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The Rihanna Hair Evolution: Through the Years

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 29, 2026

Over the past 16 years, Rihanna has blessed us with her music, fashion sense, and eye for cosmetics. With all of Rih's Bad Gal magic, it's easy to overlook some of her most iconic hairstyles. 

The Rihanna hair journey has been a wild one, from pixie cuts and the bright red Loud era to bobs and ponytails. While we're watching her reinvent maternity style, let's take a look back at her incredible hair looks. 

Below, see the Rihanna hair evolution unfold. 

2006

Singer Rihanna arrives at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards at Sony Pictures Studio on June 3, 2006, in Culver City, California.Frazer Harrison

Fresh off the success of “SOS,” Rihanna paired her debut onto the music scene with sweet brunette wavy locks. 

Rihanna (Photo by KMazur/WireImage for Fox)KMazur