Lizzo snagged the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award at the 51st NAACP Image Awards looking her best thanks to celebrity hairstylist Shelby Swain.

Stunning in an "afro ponytail' that cannot be ignored, the sensational performer humbly accepted her honor in front of an audience filled with #BlackExcellence on Saturday (Feb. 22). 

We spoke with Shelby exclusively about the inspiration for tonight’s look that surely didn’t disappoint. 

“I took inspiration for tonight’s style from Lizzo’s unique look,” Shelby told BET Digital. “I was picking up so many notes of civilization and earth that I wanted to incorporate my own symmetry and design!”

Styled in under 2 hours, Shelby revealed the lengthiest process was the decision making. “I really considered so many looks as tonight was very special for me and Lizzo. I wanted her to shine!”

Mission accomplished!

As Lizzo’s go-to hairstylist for nearly four years, Shelby knew exactly how to help the star achieve the look she desired.

“Lizzo wanted to be her unique self and capture her personality playful fun and sultry,” she said. "Working with Lizzo has allowed me to use my artistic eye and create masterpieces that I am proud of."

Take a look at the full breakdown of how Shelby achieved the masterful look starting with “a product line that layers and compliments from beginning to end."

• Lizzo was washed with the Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Shampoo and followed up with the Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Conditioner. Shelby says, “I used the Suave Professionals For Natural Hair Collection. I believe this line of products was created for everyone. The products I used allowed me to cleanse the hair and condition for easy detangling, pick out her curls and create a beautiful voluminous look.”


• To prep the hair I used Suave Professional for Natural Hair Cream Detangler Spray to part the hair in two ponytails.


• Using Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Define & Shine Gel Serum I molded the hair into a bun with textured hairpieces and hairpins to hold it all in place. 


• Spritzing the Suave Professionals for Natural Hair Frizz Reducing Refresher Spray helped to pick out and define the curls.


• Lastly, I set the hair with Suave Professionals Firm Control Finishing Hairspray to provide the ultimate hold.