PHARRELL WILLIAMS 2020 INTERVIEW: EXPLORES THE BEAUTY BUSINESS

Recently, Pharrell Williams found himself needing to dispel rumors in an interview with CNN, reassuring viewers that he is not, in fact, a vampire. This claim had nothing to do with his extraordinary creative talents in songwriting, performing, or fashion design. Instead, it was about his youthful appearance at 47, as he approaches his sixth decade. His striking angular cheekbones are inherited from his grandmother, and his almond-shaped eyes come from his father. While his musical prowess garners admiration, there has always been an equal fascination with his looks and skincare regimen. Williams’s thoughtful, philosophical approach extends to all his endeavors. “Sometimes you need to cleanse your spirit,” he reflects. “Sometimes you need to cleanse your mind. Sometimes you’ve just got to get rid of some dead skin.”

He’s here to discuss his latest venture: a skincare line developed in collaboration with his longtime dermatologist, Elena Jones. “Are you seeing this?” he asks proudly, showing off a squat bottle colored like freshly mown grass. The name “Humanrace” stands out boldly on the packaging.

Humanrace Skincare debuts with a rice powder cleanser, an enzyme exfoliant, and a “humidifying” moisturizer. “I grew up in humidity,” he notes, recalling his Virginia Beach roots, just a mile from the ocean. “The way I think about things… I’m an Aries, but I’m also a Cancer rising. Water makes me feel free. Water is very inspiring to me.” Indeed, water has been a lifelong theme for him. “I’ve always been obsessed with the idea that water falls [from] the sky as evaporation,” he explains.

Williams’s knack for promoting even the simplest products is evident here. He holds up a loden-green sandal to the webcam, which looks like a shower slide with a puffy tube top. “I told everybody, ‘Listen, wearing these are like [wearing] socks,’” he says. I research them: Adidas x Pharrell Williams Boost slides, $100 a pair. “And they sell out, because people want comfort.”

If you were to invent a title for him, Pharrell Williams would be the Chief Sensations Officer at Humanrace. He characterizes his skincare expertise as the ability to “describe sensations,” which are then reverse-engineered by his team to create previously non-existent experiences. Whether it’s the feeling of shoes that gently embrace your feet or the sensation of humidity on your face captured in a cream that also highlights your cheekbones, Williams translates these sensations into tangible products.

“You put on that humidifying cream,” he says with a grin that flattens his little black mustache, “You’re like, ‘Oh man, my skin is popping.’”

Under the relentless Miami sun, where the air is so humid it could be sold as a moisturizer, Williams goes for bike rides a few times a week. He began biking around Miami 15 years ago as both a physical and spiritual practice. The cardio from riding up to a hundred miles a week helps keep his physique lean. “I like to be slim,” he explains. “I don’t want to be bulky. I don’t want to have big muscles and shit. Like, I’m not looking to be some Greek statue.”

“Sometimes you need to cleanse your spirit. Sometimes you need to cleanse your mind. Sometimes you’ve just got to get rid of some dead skin.”

At the start of each ride, he curses the wind, but soon he feels it as a divine force propelling him forward. “You realize that there is something much more than just you, your bike, and your attention to where you’re headed. There’s this force that comes from nature that you just… If you’re down to be in tune, it speaks to you. It speaks to me.” He spent much of his youth biking in Virginia Beach, likely looking much like he does now—slim and youthful—riding south and north.

In his mid-20s, Williams began a serious focus on skin health. During the early stages of his career, he would often engage in impromptu grooming discussions with women he dated, befriended, or met professionally. “They’d talk to me about their skin and the things that they’d do,” he recalls. “It varied between the different girls and campaigns that they had done and what they felt was integral to their process.” He fondly remembers skin-care advice from Naomi Campbell: “‘As soon as you’re done washing your face, you wash it with cold water.’ She would always talk to me about never washing my face with the downward strokes of whatever cloth I was using, to always go upward, to go against the gravity.”

(Williams married Helen Lasichanh in 2013; the couple had a son in 2008 and triplets in 2017. He is no longer engaging in these skin-care discussions with women.)

The celebrity network offers a mixed bag of skin-care advice. On one hand, celebrities often have a strong grasp of skin care, akin to how an American soldier might master Tagalog while stationed in the Philippines. However, many are contracted by beauty companies, which can limit their expertise to promoting specific brands or products, making them unreliable narrators at times.

