SZA's Super Bowl Look Reminded Me That We Look Amazing As Redheads, Too

Thisyear’sSuper Bowl Halftime Show was iconic for several reasons — the parodied patriotism, the Grammy-certified shots at Drake,and of course, Kendrick Lamar’s bootcut jeans. But arguably chief among its icon status was SZA’s guest appearance, which came with a striking red monochromatic look from head to toe. 

Whether she meant to or not, SZA single-handedly drove a whole lot of people to run to the salon with the request for cherry-chocolate hued hair. The singer-songwriter was rocking a shade called Cherry Vinyl, a Redken color combination (of lightener and two shades of color and gloss) inspired by the shine and smoothness of a freshly pressed record. Paired with Kendrick’s blue-and-white ensemble (lest we forget those iconic bootcut jeans), SZA’s hair — and aura — glowed with bold femininity and subversive rage. 

But all artistry and credit goes to SZA’s hair stylist, Devante Turnbull.

“SZA and I collaborated on her Super Bowl look, staying true to her signature big hair while elevating it with extra length and adding a deep red hue using Redken & Redken Pro,” she wrote on Instagram.

Cherry red hair has been a cyclical beauty trend among Black and brown people — but it’s back again, and I love to see it. If SZA’s hair and the countless of TikToks of cherry red hair that I saved are any indication, it’s that cherry-colaredwasmadeforpeoplewithmelanatedskin. 

In fact, I also recently made the jump from dark hair to red. Cherry was a bold reincarnation of the caramel babylights I usually get, and my decision to go red was born out of a desire to embrace my Leo-ness with characteristic flair ahead the new year. 

But it also came with nerves. “Could I really pull off something that bold?” “Would I look like a stop sign?” “Will this color even look good on me?” These were questions that plagued me in the many hours I sat in the salon chair and repeatedly asked my hairstylist for reassurance.

But by the end, I absolutely lived for the results. Like SZA’s hair glowing in the spotlight, my hair was moody enough for this dark, cold winter, but found ways to brighten and compliment my warm undertones. 

While SZA and I both have warm undertones, it’s important to note here that everyone of every skin tone can look great with ruby tresses. Historically, people with melanated skin have been told that certain colors and trends don’t suit us — when it simply isn’t true. In general, it’s important for us to choose colors because we feel beautiful in them — not based on Eurocentric beauty standards that have been imposed upon us.

If SZA’s high-energy, soul-nourishing Super Bowl performance is evident of anything, it’s that we must show up as we are, in stride and with confidence. Sure, it takes way more than just cherry-cola hair to get that. But maybe it starts with leaving the salon — or strutting down the Halftime stage — feeling like you’ve become a more vibrant, red hot version of yourself.