RIHANNA'S 38 BEST HAIRSTYLES AND HAIRCUTS TIMELINE

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, and actress. She's a fashion icon, a diva on the red carpet and is known for her quirky style. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, she first entered the music industry by recording demo tapes under the direction of record producer Evan Rogers in 2003. She is always introducing new hairstyle trends with bold and unique hairstyles, and she changes her hairdo's very often. Her individuality is what makes her a true style icon. View yourself with Rihanna hairstyles. We provide easy "How to style" tips as well as letting you know which hairstyles will match your face shape, hair texture and hair density.






Top 10 Rihanna Hairstyles - Visual Hairstyle Story

1 of 38   Story
Firstly, we need to congratulate Rihanna on the announcement of her pregnancy. Her child is going to be one of the most stylish children in Hollywood and that is no surprise given how stunning Rihanna always looks. This is an easy-to-style, formal hairstyle that you are going to love! It is going to become your new favorite style as it is easy to maintain and will not take up a lot of your time. Having her hair behind one ear is a nice touch to this style. If you tuck your hair behind your ears, you can emphasize your prominent cheekbones! You can maximize your cheekbones and bone structure if you side part your hair. Rihanna keeps her hair straight for this hairstyle. It is important to apply a heat-resistant serum before straightening your hair. Your hair will be protected from the heat created when you use a hair iron by using a protective serum. You can use hairspray to help keep your style intact after styling your hair. Hairspray also prevents flyaway hairs from ruining your hairstyle.

When it comes to your makeup application, you can follow in Rihana's footsteps. She has done a natural-looking eye makeup application, perfect foundation, and a bold lip to draw attention to her chin and neck area.


2 of 38   Story
You are going to want to stand under an umbrella with this hairstyle that Rihanna is showing off! There is just so much going right with this hairstyle. Firstly, the braids are in perfect formation which means that you will not have to worry about flyaway hairs or having your hair out of place at all. Secondly, the design that the braids go in are fun, new and exciting. The nice thing about this hairstyle is that once you style it, if the braids are done as tight as Rihanna's are, then you can keep this style in for a couple of days.

A few tips to remember if you are going to choose this style:
1) Braids will be easily styled if your hair is a little bit dirty. This means that you want to wash your hair and only style the braids a few days later.
2) Braids like this can take a few hours to style depending on your hair length so you are going to want to be patient.
3) This style can get a bit itchy because it can pull on your scalp a bit. You can scratch, but keep in mind that you do not want to mess up the braid style.
4) Keep the small elastics close by. Sometimes, the elastics can break and you do not want a braid to start to unravel.

Most face shapes as well as hair textures can pull off this look. You just want to make sure that you speak to your stylist to ensure that the design of the braids is going to suit your face shape. If you want to take this style to the next level, you can add a few highlights to your hair before you style the braids. This is going to give you a different color to add to your braids which will look astonishing!


3 of 38   Story
Oo na na what's her name... Rihanna is owning this big-haired look and we cannot get enough of it! This look might seem like a lot of work but truth of the matter is it only takes a few steps to get this desired hairstyle. You do not have to worry about your hair being perfectly straight or worry about a runaway hair as you do with other hairstyles. This hairstyle has a mind of its own and we love it! It is bold and beautiful and we want more! Parting down the middle means that the hairstyle will fall perfectly on both sides of your face. Due to the volume of this look, glasses will not suit it. You are going to need to cut your hair once every 6 weeks or so to ensure that your hair stays healthy.

Makeup wise, you can do a natural makeup application. You do not want to do too much with your makeup as you want your hair to be the star of the show... People will be begging you to stand under their umbrella.






4 of 38   Story
Rihanna looks stunning here with the top section of her locks parted, pulled back and pinned to the head while the length is left out to fall to the back. The hair is swept back away from the face to create a sleek look and completes this formal look perfectly. This hairstyle is best suited for those with those with thick, straight hair and will suit all face shapes.


5 of 38
These thick black locks are pulled back loosely and tied at the crown to create this casual up-do best suited to complement a square or oval face. This look is easy to re-create at home with the tools and needs product for shine and hold.

