Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well, Well, Well
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion
    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity
    The 39 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    The 39 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty
    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair
    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle
    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well, Well, Well
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues
    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Obama's record goes back to 2008.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture
    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping
    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. HomeChevron Right
  2. CelebrityChevron Right
  3. TransformationsChevron Right
  4. Rihanna's Changing Looks

Rihanna's Changing Looks

By Instyle
Updated Feb 20, 2018 @ 9:30 am
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Rihanna
Credit: Michael Tran/FilmMagic

0115

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2005

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Makeup
Credit: David Livingston/Zuma Press

"I'll never have my hair long and light brown again," the Music of the Sun chanteuse has said of this look. "It was too generic."

1 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2006

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Makeup
Credit: Tina Paul/Retna

Natural curls and a sun-free glow. "I always use bronzer because it makes you look like you have a tan before you actually get one," she told InStyle.

2 of 29

3 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2006

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Beauty
Credit: Paul Smith/Retna

Rihanna released A Girl Like Me and played around with waist-length extensions: "I hate sticking with the same thing."

3 of 29

Advertisement

4 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2007

Rihanna
Credit: Sara De Boer/Retna

Rihanna appeared at the Kids' Choice Awards with a sleek asymmetrical bob.

4 of 29

5 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2007

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Makeup
Credit: Jackie Butler/Retna

Just as her angled bob became the haircut to have, the Good Girl Gone Bad hottie switched it up with long blunt bangs.

5 of 29

6 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2008

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Beauty
Credit: Dara Kushner/INF

Tattoos and Cartier gems? Rihanna looked pretty edgy in a jeweled headband and shimmery makeup.

6 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2009

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Makeup
Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

RiRi looked back to an '80s fave for her next style. "This crop is very similar to a bowl-cut," said hairstylist Ursula Stephens, who created the look.

7 of 29

8 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2009

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Makeup
Credit: Debra L. Rothenberg/Startraks

"Rihanna did this look herself - it was her own take on the cut," said her hairstylist, Ursula Stephens. "She basically just used a flatiron and shaped it in different directions for that wild, spiky effect."

8 of 29

9 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2009

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Makeup
Credit: Hussein Samir/Sipa

The experiments continued with a tidal-wave of a pompadour.

9 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2009

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy - Christian Dior
Credit: Bauer-Griffin

"Why dye when you can just buy?" asked Ursula Stephens of the star's extension-aided highlights. "We kept saying we wanted to play around with color, but we didn't want to do anything too sweet."

10 of 29

11 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2009

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair and Makeup
Credit: Retna

Rihanna went for flaxen strands and a shimmery, '60s-inspired glow for her return to the red carpet.

11 of 29

12 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2010

Rihanna - Transformation
Credit: Abaca

The multi-talented star, who added girlie curls to her edgy crop, will spend the year on tour in support of her latest album, Rated R.

12 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2010

Rihanna - Transformation - Beauty - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Rihanna attended the Grammys with a blond pompadour.

13 of 29

14 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2010

Rihanna - Transformation
Credit: John Phillips/Abaca

While in Spain for her Last Girl On Earth tour, Rihanna made headlines once again with a crayon-red crop.

14 of 29

15 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2010

Rihanna and Her Riotous Red
Credit: WENN.com

"While she was working on Loud, I brought a few color swatches; of course, she chose the loudest one," her hairstylist Ursula Stephen says, adding the color reflects the singer's inner strength.

15 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2011

Rihanna - Transformation - 2011 - Beauty - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic

Rihanna channeled a pinup girl for her Today Show performance with '40s-inspired coral curls and matching lipstick.

16 of 29

17 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2011

Rihanna - 2011 - Transformation - Hair and Makeup - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

A switch to a softer auburn shade and natural makeup hues. "Her golden skin tone works with browns and a beigey pink lip," makeup artist Mylah Morales told InStyle.

17 of 29

18 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2012

Rihanna - Transformations - Hair - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: Apega/WENN.com

"Bleach + weave #WERQ," Tweeted Rihanna of her fresh blond shag. She wore it in loose waves for the Grammys.

18 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2012

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: James Higgins / Splash News

Rihanna debuted fresh fringe at the BRIT Awards. "I wanted to give her bangs minus the harsh line, so I layered them with a razor to create some softness," said her hairstylist Ursula Stephen.

19 of 29

20 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2012

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: Jun Sato/WireImage

Always full of surprises, Rihanna revealed a pitch-black undercut mane at a Battleship press conference in Japan.

20 of 29

21 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2012

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: Torem Craig/ WENN

For the Costume Institute Gala, Rihanna twisted her undercut style into a dramatic updo.

21 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2012

Rihanna - Transformation - Hair - Celebrity Before and After
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Rihanna debuted a pixie at the MTV Video Music Awards. "We've been talking about going short for a little while now, and we actually planned to cut it the following week, but I just felt like - why wait... Let's do it for today!" her hairstylist Ursula Stephen told InStyle.com. "Rihanna was ready for her short hair again."

22 of 29

23 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2013

Rihanna
Credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN

For the 2013 Grammy Awards, the nominated singer matched her crimson lip with her red Azzedine Alaia gown and kept her ombre hair simple with loose curls.

23 of 29

24 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2013

Rihanna
Credit: D. DaSilva/Rex/REX USA

Never one to shy away from a hair risk, Rihanna revealed a new cut with layered fringe. "Rihanna wanted something different, edgy, and fun, but simple at the same time," Motions Celebrity Stylist Ursula Stephen told InStyle.com exclusively. "We don’t like neat or perfect hair — that balance of perfectly-imperfect has always been our thing."

24 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2014

Rihanna
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Rihanna sported long glossy raven waves and natural makeup for Roc-Nation's Pre-Grammy Brunch celebration.

25 of 29

26 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2015

2015
Credit: Barry King/Getty

RiRi paired a sleek straight blowout with her strapless gown for the 2nd Annual Diamond Ball in Santa Monica, Calif.

26 of 29

27 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2016

2016
Credit: Allen Berezovsky/Getty

The singer sported a major change—a wavy bob and newly cut fringe—at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

27 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2017

2017
Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

For the 59th annual Grammy Awards, Rihanna was back to red, matching her wavy locks with her sparkly crop top.

28 of 29

29 of 29

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

2017

2017
Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

Rihanna was back to brunette in late 2017, rocking her waves in a half-up hairstyle.

29 of 29

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Instyle

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 29 2005
    2 of 29 2006
    3 of 29 2006
    4 of 29 2007
    5 of 29 2007
    6 of 29 2008
    7 of 29 2009
    8 of 29 2009
    9 of 29 2009
    10 of 29 2009
    11 of 29 2009
    12 of 29 2010
    13 of 29 2010
    14 of 29 2010
    15 of 29 2010
    16 of 29 2011
    17 of 29 2011
    18 of 29 2012
    19 of 29 2012
    20 of 29 2012
    21 of 29 2012
    22 of 29 2012
    23 of 29 2013
    24 of 29 2013
    25 of 29 2014
    26 of 29 2015
    27 of 29 2016
    28 of 29 2017
    29 of 29 2017

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
    InStyle InStyle

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Accolades Licensing
    • Content Licensing
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithInStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

    View image

    Rihanna's Changing Looks
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.