by Cardi B is known for pushing boundaries with her bold fashion and beauty looks. From risqué outfits to vibrant makeup, the Grammy-winning rapper never shies away from making a statement. However, one of the most attention-grabbing aspects of Cardi B’s style is undoubtedly her ever-changing hair. Over the years, she has experimented with countless hairstyles, colors, lengths, and textures – taking risks that few other celebrities would dare to try. Here are some deep dives into three of Cardi B’s most outrageous and memorable hairstyles to date.
The Mermaid Braid
Arguably one of Cardi B’s most iconic hair moments came at the 2019 Met Gala, where the theme was “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” Stepping onto the red carpet in a voluminous green and blue feathered Thom Browne gown, Cardi B stunned onlookers with her extravagant “mermaid braid” hairstyle. Her hair was pulled back tightly into an impossibly long braid that trailed on the ground behind her, measuring over 20 feet in length.
The braid itself was intricately decorated with pearls, shells, and colorful beads woven throughout. It resembled the tail of a mythical mermaid, shimmering and iridescent as Cardi B walked. Stylist Tokyo Stylez worked for hours to create the look, sectioning Cardi B’s hair into small strands and carefully threading on each embellishment one by one. The end result was nothing short of magical – a true work of art that perfectly embodied the campy, exaggerated theme of the gala.
Unsurprisingly, the mermaid braid took Cardi B’s appearance from that evening viral. Photos and videos of the braid snaking behind her were shared widely on social media, with many commenting that it was the most dramatic hairstyle ever seen on the Met Gala red carpet. Even mainstream publications like Vogue, Allure, and People couldn’t stop talking about the braid’s meticulous details and fairytale-like aesthetic. It was an undeniably show-stopping moment for Cardi B that solidified her status as a style icon willing to push fashion boundaries.
The intricate braid took so long to create that Cardi B had to begin getting ready over eight hours before the gala’s start time. She has said in interviews that wearing the braid was no easy feat either – it was extremely heavy and unwieldy. Cardi B laughed about almost tripping over it multiple times and having to hold the end of the braid like a train as she walked. While impractical, the braid achieved exactly what it set out to do – cause a sensation and generate buzz. It’s now remembered as one of the most outrageous hairstyles in Met Gala history.
The Red Carpet Mullet
In 2021, Cardi B rocked another head-turning hairstyle on the red carpet – a dramatic mullet. She debuted the look at the premiere of her film Hustlers, where she was promoting her role. Cardi B’s mullet was a statement-making two-tone design, with half of her hair dyed a vivid cherry red and the other half jet black. The asymmetrical cut featured shorter layers framing her face that gradually grew longer towards the back in classic mullet fashion.
Mullets had been experiencing a revival within mainstream fashion and beauty circles over the previous year. However, most celebrities were still hesitant to fully commit to the polarizing hairstyle associated with the 1980s. Not one to shy away from bold experimentation, Cardi B fearlessly embraced the mullet look in her signature unapologetic way. She paired the eye-catching hair with an all-black Richard Quinn gown, accentuating the mullet’s punk rock edge.
Naturally, photos of Cardi B’s red carpet mullet exploded on social media and gossip sites. Reactions were mixed – some hailed it as a statement of individuality while others criticized it as an outdated look. But regardless of opinion, everyone could agree that Cardi B pulled off the mullet with confidence and charisma. She owned the attention-grabbing hairstyle and injected new life into the mullet’s rebellious image. It was yet another example of how Cardi B pushes norms and isn’t afraid to take fashion risks that few celebrities would dare to try.
The Blonde Bowl Cut
In 2022, Cardi B shocked fans with her boldest hair transformation yet – a short, blunt blonde bowl cut. She debuted the edgy new look on Instagram, sharing photos of her shorn locks cropped close to her head in an asymmetrical cut. It was a dramatic shift from Cardi B’s usual long, flowing hairstyles and marked the first time she had ever gone blonde. Stylist Japanese Rapunzel was behind the dramatic chop, giving Cardi B face-framing bangs and short layers all around.
The bowl cut’s retro style channeled 90s grunge vibes while the platinum blonde shade took edginess to new heights. It was an androgynous, rebellious look that perfectly suited Cardi B’s bold personality. Followers on social media went wild, with the photos racking up millions of likes and comments. Many praised Cardi B for taking such a bold leap outside of her fashion comfort zone. The bowl cut sparked debate online as some called it her most daring hairstyle transformation yet.
In typical Cardi B fashion, she didn’t shy away from the attention. She showed off her new ‘do confidently in photos and videos, even livestreaming her glam routine while getting ready with the bowl cut. The rapper also addressed haters, posting a video telling them she cuts her hair however she pleases without caring about opinions. It was a testament to Cardi B’s unapologetic attitude towards self-expression through fashion. She proved once again that she isn’t afraid to push boundaries and take risks, even if a hairstyle may be deemed unconventional. Ultimately, the blonde bowl cut was one of Cardi B’s most memorable style moments of 2022 thus far.
Pushing Boundaries
Through her bold hairstyles over the years, Cardi B has cemented her status as one of the most daring celebrities when it comes to beauty experimentation and boundary-pushing fashion. Whether it’s the intricate mermaid braid, dramatic red carpet mullet, or edgy blonde bowl cut, she approaches each new style with confidence, charisma and a willingness to take risks. While some looks divide opinions, they all generate buzz and start important conversations around pushing norms.
At the end of the day, Cardi B’s ever-changing hairstyles are a form of self-expression. She uses her platform unapologetically to showcase a variety of looks, from glamorous to punk rock. In doing so, she encourages fans to feel empowered in their own unique styles and disregard those who criticize personal fashion choices. It’s this fearless attitude that has earned Cardi B admiration from fans worldwide and cemented her status as not just a chart-topping musician, but also a true icon of style.
