Cicely Tyson
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Cicely Tyson was renowned not only for her groundbreaking roles in film, television, and theater but also for her elegant and expressive hairstyles. Throughout her career, Tyson was a pioneer in embracing and showcasing natural Black hairstyles on and off the screen, making bold statements and inspiring countless Black women. Some of her most iconic hairstyles include:
Cornrows: Cicely Tyson was one of the first celebrities to wear cornrows on national television in the 1960s, particularly noted for her role in the television drama "East Side/West Side." This was a significant moment that helped popularize natural hairstyles and cornrows among Black women.
Short Afro: Tyson embraced her natural hair texture with a beautifully shaped short Afro, a style that symbolized the Black is Beautiful movement and encouraged Black women to embrace their natural beauty.
Braided Updos: She often wore intricate braided hairstyles that were both a nod to traditional African styles and a statement of elegance and sophistication on the red carpet and in her roles.
Sculpted Natural Styles: Cicely Tyson was known for her sculpted natural hairstyles, where her hair was styled into artistic shapes and forms, showcasing her creativity and the versatility of Black hair.
Twists and Locks: In her later years, Tyson embraced twists and locks, styles that highlighted the beauty of natural hair texture and aging gracefully.
Elegant Wigs: For certain roles and appearances, Tyson also wore wigs that ranged from sleek and straight to voluminous and curly, always maintaining an air of elegance and grace.
Natural Gray Hair: As she aged, Tyson proudly wore her hair in its natural gray color, often styled in short, chic cuts or beautifully textured updos that celebrated her longevity and wisdom.
Cicely Tyson was not just a trailblazer in the entertainment industry; she was also a beauty icon who used her platform to challenge conventional standards of beauty and inspire Black women to embrace their natural hair. Her hairstyles were a powerful form of self-expression and cultural identity, leaving a lasting legacy on beauty standards and the representation of Black women in media.