own hair textures in sci-fi and fantasy genres. Her characters often reflect a modern and empowered version of femininity. She remains a key figure in the movement for diverse representation in Hollywood.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson began her career as a child actress on the Disney Channel series ‘Jessie’. She has grown up in the spotlight while consistently wearing her natural curls and braids. Jackson has frequently used her social media platforms to stand up against hair bullying and promote self confidence. Her youthful and trendy natural styles have made her a favorite among younger audiences. She continues to be an influential figure for Gen Z regarding natural hair care.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning is the lead actress in the Netflix series ‘Dear White People’. Her character Samantha White became a symbol for the complexities of Black identity and hair politics. Browning often wears her natural curls in various styles that highlight her texture. She has participated in many discussions about the importance of authentic hair representation in media. Her work continues to resonate with audiences who value honest portrayals of the Black experience.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid made her breakthrough in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and stars in ‘Euphoria’. She frequently showcases her natural hair in beautiful braids and curly styles. Reid has been an advocate for young girls to embrace their natural beauty from a young age. Her red carpet looks often feature creative natural hairstyles that gain significant attention from fashion critics. She is considered a rising star who remains grounded in her identity and heritage.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne gained critical acclaim for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She has consistently appeared on red carpets with her natural hair styled in afros and braids. Layne has stated that wearing her natural hair is a conscious choice to reflect her authentic self. Her presence in high fashion and major films reinforces the idea that natural hair is versatile and sophisticated. She continues to choose roles that highlight her range as an actress and her pride in her appearance.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback is known for her roles in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and ‘Swarm’. She often wears her natural hair in its raw texture or in traditional braided styles. Fishback is also a playwright and poet who incorporates themes of identity into her work. Her commitment to natural hair on screen helps to ground her characters in a sense of realism. She is recognized as a powerful new voice in the entertainment industry.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry first became famous as a teen star on ‘Sister, Sister’. In recent years she has fully embraced her natural hair journey and often shares her progress with fans. She frequently posts videos about her hair care routine and the products she uses to maintain her curls. Mowry has spoken about the liberation she felt after moving away from chemical relaxers. Her transparency has encouraged many of her long time fans to start their own natural hair journeys.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is a veteran actress known for films like ‘Love & Basketball’ and ‘Nappily Ever After’. She famously shaved her head for her role in ‘Nappily Ever After’ to tell a story about a womans relationship with her hair. Since then she has been seen growing out her natural hair and embracing her short curls. This public journey resonated with many women who have struggled with societal hair expectations. Lathan continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood for her talent and authenticity.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey is a singer and actress known for her role in ‘The Little Mermaid’. She made history by playing Ariel while keeping her natural locs for the character. This decision was a significant moment for representation in major Disney films. Bailey has always been proud of her locs and often styles them in creative ways for various events. Her success shows that traditional hairstyles can be just as iconic as any other.

Yaya DaCosta

Yaya DaCosta first appeared on ‘Americas Next Top Model’ and transitioned into a successful acting career. She is well known for her role in the series ‘Chicago Med’ and for portraying Whitney Houston in a biopic. DaCosta has been a long time advocate for natural hair and is often seen with her signature big curls. She has worked with various natural hair brands and frequently shares her hair care philosophy. Her look is often cited as an inspiration for the natural hair movement.

Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley is best known for her roles in ‘True Blood’ and ‘Queen Sugar’. In ‘Queen Sugar’ she often wears her natural hair in styles that reflect her characters grounded personality. Wesley has been a consistent representative for natural textures in dramatic television roles. Her presence on screen provides a realistic and beautiful depiction of Black womanhood. She continues to be a highly respected actress for her emotional depth and consistency.

