African American Short Wavy Hairstyles: Ideas and Inspiration

Black natural hairstyles are currently experiencing a significant surge in popularity, celebrated for their rich cultural heritage and diverse styling options. This hair type is incredibly versatile, offering a wide range of looks from box braids and updos to flat twists and half-up top knots, all achievable without heat or chemicals.

Short Haircuts for Black Women: Bold and Beautiful

Some women opt for a super-cropped haircut during a transition phase, while some love short hairstyles just for the beauty of it. Here are several short wavy hairstyles ideas that can inspire your next haircut:

  • Pixie Cut: If you don’t want to deal with the care and upkeep of longer hair, opt for a pixie cut instead. This cut is great for those who like to rock the relaxed look. Looking for a time-saving haircut? This pixie cut will do the trick!
  • Bob Haircut: If you want a haircut but don't want to cut your hair all the way down, the bob haircut may be for you. The bob can styled with a part or no part and makes for a very professional look. The curly bob haircut is a bob haircut with a twist...literally. Simply cut the perm low and style with a perm or gel of your choice.
  • Afro: The afro hairstyle is one of the top traditional Black hairstyles we see today.
  • Gel Haircut: The gel haircut is a short hairstyle with amazing texture. To create this look, cut the hair at a 4 or 5 comb length, and apply your favourite gel product to style.
  • Tall Pixie Spike Haircut: The tall pixei spike haircut is the perfect haircut for black women with a rebellious attitude. It may require a whole lot of gel or mouse to keep the hair standing upright.
  • Baby Curls: Go for a shortcut and embrace your baby curls. It’s not quite a tiny afro, but just some beautiful baby curls! This cropped look is perfect for the warmer months and still has tons of definition and curl despite its baby length.

These beautiful bald black women have shown us that being bald is something to embrace and is just as beautiful as any one with a full head of hair. The hair is cut at level 1 or lower and that's it! This haircut screams confidence and requires little to no maintenance.

Wavy Hair Styles and Techniques

Want wavy hair without the heat? Try this braid-out style. Natural Black hairstyles-like twist-outs and braid-outs-are simple and easy ways to achieve a stretched curly texture without any heat.

Here are some more wavy hairstyle ideas:

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  • Braid-Out: Great style for transitioners.
  • French Braids: French braids are such a classic style. It’s a great natural hairstyle on its own, or you can use it to get gorgeous waves the next day!
  • Overnight Curls: Natural Black hairstyles-like twist-outs and braid-outs-are simple and easy ways to achieve a stretched curly texture without any heat.
  • Side Part: All you have to do is add a side part, and you’ll be amazed at the difference this subtle change makes.

Braided Hairstyles

Braids offer a versatile and stylish way to manage and protect natural hair. Here are some braided hairstyle ideas:

  • Box Braids: The majority of the time we see box braids with long hairstyles, but why not try a bob? This ultra-popular length is flattering on so many face shapes. Most often, we see box braids in longer natural hairstyles, but they can be short, too. Try the shorter length in a different color, too, for added punch.
  • Box Braid Bun: Box braids can be long and get in your face. Keep your hair out of your face in a stylish way by creating a box braid bun!
  • Crown Braid: Unleash your inner queen with a crown braid.
  • Chunky Braid: A chunkier braid can be a great option as opposed to skinnier box braids that are more popular.
  • Micro Braids: Want lots and lots of braids? Try a micro version of this style all over. This is a great way to add texture and volume to your look without using any hair product.
  • Side Braid: In a rush and not sure what to do with your hair? Create a side braid-it’s quick and easy and gives box braided hair an added “braidception” vibe.
  • Mohawk Braid: If you want to try a mohawk but don’t want to fully commit to the shaved style, braid your hair into a mohawk to try the look.
  • Yarn Braids: Yarn braids are a great alternative to try if you prefer not to use the extensions that are traditionally used to create box braid styles.
  • Braids on Blonde Locks: Change up your regular cornrow style by trying it on bleached hair.

Twists and Knots

Twists and knots are excellent for adding texture and protecting your natural hair. Here are some ideas:

  • Flat Twists: Flat twists are a great natural hairstyle to do if you want to try cornrows but want an easier version. This style uses two sections of hair instead of three. Want to wear a protective style, but you also want all of your hair pulled back? Try a flat twist with a twist-out.
  • Bantu Knots: Bantu knots are actually small coiled buns, so you don’t have to worry about tangling your hair with this fun style.
  • Halo Twist: A halo twist is such an elegant way to pull your hair up. It’s great for a casual day and even special events.
  • Two-Strand Twists: Don’t want to spend as much time braiding? Opt for two-strand twists instead. A style like this looks great on long or short hair.
  • Larger Twists: Want to switch up your normal twist style? Go for a larger, looser twist! We love how romantic and shiny these bigger twists are.

Updos and Buns

Updos and buns are perfect for formal events or keeping your hair out of your face. Here are some options:

  • Coiled Bun: Tired of regular updos? Get fancy with a coiled bun!
  • Braided Bun: A braided bun is a perfect formal hairstyle. It’s easy to do and will last throughout the entire event!
  • Half-Top Knot: This half-top knot is a great way to style your hair if you want to keep it from falling in your face but don’t want to put all of your hair in a ponytail or bun.
  • Sleek Low Bun: A sleek low bun is great for keeping your hair out of your face. A low style like this will also be less damaging to your hair since it isn’t being pulled back as tightly.
  • Own Your Voluminous Hair: Get your updo all the way to the top of your head for a more dramatic style.
  • Pineapple Updo: Another iteration of the pineapple ponytail is this pineapple updo. Though similar, this look is a bit more intricate and perfect for an eventful evening.

Protective Styles

Are you trying to grow your hair long, or just want to keep it healthy? A protective natural hairstyle is a great way to do this! A headwrap is a great accessory in and of itself, and it also comes in handy when you want to give your hair a rest from hot tools or styling products or setting your curls.

Accessorizing Your Hair

Change up your style by using a fun accessory! Scarves have been seriously trending the past few seasons, and it’s easy to see why. Spice up any look with a bold accessory. You can never go wrong with a bold accessory.

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Adding a Pop of Color

Get funky with a pop of color. Nothing says confidence like a bold pink-colored ‘do! If you’ve been looking for a sign that you should go for a major color change, then do it! Consider this your sign. Want to make your hair really stand out? Why not try a bold new color?

Additional Style Ideas

  • Mohawk Style: Not sure how to style your ‘fro? Try a mohawk style! This style will have effortless volume for those with tight curls.
  • Half Updo: When you’re having one of those days where you can’t decide if you want to wear your hair up or down, go for the half updo!
  • High Ponytail: Nothing is easier than a high ponytail!
  • Low Ponytail: Show off your natural texture or braids by gathering all of your hair in a low pony at the base of your neck.
  • Space Buns: Who doesn’t love a youthful style like space buns? This is also a great way to have fun with your braids. Are you sick of always doing the same styles? Switch things up with space buns. There are so many ways to wear space buns; you’ll never run out of inspo for this look.
  • One-Sided Natural Hairstyle: Sometimes, a one-sided natural hairstyle is all you need for the right amount of edge.

Hopefully these haircuts have inspired some creative designs for your next haircut!

Every naturalist puts in a lot of effort learning her hair type and nailing the wash-and-go method that works for her. Need a hand?

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tags: #African #Africa #American