The celebrity afro hair looks that rocked in 2018

In the year that Black Panther dominated the box office and we saw more diversity than ever on the screen thanks to initiatives such at Netflix's Strong Black Lead we had a plethora of beautiful Afro hair looks to be inspired by in 2018. While natural hair continues to grow in popularity, so do protective styling options such as wigs, weaves and braids. The variety of styles that black women rock just goes to showcase the versatility of textured hair. Here are just a few of the gorgeous celebrity Afro hair looks we loved this year. For even more inspiration check our our gallery and our Pinterest board. [lead image via Instagram @badgalriri]

Best Celebrity Afro Hair Looks 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn0y42kFmcH/ Rihanna - Riri rocked this look for the September issue of Allure magazine. It was a step away from her long waved look that she usually goes for making it even more fun and unexpected for the 'Best of Beauty' issue! https://www.instagram.com/p/Bol7Kq2AoeF/ Laura Harrier - Our absolute girl crush of 2018 Laura Harrier can actually do no wrong when it comes to hair. While she normally keeps her type three hair blown out she experiments with braids and curls too but this her mainstay style, glossy, healthy waves.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BjyNZiKh7a4/ Janelle Monáe - It was the year that Janelle brought us the excellent PYNK single and music video and also continued her unparalleled stylish hat game. Perfect for keeping a braid out or twist out neat.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BpTJSCGl6rR/ Elaine Welteroth - The former editor in chief of U.S Teen Vogue has great hair – that goes without saying. But this year Elaine showcased her mane versatility with slicked back looks, braids, twists and the odd wig. However, we love it in it's natural state ; fun, fluffy but still defined.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BgAPwMLgmXR/ Danai Gurira - Wakanda Forever! Yes, Danai is now in the process of growing out her iconic shaved look it was one she rocked for much of the promo tour for Black Panther and we loved her Oscars hair art. https://www.instagram.com/p/BjQMqh3B97D/ Jourdan Dunn - Protective styling is something that Jourdan does often and does well. These cute box braid were her go to for the 2018 festive season.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BmntO3PH3O2/ Leigh-Anne Pinnock - This Little Mixer is a fan of experimenting with her hair – she always switches it up for videos, shows and shoots. But the most poignant style she sported this year was her curls, which she said she was embracing because, "we need to teach young black girls that [and afro] is just as beautiful."