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    1. Beauty

    Jennifer Hudson Reveals Her New Afro Just In Time for the End of Summer

    Coily girls, our queen has spoken.

    Ariel Wilson's avatar
    By Ariel Wilson
    Published 11 August 2025 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Jennifer Hudson wearing a bob.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Jennifer Hudson is cosplaying with an adorable little pixie, and I love every moment of it. On Aug. 9, the singer headlined the Whitney E. Houston Legacy of Love Gala in Atlanta, where she paused to take pictures in front of the step-and-repeat before the festivities began. Every aspect of her look was perfect, including that stunning pink tulle dress she wore, but my favorite part was definitely her gorgeous hair.

    Hudson’s strands remained curly and free-flowing, her afro fanning out like a halo around her head. A slightly off-center side part added a touch of asymmetry to the style, creating the illusion of a side bang. A few face-framing curly tendrils completed the look.

    Jennifer Hudson wearing an afro hairstyle.

    Jennifer Hudson attends The Whitney Houston 40th Anniversary In Music And Entertainment Gala at St Regis Hotel on August 09, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Afros are the perfect one-and-done look and are ideal for people who want low-maintenance styles in their hair arsenals. They’re also wonderful for giving hair a break from heat styles and any subsequent damage that can occur from frequent use of hot tools. However, the ease of styling an afro depends on several factors, like the health of the scalp, the porosity of the hair, and its hydration levels.

    I’m personally a fan of waking up, fluffing my coils, and going about my day, but if you want your curls to be more uniform, there are a few products that can make this process easier. If you want to join the ranks of people like Hudson, Kerry Washington, Naomi Campbell, Doechii, and more, keep reading for the tips you’ll need to keep your afro in tip-top shape, just in time for the transition into fall.

    Shampoo

    Holy Curls
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    A gorgeous afro starts with a healthy scalp. If you've been stretching your wash day (no judgment, I do it too), use a clarifying shampoo to restore your hair's health.

    Super Rich Conditioner

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    Super Rich Conditioner
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    A hydrating conditioner like this one should also be a non-negotiable.

    120pcs Hair Perm Rods Set, 6 Sizes Plastic Hair Cold Wave Rods, Heatless Perming Rods Hair Curlers Rollers With Pintail Comb for Long Short Straight Curly Natural Hair Diy Hairdressing Styling Tools

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    If uniform curls are on your mind, these perm rods—available in various sizes—should be your best friends.

    Xnicx 47 Pcs 7'' Hair Curlers Rollers Flexi Rods Flexible Curling Rods Set No Heat Heatless Bendy Foam Hair Curls for Long,medium,short Hair to Sleep in

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    Another option is flexi rods. This option also comes in different sizes.

    Yanibest Silk Bonnet for Sleeping Women Satin Bonnet Double Layer Satin Lined Hair Bonnet With Tie Band Curly Hair Blush Pink

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    Silk Bonnet
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    Another essential for an afro is a bonnet to help reduce the appearance of frizz.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Ariel Wilson
    Ariel Wilson
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    Beauty Writer

    Ariel Wilson is the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. Previously the associate beauty editor at PS, she also has bylines in InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women's Health, and more.

    Shaped by her experience in research, social sciences, and the non-profit sector, Ariel enjoys looking at beauty from a sociocultural lens, looking to avenues like politics, culture, and the arts, to inform her views on the space. That being said, as a true beauty-product obsessive, testing the latest items to hit the market, keeping up with trends, and meeting industry icons, will always be her favorite part of working in the beauty space.

    When she's not working, Ariel can be found hanging out with her husband and loving on their two cat daughters: Cow and Chicken.

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