MTV Video Music Awards 2012: Rihanna debuts super-short cropped harido ahead of tonight performance

Rihanna has decided to update her look once again, going for one of her most drastic changes yet with a super-short cropped hairdo.

Rihanna, 24, showcased her new style as she arrived at the Staples Center in Los Angeles ahead of the MTV Video Music Awards tonight (Thursday).

The incredibly short look is a sharp contrast to the long wavy hair Rihanna has been sporting in recent weeks.

However, it’s not the first time Rihanna has tried out a more androgynous look with her barnet, as she previously sported a crop for her role as Cora Raikes in blockbuster movie Battleship earlier this year.

Rihanna also had a shorter do back in 2009, but the style was longer on top giving it a more feminine feel. The new look is undoubtedly the shortest Rihanna has ever had her hair.

Surprisingly, Rihanna made no mention of her new look on her Twitter page, where she usually keeps fans regularly updated with any changes in her appearance.

Rihanna works with celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen to come up with inventive new ideas for her hair. And in a recent interview, Ursula Stephen explained how they go about coming up with a new concept.

She said: “We are always changing it up, experimenting, and having fun with hair. That’s what I love to do!

“Her hairstyle typically changes depending on what’s on our agenda, what she’s wearing, or how she’s feeling.

“We take it day by day and event by event, and usually will both bring ideas to the table. It’s always a collaboration, which is such a great way to work.”

The new look comes ahead of Rihanna’s highly-anticipated performance at tonight’s VMA awards, where the singer will open the show with a rendition of new track Cockiness (Love It), alongside A$AP Rocky.

Other performances at the event will come from stars including Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, Taylor Swift and Frank Ocean.

As she arrived for rehearsals, Rihanna looked excited about the upcoming event, and waved eagerly at her waiting fans.

The singer dressed down in a Céline T-shirt, jeans and a pair of colourful Cleveland Cavalier-edition Air Jordan #4’s as she made her way into the venue.

However, Rihanna’s fans are sure to be waiting with bated breath to see what outrageous costume the singer pulls out of the bag for her VMA performance.

As well as taking to the stage at the event, Rihanna is up for five awards including Video of The Year, Best Pop Video and Best Female Video.