Rihanna goes for a simple and fun up-do here that is ideal for a casual or formal night out. Rihanna has an oval face shape and expressive facial features which look great with most hairdos, especially up-dos like this one. Her thick tresses have been loosely pulled back into a high ponytail, creating volume at the crown of the head. Her blunt cut ends are on show and her hair's natural texture is the main focus here. Overall, this hairstyle works well for her face shape and rounded hairline, and makes the most of her naturally thick and wavy hair texture.

Rihanna has naturally black hair and looks best in shades of chocolate and chestnut brown, thanks to her warm skin tone and green eyes. This particular shade of black has inky, cool undertones to it that gives her strands a glossy finish. No highlights are needed here as this hair color looks its most vibrant on its own and shows off the waves in her hair nicely, not to mention gives her hair a glossy, healthy finish.


6 of 38
Gorgeous large curls are dressed all through the mid-lengths to ends of these tresses giving this style plenty of bounce and movement. This 'do is easy to re-create with the right tools and needs product to tame fly-away hair. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help prevent split ends and keep the hair looking thick and healthy.

Rihanna looks lovely here in long wavy locks that show off her best assets. This 'do frames her oval face shape nicely and makes the most of her naturally thick hair texture. Rihanna has a high rounded hairline which makes her best suited to a grown-out fringe, as seen here. The center part and voluminous curls help to balance out her broad forehead and pointed jaw line. Layers throughout give this hairstyle movement, and also helps to reduce any extra heavy or bulky weight in Rihanna's thick hair.

Rihanna has a warm, medium complexion with gold undertones and light eyes. This makes her best suited to hair colors on the warm spectrum like the chocolate brown shade she is sporting here as her base, as well as the golden tones she has highlighted her locks with throughout the lengths and ends. Not only does this create a stylish look for her, but it also gives her hair a shiny, healthy looking finish that is full of dimension. Not to mention it matches her orange outfit nicely!






7 of 38   Story
These dark locks are pulled up, twisted and pinned to the crown to create a messy bun upstyle that is easy to re-create at home with the right tools. Heavy bangs are smoothed down to frame the top of the face and completes the over-all look magnificently.


8 of 38
This glossy black mane is parted on the side and smoothed down to compliment the face while the lush length is pulled back and tied to the nape for a stunning look and feel. This gorgeous 'do is great for any occasion and needs product for shine and hold.


9 of 38   Story
Rihanna wore her long locks out for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. Stunning waves were added to the mid-lengths to ends of her locks to give the over-all style plenty of movement and shape. The roots are teased at the crown making this a fab 'do to compliment a round face and perfect for any special occasion.






10 of 38
The back and sides of this short casual hairstyle is tapered into the head blending into the to layers that are jagged cut to achieve an edgy look and feel. This hairstyle is easy to manage with regular trims every 4-6 weeks and needs product for hold and shine.


11 of 38
Rihanna stepped out recently wearing a dramatic new short hairstyle that makes her look like a modern day Betty Boop... maybe she's not such a bad girl after all! This feminine pixie-style cut looks great with her gorgeous features, not to mention that the natural black hair color looks flawless with her latte complexion and green eyes. Finally, Rihanna has ditched the crazy red weaves and is going for a more demure look.

To go with her new haircut, Rihanna chose simple makeup for a modern, fresh look. Her green eyes have been highlighted with shades of peach, brown and bronze and her lips look fabulous in matte red lipstick. Rihanna has also used a soft brown pencil to fill in her eyebrows, which is especially important when you are wearing a dramatic, face-framing hairstyle.

The back and sides of this short 'do are cropped short and close to the head, maintaining a neat and tidy finish to the edges. The back and sides have also been blended into the top length, which has been left long enough to be worn flat for a smooth and sexy finish. Product is needed for hold and shine as well as regular trims to maintain the style.

To finish off the entire look, Rihanna chose a gorgeous white dress and matching diamond stud earrings. Dangly or drop earrings would be another good choice for ladies who have pixie cuts like Ri-Ri, but just make sure they don't overpower the simplicity of the look. This is just one example of how keeping it simple with your hair, makeup and clothes can produce stunning effects.


12 of 38
Rihanna is known for her bold hair colors, super-edgy clothes (or lack of) and equally eye-catching makeup to match. Here, we see a more relaxed Rihanna in refreshingly simple hair and makeup. Let's see how she made herself under for this effortlessly cool look.

