Throughout the years since Janet Jackson rose to fame in the early ’70s, the iconic songstress has sported so many different hairstyles. Whether she hits the red carpet rocking a powerful ponytail or dons her long, brunette locks for a casual outing with 3-year-old son Eissa, there’s no doubt the 53-year-old beauty has been serving hair inspiration for the last few decades.
When she was younger, Janet usually opted for the least possible change. As she appeared on The Jacksons in 1976 and on Diff’rent Strokes in 1978, the Hollywood beauty could be caught sporting her natural, black tresses.
During her rise to international superstardom years into her career, the Poetic Justice actress began to experiment with her looks. Around the mid-’80s, Janet showed off her gorgeous, curly locks as she would walk red carpets, appear on TV talk shows and more.
Considering the “When I Think of You” singer has been a Hollywood staple for the last 40 years, we’ve come to know and love Janet for her ever-changing sense of style and enviable fashion. Since she’s effortlessly learned to master any type of hairstyle, Janet previously revealed she’s been focusing on learning to love her body.
“I had to find something in my body that I loved, and that was difficult for me to do,” the beloved performer candidly revealed to In Style in September 2019. “At first, I couldn’t find anything. I would look in the mirror and start crying. I didn’t like that I was not attractive. I didn’t like anything about me.”
The Grammy Award winner said she had to overcome some of her biggest insecurities before she realized she was beautiful. “I wound up falling in love with the small of my back,” she gushed. “And then from there, I found more things.”
Although discovering her beauty had to come within, Janet insisted her insecurities started to diminish as she began to age. “A lot of it has to do with experience, getting older,” she continued. “Understanding, realizing that there isn’t just one thing that is considered beautiful. Beautiful comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.”
Click through the gallery below to see Janet’s incredible hair evolution over the years!
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1977
When Janet was just 11 years old, she sported her natural hair in photos.
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1981
When she appeared on Diff’rent Strokes, Janet donned a pretty bob.
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1987
Holy perm! Janet’s curls were on point as she walked the red carpet in the late ’80s.
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1995
We loved this short, curly hairdo on Janet in the mid-’90s! We can’t believe how different she looks.
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1998
We knew there had to be a time when Janet experimented with bangs, and that was in 1998! Hopefully, she brings the fringe back soon.
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2000
At the start of the millennium, Janet opted for long, straight locks. She looks so stunning!
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2006
Ponytail princess! We loved Janet’s updo with a touch of side bangs in this snapshot from 2006.
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2010
Janet looked so pretty in 2010 with her head full of wavy brunette strands.
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2014
Four years later, the singer wore her thin braids in a fun bun!
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2016
We love the crimped look on Janet. Especially in that color!
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2018
Janet sported a long and powerful ponytail as she was spotted out and about in New York City.
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Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
2020
The “That’s the Way Love Goes” songstress tied her long, black tresses behind her ears and donned a gorgeous updo for an event in January 2020. Janet also accessorized her look with a matching, bedazzled headband!
