R&B/Soul divas Ledisi, Erykah Badu and Solange Knowles cover this month’s issue of Essence magazine as they celebrate the beauty of natural hair. All three women are known for their distinct hairstyles. Over the years, both Badu and Knowles have had the most transformations sampling everything from afros to braids while Ledisi has kept her signature locks in tact. Inside the pages, each artist defines how she celebrates her natural hair. Check it out.

Ledisi on hair:

 “Although I’m known for my long, colorful locs, I  still don’t take my hair too seriously. I experiment a lot, dyeing it and  constantly switching styles to grab attention. My hair is one of my best  accessories and changing it helps express who I am.”

Solange on hair:

“We all have the option of how we want to express  ourselves through our life, hair, style or whatever we decide. We shouldn’t be  pigeonholed into any one category.”

Erykah on hair:

“I view my hair and clothes as functional art. I’m my  own stylist and I love it, but I am not trying to make a  statement.”