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May 13, 2025

Wigs vs. Locs: Why Shanola Hampton Chooses Real Hair for Her Iconic Style

Shanola Hampton isn’t just a powerhouse actress—she’s a style icon in her own right. Best known for her fiery, loyal, and unapologetically bold portrayal of Veronica Fisher on Shameless, Hampton has captured fans’ hearts not just through her acting chops but through her signature beauty and standout hairstyles.

Whether she’s rocking textured curls, sleek styles, or a crown of locs, fans often wonder: Is Shanola Hampton wearing a wig—or is that her real hair? So, let’s dive into today’s topic.

1.Shanola Hampton’s Hair Evolution Over the Years

Source:Instagram

From her early days in television and theater to her breakthrough in Shameless, Shanola Hampton’s hairstyles have evolved alongside her career. In her younger years, Hampton sported a variety of styles—from straightened looks and layered cuts to shoulder-length curls. These styles reflected the trends of the time, as well as the pressure many Black women in Hollywood faced to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.

As her career progressed, so did her hair choices. Embracing more natural textures, Hampton gradually transitioned away from relaxed styles. Her current look—beautifully maintained locs—speaks to a broader movement of self-love, authenticity, and reclaiming natural beauty.

2.The Wig Debate: Does Shanola Hampton Wear Wigs or Extensions?

Does Shanola Hampton Wear Extensions or Wigs

Source:Pinterest

Shanola doesn’t often speak in detail about her hair, but she has shared her natural locs and how she cares for them.

Protective styling—like wigs or extensions—is a common and practical choice for Black women, especially those working in demanding environments like Hollywood. It allows them to preserve the health of their natural hair while achieving different aesthetics when needed.

So, Hampton maybe will wear wigs or extensions for red carpet events or specific acting roles that call for a certain look, so let's expect the day is coming.

3.Why Shanola Prefers Her Natural Locs?

Source:Instagram

There’s a certain strength in showing up in your natural beauty, and Hampton embodies this. She’s been seen more and more often embracing her natural locs on screen and in public appearances. Locs, for her, seem to represent both personal empowerment and cultural pride. But why does she choose them?

Low Maintenance, High Impact:

Locs allow her to maintain healthy hair without constant styling.

A Statement of Identity:

For many Black women, locs are more than a hairstyle—they’re a cultural signature.

Breaking Stereotypes:

In Hollywood, natural hair is still sometimes seen as "unprofessional." Shanola’s choice to wear locs challenges that narrative.

4.Iconic Shanola Hampton Hairstyles: Real Hair vs. Styling Tricks

Source:Instagram

Let’s break down some of Shanola’s most iconic looks:

Voluminous Curls – Sometimes enhanced with extensions for extra bounce.

Red Carpet Locs – All her, all natural.

The Shameless hairstyle – Mostly her real hair, just expertly trimmed and straightened.

What’s clear is that Hampton balances versatility and protection beautifully—switching up her style without sacrificing hair health.

5.The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Pressure vs. Personal Choice

Source:Instagram

For Black actresses, hair isn’t just personal—it’s political. The industry has long expected them to mold their appearance to fit mainstream standards. Constantly changing hairstyles—whether through wigs, weaves, or straighteners—can be exhausting and damaging.

Shanola Hampton, like peers such as Viola Davis and Issa Rae, pushes back against those expectations by choosing what feels authentic to her. Sometimes that’s a wig. Other times, it’s her real, glorious locs. What matters is the freedom to choose—on her terms.

6.How to Get Shanola Hampton’s Signature Looks

Source:Instagram

Want to recreate Shanola’s iconic hairstyles? Here’s how:

For Her Locs Look: Start with well-maintained locs or faux locs. Use lightweight oils like jojoba or argan for shine. Style with edge control for clean hairlines.

For Her Voluminous Curls: Use a curl-defining cream on damp natural hair or curly extensions. Diffuse or air-dry for bounce. Add clip-ins for volume if needed.

For Sleek Red Carpet Styles: Try a high-quality lace front wig in a sleek bob or side-part style. Use a flat iron and heat protectant if using your own hair. Finish with serum for gloss and hold spray for longevity.

Conclusion

Shanola Hampton’s hair journey reflects more than just fashion—it’s a statement of identity, confidence, and self-expression. While she occasionally uses wigs and styling tricks, there’s no denying her preference for wearing her own real hair when she can. Her locs are more than a style—they’re a symbol of owning her beauty.

Whether you wear wigs, weaves, braids, or rock your natural hair, the most important thing is that it’s your choice. And that’s what makes Shanola Hampton’s hair journey so powerful—it’s hers.