Get Inspired: 25 Iconic Rihanna Hairstyles

Which celebrity comes to your mind when you hear the word icon?

For us, it's got to be Rihanna. The singer is thriving in business, big on stage, and even big on her looks, wearing different styles and being authentic with them.

Her personality shines through every look she wears, making her not just an impeccable singer but a fashion and beauty icon.

Throughout the years, she's worn a ton of hairstyles, bringing a different vibe every time. You might recall some of the most iconic ones. Remember how she switched up her hairstyles for the same event? Of course, you do. Let's take you down memory lane, even up until last year.

Check out some of the looks Rihanna slayed during different eras.

1. Flipped Out Ponytail

One of Rihanna's looks we've set our eyes on for the longest time is this flipped-out ponytail. Most stylists would agree that it was carefully created to suit her face shape and match her outfit.

In case you are wondering, this is a 60s-inspired ponytail style. To achieve it, you need to flip the ends of your hair using your hot tool.

2. Side-Swept Glam

This has all the vibes of a '90s style—nailed it! Rihanna knows how to embody every look, and we love how she did here.

Simply swoop your hair to a side for a gorgeous side-swept hairstyle. Add a few pins to make it even more retro, and that is it.

3. Asymmetrical Bob

Everyone knew about Rihanna's asymmetrical bob after she styled it. It was the talk of the town, and it was amazing to see how her creativity brought to life a unique style.

Since then, many never doubted her impact on the industry. But we also have to give a shout-out to her stylist, Ursula Stephen, who created the style with her.

4. Sleek and Straight

Aren't straight wigs the best? They work every time. You can just straighten your wig and put them on, that's all. They will complement you and bring out your best features.

If you want to style your natural hair instead, a flat iron will be a good tool to invest in.

5. Cornrows

Make a statement with your cornrows. While they are the regular braids you know, you can achieve a different style with them.

So, take the cue from Rihanna and go for something unimaginable. You can braid both big and small ones like she did or choose to do something else.

6. Jumbo Faux Locs

In 2016, this was the look. The long, luscious black locs cascade around her face, capturing her fashion sense and style.

If you love the locs style, you can try this one. Get your jumbo locs and attach them to your hair. You could go for knotless braids and then fix them.

7. Edgy Top Knot

Rihanna's edgy top knots are popular. We have caught her on a similar look to this (check out the image above) and wonder how they can always be perfect. We will have to give it to her hairstylist.

The top knots are usually sleek and sculpted, yet messy. That is what makes her appearance full of life, adding the final touches to make it the look of the night.

8. Fun Pixie

Rihanna is a big source of inspiration to little girls, in fact, everyone. She has proven you can do it all. For an event last year, she wore this fine-looking, retro-style pixie that is off the chart.

The short length at the front and the longer lengths at the sides make it perfect.

What about the color? Excellent!

9. Bow Braids

Who is the queen of making waves again? It's Rihanna. The singer is perfect at creating something special, even with regular hairstyles, and that's what she did with her braids.

She made little gorgeous bows out of them and that sets it on fire.

10. Long and Wavy

Who says no to a long and wavy style? No one! Everyone enjoys wearing a luscious, full hairstyle. So, get to work and style yours. You just need some products if you have natural, long, curly hair. However, those with short hair might need hair extensions or they can use wigs.

11. Voluminous Half-Up

You can tell it is a timeless style if it still looks top-notch. This voluminous half-up is one for the record. The waves were loose, making it look playful and the volume created the balance needed.

Add gel if you have trouble sleeking your hair down, then attach your wavy hair extensions for more volume.

12. Magnificent Accessory

We are left dumbfounded with the accessories. It's one of those looks that can never be forgotten. Rihanna not only slayed the red, auburn short hair, but the accessories and the outfit sealed her place as a fashion icon.

While this was for the Met Gala in 2015, right now, it is still a look we can reckon with.

13. Space Buns

Space buns can be different. It does not always have to be you dividing your hair into two parts and putting them in a bun. It can be you adding braids to the bun and the front of your hair like Rihanna did here.

14. Short Curls

Riri launched her hair line recently, and the look she served us is this short curly haircut. It's different from her previous look before the event, and no one was expecting it. But we have to admit that it made headlines. Of course, why wouldn't it?

15. Pink Pixie

Tell me, who can rock pink pixie hair like Rihanna? The singer was bold enough to wear the color and own the style. If you think you can pull it off, jump on it and recreate the style. Without any doubt, it'll look stunning against your skin.

16. Straight Shoulder-Length

Rihanna is always on her A-game. Her hair here was a simple straight shoulder-length black hairstyle, but who wouldn't notice it immediately? It's noticeable and can make everyone look back to check it out again.

Style yours with a wig to see the style come to life. The blunt ends and length won't make it unnoticeable.

17. Straight with Bangs

Never shy away from a good hair color that can elevate your style. It is quite bold of her but chic and stunning are the ultimate words to describe her.

18. Bantu Knots

Rihanna has to be a Bantu knot lover. Here is another Bantu knot inspiration from her. It is a classic style with nothing extra. However, her natural roots and the sectioning gave it a little spice.

19. Beads and Braids

Do you want to take your braid style to another level? Add beads to them. It is one of the simplest yet effective ways to elevate your braids.

They not only switch it up, but they also add some color to your whole appearance.

20. Curly Bob

What is the hack to achieving good-looking curls? Your tools. Get the right products and tools, and your hair will look perfect.

For some curly wigs, all you have to do is brush after spraying water (not soaking wet). So, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and you will have a beautiful style.

21. Sleek Bun

Rihanna keeps things low-key sometimes, and this sleek bun is one. It's a simple style that makes your outfit, neckline, and face features stand out.

22. Retro Finger Waves

Be at the top of the game with the retro finger waves. Rihanna wasn't playing when she styled this. We can tell from the waves throughout and the bold lipstick that matches the vibe.

If you want to achieve it, a few tools will do—your rattail comb, hooded hairdryer, mousse, and styling strips.

23. Wavy Bangs

Common! Let those bangs ‘bang’. Like Rihanna, get those bangs you've always had in mind. It just might become one of your favorite looks you'll repeat. She never held back with this look, and the side wavy bangs incorporated into the rest of the long wavy hair turned out great.

24. Half-Up, Half-Down Bantu Knots

Do you need a reference for a unique style? We've got one for you. Riri for this look, combined two distinct styles into one, taking it cultural and modern.

For the front, divide your hair into small sections and roll them to form knots. Then, you leave the long tresses at the back to flow freely.

25. Wet Hair Look

Have a birthday party coming up? She's got a timeless look you can try. For an outing at night, the singer stepped out with a natural, wavy, wet look. And you don't want to sit on it. It's simple to achieve, yet turn heads and make everyone compliment you.

You can't tell us these weren't some of Rihanna's iconic hairstyles. They were, and we loved every bit of them.

But we know there are more, so we hope you can mention a few more in the section below.