There is no doubt that Janelle James has impeccable taste when it comes to stylish hairstyles. Whether performing stand-up comedy or making television appearances, she always sports captivating looks. This is especially true in the ABC series Abbott Elementary, where James plays Ava Coleman—a principal who is eccentric and wild, yet undeniably fashionable.
Her hairstyles in the show are constantly evolving. While her signature look features flowing locks ranging from 18 to 20 inches in length, she frequently switches between curls and waves, sporting colors that span from various shades of brown and black to blonde and even burgundy ombre.
On social media, James consistently demonstrates her ability to pull off a wide range of flattering styles and lengths—from waist-length hair to pixie cuts and shoulder length lobs. Today, we explore her effortlessly chic and versatile hairstyles, as well as a question many fans are curious about: Does Janelle James wear wigs?
Who is Janelle James?
Janelle James is an American comedian, actress, and writer. She is best known for her role as Ava Coleman in the ABC series Abbott Elementary, a performance that earned her a Critics Choice Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and two NAACP Image Awards, as well as five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award nomination, further cementing her status as a standout performer on the show.
Janelle James Versatile Hairstyles
A Classic Layered Pixie Cut
This pixie cut is Janelle James's signature hairstyle, blending elegance, softness, and texture. She wore this look to the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards, where she won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Principal Ava Coleman.
This stunning pixie cut strikes a balance between sophisticated professionalism and bold, edgy style. Featuring a heavily layered, cropped cut and ultra-short bangs, it accentuates James's facial features, drawing attention to her eyes and cheekbones. It is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a short hairstyle that still offers versatility.
Straight Lob Hair
For her role in Abbott Elementary, Janelle James specifically chose this sleek, shoulder-length black "lob" (long bob) hairstyle to reflect her character's growth and showcase diversity. The style features smooth, straight black hair with a neat side part; the hair falls gracefully past the shoulders, framing her face with a polished, professional silhouette.
Subtle layering around the cheeks prevents the look from appearing too stiff or rigid. It is a versatile style, particularly well-suited for business engagements, red carpet appearances, award ceremonies, and other formal occasions. You can recreate this hairstyle with a bob wig.
Long Side-Parted Waves
While promoting her live comedy performances, Janelle James opted for this captivating long wave hairstyle. The look features sleek, glossy black hair styled with a deep side part and soft, flowing waves.
This combination of refined texture and voluminous waves creates an elegant, feminine aesthetic, while the side-swept strands perfectly frame her face, evoking a sophisticated red-carpet style. You can recreate this hairstyle with a yaki straight wig and you can restyle this wig.
Voluminous Curls
Janelle James opted for a voluminous curly hairstyle for the 2026 NAACP Image Awards. The look features a center part paired with full, natural-looking curls. These voluminous, well-defined curls cascade naturally past her shoulders, creating a captivating and effortless allure.
The center part lends a sense of balance, ease, and sophistication to the overall style. The rich, textured curls beautifully frame her face and complement her elegant black gown, making her a standout on the red carpet. You can recreate this look using a curly wig.
Voluminous Wave Hairstyle
This wavy hairstyle is perfect for the red carpet or other grand events. Featuring a center part, the style showcases long, lustrous dark hair while creating voluminous, natural-looking waves. Janelle James has frequently sported similar long, wavy hairstyles, whether making public appearances or promoting Abbott Elementary. You can recreate this look using a body wave wig.
Brown Curly Hair
Janelle James opted for this brown curly hairstyle when appearing at the 57th NAACP Image Awards. Her hair features tight, bouncy curls that cascade past her shoulders, creating a voluminous look.
The hair is a rich, deep brown with subtle caramel or light brown highlights that add depth and dimension. The hair at the front is swept back and secured, perfectly framing her face.
This style gives Janelle James a confident and distinctive look. With its earthy brown tones and bold, modern silhouette, the design creates a structured, luxurious, and powerful red-carpet appearance.
Does Janelle James Wear Wigs?
The answer is yes. Janelle James has worn a variety of wigs to craft professional looks or shape her character's image. Lead hairstylist Moira Frazier, who is meticulous about detail and design, carefully curated Principal Coleman’s look to match the character's vibrant personality while meeting the needs of the storyline.
Frazier maintains a vast inventory of over 100 wigs—ranging from pixie cuts, spiral curls, and energetic ponytails to natural waves. She uses this collection to bring the show's characters to life, styling everyone from Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Quinta Brunson, and Lisa Ann Walter to the student cast members, all of whom have worn wigs or hair extensions on the show.
The look of Principal Ava Coleman (played by Janelle James) is particularly notable; her hairstyle changes in every episode, with wigs selected for color, length, and texture to suit the specific needs of the character or plot. Beyond the show, Janelle James also wears wigs for other events and in her daily life.
FAQs About Janelle JamesWhat is Janelle James's Natural Hair Like?
Janelle James possesses hair with a naturally rich texture—though her specific natural hair type has not been publicly confirmed—and her short, layered pixie cut demonstrates her ability to pull off styles that embrace this natural texture.
What is Janelle James's Signature Hairstyle?
Janelle James' pixie haircut is her most recognizable hairstyle. She has experimented with various short styles, including a textured, layered pixie cut and a blunt-cut pixie.
Can I Recreate Janelle James's Pixie Haircut?
Yes, you can. Wearing a short human hair pixie wig allows you to achieve a similar overall look without actually cutting your hair. Opting for a wig with natural volume and a realistic hairline makes styling and adjustments much easier.
Has Janelle James Lost Weight?
Yes, between the first and second seasons of Abbott Elementary, Janelle James lost about 15 pounds.
Why is Ava leaving Abbott Elementary?
In Season 4 of Abbott Elementary, Ava Coleman stepped down as principal after taking responsibility for a school bribery scandal.