The Hair: Sleek, glossy and raven black, Rihanna's hair looks fabulous in its natural state. The long waves suit her oval face nicely and tumble just past her shoulders. But, this is Rihanna of course, so the under layers have been shaved. When she wants to turn into her bad girl alter ego, all she needs to do is flip her hair over and she is ready to raise some hell! One side of this casual 'do has been clipper cut to achieve an undercut style. This leaves the opposite side to fall out over the shoulders, showing off the medium to long layers that have been jagged cut through to balance out the movement and body. This look will need product for hold and shine, as well as regular trims to prevent split ends.

The Makeup: Rihanna has huge cat eyes and perfectly arched eyebrows that don't need any enhancement to look good. Here, just a lick of mascara has done the trick. Paired with dewy skin and a matte red lip, this look is oh-so-glam.

The Clothes: Simple hoop earrings and a halter neck white dress are the cherry on top of this gorgeous look. Nice work Rihanna!






13 of 38
This long glamorous hairstyle is dressed in elegant waves through the sides and back adding plenty of shape and movement to this style best suited to balance out a long face. This formal hairdo is easy to re-create with the right tools and products and perfect for any special occasion.


14 of 38   Story
Rihanna shocked guests and onlookers at the 2012 Grammy Awards with her new golden locks left out to show off the waves from root to tip which gave the over-all style plenty of bounce and fullness. This casual hairstyle is layered all over to balance out the body making it great to frame a long face.


15 of 38
This smooth and sexy hairdo is blow-waved adding a little movement to the ends for shape and style. The bangs are swept to the side to frame the top of the face and completes this fun and style brilliantly. Regular trims is needed to maintain this look.






16 of 38   Story
This bold and bright hairstyle is more suited for those brave and those wanting to the center of attention. Mini-french rolls are pinned to the sides of the head, leaving out the length to fall over the shoulders for a spectacular finish to a loud hairdo.


17 of 38
Bold and bright is what this hairstyle stand out in any crowd. The layers cut all through the sides and back allow the waves added to the mid-lengths to bounce and sit perfectly to compliment any long face shape. This look is easy to achieve with a blow-wave and products for hold and shine.


18 of 38   Story
Big, bold and bright is the main idea for this red hot hairdo. Uniform layers cut all through the back and sides balances out the volume and body of this look which is best suited for those with thick locks. Adding in extensions will also help increase the fullness and shape of this look.






19 of 38
Rihanna's bold red 'do is blow-dried smooth showing off the layers cut around the edges to allow a slight flick which softens the shoulder length hairstyle. This slick and smooth look is easy to achieve with the perfect blow-dry and right products and is great for any occasion.


20 of 38   Story
Body and bounce is the main aim for this red hot 'do. A combination of medium to long layers cut all through the back and sides balance out the width and volume of this style which is best suited for those with long or narrow face shapes. This look is easy to re-create with a curling iron and will need regular trims to avoid split ends.


21 of 38   Story
When Rihanna hit the red carpet at the 2010 American Music Awards she showed off yet another hairstyle destined to become a must have.

No stranger to starting hairstyle trends (just check out our range of Rihanna hairstyles to see what we mean), this new curly look had everyone talking, and it's not hard to see why!

The beautiful corkscrew curls are full of volume, and the definition and shape in the curls are a curly-haired girl's dream. And that's before we even get to the deep red hair color! The richness of her hair tone totally enhances her curly hairstyle and does a great job of drawing attention without being too in your face.

We expect this hairstyle and color will be everywhere so brush up on some curly hair tips with our article, Caring for Curly Hair, and find out how to choose and maintain your hair color if you're going to give this fantastic red hair color a try with our Red Hair Coloring is Hot!

A combination of medium to long layers cut all around the sides and back balances out the body and bounce of this style. The jagged cut ends create a well defined shape and style which is best suited for those with long face shapes.


22 of 38   Story
This red hot mane is rolled, teased and pinned to the head to create this full bodied upstyle which is perfect for any special occasion. The long bangs are left out to soften the front of the style and completes it beautifully.


