25 Songs That Celebrate Black Hair
Share
A Playlist for the Culture
Black hair is a declaration. It's a symbol of our strength, our history, our undeniable style. It's a crown we wear with pride. And when the music plays, you know we're gonna have songs that celebrate that power, that uplift our spirit, and that defend our right to express ourselves. This playlist is a tribute to every twist-out, every braid-up, every press-and-curl, every loc journey—every expression of our royalty. It's for the mamas who nurtured our roots, the aunties who kept us in line, and the stylists who transformed our visions into reality. Let's immerse ourselves in 25 songs that tell the story of Black hair, the culture, and the undeniable love that flows through it all.
1. Solange - "Don’t Touch My Hair"
Starting strong with an anthem. This one hits different when you’ve had to remind folks that your hair isn’t public property. Solange made it clear: respect the crown.
2. India.Arie - "I Am Not My Hair"
The blueprint for loving yourself beyond the strands, India reminded us that our hair is just a piece of the story—not the whole narrative.
3. Erykah Badu - "Afro (Freestyle Skit)"
It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s dripping with love for our glorious afros. Ms. Badu’s energy always feels like a hug for the soul.
4. Beyonce - "Formation"
“Baby hairs with baby hairs and afros.” Need we say more? Queen Bey did what needed to be done.
5. Jill Scott - "Crown Royal"
While this one isn’t about hair, it makes you feel yourself—and your hair—on another level. Self-love vibes all the way.
6. Lauryn Hill - "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
With those locs swinging and that flawless energy, Lauryn reminds us to keep it natural and stay true to who we are.
7. Kendrick Lamar - "Complexion (A Zulu Love)"
This one’s about all shades and textures, celebrating the beauty in every single part of Blackness, from skin to strands.
8. Missy Elliott - "Work It"
“Flip it and reverse it” is exactly what we’re doing with this edge-slaying anthem. Missy’s creativity is haircare goals.
9. Diana Ross - "I’m Coming Out"
Big hair energy! Diana’s volume alone is reason enough to put this on any haircare playlist.
10. Bob Marley - "Buffalo Soldier"
For our loc queens and kings, this song is a nod to the history and strength tied to every loc in your crown.
11. Tracee Ellis Ross - "Hair Tales (Podcast Theme)"
Not a song, but a must-listen for Black hair stories. Pair this podcast with a wash day routine for maximum vibe.
12. Floetry - "Say Yes"
This one feels like sitting under a dryer at the salon, waiting for your twist-out to hit just right.
13. Rihanna - "Man Down"
Riri’s red hair era alone solidified this as a must-have for your haircare playlist. Drama and style combined.
14. Angie Stone - "Brotha"
For our brothers holding it down with waves, fades, and beards that connect, this one’s for you.
15. Marvin Gaye - "Let’s Get It On"
Because sometimes a good scalp massage deserves a soulful soundtrack.
16. The Supremes - "Stop! In the Name of Love"
Finger waves, press-and-curls, and every elegant Black hairdo owes a nod to the Supremes.
17. Solange - "Cranes in the Sky"
Her visuals alone, with those sleek styles and head wraps, are hair inspiration for the ages.
18. TLC - "Creep"
T-Boz’s blonde pixie cut? Iconic. Chilli’s edges? Always flawless. TLC made hair look effortlessly cool.
19. Nina Simone - "Four Women"
A poetic ode to the different shades and textures of Black womanhood. Deep and moving.
20. Janelle Monáe - "Tightrope"
From pompadours to afros, Janelle’s hair game is as bold as her music.
21. Chaka Khan - "I’m Every Woman"
Chaka’s mane alone deserves a lifetime achievement award. She’s the blueprint for big hair energy.
22. Usher - "Nice & Slow"
This one pairs perfectly with a slow, luxurious braid session or twist-out.
23. SWV - "Weak"
’90s R&B and the ultimate soundtrack to styling box braids while singing in the mirror.
24. James Brown - "I’m Black and I’m Proud"
This one’s self-explanatory. Play this as you moisturize, detangle, and remember your roots—literally.
25. Whitney Houston - "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"
Dance around the room while you let that leave-in conditioner work its magic. Whitney’s joy is infectious.
Join Our Movement!
Loving Black hair starts with knowledge, care, and community.
Sign up for our email and SMS list today for exclusive deals on products made in Black America, by Black America. It’s time to vibe, slay, and celebrate our roots—because your hair deserves nothing less.