There’s nothing as freeing as embracing your natural hair, in all its glory. While there have always been women showing off their curls without fear, the natural hair trend has taken off in the last five years. Not only does it look amazing, but it’s also healthier for your hair – no texturizers required. When choosing a style, there are a few things to take into account. Start with your curl type, the porosity of your hair (that is, how much conditioning and maintenance it needs), and whether you want to keep it short or help it grow long, and go from there. Whatever the length or texture, there’s a style that will bring out your inner goddess. Here are some gorgeous natural hairstyles for black women to inspire you as you get back to your roots.
1. Cute Natural Hairstyle
Natural hair can be styled in multiple ways, letting you find a look that enables you to embrace your hair texture and reflect your personality. A cute way to wear it would be in a fluffy, voluminous style. This is also a practical option as keeping curls shorter can make them easier to maintain and reduce styling time. Brush the hair upward slightly at the hairline to boost volume and give you a youthful appearance.
2. Natural Mini Afro Hairstyle
The afro hairstyle looks great and is a way to show off your natural hair, but it is also symbolic. Wearing your hair like this is a symbol of power, strength, and Blackness. There are various afros to choose from, from big and voluminous, to mini afros. The smaller option is shorter, more compact, and easier to maintain. Keeping the hair short prevents breakage, and it is easier to keep nourished. The mini afro can be personalized to suit your curl pattern and preference; this includes adding color to it or pairing it with an undercut or fade for structure.
3. Natural Short Hairstyle
Wearing the hair short is an excellent way to show off your natural hair texture while making it easy to style. Keeping the hair short can be incredibly flattering, opening up the face and complementing strong bone structure. It is also a way to give the hair a break from heat styling avoid protective styles and any tension on the scalp. This is great for letting the hair regenerate and can make it stronger.
4. Natural Braided Hairstyle
Braiding the hair is a fantastic way to style your curls. There are many different braided styles to choose from, allowing you to find a look that best suits your preference. You can opt for a simple and chic look ideal for all occasions or a detailed and expressive look. An attractive option would be two French braids worn on either side of the head orcornrow braids. This hairstyle is super cute and can also subtly frame your face. These braids can be created in different thicknesses, and you can experiment with how you want the hairline to look.
5. Natural Flat Twist Hairstyle
Twist hairstyles can be time-consuming to create, but they look great and are an excellent way to style afro-textured hair. They can last up to six weeks and will reduce daily styling and grooming time. Twists are done by dividing the hair into sections and twisting the hair, hence the name. Twists are incredibly versatile and can be styled in various ways. You can wear them at different lengths and in various thicknesses and styles. The appeal of twists is that they can also be worked into an updo, or you can leave them loose. Personalize them with hair accessories, including beads or cuffs.
6. Natural Updo Hairstyle
Wearing your hair in an updo is practical and stylish. It is a great way to keep the hair off the neck and is ideal for the summertime. Your updo can also be messy and deliberately undone, showing off your curls and creating a soft and romantic finish. Or you can work the hair into braids first, creating a braided style that is perfect for formal occasions; this could include a braided top bun or high ponytail. Wearing the hair up and away from the face can complement your bone structure. You could also keep a few strands of hair falling against your face, adding a softness to the look.
7. Natural Cornrow Hairstyle
Cornrowsare one of the most popular braided hairstyles and are worn by men and women. The look is braided close to the scalp using the underhand technique and creates a raised row. They are a fantastic protective style and can reduce daily grooming time. The average cornrow hairstyle will last up to eight weeks, depending on how you care for them. Installation time can vary depending on the intricacy of the look. The appeal of cornrows is also their versatility, and they can be created in various ways, including side cornrows or working the hair into a braided updo.
