Being a celebrity means endless red carpets, shoots, and television appearances. Although ponytails, weaves and wigs help boost hair and protect it, all that heat-styling and colouring can wreak total havoc that’s often irreversible. Many public figures with curly, afro, or wavy hair almost always wear it straight or manipulate its texture, or bulk it out with extensions.

As people become more comfortable with their natural textures, we’re seeing waves of famous people showing off their crowns in all their glory. While they’ve often got an arsenal of hair pros and access to any miracle hair products they choose, the struggle to go natural can be very real for all of us. As we collectively get more used to seeing those we look up to shed the extensions and let the curls come through, our conditioned ideals about what makes hair beautiful are changing.

Whether you’re simply curious or want inspiration to embrace your natural hair yourself, scroll through for the surprising and heartwarming changes from our favourite celebrities.

Gabrielle Union-Wade embraces her short, natural curls while staying at home