Over the last five decades, female rappers have been trailblazers when it comes to stand-out beauty trends. Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice are just two of a group of female rappers who are leading the bold color hair trend, a standard now for those who want to stand out from hundreds competing for attention and likes on social media.
Nicki Minaj
[SEE ALSO: 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Beauty Tribute]
Undoubtedly, their colorful locks are part of their formula for success.
Billboard reported on August 23 that Minaj and Spice broke a record for the most significant jump to no. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay Chart for their hit single “Barbie World.” The duo’s hit song outdoes the previous record jointly held by Whitney Houston and Da Brat since the list began in 1992. The duet is the New York rappers’ second together, following “Princess Diana.”
Ice Spice
The music video for “Barbie World” is lush pink throughout, where the rappers are seen trading bars while on flying motorcycles and in a life-size dollhouse. There is so much pink that the Bronx native Spice switches her signature ginger hair for a pink hue. In “Princess Diana”, Ice sports her signature red locks while Minaj wears fiery red and sorbet pink shades.
A Colorful Revolution
In recent years, the world of female rap has seen a colorful revolution, with artists embracing unconventional hair colors to express themselves. The evolving colored hair trend has become synonymous with female rappers, allowing them to showcase their individuality and creativity. Striking, colorful wigs, ranging from electric pink to neon green, have become the norm and a means for modern rappers to wow audiences with their lyrical prowess and their ever-changing hair hues.
Tia Corine
It began in the 80s when The Real Roxanne was the first female rapper to debut her natural curly hair in a honey blonde hue. SaltnPepa followed, sporting the then-popular cropped bob in platinum blonde. Then came the ‘90s and Lil Kim. She was the first to wear an array of colorful hairstyles, including fiery red, neon green, bright blue, and platinum blonde hair, in her “Crush On You” music video.
Lil Kim’s colorful wigs
Rainbow Resurgence
The trend of colored hair in female rap experienced a resurgence in the 2000s, as artists embraced it as a powerful means of self-expression and artistry. Eve, Charli Baltimore, Remy Ma, and more wore vibrant hair choices as a symbol of confidence and to stand out creatively.
Eve
Nicki Minaj took it up by constantly (and still) sporting dynamic hair choices, an extension of her bold and fearless personas in the rap industry. Minaj first debuted pink hair, a signature look for her longest-lasting alter ego, Harajuku Barbie, a cosplay based on her admiration for girls in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan. (The Trinidadian beauty said in 2010 that she adopted the name in the early 2000s on MySpace.)
Nicki Minaj
Bold & Beautiful
Since then, many in modern female rap have made waves with striking hair colors. Often styled in long flowing locks, the bold, bright hues perfectly complement their confident stage presence and empowering lyrics. Colorful hair is a clear reflection of unapologetic self-expression while also challenging societal norms.
Megan Thee Stallion
Not only does this colorful self-expression allow them to embrace their individuality, defy traditional beauty standards, and take ownership of their appearance, but sporting colored hair has also become an avenue for female rappers to connect with their fan base. It visually represents their artistry and acts as a distinctive identifier, making them instantly recognizable. Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, City Girls, Latto, Saweetie, Coi Leray, and Flo Milli wear bold and vibrant hair colors that are part of the resurgence of colored hair in the 2020s. Through their vibrant hair choices, they forge a deeper connection with their audience, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment.
Cardi B
The Next Class
And the new gen is not playing around either. Women like Stefflon Don, Rubi Rose, Bia, Erica Banks, Kash Doll, Jucee Froot, Ken TheMan, Sukihana, Sexyy Red, Lola Brooke, Tia Corine, Glorilla, Tia Corine, Gloss Up, Big Boss Vette, Pap Chanel are some of the new generations of modern female rap AKA “female trap culture.”
Pap Chanel
They have fearlessly embraced this colorful trend, pushing boundaries and inspiring fans alike. As the rap industry continues to evolve, we can expect female rappers to continue pushing the boundaries of self-expression through their vibrant and audacious hair choices.
Glorilla
What’s your favorite hair color on a rapper? Leave your answer in the comments below!