8. Natural Bun Hairstyle
Thebunis one of the simplest hairstyles to create but is also one of the most stylish. This is an effortlessly easy way to style the hair, requiring no skill, and can be created in various ways; your bun can be worn low for a romantic and feminine finish or styled sleek and high for a more sophisticated approach that is ideal for formal occasions. Wearing your natural hair in an updo is also practical as it helps to tame the hair. You can also try a braided bun which is a protective style and will prevent breakage and friction.
9. Natural Ponytail Hairstyle
Theponytail hairstyleis yet another popular choice for how to wear your natural hair. The ponytail is effortlessly chic and practical, keeping the hair off the neck and making it ideal for going about your errands. Or to keep you cool in the summer months. The ponytail is also incredibly versatile and can be styled in various ways, including wearing it low or high or to the side for a more retro and youthful finish.
10. Natural Space Buns
There is a lot to love aboutspace buns, and they are a fun and youthful way to wear hair. Space buns were popular in the 90s but have enjoyed a resurgence of popularity and have become the go-to way to wear your hair for music festivals and summer parties. Effortless to create, the space buns feature two buns worn on either side of the head. They can be done with all hair textures and lengths; the longer your hair is, the thicker the buns will be. It is also a gorgeous way to wear your curls, and these buns can have a messy finish with curly hair textures. Pair it with wispy bangs or let a few curls fall around the face to give the look a softness.
11. Cute Pixie Cut with Natural Hair
Thepixie cutis one of the most popular haircuts for women because it is simple, practical, and ever-so-chic. The pixie is also incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your hair texture, length, and preference. Traditionally the cut features short backs and sides with more length on the top, making the hair look fuller; however, there are many variations, letting you experiment with different finishes, including fringes partings, and pairing the hair with edgy additions like an undercut or fade. Wearing natural hair in a short hairstyle makes it easy to maintain and will give you a fresh and youthful appearance.
12. Voluminous Ringlets/Curls
Ringlets are all about volume, and styling them in a voluminous style, like an afro, is a fantastic way for showing off your curl pattern. Ringlets are defined by their corkscrew-like shape, and the texture gives the hair movement and bounce but can soften your features. Wearing your ringlets so that they fall around the face can create a framing effect that is incredibly flattering and will draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The only downside to ringlets is that they are prone to dryness and frizz, so you need to ensure they are regularly and adequately moisturized.
13. Natural Bob Haircut
Thebob haircutis a classic hairstyle for women of all ages and is universally flattering. The bob can be adapted to suit various hair textures, including natural hair, and is a way to give your curls some structure. A curly bob is less precise than a cut onstraight hair. It is also a haircut that looks gorgeous when paired with bangs, which will give the hair volume and draw attention to the features or with a parting. A middle parting can be incredibly flattering on those with symmetrical features.
14. Curly Hair Side Part
Curly hair is one of the most sought-after hair textures because it is textually interesting and can make even the most simple cut look good. Curls can also soften the features, and this is especially true when they are styled in a way that can complement your face shape. A side part is the most versatile parting and can be styled in several ways; this includes a deep parting or a side-parted fringe. The parting is great for women of all ages and can balance the features. To make the side part more noticeable, you can opt for a slick back on the opposite side to wear its parts, creating contrast and producing a gorgeous, flattering finish.
16. Hair Design and Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a classic short hairstyle for women, and suits most face shapes. It can also be adapted to suit various hair textures, and you can experiment with different finishes, including hair design. Hair design creates patterns, shapes, or interesting angles by shaving the scalp and making your hairstyle look edgy and cool. It is a way to make your haircut individual and let your personality shine. Pairing this with a pixie cut is a fantastic way to create a contrast and removes weight and bulk from thick curls.
17. Bantu Knots
Bantu knotsare a protective style with origins in the Zulu tribes of South Africa. They have a cultural and ancestral association and are a great way to style natural hair. This is tone by sectioning off the hair, twisting it, and wrapping it to create a knot. These knots can be worn in various thicknesses and achieved on hair of all lengths. Another pro to this style is that it is inexpensive and can easily be created yourself with minimal effort.
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