Shakira’s incredible transformation 30 years after 'Pies Descalzos': From wild curls to an iconic mane

Shakira’s hair has become as legendary as her voice or her hip moves. Over the years, the Colombian artist has turned her curls into one of her most recognizable trademarks. But that wasn’t always the case. Throughout her career, the singer’s hair has gone through every possible phase before settling into the golden waves that define her today. 

She began with jet-black locks, went through a fiery red stage during her rebellious era, and eventually embraced her blonde bombshell years, experimenting with endless shades in between.

© Kevin Mazur

This week, Shakira marked a major milestone, celebrating the 30th anniversary of 'Pies Descalzos,' the album that launched her to stardom. “30 years… thank you for walking with me,” she wrote to her more than 93 million followers, alongside a nostalgic photo from 1995.

© Shakira

When 'Pies Descalzos' hit the shelves, Shakira looked almost unrecognizable compared to her current image. With long, straight, jet-black hair, she presented herself to the world with songs that became Latin pop classics, including 'Estoy Aquí,' '¿Dónde Estás, Corazón?,' and 'Antología.' 

© Bill Tompkins

At just 18, she radiated the freshness and vulnerability of an artist still discovering herself. A young woman with a raspy voice, raw emotion, and an authentic, bohemian beauty that matched her introspective and romantic lyrics.

© Karin Cooper

In the music video for 'Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos,' she first hinted at the social consciousness that would later define her career. A theme that also inspired the name of her foundation, 'Fundación Pies Descalzos.' Her look then was simple but expressive, consisting of thin, dark eyebrows, softly lined lips, and minimal makeup that emphasized her natural gaze.

© Christina Radish

Back in the mid-’90s, her style embodied the alternative spirit of the decade, including psychedelic-print tops, flared jeans, and a carefree, artsy attitude. Thirty years later, Shakira’s image has evolved into something far more polished and sophisticated. Her signature golden waves are perfectly styled, and her wardrobe is now filled with curve-hugging mini dresses and sleek looks that highlight her confident, feminine energy, while the strength she exudes remains the same.

© Vinnie Zuffante

For Shakira, her hair has always been more than just a beauty feature. It’s an expression of who she is. “It’s always been a big part of my personality, both on stage and in my daily life,” she recently told Women’s Wear Daily. “Looking back, I can see how each hairstyle defined a period in my life and reflected how I was feeling at the time.”

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But it hasn’t always been easy. “I’m one of those women who’ve left the salon crying,” she admitted to Harper’s Bazaar. The singer also explained that it’s been an adventure finding the right products because her hair has such complex needs. "My hair has been my identity for a long time. "My entire life, I’ve felt that way, and I’ve had a love-hate relationship with my hair.

© Matt Crossick - PA Images

That struggle inspired her to take control. Earlier this year, Shakira launched her own beauty line, Isima, a brand that celebrates Latin roots, diverse textures, and authenticity, encouraging women to stop “taming” their hair and start embracing it. The singer gathered a team of scientists and beauty experts who truly understood hair, she explained at the brand’s launch event.

© Kevin Winter

The singer has since shared her own “before and after” using her line, and fans can’t get enough. Her hero product, 'Curls Don’t Lie,' a play on her hit Hips Don’t Lie,' has become her go-to essential. She uses it daily to boost shine, enhance curl definition, and keep frizz under control. “I can’t live without it,” she admitted, proving once again that, 30 years later, Shakira’s evolution is still going strong, and just as iconic as ever.