Ayra Starr — or Sabi Girl, as fans affectionately call her — is the ultimate blend of talent, confidence, and beauty. At just 23, the Mavin Records superstar has carved a space for herself as one of Africa’s most influential young artists. Since her debut in 2021 with the Ayra Starr EP and breakout single “Away” (which topped charts both in Nigeria and globally), her rise to fame has been nothing short of dazzling.
Her first full-length album, 19 & Dangerous, cemented her as a powerhouse in the global Afrobeats scene. Since then, Ayra has worked with some of the biggest names in music — from Wizkid and Tiwa Savage to Stormzy and Leigh-Anne. Her latest track, “Who’s Dat Girl” featuring Rema, currently sits comfortably at number three on Apple Music’s Hot 100.
But beyond her music, Ayra Starr has become a certified beauty and style icon. Much like her sound — a fearless fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop — her beauty looks are bold, experimental, and constantly evolving. She effortlessly plays with hair colours, textures, and makeup styles, all while staying true to her unapologetic Sabi Girl vibe.
Here are all the times Ayra Starr has served major beauty inspo:
1. The Ginger Braids Era
When 19 & Dangerous dropped in 2021, Ayra made her first unforgettable beauty statement — those iconic long, ginger braids. In the “Bloody Samaritan” music video, she stepped out of her comfort zone, trading in her simple dark knotless braids for a fiery new look. The warm ginger tone perfectly complemented her rich complexion and bold personality. It wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a declaration. After that video’s release, ginger braids were everywhere — from Instagram timelines to hair salons across the continent.
2. The Luxe Brown Wig — Madame Starr’s Signature
Fast-forward to 2024, and Ayra was deep into her The Year I Turned 21 era. This phase introduced us to “Madame Starr” — her glamorous alter ego — and her new signature: the luxe brown wig.
She showed just how versatile brown could be, from voluminous curls during her performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to the sleek, polished version she wore at the Christian Louboutin show in Paris. Each variation exuded warmth, luxury, and confidence — the perfect reflection of her growing global influence.
3. The Power Pixie Cut
If there’s one look that defines Ayra Starr today, it’s the pixie cut. She’s worn it in multiple variations — jet black, chocolate brown, even side-swept — and each time, it enhances her delicate, heart-shaped face.
The magic of this hairstyle lies in how it balances her features: soft volume on top to highlight her cheekbones, shorter sides to draw focus to her captivating eyes. It’s sleek, feminine, and effortlessly edgy — a true “less is more” moment that proves confidence is the best accessory.
4. The Half-Shaved Rockstar Look
For her most daring transformation yet, Ayra took a walk on the wild side with an edgy half-shaved, half-weave style. This look — part punk, part glam — perfectly sums up her fearless approach to beauty.
With cascading dark waves on one side and a bold undercut on the other, it was both feminine and rebellious. Few artists can pull off such a juxtaposition with grace, but Ayra made it look effortless. It’s a visual metaphor for her artistry — bold, experimental, and unapologetically her own.
Ayra Starr: The Evolving Face of the Sabi Girl
From fiery ginger braids to her elegant Madame Starr era and that iconic pixie cut, Ayra Starr’s beauty journey mirrors her evolution as an artist — bold, dynamic, and free-spirited. She’s not afraid to take risks or reinvent herself, and that’s what makes her so captivating.
Ayra isn’t just setting trends; she’s redefining what it means to own your beauty and identity with confidence. One look at her and you’ll understand — the Sabi Girl energy is here to stay.