Williams’s description of his skin-care line reflects his unique approach: “Humanrace is a full-on brand,” he says. “We just want to make things better. We want to democratize the experience of achieving wellness. And I’m not trying to be like any other wellness brand out there. That’s what they do. That’s what they give. Ours is all based on results and solutions and sensations. We wanted to look at sensations. I mean, we live in a world that needs it.”

While Williams has previously been cautious about identifying himself as an activist, his perspective has evolved, particularly influenced by the Movement for Black Lives this past summer. He has been inspired by thinkers like Michael Harriot and Henry Louis Gates Jr., who have demonstrated that impactful change can take many forms. “Gates said, there are many different ways to protest, to be on the front lines,” Williams notes, referring to the widespread protests in the United States since May. “Some people are great orators. Some people are great strategists. Some people can stand and hold a placard, protest sign, for way longer than other people. There are people making sandwiches and bringing nourishment to people who are out there. My activism has [taken a lot of shapes]. Because my culture, our lives matter.”

This summer, Williams and Jay-Z released “Entrepreneur,” a track highlighting the systemic ways capital is withheld from Black men. The phrase “Black Man” even illuminated Times Square from a New York Police Department outpost, promoting the single.

When asked if the song draws any inspiration from his own business success, Williams is reserved. “I mean, Jay and I just did that song as a PSA,” he says. “Only. It’s just that.”

Williams explains that the song aims to inspire aspiring Black business owners to act on their ambitions despite the obstacles. “When you hear the whispers of your ambitions, act on them. You’ve generationally been told how tough it’s going to be for you. It’s like you’re on the baseball team, with one arm behind your back. You might be able to catch the ball. How far are you going to be able to hit it? They need you to be able to make it all the way home.”

Williams has certainly made it home. He’s written, produced, or performed at least one of your favorite songs, making you leap from the bathroom to the dance floor back in the days when that was a thing. He’s been behind tracks that made you hold on tight through the opening notes of hits like “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Hot in Herre.” In his early days, while working with Chad Hugo, their contributions were often overshadowed by the star power of artists like Britney, Justin, and Nelly. But when it became known that two men from Virginia Beach were responsible for a significant chunk of pop radio hits, the music world took notice.

How does Pharrell Williams create music? “It’s like a house,” he explains. “There’s more than one way inside the house. It’s not just the front door. The side doors, windows, patios. There [are] so many ways, so I don’t know that we have the time to —”

We don’t. We’re at minute 50 of a tightly scheduled second interview, which has to be conducted during Williams’s workout. The first interview took place while he was working on Rosalía’s third studio album, during which he had to briefly step away to bid her farewell.

“— really unpack that. I will say that no matter the scenario, when it comes to music for me, there’s always a trigger. It’s just a word in the conversation or a notion, or seeing a situation, or watching a movie. It all depends. And once you find that trigger, it becomes a rabbit hole and then you just kind of go down that. The rest of it is figuring out what the groove is going to be.”

Currently, he and Hugo are working on crafting the groove for Rihanna’s highly anticipated ninth album. “Rih is in a different place right now. Like, wow. She’s from a different world.” Williams humorously suggests that this world might be Venus, backing it up with a recent theory that there could be life on our neighboring planet. “I‘m willing to bet, because Venus is gaseous, that if they had a telescope that could zoom through all that shit, you’d see Rih laying there naked.”

“I’m an Aries, but I’m also a Cancer rising. Water makes me feel free. Water is very inspiring to me.”

Williams possesses the remarkable ability to create music that is both exceptional and widely popular. Over the past decade, he has achieved two Billboard Hot 100 hits that dominated the charts for over ten weeks: “Blurred Lines” and “Happy.” The former, a funky track, was controversial, with some critics interpreting it as condoning sexual assault—an interpretation that Williams has since come to understand. “Happy,” on the other hand, became a staple at baby showers and beyond.

The creation of “Happy” marked a shift in Williams’s musical approach. The song was less a personal creative pursuit and more a deliverable for Universal Pictures for the film Despicable Me 2. Originally, CeeLo Green was slated to provide vocals, but his team declined the opportunity. In an alternate reality, our CVS pharmacies might be stocked with CeeLo Green’s distinctive voice proclaiming joy and urging us to join in.

