In recent years, the sight of TV anchors confidently wearing their natural hair on air has become a powerful symbol of authenticity and representation. For many journalists, embracing their natural texture has been challenging, often requiring them to push back against longstanding industry norms that favored uniformity over individuality.
Image Source: @blackwomentv
This shift towards showcasing natural hair celebrates diversity and inspires viewers to embrace their own unique textures. In this article, we highlight 13 trailblazing TV anchors who proudly sport their natural styles, each embodying a blend of professionalism and personal flair that sets a new standard in broadcast journalism.
1. Aj Walker at CBS 12
Reel Source: @ajwalkernews / Instagram
Aj Walker is an Emmy-award-winning Journalist and documentary filmmaker who brings the news to Michigan with poise and grace. In this clip, she showcases long, sleek box braids, a protective style that exudes professionalism and highlights the versatility and beauty of natural hair.
2. Latoyia Edwards at NBC10 Boston
Image Source: @edwardslatoyia / Instagram
Boston is brimming with braids, energy, and charisma thanks to NBC news anchor Latoyia Edwards. Edwards sports intricate micro braids styled with a blend of natural and highlighted strands, adding a touch of elegance and vibrancy to the small screen.
3. Amaka Ubaka at WHDH7
Reel Source: @amakaubakatv / Instagram
Amaka Ubaka is all about showing up and showing out with bold outfits and even more beautiful locs that are front and center for the channel 7 news team in Boston. Her free-flowing faux locs, offer a natural yet striking appearance that combines both practicality and style.
4. Akilah Davis at ABC 11
Reel Source: @davisabc11 / Instagram
Akilah is loud and proud about sporting her sister locks in the windy city of Chicago. She’s been able to openly discuss her transition into sister locks on camera through CROWN Day segments. Her chic sister lock bob exudes sophistication and style while maintaining the cultural significance of natural hair.
5. Kwani Lunis at NBC10
Image Source: @kwanialunis / Instagram
If there is one thing Kwani is going to do, it’s serve face, smiles, and big energy for Boston. Lunis is giving length and volume with her natural coils, creating a bold, dynamic look that perfectly complements her energetic presence on screen. Her choice of natural coils underscores the beauty and strength of embracing one’s natural texture in a professional setting.
6. Whitney Miller at WCPO 9 News
Image Source: @whitneyontv / Instagram
The NaturallyCurly team was just in New Orleans, so we commend Whitney Miller for her ability to fiercely rock her natural hair in the humidity. In this clip, Miller is wearing her hair in a high bun adorned with box braids, creating a practical and stylish look. The high bun keeps her braids neatly out of the way while adding a touch of elegance.
7. Tashara Parker at WFAA News 8
Reel Source: @tasharaparker / Instagram
Tashara Parker is a Texas journalist who has never been one to shy away from iconic hair moments. Park sports a high ponytail of blonde faux locs, combining a playful and chic aesthetic with professional poise. The high ponytail showcases the length and texture of her locs and adds a vibrant and contemporary touch to her on-air presence.
8. Audrina Sinclair at CBS News
Reel Source: @audrinaontv / TikTok
The Windy City strikes again with another powerful news anchor putting her natural hair first. Audrina Sinclair proudly wears her natural hair in voluminous, defined curls, radiating confidence and authenticity. Her choice to embrace her natural texture on air highlights the beauty of curly hair and sets a powerful example of self-acceptance and diversity in the media industry.
9. Janai Norman at ABC News
Image Source: @janai.norman / Instagram
What better to start your day than with Good Morning America news anchor Janai Norman? She often wears her natural hair in chic, curly hair, showcasing a sophisticated style and true to her roots. Her carefully defined curls frame her face beautifully, emphasizing the elegance and professionalism of natural hair in the broadcasting world.
10. Sia Nyorko at Cleveland 19
Image Source: @tvnewslady / Instagram
Say hello to Ohio newscaster Sia Nyorko, who is the queen of rocking a beautifully coiffed afro. Nyorko, proudly wears a full, voluminous afro, making a bold statement of cultural pride and individuality. Her natural afro commands attention and is a powerful symbol of embracing one’s heritage and the beauty of natural hair in professional settings.
11. Amanda VanAllen at PHL17
Image Source: @amandaphl17 / Instagram
We love to see richly moisturized coily hair, and Philadelphia news anchor Amanda VanAllen proudly showcases them. VanAllen wears her natural hair in defined, short-length curls that frame her face beautifully. Her curls add a touch of softness and approachability to her on-air presence.
12. Romney Smith at NBC NY
Image Source: @romneysmith / Instagram
The concrete jungle has nothing on Romney Smith’s defined curls. Smith embraces her natural hair with well-defined, bouncy curls that perfectly frame her face. Her beautiful curls exude confidence and warmth, reinforcing the message of authenticity and diversity in the media industry.
13. Joy Taylor, Fuse TV
Image Source: @joytaylortalks
Joy Taylor is a powerhouse journalist who is not afraid to tackle hard topics in entertainment, sports, or advocating for women’s rights. Taylor’s hair beautifully cascades from micro braids at the base of her scalp, which she can easily manipulate into a series of updos and protective looks.
Embracing Authenticity: The Impact of TV Anchors Wearing Natural Hair on Air
The increasing visibility of TV anchors wearing their natural hair on air marks a significant shift in the broadcasting landscape. These 12 trailblazers have helped redefine professional aesthetics and championed a broader acceptance and celebration of natural hair in media. Their choices resonate beyond the screen, inspiring countless viewers to embrace their own unique textures with pride.
By confidently showcasing their natural styles, these anchors enhance their on-screen presence and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. Their impact goes beyond their hairstyles, sending a powerful message about self-acceptance and the beauty of individuality in professional settings.
