Celebrity Natural Hair Inspirations and How to Style Them

Celebrities often bounce between styles, but the ones who lean into their natural hair textures? They’ve started something much bigger than a passing trend!

Whether you’re working with coils, curls, or waves, it’s always nice to see someone on screen or on a red carpet wearing something you can relate to. Natural hair, in all its forms, has range—and a good reference never hurts when you’re in the mood to try something new.

This guide pulls together some of the standout natural hairstyles from familiar faces and shares how to recreate them—without needing a glam squad on call. Find the perfect style for natural hair that matches your vibe, and learn how to make it work for your everyday routine!

Natural African Hairstyles: Bold, Defined, and Full of History

Afros, braids, and bantu knots—all have roots deeper than fashion. What’s changed in recent years is how these styles are being embraced in public, professional, and creative spaces—as they are. There’s a growing movement of people choosing to wear natural African hairstyles without modification or compromise. 

Many celebrities also embrace their natural textures in their most authentic form. They proudly wear their natural curls, coils, and kinks without altering them for the camera, proving that true beauty lies in authenticity.

So, let’s go over some of the iconic celebrities who redefine beauty standards by wearing their natural hair with pride, style, and power—from voluminous afros to elegant natural twist hairstyles and everything in between. 

1. Zoë Kravitz – Cool, Minimal, and Effortlessly Chic

Zoë Kravitz has mastered the art of understated glam. Whether she’s wearing ultra-fine box braids, a sleek pixie, or letting her natural texture peek through, her styles are all about balance—delicate, edgy, and completely effortless.

How to style Zoë’s box braids:

• Start with clean, damp hair and apply a leave-in conditioner for moisture.

• Section hair into small, even parts using a tail comb for precision.

• Braid each section tightly—keep the braids small and uniform for that sleek, neat look.

• Allow to air dry, or use a blow dryer with a diffuser to set the braids.

• Zoë’s hair never looks stiff, so keep things soft and moisturised with a botanical oil blend.

2. Tracee Ellis Ross – Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Tracee’s voluminous curls are basically their own genre at this point. She embraces her full 3B/3C curls unapologetically, often styled in huge afros, glam ponytails, or defined twist-outs.

How to style it:

• Start on damp, clean hair and apply a curl-defining cream or gel.

• Use the shingling method or finger coils to define each curl.

• Once your hair is dry, fluff at the roots using a pick or your fingers.

• Want even more volume? Layer in curly clip-ins that match your texture.

Pro tip: Don’t try to control every single curl; volume is the vibe here. Embrace a bit of frizz for authenticity and movement.

3. Yara Shahidi – Natural, Youthful, and Defined

Yara’s natural curls are always full of bounce and life. Her looks are versatile but usually lean toward soft, moisturised curls or high puff styles that feel fresh, light, and wearable.

How to style it:

• Start with freshly washed, well-conditioned hair. 

• Use a defining curl cream or mousse while your hair is still wet.

• Want to pull off soft curls like Yara? Use a diffuser on low heat, or let your hair air dry.

• How about a high puff? Brush your hair upwards and secure it with a puff cuff or hair tie.

• Finish with a lightweight oil or serum for shine and frizz control.

4. Lupita Nyong’o – Sculpted Perfection

Lupita Nyong’o is the queen of architectural styles on short natural hair. Her look often balances elegance and boldness, especially when she wears her hair shaped into sculptural high-top styles or symmetrical patterns.

How to style it:

• Start with clean, detangled hair.

• Create a defined, short afro with an afro pick. You can also use your fingers to lift and separate the curls.

• Use edge control or a strong-hold styling gel to mould your hair upward, especially if you want more volume at the top or a rounded shape.

• If your natural hair isn’t long enough for added height, use natural texture clip-ins or puff extensions to build structure subtly.

5. Solange – Afro Realness

Solange doesn’t do boring. Whether she’s rocking a perfectly rounded ‘fro or sharp-cut curls with blunt bangs, she’s all about letting the natural texture speak for itself—no apologies, no fluff.

How to style it:

• Keep your natural hair moisturised and shaped.

• Use a twist-out or bantu knot-out to add curl definition and volume.

• Consider trimming the ends to form a rounded silhouette.

• Use an afro pick to lift and fluff at the crown and sides.

Pro tip: This look is all about confidence. Pair it with a bold lip and an unapologetic outfit. Solange doesn’t shrink her style, and neither should you.

7. Issa Rae – Natural With a Twist (or Braid)

Issa Rae is known for wearing her natural hair in braids, twist-outs, bantu knots, and updos that feel polished but never too “done.” Her red carpet looks are grounded in everyday style—just elevated.

How to style it:

• Choose a protective style like flat twists or cornrows, and style them into a bun or half-up look.

• Add curly extensions for fullness or to increase length on buns and ponytails.