But that’s not the world we live in. Williams ended up recording “Happy,” his smooth voice adding a golden touch to the track. The song’s infectious catchiness, along with its themes of happiness, gratitude, and dancing, helped Williams win over children and older adults alike, likely enhancing his fame. Though it was initially a commission for another artist, Williams transformed it into a defining moment of his career, acing a work assignment that, for better or worse, became a significant part of his legacy.

42 BEST AFRICAN-AMERICAN HAIRSTYLES & HAIRCUTS FOR BLACK WOMEN IN 2024

Modern, edgy, and timeless African-American hairstyles always make a statement. Like the perfect accessory, they complete any look with flair. Whether you lean toward simple elegance or textured boldness, these Black hairstyles are sure to turn heads! Before your next hair appointment, explore these inspiring photos of the most popular African-American hairstyles and haircuts.

STUNNING 3C CURLS 

Stunning 3C curls are tight, bouncy, and well-defined. This style showcases natural curls that have a beautiful, spiral shape, giving a lively and voluminous look. It’s perfect for adding lots of texture and flair to your hair.

NATURALLY CURLY KINKY HAIR

Women with naturally curly, kinky hair should consider trying a reddish hue! For Black women, hairstyles with tight coils look amazing with red and warm-toned highlights strategically placed. Ask your stylist to add highlights around your face to enhance your best features.

CURLY PIXIE FOR SHORT NATURAL HAIR

Consider a naturally curly pixie cut for a stylish look. Keep in mind that short hair requires regular upkeep, but the right haircut makes a big difference. Find a hairstylist who specializes in pivot point cutting to ensure your cut suits your head shape and lifestyle perfectly. A good stylist will personalize the cut just for you.

NEW BRAID HAIRSTYLES WITH BEADS

Braids are always a great choice for Black women, and this style shown here has a modern twist. With colorful beads added, this braided look is fabulous and stylish while also helping to protect your hair from seasonal damage.

SHORT AFRO-TEXTURED HAIRSTYLE

Short afro-textured hair has its own charm. Embrace your beautiful short natural curls with this adorable pixie cut. Use Kinky Curly’s Knot Today conditioner to define and condition your curls. This pixie afro style works well for all face shapes.

HYDRATED CURLS

Hydrated curls for Black women highlight natural, bouncy curls that look full and healthy. This style keeps curls moisturized and well-defined, avoiding dryness and frizz. Using products that add moisture helps the curls stay soft and shiny. Regular conditioning and hydrating treatments are key to maintaining this look. This style showcases the beauty of natural curls and is easy to maintain with the right care.

BLONDE AND BROWN AFRO HAIRSTYLES

This is one of the best natural hairstyles for Black women. Embrace your black girl magic and rock your curls proudly in an afro. This voluminous style has a fun and lively feel, especially with a blend of blonde and light brown hues.

COLORED HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

Looking for a fresh and unique look? Try a choppy cut with side bangs like this one. The combination of red and pink shades adds a glamorous touch, and it suits Black women beautifully. The choppy layers fall just below the chin, making this haircut ideal for round faces.

UNIQUE BRAIDS WITH BEADS

Unique braids with beads are super cool! They’re regular braids with pretty beads added to them. You can use different colors and sizes of beads to make your hair look really special. It’s like adding little pieces of jewelry to your hair!

BOUNCY CURLS WITH BRAIDS

Why choose between braids and curls when you can have both? Take inspiration from the hairstyle shown here, which blends bouncy curls with cornrow braids. The tight braids on one side and the cascading curls on the other create a stunning look. Short curly hairstyles for Black women are always in style and add a touch of elegance.

LIGHT BROWN PROTECTIVE BRAIDS

Light brown protective braids are a great way to keep your hair safe. These braids are usually long and look like rope. They come in a light brown color. Because they’re tight, they help your hair grow and stay healthy. They also look really stylish!

CURLY MOHAWK WITH DESIGNER EDGES

Looking for an edgy black hairstyle? Check out this one: it features bouncy curls styled into a voluminous mohawk, with shaved sides that add a bold twist. The line design on the shaved sides enhances the style, making it even more fabulous.

BRAIDED BUN WITH FLOWERS

Natural black wedding hairstyles are both fun and stunning. This particular look showcases a bride wearing her natural hair in a halo braid, complemented by a low bun. The tiny flower accessories enhance the elegance of this beautiful style.

