Cicely Tyson, 95, Reminds Us She's A Hair Icon With Gray And Purple Braids

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For as long as Cicely Tyson has been in the spotlight, she has been a hair innovator. She rocked a natural TWA haircut on national television as part of the series East Side/West Side in the ’60s at a time when most were straightening their hair. And in the ’70s, she confidently rocked cornrows like the style you see above. The star has always been ahead of her time when it comes to hair, and despite the fact that she’s 95 years old now, that hasn’t changed.

We were reminded of this after Tyson appeared in a recent IG TV video, doing Q&A for Shonda Rhimes’s company, Shondaland. She dropped major wisdom while wearing a head-turning purple and gray braided updo:

While her insight about what inspires her and her advice about listening to your mind, body and soul were captivating to those who watched, her hair, if we’re being honest, was the center of attention. What’s on Tyson’s head often is. The legend loves to play with colors and unique haircuts, and we absolutely love to see it. If you do too, hit the flip to check out some of her most showstopping, inventive hairstyles from over the years.

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Who says roller sets and tame wigs are your only option when you reach your twilight years? Cicely showed up and showed out for the TCA Winter Panel in January in this curly tapered wig.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 16: Cicely Tyson of ‘Cherish The Day’ speaks onstage during the OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network portion of the Discovery, Inc. TCA Winter Panel 2020 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 16, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for Discovery, Inc.)

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If you want permission to match your hair to your clothing, you’ve got it from the legendary actress. She attended the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award presentation for friend Denzel Washington in this tinted and chopped blue bob.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 06: Cicely Tyson attends the American Film Institute’s 47th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute To Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre on June 6, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)

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A favorite look of the actress is asymmetrical cuts. She showcased such a hairstyle while at the premiere of friend Tyler Perry’s Netflix film A Fall From Grace. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 13: Cicely Tyson attends Tyler Perry’s “A Fall From Grace” New York premiere at Metrograph on January 13, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic)

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If you were digging the blue choppy bob, you’ll be happy to see that Tyson has one in white ombre, and yes, it matched her outfit once again.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 27: Actor Cicely Tyson speaks onstage at the screening of ‘Sounder’ during Day 2 of the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 27, 2018 in Hollywood, California. 350569. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for TCM)

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When you don’t feel like wearing a wig or doing something with your own hair, you can wear a chic hat styled into a wig, as Tyson did at a film screening in 2018.

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 15: Cicely Tyson attends “The Humanity of Connection” New York screening at Jazz at Lincoln Center on March 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

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We love the soft curls on this short wig that Tyson wore to the Television Academy’s reception for Emmy nominees in 2016.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Actress Cicely Tyson attends the Television Academy reception for Emmy nominated performers at Pacific Design Center on September 16, 2016 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

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This curly wig battled Tyson’s very colorful ensemble for the spotlight at the Black Girls Rock! taping in 2016.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 01: Actress Cicely Tyson attends BET Black Girls Rock! 2016 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on April 1, 2016 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

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There is no age limit on a fierce pixie cut. Tyson reinforced that when she wore this look to the 5th annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MAY 31: Actress Cicely Tyson attends the 5th annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 31, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

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Yes, the bayang! At the premiere of Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Tyson wore another choppy bob. This one didn’t just have sharp ends, but also a standout choppy bang.

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 05: Actress Cicely Tyson attends “The Butler” premiere at Ziegfeld Theater on August 5, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

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Curlycues framed the star’s face beautifully when she attended the 4th Annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards back in 2014.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JUNE 19: Actress Cicely Tyson attends the 4th Annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 19, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for Critics’ Choice Television Awards)

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Tyson stunned in a soft long bob, wearing it while speaking at a National CARES Mentoring Movement event in 2017.

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 30: Actress Cicely Tyson attends the National CARES Mentoring Movement’s 2nd Annual ‘For the Love of Our Children’ Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for for National CARES Mentoring Movement)