23 of 38   Story
This bold 'do is perfect for those who like to be the center of attention. The sides are clipper cut short for a clean finish to the edges, while the top layers are jagged cut to fall over the sides and sweep over the face. The brilliant use of color adds spark to the over-all 'do and completes the look magnificently.


24 of 38
Textured layers all over gives this hairstyle plenty of edge and is best suited for those looking for hairstyle that is NOT neat and straight. The top layers a jagged cut so the bangs sit unevenly with a little height and lift through the top while the sides are smooth down for contrast.


25 of 38   Story
Another head-turning hairstyle from Rihanna. This bold hairstyle is shaved underneath with only length left through the top. This hairstyle is strictly only for the brave.


26 of 38
Rihanna turned heads once again with bold hairstyle. The sides and back were clipper cut short while the top was left longer for contrast and added the "wow" factor to her over all look.


27 of 38   Story
Rihanna once again stunned onlookers with a new hairstyle. Her trade mark short textured crop was worn up in waves through the top, and the sides were slicked-back showing once again the versatility of short hair. With the help of the right products, this style will hold well in any weather condition. Her hair at the top creates height which helps to elongate her face shape, and the gentle curl around her eye area frames her forehead area. This style will take some time for you to style, but it is going to be worth it! Keep in mind, that if your hair is very thick, the curls will not hold well in this hairstyle. Triangle, oval, round, or heart-shaped face shapes will suit this look the best. Due to the curls around her eye area, glasses will not work well with this hairstyle.

With your makeup application, you can use a bold color on your lids like Rihanna. The blue complements her green eyes well, which is why she often has blue eyeshadow on. Pair your eye makeup with false lashes to make your eyes pop ore and finish off with a nude or pastel lipstick color. Do not forget to highlight and contour your face and neck area to create the perfect oval face shape and you are ready to rock your event!


28 of 38
This was another funky and fresh look for Rihanna at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. Her top layers had light blonde and blue pieces added to create an all-over contrast. The funky colors in this look are fun, but they also add another styling element to this hairstyle. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted, so if you're brave, go for it! Her hair has been curled and then placed into an updo, which adds height and body to this look. Due to the updo, thin to medium hair density will suit this look. If your hair is too thick, the updo will not hold, and you will have pieces falling out. Remember, when styling this hairstyle, you want to do it on hair that was washed a day or two before. This will help keep the look in place throughout your event. This hairstyle is best suited for those with a triangle, round, heart, or oval face shape.

When it comes to your makeup application, you want to keep it simple yet elegant. A colored wing liner paired with false lashes will work well. Finish off with a nude, pastel or light pink lipstick to contrast the blue in your hair, and you are ready to show off your funky new hairstyle!


29 of 38
Rihanna captivates us once again with another fresh and funky hairdo. This hairstyle has an edgy feel to it, which is great for younger people but older people are also rocking this style with ease! One side is cut short over her ear and blended up to razored layers through the top, which also tapers down to the opposite side to create a stunning asymmetrical shape. The hair on the top and her bangs have been left longer which will allow you to create height and volume to this look. The purple highlights are stunning and blend in so well with the rest of her hair color. You are going to need to color your hair once every 6 weeks to ensure the color stays vibrant and cut your hair once every 4 weeks to keep it in shape. This hairstyle is ideal for all hair thicknesses. Diamond, oblong, and oval face shapes will suit this look the best.

When it comes to your makeup application, you want to stick with the edgy feel and do a dark smokey eye with liner on the bottom of your waterline like Rihanna has done. False lashes will make your eyes pop more through your bangs. Do not forget to highlight the top of your nose, your cupid bow and bottom of your chin before you contour the rest of your face. Finish off with a pastel or nude lipstick color and you are ready to take on the world on!


30 of 38
Rihanna stuns onlookers no matter where she goes- and of course the BET Awards 2008 was no exception. She showed off her trade-mark short crop and turned heads with a hot new color. Her red-brown tone complemented her overall look and suited her complexion perfectly. This color will be easy for you to achieve if you already have darker hair, but it is possible if you are a blonde as well. Keep in mind that you are going to need to color your hair once every 6 weeks or so to ensure that your roots do not show through and that the color stays vibrant. Rihanna has kept her bangs in a side-swept style, which is one of her signature looks. This hairstyle will suit all hair densities, but straight or wavy hair will be easier for you to style for this look. This cut is best suited for those with a square, oblong, diamond, or oval face shape.

When it comes to your makeup application, a smokey eye with a bold lip, as Rihanna has done will look stunning! You can add false lashes to make your eyes pop more and finish off with contouring and highlighting your face and neck area.


31 of 38
Rihanna made a special appearance at Macy's in Herald Square, NY to introduce her exclusive Totes umbrella line and show off her new hairstyle. This was a classic look for Rihanna, achieved by graduating out the back of her hair and blending it into the top and sides for a full-bodied finish. The blended layers in this look add volume and movement. They also help her hair to fall at a gentle angle around her eye area. Her sexy side-swept bangs modernized this look and showed how versatile this dazzling hairdo can be as you can style the bangs forward, to the side, or blend your bangs to create a curtain bang effect. This full-body bob is ideal for those with a square, oblong, or oval face shape. Most hair density will suit this look, but straight or wavy hair textures will be easier to style with this look. Do not forget to apply straightening balm to your hair so that the heat of the iron does not burn your hair when you are straightening it.

When it comes to your makeup application, remember that the bangs in this look are going to cause your eyes to be the focal point of your makeup. Choose eyeshadow colors that are going to compliment your eye color and a lipstick color that matches. You are going to love this new hairstyle!


32 of 38
Rihanna looked flawless at H&M's launch of the Fashion Against AIDS Collection. The back of her hair was effectively tapered to give more shape to her head, while the sides and top were razor-cut to create wispy ends that framed her face perfectly. You can see the subtle layers in this style well, which gives this look volume and body even though this hairstyle is styled straight. This hairstyle is paired with layered bangs which fall over Rihanna's eyes. This is a great styling tool for you to use to help bring attention to your eyes, but it also will help to soften the edges of your face shape. Due to the bangs in this look, glasses will not suit this hairstyle. This hairdo looks great on those with medium to thick hair. This concave bob hairstyle will best suit those with a diamond, oval, and oblong face shape.

With your makeup application, you want to apply a soft eyeshadow application as your hair is going to fall over your eyes. Make sure you apply a smooth foundation with contouring and highlighting your facial features and finish off your makeup application with a nude or pastel lipstick color, and you are ready to show off your new bob hairstyle!


33 of 38
Rihanna used her appearance at the 2007 BET awards to show off the different ways her very sexy concave bob can be styled. For this cute look, the top of her hair was left flatter, which is great for shortening the look of a longer face shape, and the hair around the sides of her face featured soft and bouncy curls for a great formal look and to also adds shape to a long, thin face shape. The tight curls add volume and body to this look, which is needed with a flat top of her hair. The parting down the left side allows her hair to fall across her eyes and frame her eye and cheekbone area well. This concave bob is best suited for those with an oval, oblong, diamond, and square face shape due to the cut and the curls. You can have any hair density with this style, as your hair will not be long enough for the curls, not the hold well if your hair is thick. Do not forget to apply hairspray once you are done styling so that you can lock in those curls and keep this hairstyle in place.

When it comes to your makeup application, you can keep it simple, as there is a lot going on with this hairstyle. Do a basic makeup application paired with a thin wing liner or natural false lashes. Finish off your makeup application with a nude or pastel lipstick color.


34 of 38
This sexy 'do was Rihanna's look for The 2007 MTV Movie Awards, and it was definitely a head turner. Rihanna is known for her bob looks and this is one that you are going to want to try at least once! Her hair was cut into a blunt bob that fell to just below her jaw line, and blunt edges were added to create a solid finish. Bangs, such as the ones seen here on Rihanna, are a great option to use to cover a high hairline and will draw attention to your eye area. This is a great hairstyle for those with straight hair, as it will make it easier to style this look. Do not forget to apply product on your hair to protect your hair from the heat of the straightening iron, and once you are done styling, apply hairspray to get rid of those flyaway hairs. This hairstyle is ideal for those with an oval, oblong, square, and diamond face shape. You are going to need to cut your hair once every 4 weeks or so to keep this bob in shape and ensure the blunt cut technique is prominent.