DeWanda Wise

DeWanda Wise starred in the series ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ and the film ‘Jurassic World Dominion’. She is known for her vibrant personality and her beautiful natural hair. In her roles she often showcases a variety of natural styles that highlight her curls and volume. Wise has spoken about the importance of being seen as her full self in every role she takes. Her confidence and style make her a standout figure in modern Hollywood.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is a beloved comedic actress known for ‘Martin’ and ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. She has often worn natural styles and braids throughout her lengthy career in television. Arnold is known for her humor and her ability to bring authenticity to her characters. She frequently shares behind the scenes looks at her hair styling process on social media. Her longevity in the industry has made her a familiar and trusted face for audiences.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her role as Maxine Shaw on the hit sitcom ‘Living Single’. Her character was a pioneer for wearing braids and natural styles on mainstream television in the nineties. Alexander has continued to be an advocate for Black creators and authentic storytelling. She often wears her hair in its natural state during public appearances and in her various film roles. Her legacy in television continues to influence how Black women are portrayed today.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields gained fame on ‘The Facts of Life’ and later starred in ‘Living Single’. She has been a fixture on American television for decades and has often embraced her natural hair. Fields has worked as an actress director and producer while maintaining her signature style. She has been vocal about the changes she has seen in the industry regarding hair and beauty standards. Her career serves as a bridge between different eras of Black representation in Hollywood.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer is a prolific voice actress and live action performer known for ‘A Different World’. Her voluminous natural hair has been a signature part of her look since the beginning of her career. She often voices characters that reflect her own bohemian and authentic style. Summer has remained a steady influence in the entertainment world for those who value individuality. Her consistent embrace of her natural curls has made her an icon in the community.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet became a style icon through her role as Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. She has long been known for her signature locs and eclectic fashion sense. Her look influenced an entire generation to embrace a more natural and free spirited aesthetic. Bonet has maintained a relatively private life while still being a major influence on fashion and beauty. Her commitment to her natural look has remained unchanged throughout her career.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz has starred in ‘Big Little Lies’ and played Catwoman in ‘The Batman’. She frequently wears her hair in tiny braids or her natural texture and is a fixture in the fashion world. Kravitz is known for her effortless style and her ability to blend high fashion with natural beauty. She often speaks about her heritage and the influence of her parents on her personal style. Her look is considered one of the most influential in modern Hollywood.

Susan Kelechi Watson

Susan Kelechi Watson is best known for her role as Beth Pearson on the drama ‘This Is Us’. Her character frequently wore natural hairstyles that were praised for their realism and elegance. Watson has worked closely with stylists to ensure her hair reflected the life of a modern Black woman. She has become an advocate for proper hair care on television sets for Black actresses. Her performance and style have made her a beloved figure in television.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King rose to fame in the series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She often wears her natural hair in sophisticated styles on the red carpet and in her film projects. King has been a spokesperson for major beauty brands where she promotes natural beauty. She emphasizes the importance of representation for young women of color in the media. Her career continues to grow with roles that showcase her talent and her natural look.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie is known for her roles in ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and the film ‘Miss Juneteenth’. She has often showcased her natural hair in various textures and styles throughout her career. In ‘Miss Juneteenth’ her hair was a central part of her characters identity and story. Beharie is praised for her intense performances and her commitment to authentic portrayals. She remains a strong advocate for diverse stories and natural representation.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks gained fame for her role as Taystee in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and starred in ‘The Color Purple’. She is a vocal advocate for body positivity and natural hair. Brooks often wears her hair in creative natural styles that celebrate her texture and volume. She has used her platform to encourage women to love themselves exactly as they are. Her success on stage and screen makes her a powerful force in the industry.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is recognized for her roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘The Handmaids Tale’. She is known for her short natural hair which has become a signature part of her look. Wiley has spoken about the confidence she gained after deciding to wear her hair naturally. Her presence on major television shows provides important visibility for the LGBTQ plus community and Black women. She continues to take on challenging roles that highlight her versatile talent.

Porscha Coleman

Porscha Coleman is an actress and singer known for her roles in ‘Dad Stop Embarrassing Me’ and various television guest spots. She frequently wears her natural hair in large afros and defined curls. Coleman has been a visible part of the natural hair community for many years. She often shares her hair care journey and styling tips with her audience. Her vibrant energy and natural style are key parts of her professional brand.

Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton is an actress and singer known for her role in the hit series ‘Power’. She often alternates between various styles but has been a vocal supporter of natural hair. Naughton has shared her experiences with colorism and hair standards in the music and film industries. She frequently showcases her natural curls on social media and during public appearances. Her resilience and success continue to inspire many young performers.

