Black hair is very versatile, offering a wide range of styling options. In the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in Black women rejecting false ideologies and embracing their hair in its natural grandeur. There was once a time when an overwhelming majority of Black women felt pressure to conform and take on ideals of beauty that weren’t centered around us, including relaxing our hair. Styling natural hair is fascinating because it never comes out exactly the same. The good thing about styling natural hair is that it doesn’t matter if the hairstyle comes out exactly the way you anticipated. There’s always a fix for it!
This guide explores various natural hairstyles that celebrate the beauty and versatility of African hair. Whether you're looking for protective styles, everyday looks, or something special for an occasion, you'll find inspiration here.
A variety of natural hairstyles to inspire your next look.
Understanding African Hair Types
The African hair comes in three main textures: 4a, 4b, and 4c.
- Type 4a hair is wiry and usually coiled. Compared to the other type 4 hairs, there are fewer cuticle layers.
- Type 4b hairs take the shape of Z’s. They zig-zag on the head, with very vague curls.
- Type 4c hair does not have any curls at all.
Whichever your hair type is, African hair has a versatility that other hair types can only envy. With the right products and care, African hair is the most versatile and easy hair to style. Styling natural hair is fascinating because it never comes out exactly the same.
Read also: Natural Hair Confidence
Popular Natural Hairstyles
Here are some popular and easy to create natural hairstyles:
- Bantu Knots: Originating from the Zulu people in South Africa, this style locks in hydration. Partition the hair into small sections and wrap the hair around itself to form a knot.
- Wash and Go: It is easy to do, but you need to go through a few steps to ensure the style is worth it in the end.
- Afro: For most people, the Afro is reminiscent of the 1970s, during the height of the black pride movement. The Afro was a rejection of all things and is a stylish hairstyle for African women who want to make a statement.
- Braids: Braids are a perfect way to keep your curly hair from breaking and tangling. Braid outs stretch the hair without the heat.
- High Puff: The high puff is a low-maintenance style that is stylish and fabulous. It is useful for retaining your hair’s length as it does not break from rubbing against collars.
- Low Puff: The low puff is just a ponytail that you can enhance using a brush with boar bristles and some gel to bring out an elegant look.
- Box Braids: When you need to give your hair a break from all the brushing and combing, box braid is an excellent option. What is most fascinating about box braid is how long it lasts. Box braids are a versatile style that you can experiment with.
- Micro Braids: Micro braids take quite some time to complete.
- Senegalese Twists: Compared to Micro braids, Senegalese Twists take a shorter time to install-but are still as chic. Add some flair to your look by attaching some jewels on the braids.
- Cornrows: Cornrow is one of the foremost signature African braid style. Undercut cornrows are cornrows with a twist.
- Perm Rod Set: Perm rod set is a classic style if you want to attain curls with volume without using hot rollers or the curling iron.
- Flat Twists: Like cornrows, flat twists are braided, and you can wear the twists as they are or unravel them to get a twist out with more defined curls.
- Fulani Braids: As the name suggests, Fulani braids originated from the Fulani people of Africa. The natural hairstyle incorporates a cornrow down the center of the head. It also has one or several cornrows opposite the nape towards the face (near your temples). A single braid runs around your hairline.
- Passion Twists: Passion twists are a more bohemian version of Senegalese twists.
- Infinity Locks: Infinity locks are passion twists with a twist. They have a distressed look about them.
- Braided High Pony: When you need to look glamorous without too much effort, the braided high pony is the go-to style.
- Cropped Natural Hairstyle: If long natural hair is too tedious, you can go for the cropped natural hairstyle. This hairstyle is versatile as you can try out different haircuts, color them, or do anything.
- Silk Press: A silk press is one of the wonders of the 21st century as far as African hair is concerned. A correctly done silk press can last two weeks, and it will give you silky and beautiful hair.
- Low Bun: A low bun does not strain your hairline and is perfect for formal occasions or the gym.
- Criss-Cross Goddess Braids: Criss-cross goddess braids are chunky cornrows. They are perfect for days when you want to give your hair a break or when you need to go on vacation, and you don’t want to wake up every morning to style your hair. They are easy to do and take a short time to take out.
- Drawstring Ponytail: If you have a drawstring ponytail, style your hair into a low bun and attach the faux bun, and you are ready to go!
- Two Buns with Tendrils: Section your hair into two buns and leave a few tendrils out, and your hair is ready for the world.
- Brushed Out Hair: Be proud of your natural African hair. A brush out is full of frizz and adds a certain razzmatazz to the look.
- Half-Up, Half-Down Style: If you have long natural hair and want to keep it off your face, opt for a half-up, half-down style.
- Messy Ponytail with Headband: Hold your hair up in a messy ponytail, accessorize with a headband, and voila! You have a chic look.
- Banded High Ponytail: You can hold your hair in a high ponytail for long natural hair and band the ponytail at intervals with some rubber bands.
- Colored Hair with Water-Based Wax: If you want colored natural hair without all the drama of bleaching, use water-based hair wax to give your hair a vibrant look.
- Pineapple Style: The pineapple style is a fast and straightforward natural hairstyle that you can do in seconds. If you don’t know what to do with your long hair, gather it up on top of your head and hold it up.
Mastering the Wash and Go on Type 4 NATURAL HAIR! | STEP 3: STYLING!!
Here’s a table summarizing some popular styles:
| Hairstyle | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Bantu Knots | Hair wrapped into small knots | Locks in hydration, stylish |
| Wash and Go | Defined curls achieved after washing | Easy to do, showcases natural texture |
| Box Braids | Hair divided into square sections and braided | Protective style, versatile |
| Cornrows | Hair braided close to the scalp in rows | Classic African style, can be intricate |
Cornrows is a classic and versatile African hairstyle.
While it is my goal to inspire you with cute natural hairstyles that either reflect beautiful curl definition or just help you get out of the house faster in the morning, what I don’t want you to do is mimic the styles exactly. There’s always a fix for it! For example, let’s say your braid out or twist out is a little disappointing. Leave a few pieces of hair out and sweep the rest into an up-do.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
