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When Zendaya attended her first Oscars in 2015, she wore a white Vivienne Westwood gown paired with faux locs. Instead of celebrating the look, TV host Giuliana Rancic made a racist comment suggesting the hairstyle looked like it would “smell like patchouli oil or weed.” It sparked outrage at the time and became one of those moments that exposed how natural Black hairstyles were often misunderstood or disrespected on major stages.
Fast forward eleven years, and while natural hair is showing up more boldly on red carpets, the criticism has not completely disappeared.
At the 2026 Academy Awards, rising star Chase Infiniti stepped onto the carpet wearing beautiful boho braids styled by Coree Moreno. During live coverage, E! host Zanna Roberts Rassi described the look as “undone hair with the done dress,” a comment many viewers felt was another subtle dig at natural Black hairstyles. Moments like this highlight how textured styles are still judged differently, even in spaces that claim to celebrate fashion and individuality.
And this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood. For years, natural hairstyles like braids, locs, and afros have faced restrictions in schools, offices, and formal settings. So seeing celebrities confidently wear these styles on one of the biggest stages in entertainment — and seeing people push back against dismissive commentary — feels like a sign that attitudes are slowly changing.
Infiniti herself made it clear the look was deliberate. Speaking on the carpet, she shared that her team wanted to highlight the beauty and versatility of natural hair. She explained that there should be no pressure to always show up with a silk press just to fit into what people consider “acceptable.” Natural hair can be glamorous, elegant, playful, or bold — all at the same time.
And she was not alone. The night was full of standout moments featuring natural hair. Ryan Coogler turned heads with intricate cornrows shaped like a treble clef and a guitar. Ava DuVernay wore her signature locs styled into two sculptural low buns. Shaboozey kept it sleek with locs pulled into a low ponytail, while Quenlin Blackwell embraced soft, whimsical boho braids. Food creator Keith Lee also appeared with his locs tucked under a black beret, while his wife complemented him with bantu knots.
More than just hairstyles, these looks felt like statements, reminders that beauty does not have to fit one narrow definition. Natural hair is not a trend. It is identity, culture, creativity, and personal expression all in one.
From braids to locs to sculpted styles, this year’s Oscars proved that natural hair belongs on the biggest stages, not as an exception, but as the standard.
See photos below:
