When I think of Willow Smith’s hair evolution, a dose of nostalgia creeps through my veins like a sedative. All I can hear is the preteen in me singing, “I whip my hair back and forth,” and now Willow is whipping into a new era.
From braids to buzz cuts, Willow makes it look effortless and we’ll be giving you inspo so that you can too.
1). Partially Shaved Bob
Image Source: Photo by Simon James/FilmMagic & Danielle Venturelli
Maybe we threw it back a little too far but we couldn’t resist. We couldn’t possibly curate this article on Willow and not add an honorable mention to her pre-teen era. She was an early icon and you could tell by her bold hair choices that she was star-studded. The half-shaved head was a vibe that you didn’t see much on young girls however, Willow made everything appropriate.
2). 21st Century Girl
Image Source: Jeff Schear & Jason Merritt/Getty Images
This era marked the beginning of her ethereal journey. Her braids and intergalactic style approach tell you she was ahead of her time. We love the almost hidden hues of color throughout her braids. To accomplish this, we advise you to invest in colored braiding hair.
3). Pink Buzz Cut
Image Source: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
This photo screams nostalgia. The neon colors are so 2010s and yet, Willow makes it timeless. Her colors and accessories make you forget she’s practically bare-faced because her fashions consume all the attention.
4). Summer Fling
Image Source: Jerod Harris/WireImage
This look is very Coachella-esque. Both the boohoo and colorful aesthetic put this look in a festival category. We love how faint the colors are on this do’ it’s almost as if they’re not there at all. Another subtle detail wins!
5). Bob & Bang
Image Source: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
We hope you didn’t confuse this style with your typical bob. These slight asymmetrical bangs demand a double take. Subtle and precise is a contrast that Willow aces.
6). Loc Tails
Image Source: Jun Sato/WireImage
We love how these locs are freestyled. She parted them in four, and they are gravity-defying every which way. The red lipstick and hair ties complement this outfit very well.
7). Badu Wrap
Image Source: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
The head wrap perfectly matches the singer’s natural and free aesthetic. Channeling her inner Badu, Willow is a force in her earthly realm.
8). Extended Pony
Image Source: Rich Fury/Getty Images
Willow is the moment in any room, we’re convinced. This high pony is all the rave, featuring her thick locs. Instead of using a regular/thin holder, Willow has her locs supported with a thick sequin band, giving her ponytail height.
9). High Fashion Buzz Cut
Image Source: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
I mean, who else do you know who can rock a freshly shaved head with a precise cat eye? An artist who not only creates art but also walks the art themselves is precious, and Willow fits the description.
10). Bouncy Coils
Image Source: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video
We don’t know if we’re more stunned over these healthy coils or the makeup. How can you ever go poor when your face card is fully funded like this?
11). Abstract Locs
Image Source: @WILLOWSMITH
We wouldn’t judge you if you considered hanging this portrait in your home as art because we’re considering it, too. Abstract locs are the perfect feature for Willow. This style would be perfect for a festival or any art-centered occasion, even for a photo shoot.
12). 90s Babe
Image Source: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
The bob and the makeup remind us so much of Jada Pinkett Smith in “Set It Off” circa 99’. This lipstick color has 90s written all over it.
13). Intergalactic Rockstar
Image Source: @WILLOWSMITH
Willow is out of this world, resembling a cosmic rockstar. Her Fulani braids are styled uniquely with these fun hoops attached to her braids. For cool hair accessories, check out these hair accessory hoops via Amazon.
14). 2 For Fun
Image Source: Peter White/Getty Images
All the drama and then some is exactly what Willow is serving. We love how she has wrapped her box braids into two middle-part buns, giving this look an extra edge in her signature.
15). 50 Shades Of Willow
Image Source:@WILLOWSMITH
Her brown fro matches her eyes so well in this brown ensemble. This soft look on Willow is one of our favorites because no one does naturally better than she can.
This summer, we challenge you to be bold and creative like Willow. Try that style or color that you’ve been thinking about. If you are thinking about going short or even bald, do it? If you’re thinking about braids or starting locs, try using The Braid, Loc, and Twist Gel from African Pride. These trusted products make us feel better about being creative.
Read 15 Ways to Wear Fulani Braids for more hair confidence and bold ideas.