BET Awards 2025: Iconic Hair Moments That Defined the BET Awards
When it comes to the BET Awards, it’s never just about the dress. It’s about the inches. The lace. The bundles. The braids. The bang. It’s about hair that tells a story—whether that story is “I came to slay” or “Y’all better act like you see me.”
For 25 years, the BET stage and carpet have been home to some of the boldest, wildest, and most iconic hair looks in pop culture history. While other award shows play it safe, BET is where wigs go to have a spiritual awakening.
Here are hair moments that didn’t just turn heads—they snatched ours clean off.
Nicki Minaj’s Rainbow Barbie Wig (2010)
Nicki pulled up in a high, stiff, multi-colored wig that looked like cotton candy got into a fight with a Lisa Frank folder. It was chaotic, loud, and absolutely perfect. This was the wig that announced: The Barbz have arrived.
Taraji P. Henson’s Hosting Wig Changes (2021–2024)
Taraji didn’t come to host. She came to serve bundles. Over the years, she’s averaged about 8–10 wig changes per show—from 90s bobs to Diana Ross curls to bone-straight center parts. And every time? The switch-up was seamless.
Ciara’s 40-Inch Wet Wave (2013)
Ciara hit the stage dripping—literally—in wet-look waves that flew dramatically as she body-rolled through “Body Party.” It was the perfect blend of water wave and workout, and it moved like it had its own choreographer.
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Lil’ Kim’s Mermaid Green Wig (2000s era)
Before color wigs were mainstream, Lil’ Kim invented them. Her mint green middle-part bob at the BET Awards was a precursor to every pastel unit we’ve seen since. Say what you want—Kim was ten years ahead.
Janelle Monáe’s Sculpted Pompadour Crown (2011)
Leave it to Janelle to turn her hair into architecture. Her sky-high pompadour wasn’t just a style—it was a statement. Black girl elegance with rockstar precision.
Rihanna’s Firetruck Red Pixie Cut (2010)
When Rih went red, the culture followed. Her cropped crimson cut was paired with winged liner and minimal fuss, making it one of the freshest, most influential beauty looks of the early 2010s BET Awards.
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Chlöe Bailey’s Loc’d Bombshell Volume (2021–2024)
Chlöe didn’t just wear locs—she styled them. High ponytails, half-up glam, and sculptural waves made her one of the most consistent hair hitters on the carpet. She’s proof that natural texture and protective styles can still give full superstar.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Inches Era (2020–2024)
Meg’s hair has gone from wet waves to waist-length 40-inch straight, to dramatic side parts with flawless body curls. And it always moves with choreography. If a BET fan doesn’t scream “The HAIRRRR” when she hits the stage, is it even Meg?
Tyla’s Braided Crown Moment (2024)
Tyla pulled up to the 2024 BET Awards with a full braided crown cascading over her shoulders. It was traditional, futuristic, and regal all at once. Her look said: “Yes, I’m new. And yes, I’m next.”
Hair at the BET Awards isn’t an accessory—it’s the moment. And over the last 25 years, we’ve seen lace fronts so clean they deserved their own nominations, braids so bold they felt ancestral, and color jobs so fire they started trends overnight. Long live the wigs. May they keep wigging.- advertisement
