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'I feel naked': Taraji P. Henson ditches the wigs and poses with her natural hair for stunning photo shoot

Published: 11:42 EST, 16 October 2015 | Updated: 02:44 EST, 17 October 2015

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We are accustomed to seeing Taraji P. Henson wearing wigs, but the beautiful actress posed with her natural hair for her latest photo shoot.

The 45-year-old Empire star looks stunning in the latest issue of CR Fashion Book, but admitted she was worried she would feel 'naked' after ditching the wigs for the images.

Speaking about how photographer Bruce Weber encouraged her to embrace her natural side, Taraji said: 'So I'm trying on the clothes and the silk scarf I have on my head slips off, and I say, "Hey, look at my cornrows, aren't they beautiful?"

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Natural beauty: Taraji P. Henson posed with her natural hair for the new issue of CR Fashion Book

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Her character, Cookie Lyon, on the hit TV show, Empire, has a penchant for ostentatious furs, animal prints and bold patterns.

But in the latest issue of CR Fashion Book, Taraji P. Henson went for a more refined look when she wore a striped sweater by Miu Miu.

The wool number featured a chevron pattern and an open knit design that pops when worn over a light colored top.

Taraji teamed her knit with a Marc Jacobs sheer gown and wore her hair in intricate cornrows that showed off her gorgeous facial features for a fashion forward yet unconventional look.

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'Bruce Weber is standing there and he goes, "We'll shoot that." And I go, "What? We'll shoot what?" And he says, "We'll shoot your hair just like that, it's beautiful."'

The actress was unsure at first, but Bruce persuaded her.

'Part of me was like, "No, no, no, NO!" This is the hair no one is supposed to see. This is like behind-closed doors hair,' she admitted. I feel naked. I feel like a plucked chicken… or a wet one. A baby chicken!

Stunning star: The Empire actress was worried about feeling 'naked' at first, but photographer Bruce Weber encouraged her to ditch the wigs

Cuddling up: Taraji posed for photographs while lounging on a chair with basketball player Michael Beasley

'But Bruce says to me, "It's not about the hair, it's your face." So I just decided to trust the artist's vision. As an actress that's what we do.'

In an accompanying black and white video, Taraji said that Bruce is photographing her in her 'most vulnerable state'.

She added: 'Women will never let you see them like this - weave hair. Fashion people are crazy!'

Goofing around: The 45-year-old also did some singing with her on-screen son Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal in Empire, and singer Jon Batiste

Cookie on her throne: Taraji also posed in a sexy black cut-out gown

Sizzling hot: The actress looked stunning after admitting that she felt 'naked' without her wig

Taraji also did some singing with her on-screen son Jussie Smollett, who plays Jamal in Empire, and singer Jon Batiste.

Basketball player Michael Beasley took part in the photo shoot with Taraji, and they cuddled up together on a chair for some photos.

During her interview with the magazine, the A-lister also discussed her late father Boris - who she based Cookie off of, she has said in the past.

'Fashion people are crazy!' Taraji explained in a behind-the-scenes video that women 'will never let you see them like this'

Racy: Taraji placed her hands over her breasts while posing in a sheer dress with sequined detailing

Sealed with a kiss: The star giggled as she received a kiss on the cheek from Michael

Taraji revealed that her dad always knew she would have great success in life.

'My dad was my champion. He's the reason I'm an actress,' she shared. 'I remember calling him one day, so frustrated. I was like, "I'm not getting anything." And he said, "You asked for LONGEVITY!" and I was like, "Uh, yeah Dad, I didn't think it would take this long."

'After my first big role, I said, "Oh my God, Daddy, this is it." He was like, "Do you understand that is nothing compared to what is coming for you? That sun is going to crack open and shine so bright."'

'This is like behind-closed doors hair': Taraji said that 'no one is supposed to see' her natural hair

Serious: She cupped Michael's cheek in her hand as they stared off into the distance

Showing their silly sides: Taraji and Michael couldn't help but laugh after pulling serious poses

She added: 'He looked off in the distance and said, "You are going to be a sensation." And I was like, "What the f*** do you see? I want to see what you see."'

Taraji is teaming up with Lee Daniels once again for a biopic about Richard Pryor's life.

She will portray his mother Gertrude, who was a prostitute at her own mother's brothel.

Not needed: A wig and hair products were on the dressing table for Taraji, but she didn't need them

Fun with fashion: The beauty tried out a number of different outfits during the course of the shoot

Showing off her singing skills: Taraji gleefully got behind the microphone

Her idol: The star admitted that her father always told her she would be 'a sensation'

'You will see her go from this young, beautiful woman who is a prostitute to someone beaten down by life,' Taraji said of the character.

'She has no teeth, no hair—just a broken woman, everything taken from her. And I love her.'

Taraji added that she likes playing roles that take her far out of her comfort zone, explaining: 'I'm drawn to characters that scare the s*** out of me because I know they are going to unearth something in me.'