• Don’t shy away from texture—she often lets curls be curls without over-manipulating.

• Keep it sleek around the edges but soft and fluffy everywhere else. Use a lightweight oil or shine mist to finish.

  
  

6. Doechii – Bold, Edgy, and Unapologetically Textured

Doechii’s hair is all about fearless expression—whether she’s rocking sculpted curls, chunky braids, or gravity-defying coils. Her styles are dynamic, creative, and always full of attitude. Texture, shape, and edge? She owns them all.

How to style it:

• Start with clean, stretched hair using a blow dryer or heat-free stretching method to prep for neat braiding.

• Part your hair into bold, defined sections—zigzags, triangle parts, or asymmetrical shapes bring out that Doechii energy. Use a rat-tail comb and edge control for sharp, clean lines.

• Braid each section using a firm grip, adding extensions for dramatic length, thickness, or even a pop of vibrant colour. Mix in chunky braids, accent plaits, or cornrows—it’s all about creative contrast.

• Finish with beads, cuffs, or coloured thread to elevate the look and give it extra personality.

Pro tip: There are no limits. Doechii’s braid game is playful and powerful—don’t be afraid to mix patterns, layer textures, or turn your hair into wearable art.

Natural Hair in All Its Forms

While much of the conversation around natural hair celebrates Afro-textured styles, it’s important to remember that “natural” means embracing the hair you were born with—whatever its texture or colour. Here’s how different stars showcase their natural beauty:

• Natural Wavy Hair

Waves don’t need to be perfectly uniform to look great. Sometimes, they’re soft and tousled; other times, they’re more defined or slightly messy—and that’s the charm. Zendaya, Ayo Edebiri, and Camila Cabello often wear their natural Type 2 hair without trying to flatten or force it into tight curls. A little definition cream, maybe some air-drying, and they’re done. Nothing heavy, nothing overworked.

• Curly Hair from Other Cultures

Tight curls aren’t limited to one group or background. Plenty of Middle Eastern, Latina, Mediterranean, and South Asian stars have naturally curly textures, too. Salma Hayek’s curls tend to be full-bodied and soft. Penélope Cruz has been known to wear hers brushed out, letting the volume take over. Norah Jones often leans into a more low-key, effortless curl pattern. 

• Natural Blonde Hair

Curious about Emma Stone’s natural hair? While she’s best known for her signature red, her real shade is a soft, natural blonde. Similarly, Sofia Vergara’s hairstyles often feature glamorous waves or sleek finishes—and though she’s famous for her rich brunette looks, she’s a natural blonde, too. Over the years, she’s played with various tones, from honey and caramel to rich brunette shades and golden highlights, showing that embracing your roots doesn’t mean sticking to just one shade.

• Natural Red Hair

Red hair doesn’t need much help to stand out. It carries its own brightness. Jessica Chastain and Isla Fisher both stick close to their original shades, letting that coppery auburn speak for itself. You won’t often see them bleaching or drastically colouring it—there’s something about the way red hair catches light naturally that doesn’t ask for much else.

• Natural Grey Hair

Grey is no longer something people rush to cover. For some, it shows up in streaks. For others, it’s a full shift. Andie MacDowell, with her silver curls, has worn hers on red carpets without softening the tone. Helen Mirren has done the same with short, softly textured greys that feel confident rather than covered. Greying is just another kind of natural. And when it’s not hidden, it has its own kind of strength.

Top Tools: The Shortcut to Great Style for Natural Hair

When it comes to styling natural hair, having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re working on twist-outs, stretching your roots, or just trying to detangle without snapping strands, having tools that suit your hair’s texture makes things smoother. These are some essentials worth keeping close:

• Wide-tooth comb or a professional detangler: Prevents breakage and detangles curls gently.

• Rat-tail comb: Ideal for precision parting and sectioning hair, especially in styles like box braids, flat twists, or sleek looks.

• Afro pick: Used for lifting and fluffing the curls to add volume, especially for Afro hairstyles.

• Flexi rods: Ideal for creating smooth, defined curls without heat.

• Blowdryer with a diffuser: Use the diffuser attachment for curly or wavy textures to distribute air evenly.

• Curling wand: Adds defined curls or waves to enhance your natural curl pattern.

• Satin/silk pillowcase or hair wrap: Reduces friction and prevents frizz while sleeping.

Bring Your Natural Hairstyle to Life with Veaudry

Veaudry offers a range of professional-grade styling tools to help you achieve salon-quality results at home. Our products, featuring advanced Tourmaline Ceramic Technology, are crafted to protect your hair’s health while delivering the styles you love. Whether you’re aiming for defined curls, sleek and straight looks, or voluminous waves, we have the tools to help you style your hair and embrace your natural textures.

Explore our collection today and give your routine the glow-up it deserves!