Prior to the elevator ass-whopping that Solange administered to her brother-in-law Jay Z, the singer has constantly lived in her big sis Beyonce's shadow in the media. Let's face it. It's hard, and maybe even impossible, to compete with Bey. But upon closer inspection, Solange, who celebrates her 28th birthday today (June 24), totally has a more daring and more risk-taking style than her incredibly fashionable older sister. While we all crane our necks to look at Bey's ever-changing hair, Solange is actually much more interesting when it comes to the ways in which she styles her coif. Solange rarely does stick straight and sleek, instead adopting a bigger-is-better theme with most of her looks. She smartly goes with a bold lip and keeps her eye makeup minimal when she rocks statement hair — she's an expert at balance if I've ever seen one. Plus, she has the 2014 natural hair 'fro down to a flawless science. When it comes to hair, I have to give the edge to Solange over Beyonce for being fierce, fearless, and apparently game for anything. It's effortless, too. She is not trying too hard; she just owns it.
In honor of Solange's bday — not Beyday, mind you — check out 10 times she upstaged her sister with her strands.
1. Disco Waves
At the 2014 CFDA event, Solange worked massive, center-parted, and brushed out disco curls, the volume of which balanced out the straight silhouette of her sparkly, skinny strap gown. Lady Gaga has been seen with a Diana Ross-like wig, but Solange rocked it 10 times harder.
2. Tight Curls
This 'do is similar to the CFDA style, but it's much shorter, tighter, and curlier. It's larger than life but miraculously doesn't overwhelm her face.
3. Retro Pixie
Prior to the infamous elevator battle with Hova, Solange's retro pixie cut at the 2014 Met Gala showed her to be elegant and soft. Bey wore a lacy veil but the contrast between Sol's dark, monochromatic hair, with asymmetrical bangs, and the peachy gown were higher impact.
4. Braids
Bey was recently seen with maaaj long braids, but Solange's were more wearable and more realway, thanks to the manageable length and middle part.
5. Super Short
Solange's super short hair looked longer than it was, thanks to the volume and thickness. Clearly, she isn't afraid to embrace her gorgeous natural, thick, and curly texture.
6. Dreads
We've seen Solange and Bey both do braids, but Solange's dreads, worn while performing, were fun, summery, and unexpected. Like I said, she totally takes hair risks.
7. Suicide Roll
Solange's take on the retro suicide roll was a work of art, thanks to the braiding. Despite it being a "look at me" hairstyle, notice your eye is still drawn to her eyes. That makes it an effective and dual-purpose coif.
8. Diana Ross Pouf
On anyone else, this would be way too much fullness. On Solange, it was just gorge. The silvery, smoky eyes were a change of pace, but worked, especially since her lip was minimal.
9. Corkscrews With Bangs
At the 2013 Grammys, Bey wore a pantsuit and a high pony, looking like a lady who lunches. Sol's clingy, body con, emerald gown, and corkscrew curls with bangs, in a lighter, warm chocolate shade, came together for a total "Wow!" moment.
10. Sleek + Slicked
Solange's sleek, slicked down updo showed off her pretty face and features, namely her lips and cheekbones. She rarely opts for a flat 'do or a straight one, for that matter, choosing to embrace her wild, untamed mane of curls. So she blew me away when she did something different.
Images: Getty Images
