Janet Jackson recently debuted a sunlit-blonde head of curls on Instagram — a fresh, playful moment in what has been decades of some good hair. 

Jackson’s tresses have consistently inspired trends from box braids to sculptural locs. In the gorgeous snapshot she shared, Janet is seen wearing a wig by Shlomi Mor Wigs and styling help from Chris Rios, The Urban Meet, and Davontaé Washington (with makeup by Preston Meneses). It’s safe to say, this is a glam team who slays!

Jackson’s hair has been a runway of standout Black beauty moments: the 80s pouf and wet and wavy “Control” era, her “Poetic Justice” box braids became a cultural touchstone, “The Velvet Rope’s” red-era glamour, and the chunky Y2K highlights that defined 2000s style. Journalists and style editors have catalogued more than two dozen iconic Janet hair moments that shaped trends for decades.

Longtime stylist Janet Zeitoun — who has helped craft looks for the Jackson family and other A-listers — captured why Janet keeps reinventing, “Janet’s not stuck in a look at all,” she told Complex, noting that reinvention is part of the artistry. 

In recent years, Jackson has balanced avant-garde statements (looped faux locs) with protective, wearable beauty — most recently showcasing copper box braids at Paris Fashion Week that married modern edge with classic technique. Those choices show a performer unafraid to play with image while honoring Black hair traditions.

Her looks remain endlessly imitated. Whether she’s rocking tight curls, iconic braids, or an architectural updo, Janet’s hair moments are cultural currency. Check out a few of her most epic hair moments.