When it comes to her hair, Rihanna is experimental and she never sticks to one thing for too long. From classic hairstyles with long waves to short edgy styles with undercuts, RiRi is anything but predictable. Similar to other pop stars, Rihanna began her career sporting generic hairstyles; however, after a couple of years in the business, her hairstyles started to shift dramatically. Check out Rihanna’s hairstyles over the years and let us know which ones you like the best!
33rd Annual AMA American Music Awards Nominations – 2005
At the 33rd Annual AMA American Music Awards nominations, Rihanna – who was just fresh on the scene thanks to her hit single “Pon De Replay” – sported a choppy bob. The fresh-faced singer looks like she had dyed her hair. Instead of seeing rich dark locks, her hair was a light brown. 2005 was a really successful year for Rihanna. Her album Music of the Sun was a huge success and the singer herself was regarded as the next big up-and-coming pop star.
2
Billboard Music Awards – 2006
The “SOS” singer had super long and straight hair at the Billboard Music Awards; however, we don’t think it was natural. It looks like she had some extensions put in. The singer’s dress left very little to the imagination. Her chest was barely covered, so the hair gave the pop star some much needed coverage. 2006 was another exciting year for Rihanna. Her second album A Girl Like Me was a commercial success and she headlined her first tour, the Rihanna: Live in Concert tour.
3
Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards – 2007
Rihanna debuted an edgy angled bob at the Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards. 2007 was yet another great year for the singer. She successfully transformed herself from a pop princess into a full-fledged superstar (not to mention sex symbol) with her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad. The lead single “Umbrella,” which featured Jay Z, was a huge success. “It shows such growth for her as an artist,” Jay-Z said about the track. “If you listen to the lyrics to that song, you know the depth and how far she’s come.”
4
BET Awards – 2008
The “Umbrella” singer showed off a cropped pixie cut at the BET Awards in 2008. She reportedly cut her hair off without telling her record label, but we can’t see anyone having a problem with this hairstyle – it looks great on her. Despite denying that there was anything romantic between them, Rihanna and Chris Brown began dating in 2008. They were spotted on numerous occasions kissing and cuddling, which can mean only one thing – young love!
5
American Music Awards – 2009
Rihanna tried a different look at the American Music Awards. She sported an experimental pixie cut with side swept bangs and a nicely trimmed undercut. The hairstyle is incredibly unique – just like her outfit! 2009 wasn’t the best year for Rihanna. Her personal life ended up making headlines after her boyfriend Chris Brown physically assaulted her the night before the Grammys. Rihanna was set to perform, but she had to cancel last minute because of her injuries.
6
American Music Awards – 2010
The “Live Your Life” singer debuted her long, curly red hair at the American Music Awards in 2010. We can’t say it’s our favorite hairstyle, but if anyone can rock it, it’s RiRi. In 2010, Rihanna continued to dominate the pop scene. She collaborated with Enimen on the single “Love the Way You Lie,” which reached number one in over twenty countries. The song was Rihanna’s seventh U.S. number one of her career, which made her the female artist with the fifth most number ones in the chart’s history.
7
Launch of Reb’l Fleur – 2011
Rihanna rocked a red shoulder-length bob at the launch of her first fragrance Reb’l Fleur in 2011. We prefer her subtle waves at this event to the curls she sported at the American Music Awards. The singer embarked on her Loud tour in 2011. The tour was the seventh highest grossing tour worldwide of 2011. Rihanna also released her sixth studio album that fall, Talk That Talk. The lead single “We Found Love” was named the 24th biggest hit of all time on the Billboard Hot 100.
8
Video Music Awards – 2012
Never one to stick to one hairstyle for too long, Rihanna traded in her long locks for an ultra short pixie cut in 2012. Not just anyone can look good with hair this short, but the Grammy-winning singer makes it work. In 2012, Rihanna and Chris collaborated on a couple of songs together – a remix of her song “Birthday Cake” and his song “Turn Up the Music.” Neither remix was well received because of the former couple’s history of domestic violence.
9
Grammy Awards – 2013
The “Only Girl (In the World)” singer went for a classic and romantic look at the 2013 Grammy Awards. She rocked some soft waves and an ombre dye job. That night, Rihanna picked up a Grammy Award in the category for Best Short Form Music Video for her song “We Found Love.” In 2013, the singer announced that she had rekindled her relationship with Chris Brown. Fans everywhere rejoiced later that year when they broke up again.
10
After party for Rihanna for River Island collection at DSTRKT – 2013
Rihanna looked feminime but edgy at the after party following the launch of her Rihanna for River Island Collection with her side swept undercut hairstyle. Even though the “Love The Way You Lie” singer has been compared to Beyonce many times over the years, we don’t think it is true. Rihanna is constantly reinventing herself. Since the release of her third album, she has changed her personal appearance several times, sporting different hairstyles regularly. We don’t think Beyonce has taken half the risks Rihanna has!