MID-LENGTH BEAUTIFUL MIDDLE-PARTED CURLS

Mid-length curls with a middle part look really pretty. Your hair falls down your shoulders in bouncy curls. The part in the middle makes your face look nice and balanced. It’s a style that’s easy to wear and makes you look stylish.

GORGEOUS LONG CROCHET BRAIDS

Gorgeous long crochet braids are like magic hair! They look like real braids but are actually made by hooking hair onto your own braids. They can be super long and bouncy, and come in lots of colors. It’s a quick way to get beautiful, long hair without waiting for your own hair to grow.

CHUNKY DREADLOCKS

Dreadlocks are really popular right now! They’re like cool, rope-like twists in your hair. Adding white thread to them makes them look even cooler and helps them keep their shape. Dreadlocks are easy to take care of and don’t need a lot of fussing. They’re perfect for people who want a stylish and low-maintenance hairstyle.

MICRO TWISTS IN BRAIDS

When you’re unsure what to do with your hair, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle like this one. These straight-back micro braids are playful and stylish. Half of the braids are gathered into a ponytail at the crown, while the rest are left loose, creating a stunning effect.

BOUNCY TOUCHABLE CURLS 

Bouncy touchable curls are like soft, springy springs on your head! They look and feel amazing. You can run your fingers through them and they bounce right back. This style is fun and playful, and it makes you feel good.

MODERN BLACK NATURAL HAIRSTYLES

Here’s a trendy hairstyle for Black women that embraces natural hair texture. This look features a modern blend of braids and curls. Four tiny, symmetrical braids frame the front, while the hair from the crown and below flows freely. The bouncy curls at the back beautifully balance the polished front, creating an incredibly glamorous effect.

ELEGANT SIDE-PARTED LONG BLACK HAIR

Elegant side-parted long black hair is super classy! Your hair is long and black, and you part it on one side. It looks fancy and makes you feel confident. It’s a style that’s perfect for special occasions or just when you want to feel extra special.

STUNNING BRAIDED BUN HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

When you’re not sure what to do with your hair, braids are always a great choice. This hairstyle for Black women offers a touch of extra flair. The Fulani braids, enhanced with red extensions, are twisted into an elegant and intricate updo. The rich red color and detailed bun create a regal and eye-catching look.

THICK 3C SPIRAL CURLS 

Thick 3C spiral curls are like bouncy, tiny springs! They’re really curly and close together. Your hair looks full and has lots of volume. Because the curls are so tight, it can be a bit tricky to keep them moisturized, but when they’re healthy, they look amazing!

BLACK NATURAL HAIRSTYLES IN DUAL SHADE

Searching for vibrant hairstyles for Black women? Look no further. This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to add color without blending in with the crowd. Featuring dual shades and natural curls, it offers a unique and striking look. You can choose any color combination you like to make it truly your own.

BRAIDS FOR BLACK WOMEN IN A PONYTAIL

You’ve probably seen plenty of ponytail hairstyles, but here’s one with a modern twist. Check out the hairstyle shown here, which features a mix of thin and thick braids gathered into a high, curly ponytail. What sets this look apart is the golden cuff that holds the ponytail together, along with the stylishly shaped edges.

CHIC CORNROW BRAIDS

Box braids are a great hairstyle for Black women! They’re comfy, stylish, and protect your hair. You can make them long or short, and they look good on everyone. Don’t forget to style the edges for a super polished look.

BOX BRAIDS WITH PASSION TWIST 

Box braids with passion twists are a super cool mix! You have regular box braids, then some of them are turned into passion twists. It’s like having two different styles in one. The passion twists add a curly, bouncy look to the box braids. It’s a fun and creative way to wear your hair.

RIHANNA HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

Rihanna’s simple updo is so chic! Her hair is sleek and smooth, pulled back into a pretty bun. It’s not too tight, and sits perfectly on her head. She has a few wispy pieces of hair around her face, which makes it look even nicer. It’s a classy and easy hairstyle to copy!

AFRO WITH A HAIRBAND

A bandana isn’t the only accessory to keep your beautiful, bouncy curls in place. Try using a stylish hairband to push your afro away from your face. This will add a fresh dimension to your look while making your hair more manageable.

LIGHTLY CURLED LONG BOB

A lightly curled long bob is a stylish haircut. Your hair is cut short around your chin, but it’s longer than a regular bob. The ends of your hair are softly curled, giving it a bouncy and playful look. It’s a modern and easy-to-manage hairstyle that looks good on almost everyone.

