Beyoncé explains why Jay Z began styling his hair with locs
On May 30, 2026, Jay‑Z headlined the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, appearing on stage with a full afro after years of wearing long dreadlocks. The change was highlighted in a video posted on the account for Beyoncé’s hair‑care brand, Cécred.
The clip featured footage of Jay‑Z touring the city, his hair styled by a professional, and a voiceover from Beyoncé explaining the new look. She said the afro honors his father, Adniss Reeves, who once wore a fro and supported Jay‑Z’s connection to Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Beyoncé also reflected on how Jay‑Z grew out his hair over eight years to give their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, confidence in her own curls. She noted that at age five, Blue Ivy realized she shared the same hair texture as her father and that Jay‑Z’s long locs became significant family memories.
The video, titled “The Blueprint” in reference to Jay‑Z’s 2001 album, documents the six‑day removal of the dreadlocks and the transition to the afro. It ends with Beyoncé praising the final result.