Aretha Franklin, known globally as the undisputed Queen of Soul, was more than a groundbreaking voice in music. She was a symbol of grace, strength, and unapologetic femininity. While her powerful vocals and timeless songs have carved an everlasting place in music history, Aretha’s sense of style and love for beauty played an equally important role in defining her iconic legacy. Her aesthetic choices were as significant to her public persona as her voice, and her beauty regimen was deeply tied to her self-expression and identity. The story of Aretha’s beauty journey provides a window into the queen’s soul, offering a glimpse into the salons, professionals, and looks that shaped her visual legacy.
Introduction to Aretha Franklin’s Love for Beauty
Aretha Franklin’s life in the spotlight was marked not only by her powerful performances but also by her impeccable attention to beauty and fashion. She was a woman who understood the importance of looking as good as you feel, especially when the world is watching. This dedication to beauty wasn’t just about following trends or maintaining an image. For Aretha, it was an extension of self-care and a reflection of her inner strength and independence.
In interviews, Aretha would often speak about her relationship with beauty as something that kept her grounded and allowed her to step into her role as a performer. Whether she was getting ready for a performance or simply preparing for a day out, her beauty routine was a ritual—a moment where she could take time for herself amidst the whirlwind of fame. Her dedication to her appearance, from her stunning gowns to her perfectly coiffed hair, was never just about looking good but feeling empowered.
Her beauty and fashion choices also carried a deeper message: they were symbols of her resilience and pride. For Aretha, beauty was a way to celebrate herself and her African American heritage, rejecting any notion that she should conform to Eurocentric ideals of beauty. Her style was uniquely hers, a balance of sophistication, glamour, and a deep sense of self-assurance.
Highlight of Favorite Beauty Salons
Aretha Franklin was known to frequent some of the best beauty salons in various cities, building close relationships with stylists who helped craft her signature look. Here are some of the beauty havens that played a role in shaping the queen’s ever-evolving appearance:
- LaRitz Hair Studio (Detroit, MI)
Located in Aretha’s beloved hometown of Detroit, LaRitz Hair Studio was her go-to for many years. Known for its expertise in black hair care and custom styling, LaRitz catered to a wide variety of clients, from everyday women to high-profile celebrities. It was a place where Aretha could receive personalized care, whether she was getting a fresh set of curls, a sleek blowout, or one of her famous updos. The salon’s focus on high-quality hair treatments and its intimate, boutique atmosphere made it one of Aretha’s trusted stops for all things hair. - Essence Beauty Salon (Chicago, IL)
Another favorite of Aretha’s was Essence Beauty Salon in Chicago, a city she often visited. Known for its luxurious and welcoming environment, Essence offered a wide array of services, including hair extensions, relaxers, and scalp treatments. The owner, known for her expertise in creating high-volume styles that complemented Aretha’s stage persona, worked closely with the singer over the years. It was here that Aretha found her signature hairstyles for performances, like her voluminous bouffants and glamorous waves. - The Style Suite (New York, NY)
When visiting New York, Aretha would often stop by The Style Suite, a salon renowned for its personalized approach to beauty. Known for its skilled makeup artists and hairstylists, this upscale salon helped create some of Aretha’s most iconic red-carpet looks. With a team specializing in both classic and avant-garde styles, The Style Suite allowed Aretha to experiment with new trends while still maintaining her timeless essence.
Profiles of Beauty Professionals
The people behind Aretha Franklin’s stunning looks were more than just stylists—they were trusted confidants who understood the importance of reflecting her personality through her appearance. Each professional had a special connection to the Queen of Soul, shaping her iconic style while building lasting relationships.
- George Johnson – Hair Stylist Extraordinaire
Known as one of the best in the business, George Johnson worked with Aretha throughout much of her career. He was responsible for some of her most memorable hairstyles, including her bold, short pixie cuts and elegant bouffants. Johnson understood Aretha’s love for both glamour and practicality, always creating looks that were timeless yet easy to maintain. His philosophy was simple: a woman’s hair should enhance her confidence, and Aretha’s hair did just that. - Rebekah Adams – Makeup Artist to the Stars
Rebekah Adams had a long-standing professional relationship with Aretha Franklin, and their partnership produced some of the most iconic makeup looks seen on stages and red carpets alike. Rebekah knew how to accentuate Aretha’s natural beauty, using classic techniques that highlighted her strong brows, soft eyeshadow, and bold lips. Rebekah always ensured Aretha’s makeup looked flawless under the spotlight, yet approachable up close. For Aretha, makeup wasn’t about hiding imperfections but enhancing her already striking features.
Aretha’s Signature Looks
Over the years, Aretha Franklin became synonymous with certain beauty trends that defined not just her appearance, but an era. Her looks were bold, elegant, and unapologetically feminine, and they evolved alongside her music. Here are some of her signature styles:
- The Iconic Bouffant
Perhaps one of her most famous hairstyles, the bouffant became Aretha’s go-to during her peak in the 1960s and 70s. This high-volume, structured look added drama to her stage presence and became a symbol of the era’s glamorous aesthetic. Achieving this look required expert teasing, a generous amount of hairspray, and a stylist with precision. Her bouffants weren’t just hairstyles; they were crowns that showcased her royal status in the music world. - The Glamorous Waves
As Aretha matured into the later decades of her career, she embraced more refined, glamorous waves. These loose curls added softness to her features and exuded old Hollywood elegance. She often paired this style with dramatic gowns and bold makeup, cementing her place as both a musical and fashion icon. - Bold Eye Makeup and Lashes
Aretha’s beauty was never complete without her signature bold eye makeup. She loved strong eyeliner that defined her eyes, often opting for winged lines or heavy kohl. Paired with voluminous lashes, her eye looks were captivating and dramatic, helping her stand out during her performances and public appearances. Even off-stage, she was known for keeping her makeup classic yet bold, focusing on accentuating her natural beauty with a touch of glamour.
Influence on the Beauty Industry
Aretha Franklin wasn’t just a style icon—she was a beauty trailblazer. Her choices often set trends that were embraced by women around the world, particularly in the African American community. She defied beauty norms by embracing her natural features, showing that black women could be glamorous, powerful, and sophisticated without conforming to societal standards.
Aretha’s preference for volume in her hairstyles became a trend in itself, inspiring generations of women to embrace big, bold hair. Her fearless approach to makeup—accentuating her eyes, using statement lip colors—pushed the boundaries of traditional beauty standards, influencing not only her fans but also the broader beauty community. Brands and salons took note, catering more to diverse beauty needs, from textured hair care products to deeper foundations and lipsticks that complemented various skin tones.
A Legacy Beyond Music
Aretha Franklin’s beauty choices were a reflection of her identity—a strong, independent woman who commanded respect in every aspect of her life. Her style was never about fitting in, but about standing out and making a statement. She used her appearance to communicate her confidence, her femininity, and her pride in her heritage.
Beyond her music, Aretha Franklin’s influence on fashion and beauty is part of her enduring legacy. She inspired countless women to embrace their uniqueness, to celebrate their own beauty, and to understand that style is not just about what you wear, but how you carry yourself. Aretha didn’t just leave behind a catalog of hits—she left a blueprint for generations to follow, a reminder that beauty is as much about inner strength as it is about outward appearance.
In the end, Aretha Franklin will always be remembered as a queen in every sense of the word—not just for her soul-stirring voice, but for her lasting impact on beauty, style, and self-expression. Her legacy will continue to inspire, reminding the world that beauty, like music, has the power to transcend time.