Brandee Evans

Brandee Evans is the lead actress in the series ‘P-Valley’ where she plays Mercedes. She often wears her natural hair and has discussed the importance of showing authentic textures on screen. Evans transitioned from a career as a professional dancer and choreographer to a successful actress. She uses her platform to empower women and promote self care and fitness. Her role in ‘P-Valley’ has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

Shannon Thornton

Shannon Thornton also stars in ‘P-Valley’ and is known for her striking natural beauty. She often wears her natural hair in various styles that highlight her features. Thornton has worked as a model and actress and frequently shares her fashion and beauty choices. Her presence on a hit show allows her to showcase natural hair to a wide audience. She is considered a rising star with a promising future in the industry.

Lovie Simone

Lovie Simone is a young actress known for ‘Greenleaf’ and the film ‘Selah and the Spades’. She has consistently worn her natural hair in her roles and on the red carpet. Simone represents the newer generation of actresses who have always embraced their natural texture. She often discusses the importance of young Black girls seeing themselves represented on screen. Her talent and clear sense of self have made her one of the most exciting young actresses to watch.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu is a South African actress who has made a significant impact in Hollywood with ‘The Underground Railroad’ and ‘The Woman King’. She is well known for her short natural hair and her powerful acting range. Mbedu has received international acclaim for her performances and her dedication to her craft. She often wears her natural hair in simple yet elegant styles that focus on her features. Her rise to fame highlights the global nature of the natural hair movement.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch is a British actress who has appeared in ‘Captain Marvel’ and the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. She often wears her natural hair in a short fade or tight curls for her high profile roles. Lynch has been a strong voice for the inclusion of Black women in major film franchises. Her portrayal of strong and capable characters is complemented by her authentic hair choices. She continues to break barriers for Black actresses in the action genre.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel is a multi talented creator and actress known for ‘Chewing Gum’ and ‘I May Destroy You’. She often wears her natural hair very short or shaved which has become a hallmark of her striking look. Coel is celebrated for her unique voice and her willingness to tackle difficult subjects in her work. She has become an icon of individuality and artistic integrity in the entertainment world. Her influence is felt across television film and fashion.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is an Academy Award nominated actress and singer known for ‘Harriet’ and ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway. She is famous for her closely cropped natural hair which she often dyes in various colors like blonde or silver. Erivo has a bold and avant garde sense of style that frequently highlights her natural texture. She has won numerous awards for her work and continues to be a major force in the industry. Her look is a testament to the versatility and beauty of short natural hair.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim is an actress and singer who has gained fame for her roles in ‘The Woman King’ and ‘The Underground Railroad’. She often wears her natural hair in a short cropped style that emphasizes her striking features. Atim is a classically trained musician and an award winning stage actress. Her transition to major film roles has brought her unique look to a global audience. She continues to be recognized for her immense talent and presence.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku is an actress known for her roles in ‘Lovecraft Country’ and ‘Loki’. She frequently wears her natural hair in various styles that celebrate its volume and texture. Mosaku has won a BAFTA and received several other nominations for her compelling performances. She has spoken about the importance of representing African women and their natural beauty in Western media. Her career is marked by a diverse range of characters and a commitment to authenticity.

Adrienne C. Moore

Adrienne C. Moore is best known for her role as Black Cindy on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has consistently worn her natural hair throughout the series and in her other professional work. Moore is praised for her comedic timing and her ability to bring depth to her characters. She often appears at industry events with creative natural hairstyles. Her work has contributed to the broader acceptance of natural hair in mainstream television.

Yetide Badaki

Yetide Badaki is an actress known for her role as Bilquis in the series ‘American Gods’. She often showcases her natural hair in styles that are as regal and powerful as her characters. Badaki is a strong advocate for African stories and the representation of the African diaspora. Her striking appearance and talent have made her a standout in the sci-fi and fantasy genres. She continues to inspire fans with her pride in her heritage and her natural beauty.

Emayatzy Corinealdi

Emayatzy Corinealdi is an actress known for her roles in ‘Middle of Nowhere’ and the series ‘Reasonable Doubt’. She often wears her natural curls in elegant and professional styles on screen. Corinealdi has been praised for her subtle and powerful acting performances. She is a fixture in the independent film scene and continues to move into major television roles. Her consistent use of natural hair makes her a relatable and inspiring figure for many women.

Share your favorite natural hair looks from these talented actresses in the comments.