MadameNoire
The 2021 NAACP Image Awards aired live on Saturday night, and while it was a virtual affair, as are most award ceremonies due to COVID-19, that didn’t mean the stars who took part in the show phoned it in when it came to style. There were filmed segments from historically Black spaces all over country, as well as the actual distribution of the awards, with the stars tuning in from their homes. Whichever scenario your favorite Black entertainers found themselves in, they were dressed to the nines. What stood out to us most though was the fun had with hair throughout the night. From stacked and ornate hairdos to bold colors and cuts, Black excellence was certainly on display on Saturday evening, and that included the excellence and versatility of our hair. Check out our favorite hair looks from our favorite ladies during the NAACP Image Awards, which were, perhaps, the biggest and boldest moments from the show.
Source: Novi Brown / Getty
Sisters actress Novi Brown looked phenomenal in this sleek and structured braided updo done by LA-based hairstylist Fesa Nu.
Source: East 2 West Collective / Getty
The lovely Brandee Evans of P-Valley fame took her hair to new heights for the show, wearing this stacked braids meet puffs look, crafted by hairstylist Sasha MaRi.
Source: AM PR Group / Getty
If there’s one thing Issa Rae loves, it’s a pompadour. The star, who won for Best Actress in a Comedy Series, wore a sleek twisted one put together by her go-to stylist, the talented Felicia Leatherwood. The celeb stylist also did a lovely natural updo for All Rise actress Simone Missick for the awards.
Source: Abigail Bickel / Getty
Lovecraft Country star Jurnee Smollett remixed her character Leti’s soft, curled bob for a sleek version done by stylist Nikki Nelms, who recently talked to us about what inspires the looks she does on her famous clients.
Source: 52nd NAACP Image Awards/BET / Getty
Regina King sported braids in a color that masted her bronze custom Oscar de la Renta gown while presenting an award in Watts, Los Angeles. The braids, a combination of red, brown and blonde shades, were pulled back in a sophisticated fashion and done by stylist Angie Perrantes.
Source: 52nd NAACP Image Awards/BET / Getty
Alicia Keys proved she can do braids like nobody else, and now she’s taking over the baby hair game. The beauty presented an award alongside husband Swizz Beatz with a soft-curled ponytail and twisted coils of baby hair all over the front of her head, done magnificently by…a talented hairstylist she didn’t tag. Could be done by one of her favorite stylists, Nai’vasha.
Source: Jeff Vespa/Vespa Pictures / Getty
Bob Hearts Abishola star Folake Olowofoyeku, who was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy, had her hair tapered to perfection by barber Zion Illiwood.
Source: KJ Smith / Getty
Sisters star KJ Smith looked stunning as she presented an award, showing the versatility of her curls. A bun with bangs was made out of her coils by talented hairstylist Shelli Mosley.
We love Tracee Ellis Ross’s soft low bun with volume in the bang, done by Nai’vasha, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say the star here is this Schiaparelli headpiece.
Best Actress in a Drama nominee Janelle Monáe looked flawless and the tapered blonde cut certainly helped with that. It was done by Nikki Nelms.
