While we’re still buzzing about Queen Bee’s Renaissance, there’s another revival stealing the spotlight: the Harlem Renaissance era.
Specifically, we’re talking about the Harlem Renaissance hairstyles, where iconic looks from luminaries like Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, and Nina Mae Mackinney are making a jaw-dropping comeback.
From TikTok sensations to celebrity hairstylists, everyone seems to be channeling the effortless chic and timeless nature of these hairstyles, and we can’t help but be mesmerized.
So, as we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s only fitting to pay homage to the Black women who redefined beauty and fashion in the 20s and 30s by curating this list of 12 breathtaking and iconic Harlem renaissance hairstyles of all time (and that are making a comeback in 2024).
Keep scrolling to gawk over the OG vintage baddies.
The Best Harlem Renaissance-Era-Inspired Hairstyles Of 2024
The Roll Up
While it might not have graced our immediate vision, this hairstyle seems like it could be lifted straight from a Harlem Renaissance painting or inspired by Louise Beavers.
The half-roll, half-updo, ingeniously crafted by the phenomenal @lacyredway and elegantly sported by the ever-graceful Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, is perfect for a red-carpet event (think the 2024 Met Gala) or simply for those nights when you’re in the mood for eliciting the ‘is that your hair?’ question.
Bejeweled Hair
One of the hallmarks of Harlem Renaissance hairstyles, especially during the late 30s, was women rocking jewels and other accessories in their hair.
So, why not rock up your Y2K space bun with some rhinestones, pins, and other shiny jewelry to bring this look into the 2024 hair space?
And it doesn’t have to be something simple like Janelle Monae’s. You can adorn yours with butterfly clips for a jaw-dropping effect.
Finger waves/Slicked Back Pixie
For the millennials and Gen Z in the chat, the finger waves you love rocking every summer – yes, the ones sported on Janelle Monae, Zendaya, and every Hollywood baddie – were debuted and popularized by none other than the It Girl of the 20s/30s: Queen Josephine Baker herself.
A renowned singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist, Baker introduced the look paired with unconventional laid edges and meticulously styled baby hairs, sending shockwaves rippling through Harlem and beyond.
The star’s signature bob – cropped, slicked, and sculptured – quickly became the hairstyle of the century, inspiring countless reinterpretations and revivals ever since.
The Towering Bun
Josephine Baker didn’t settle for small, sleek buns—she went big, bold, and breathtakingly towering, leaving everyone in awe.
While this Harlem Renaissance hairstyle might not be your everyday choice for office hours or corporate events, you’ll definitely spot us rocking it at spring weddings, beauty events, or whenever we need to channel our inner Josephine Baker.
Sculpted Bangs
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You can’t deny the influence of Josephine Baker’s iconic sculpted edges and bangs, especially with this Tessa Thompson Creed 2 red carpet look. Hairstylist @lacyredway really brought it and left no crumbs with this Harlem Renaissance hairstyle.
To recreate it, Redway suggests pulling your cherry-cola-colored hair into a sleek, high-knotted bun. Then, use your favorite edge-control gel to slick down, swirl, and swoop the bangs into shape.
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Whether you opt for the exact replication or put your own spin on it, this hairstyle exudes the essence of the Harlem Renaissance era.
Slicked Back Pony
Lady Day is famous for her flower in the hair poses. And while her signature look has been a worldwide favorite, it’s her slicked-back looks that we can’t stop gawking at. Ms. Day had hair for daaayyss and didn’t shy away from showing it off.
For this Harlem Renaissance hairstyle for women, the options are endless. You can go the Billie Holiday way and let your hair flow freely, the Yara Shahidi way and hold it in a bun, or let it roam the back like Ciara.
Flower-Pinned ‘Do
But if you want to go full-on Lady Day, you can recreate her famous look with a snowy white flower and an accompanying smile. Damn! She was the moment!
Andra Day portrayed the iconic performer in the 2021 biopic ‘The United States Vs. Billie Holiday,’ and while her iterations may not have mirrored the exact Lady Day look, they were nothing short of magnificent.
The Flapper Bob
It’s safe to say no one rocks a bob like Nina Mae McKinney.
Dubbed the ‘Black Greta Garbo,’ the international actress gained notoriety through her serious acting chops and timeless beauty looks. It doesn’t matter if she was in a movie, TV show, or on stage; this stunning star was known for her unconventional hairstyles and looks.
So next time you pull a Gatsby look – specifically the flapper bob – be sure to pay homage to the woman who brought it to the surface, Ms. Nina Mae McKinney.
The Nina Mae
Nina Mae is also known for her scarfed side-swept curls. In fact, so many natural hair influencers have tried recreating her timeless Harlem Renaissance hairstyle.
The trick here is to let your curls flow and the side while ensuring the scarf or headpiece is secured.
Fascinator Headband
Zora Neale Hurston was the queen of super stylist hats – and if you ask us, the beret, fascinator, and fedora look, although dubbed a French creation, was debuted by the celebrated novelist and anthropologist.
She rose to fame during the Harlem Renaissance, and her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God has been dubbed one of the most notable works of 20th-century American Literature.
So next time you want to channel royalty or look rich, reach out for that fascinator and embrace your inner Zora Neale Hurston.
The Classic Coif
If you google movie posters from the 1930s, chances are you’ll stumble upon one or three featuring Ethel Moses’ classic coif. As a silent film actress and dancer, Ethel epitomized divine feminine energy and was always sported rocking a sophisticated coif or simple bob.
The Harlem Renaissance hairstyle has undergone numerous transformations, but this specific look remains our favorite, serving as a poignant reminder of the incomparable star that was Ethel Moses.
For those seeking a contemporary twist, Laura Harrier’s iteration might just be your best pick. It’s got beads, pins, and pizzazz perfect for 2024.
The Halo Braid
Yes. The halo braid is considered a Harlem Renaissance hairstyle and was inspired by devoted actors’ rights activist and blues and gospel artist Ethel Waters.
Apart from being the second Black person to be nominated for an Oscar (after Hattie McDaniel), the phenomenal woman was recognized for her put-together looks and effortlessly fly hairstyles.
There are numerous ways to style a halo braid, but our favorite Ethel Water-inspired looks include:
This red braided halo
And this drop-dead gorgeous design
Other Harlem Renaissance-Era-Inspired Hairstyles
Crown braids? Yes, yes, and yes! Reminds us of Dorothy Van Eagle.
This brushed-out bob is nothing but glamorous.
Fluffy, voluminous curls are an authentic Harlem Renaissance hairstyle, and these brown highlight options are reminiscent of the glitz and glam of the 20s.
These natural ridges paired with a naturally textured low pony by Yara Shahidi are an excellent modernized ode to the classic sculpted look.
Braided updos are some of the most effortless Harlem Renaissance hairstyles. This one features Josephine Baker’s iconic edges; we can’t wait to recreate it this spring.
