Lupita Nyong'o not only took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 12 Years a Slave, but her flawless style has also topped every best-dressed and beauty list alike. On Saturday, as she promoted her new films Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the live-action version of The Jungle Book at the Disney D23 Expo, the 32-year-old star, whose short natural hair has been her trademark, surprised fans with an equally chic longer hairstyle.
Hair stylist Larry Sims, who helped create her new look, spoke to HELLO! about what prompted the star to make the change.
"Lupita shows girls with natural hair that there's tons of versatility with such a style," says her hairstylist Larry Sims
"Lupita loves to change up her looks," said Larry. "She is a risk taker and trendsetter. She shows girls with natural hair that there is tons of versatility with such a style. She really inspires women across the world to embrace the natural texture."
The actress debuted her new hairdo at the Anaheim convention centre, and posted several snaps on Instagram. While Lupita didn't comment on her new haircut, Larry revealed the decision for the change came from both of them. "This idea was a collaboration between Lupita and me," he adds. "She took my vision and we bounced ideas off of each other to get the perfect look."
Larry has worked with a host of stars – including Tracee Ellis Ross and Kerry Washington
When it came to creating her new look, Larry revealed there was one product he used to "showcase the growth and wave" of her hair.
"Lupita is growing out her natural hair so we wanted to showcase the growth and wave," he said. "We used the Smooth ‘N Shine Bodifying Mousse to define the curl and to create a combination of texture and definition. Then, of course, we cut it into its flattering shape."
Lupita shared photos from her first ever trip to Disneyland on Instagram
And the starlet's new hair wasn't the only thing that made a big splash that day. Lupita, along with her new 'do, headed over to Splash Mountain after the expo to take a spin on the Wet and Wild ride, in what marked her first trip to Disneyland. "Well, this is clearly what courage looks like. #Disneyland with #TeamLN #d23expo," she captioned a humorous photo of herself on the ride.