Celebrities We Were Happy To See Let Those Cornrows Go

Cornrows have been popular since the ’70s, but everyone (and their mother) was wearing them in the early ’00s, including many of the famous fellas whose music we do or did jam to. Here are 10 celebrity men who we were glad to see leave these looks behind:

Jason DeRulo

When you see Jason DeRulo these days, he looks like this:

But as you’ll see if you click on the video below, at one point, while trying to get his career off the ground, DeRulo rocked some very interesting cornrows and a whole different sound:

Kanye West

Now that Yeezy is a style icon of sorts, he always mixes it up when it comes to his clothes, but when it comes to his hair, he keeps it low and simple.

But back in Chicago while trying to make major moves, West, like many young men, went with cornrows, and kept his going straight back. These braids didn’t seem to grow all that much as you can see…

Omarion

As a new father and performer trying to create a new lane for his music, Omarion might let his beard grow out, but he keeps his hair quite low.

But most of the young ladies who were trying to claim him as their boo back when he was in B2K fell in like with the singer when he had braids draping down his back…with the shaved edges.

Trey Songz

When Trey Songz cut his hair and sexed up his lyrics, there was no denying that his success as a singer increased big time (though it could be argued that the content wound up suffering…).

But we all know that in the beginning, Trey was just trying to make it, and was doing so with the help of a more laid back look and straight-back braids.

Jim Jones

The decision to cut off his braids was a big and necessary change for rapper Jim Jones. As you can see, he cleaned up nicely.

But before the big chop, Jones kept his braids long and furry for many years. Trust, his short hair is a definite upgrade (and I’m sure Chrissy is happy about it).

Lloyd

You can find singer Lloyd wearing a variety of styles these days. Big curls, french braids, a low cut–whatever tickles his fancy at a certain time.

But when he came on the scene, and for many years after that, the singer with his soft vocals and big smile, was a braids man (and when he pressed his hair out, it was fabulous!). However, it was time for a change.

Raheem DeVaughn

I’ve been a big fan of Raheem DeVaughn’s music since “You,” but as for the braids? Not so much. Loving the short look, and the big smile!

Bow Wow

When Lil Bow Wow first came out, all the young girls were swooning over his light eyes and long hair (seriously, he had more hair than most of the girls I knew), but as time went on, it was time to leave the slicked back ponytails and braids alone. SHAD now keeps his hair low, and while a change in hair didn’t equal to a change when it comes to maturity, it’s a good look for him.

Mario

How can you not love the hair of a guy who sang “Braid My Hair”? And while his cornrows were cute for that time (circa 2002), we don’t miss them…

Ludacris

The biggest transformation might be a tie between Trey Songz and Ludacris. The rapper often sported his braids (in a variety of designs) and huge fro all the time to events and in videos, but in 2006 he traded the look for a traditional fade. I can’t say that it helped his career (I think his music was more popular when he had the braids), but he looks great!