NATURAL BRAIDED UPDO HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK HAIR

Braids for Black women create a stunning look when styled into a bun, making them perfect for wedding hairstyles. This particular example showcases a simple, fun, and elegant style where boxer braids are tied into a low bun. To add extra definition and flair, the braids are beautifully adorned with beads.

AFRICAN HAIRSTYLES WITH DREADLOCKS

You can still show off gorgeous dreadlocks even with short hair. With the help of some hair extensions, you can achieve sleek, polished dreadlocks like the ones pictured here. Enhance the look by adding stylish cuffs to elevate the glam factor of your hairstyle.

LONG FRIZZY CURLS

Long, frizzy curls cascade down, a wild and untamed mane full of personality. They bounce with every movement, a playful dance of texture and volume. While they might require extra care to tame, their effortless beauty and undeniable charm make them a captivating sight.

CORNROWS FOR AN EDGY TWIST

This is an amazing braided hairstyle for Black women that adds a unique twist to the usual straight hair with wavy ends. The style featured here offers inspiration to elevate a simple look with an edgy flair. Cornrows braided on one side bring a bold touch, while the cascading wispy ends on the forehead perfectly balance the edginess, creating a striking and sophisticated hairdo.

THICK CURLED LIGHT BROWN HAIR

Thick, light brown curls create a luxurious, cascading waterfall of hair. Each curl is defined and bouncy, full of life and movement. The color adds a warm, sun-kissed glow, making it a truly enviable mane.

LATEST AFRICAN AMERICAN NATURAL HAIRSTYLES WITH BANGS

Having curly hair doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the bangs trend. In fact, you can absolutely rock bangs with a head full of curls. Take inspiration from Zendaya, who effortlessly pulls off curly bangs like no one else. Embrace your natural texture and let it shine, making you look as stunning as ever.

FULL-LOOKING NATURAL CURLS

Full-looking natural curls boast a captivating volume and texture, creating a head-turning crown of ringlets. Each curl springs to life, showcasing the hair’s natural vitality and bounce. This enviable hairdo exudes confidence and effortless style.

GLAMOROUS COILY WAVES

Tired of your curls? Try switching things up with these chic and stunning finger waves. You can achieve this look with the help of a curling rod, or you can start with Bantu knots. After leaving the knots in for a while, you’ll not only get natural finger waves but also an added boost of volume.

VERY THICK CURLY HAIRSTYLE

Very thick curly hair is a stunning mane of voluminous ringlets that command attention. Its weight and density create a captivating cascade of curls, full of bounce and life. While it might require extra care and styling, the end result is a breathtaking head of hair that exudes confidence and personality.

ELEGANT UPDO HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

If you love pineapples, why not let that passion inspire your hairstyle? Gather your curls at the top of your head to create a playful pineapple effect. This hairstyle, as shown here, is a perfect blend of fun and sophistication.

WATERFALL DEVACUT

A waterfall DevaCut is a mesmerizing technique that enhances the natural beauty of curly hair. Strands are layered and shaped to create a cascading effect, resembling a flowing waterfall. This cut not only defines curls but also adds volume and movement, resulting in a stunning, effortless hairstyle that celebrates the hair’s unique texture.

STUNNING ASYMMETRIC BLACK HAIRCUTS

This short asymmetrical bob is one of the most iconic Black hairstyles, made famous by Rihanna and embraced by women ever since. The version pictured here features soft, wispy ends that perfectly balance the uneven symmetry. The waves in the front add definition and drama, making this hairstyle both stylish and striking.

JAW-LENGTH BOB WITH BANGS

A jaw-length bob with bangs offers a chic and versatile style. The cut falls just below the jawline, creating a flattering frame for the face, while the bangs draw attention to the eyes. Whether blunt, side-swept, or curtain bangs, this combination adds a touch of edge and sophistication, making it a timeless choice for any occasion.

PROTECTIVE BOX BRAIDS

Protective box braids are a popular hairstyle that shields natural hair from damage and manipulation. The intricate pattern of squared sections and tightly woven braids helps retain moisture and promotes hair growth. They offer a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making them a go-to choice for many.

CONCLUSION

From classic elegance to bold and edgy, the world of African-American hairstyles offers endless possibilities for Black women to express their unique style and personality. Celebrate the diversity and beauty of Black hair by exploring these 42 stunning hairstyles and finding the one that empowers you to shine.