Viola Davis wears natural hairstyle for October issue of Essence

Appearing with the volume of her hair pulled back into a bouffant updo, Davis took the positive message of wearing natural hair for all occasions even further in this latest look, the longest that we have seen on her.

alexisgarrettstodghill

Sep 6, 2013

Looking as radiant as ever, Viola Davis was photographed wearing a gorgeous natural hairstyle for October issue of Essence magazine.

No stranger to the natural look, Davis first made headlines for sporting her natural curls when she wore a “teeny weeny afro” to the Oscars in 2012.

This decision spurred numerous public debates about natural hair at formal events, yet also garnered her considerable praise for the richly-hued, closely-cropped style.

Her signature glowing skin, warm eyes and relaxed smile complement her coiffure.

She spoke to Essence about the need to express herself fully as a black woman through proudly displaying her hair.

“I had to defend myself as an artist,” she told the black women’s style bible, “but I found myself defending myself as a dark-skinned Black woman in front of people who did not know my life. I took my wig off because I no longer wanted to apologize for who I am.”

The Academy Award-nominated actress also shared how her marriage to husband actor Julius Tennon was an answer to a prayer.

“I asked for a husband who was emotionally available, someone who was older, someone who maybe had a family before,” she said. “I like older men. Someone from the South. Someone who loves God more than he loves himself.”

Davis met her husband a little over three weeks later.

Online reactions to the cover have been ecstatic.

“This cover has done her justice!” said one reader of Clutch Magazine. “Such a gorgeous woman, and fantastic actress.”

Viola Davis appears in the upcoming thriller, Prisoners, due in theaters on September 20.

Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter @lexisb.