When it comes to your makeup application, you want to keep in mind that the bangs draw attention to your eyes, so your eyes will become your focal point. Do not forget to highlight and contour your face and neck area to give off the illusion of the perfect oval face shape and complete your makeup application with your favorite lipstick color and you are ready to show off your new bob!


35 of 38   Story
Rihanna looked fantastic at Nickelodeon's Kid's Choice Awards with this very sexy concave bob cut, which featured very sharp pieces falling towards her front. The concave bob is making a huge comeback into fashion. It is not an easy style for you to maintain as you will need to be strict with your haircuts so that you keep this look in shape but it is so worth it! The nature of this hairstyle draws attention to the eyes and the bridge of the nose and is a very dramatic look and shape. Due to the focus on your center facial features, this bob is going to help elongate your face and make your face look thinner than it is. This A-line cut has been styled straight with a side parting, creating a waterfall effect around her face. Finish off by lifting your roots, which will give off the illusion of fuller hair and add more height to this look. This hairstyle is ideal for any hair density and is best suited for those with an oval, round, heart, or diamond face shape.

When it comes to your makeup application, you can do something similar to what Rihanna has done. The purple eyeshadow will bring out the green in your eyes or you can add blue eyeshadow if you have blue eyes. Complete your makeup application with bronzer on your cheeks and a pastel or nude lipstick color and you are ready to show off your new bob hairstyle!


36 of 38   Story
Rihanna's elegant, soft, full, and wavy look is perfect for any formal occasion. One side of her hair has been swept back and tucked in behind her ears; this accentuates high cheekbone structures and will minimize width to suit rounder face shapes best. The hair behind one ear also opens up this look and draws attention to her gorgeous facial features. Her other side has been left to fall gracefully forward, which frames her cheekbone and neck area well. This is an excellent hairstyle for naturally wavy or curly hair textures that is not too thick, as thick hair will not hold the curls in for the whole day. If you do have thick hair, try curling your hair a bit tighter so that by the end of the night, you will still have waves for movement and body. Adding a shine product once you are done styling, will help you get the shine as Rihanna has in these photos.

When it comes to your makeup application, Rihanna often likes to add color to her lids to bring out her green eyes. You can add a color that will help bring out your eye color, paired with a wing liner which is a trend at the moment. Finish off with a nude or pastel lipstick color and you are ready to take on the world!


37 of 38
A soft and sexy upstyle was all Rihanna needed to make sure she got attention at the 2006 Teen Choice Awards. This style is going to take time to get the curls in the right place, but we promise, it is worth it! Rihanna's hair was styled to sit high at the crown and colored to a beautiful golden brown shade, which complemented her look perfectly. Because the hair has been swept off the face, this is a perfect style for those with thinner facial features. It is an ideal style for those with an oval, oblong, or heart face shape. It is best for you to style your hair a day or two after you have washed your hair. Dirty hair will hold these curls better than freshly clean hair. Thick to medium hair density will work best with this hairstyle but keep in mind that all your hair will be on the top of your head, so can be a bit heavy. If your hair is very long, this is not the best style idea for you. You are going to need to cut your hair once every 4 weeks or so to ensure your hair stays healthy.

When it comes to your makeup application, you can do something fun as Rihanna did with purple eye shadow, which compliments her green eyes. Pair the eye makeup application with false lashes to make your eyes pop more and finish off with a stunning lipstick color and you are ready to turn the music up!


38 of 38   Story
Rihanna looked gorgeous at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards with this look. Rihanna colored her trendy tresses a deep chocolate brown and full shaped layers were cut around her top, sides, and bangs to create this '50s inspired 'do. Her hair has been parted to the right side, which allows you to see the formal curls better and it helps to open up her face as well. This style is going to take time for you to style, especially around your forehead area but once you get it right, you are going to love it! Rihanna has added lighter highlights to this look which lightens this look and is great for those summer seasons. This hairstyle is going to suit those with a high forehead, and people who have an oval, square, oblong, triangle, and diamond face shape. Medium to thick hair is going to suit this look the most.

When it comes to your makeup application, you want to keep it simple as this style packs a huge punch. Do not forget to add some blush to your checks for some color, contour and highlight your face and neck areas and finish off with your favorite lipstick color.