Beyoncé Reveals How Blue Ivy Inspired Jay-Z’s New Afro: ‘A Lot of Memories Stored In Locs’

Beyoncé has delivered a heartfelt Father’s Day tribute that goes far beyond the surface.

On Sunday, June 21, Cécred—Beyoncé’s haircare venture—celebrated the holiday by unveiling a seven-minute documentary titled “The Blueprint.” The short film offers an intimate look at the evolution of Jay-Z’s signature style, tracing his transition from his iconic Caesar cut to his distinct, Basquiat-inspired locs, and finally, the voluminous Afro he proudly debuted during his standout headlining performance at the Roots Picnic on May 30.

Narrating the journey, Beyoncé reveals the personal motivation behind her husband’s transformation. “Jay mentioned a few months ago that he intended to comb out his locs for the Philly show to honor his father, who frequently rocked an Afro,” she explains, set against candid rehearsal footage that features their daughter, Rumi, playfully mirroring her father on stage. “I must admit, I was skeptical—his locs were thick, long, and had been maturing for over eight years. But I’ve always found it beautiful that he initially grew them out to show Blue that her hair was just like his.”

The significance of this gesture dates back to 2011, when the couple faced unwarranted public scrutiny regarding Blue Ivy’s natural hair. According to Beyoncé, seeing their young daughter struggle with her confidence prompted Jay-Z to embark on his own hair journey. “We were deeply committed to helping her cherish every inch of her stunning curls,” Beyoncé shares.

This commitment has become a cornerstone of the family’s creative expression. From Blue Ivy’s natural appearances in “Formation” and “Family Feud” to her narration of the award-winning Hair Love audiobook, the family has consistently championed Black beauty. In a touching moment within the new vlog, Blue Ivy is seen assisting with her father’s hair, joyfully quipping, “I’m going to be an influencer!”

Though Beyoncé initially felt nostalgic about parting with the locs—which she describes as “antennas” that connect one to deeper energies—she ultimately supported the emotional renewal. The intricate process, which required six days of combing and an additional day of detangling, was a collaborative effort involving Beyoncé, Blue, and loctician Letisia “Lety” Ravelo, utilizing Cécred’s specialized range of products.

“The resulting Afro was spectacular,” Beyoncé concludes. “I am so grateful to Jay for placing his trust in Cécred for this pivotal moment.”

This milestone arrives during a high-profile year for the mogul, who is currently celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. With a “Greatest Songwriters” distinction from The New York Times and an upcoming three-night residency at Yankee Stadium—including a dedicated tribute to the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint—Jay-Z continues to define the culture.