The definition of ‘diva’ is loose—a prima donna with a rider as thick as a dictionary, a female version of a hustler, a toddler in a tiara—but one prerequisite is non-negotiable: Major. Hair. Because as these divas prove, the higher it is, the closer to hitting G5.
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Ariana Grande
Though she wasn’t the first pop star to wear a ponytail, Ariana Grande is the one most synonymous with the style.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s iconic curls and cropped cut from her A Star is Born era is one of the most recognizable hair looks in history.
British Invasion
Rita Ora, Adele, and the late Amy Winehouse take a sleeker but equally voluminous approach to diva hair with their signature British flair.
Cardi B
For the night of her first Grammy award win, Cardi B wrapped her hair high up in a beehive accentuated with pearls.
Cher
Cher hair is a category in its own, and with good reason: her ever-changing looks like ultra-long locks or voluminous curls make a major statement.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross is the original diva—an iconic of beauty, fashion, and music.
Dolly Parton
When you think platinum blonde curls and layers, only one name comes to mind: Dolly Parton.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s ultra-glossy curls look so chic when piled high up on her head.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez redefined diva hair with her iconic half-up hairstyle.
Kacey Musgraves
Grammy-winner Kacey Musgraves wore sky-high hair for her tribute to Dolly Parton, naturally.
Madonna
Madonna’s permed hair was one of the most iconic elements of her legendary Like a Virgin VMA performance.
Mariah Carey
The singer’s natural ringlets really shine.
Pop Princesses
Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears are all pop divas in their own right, with a catalogue of legendary hair looks to match.
Reigning Queens
Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna have all adapted and owned their own versions of powerful hair looks.
Solange Knowles
Never one to shy away from a major beauty look, we love how Solange Knowles paired luscious diva curls with an equally bold violet lipstick.
Whitney Houston
With a beauty look that defined a whole era, Whitney Houston’s impact on hair still lingers today.
Zendaya
Diva hair is all about claiming space and power via your hair—and Zendaya is a case study in nailing the look.
From Harper’s Bazaar US
