Black curly hairstyles are amazingly beautiful, chic, and creative. African-American women have gorgeous yet unique hair textures that require some special love and care to look their best. Fortunately, there's a plethora of options to explore, whether you prefer short and manageable styles or long, flowing locks.
Short Curly Hairstyles
From teeny afros to pixie cuts, there are so many reasons to love short curly hairstyles for Black women. With the right inspo and hair products, you’ll be able to style your short curly hair in so many ways that don’t even require a trip to the salon. Natural hair is prone to dryness, which makes it a little more difficult to grow out to longer lengths.
That’s why natural hair thrives in short styles. Plus, a short haircut or style is easier to maintain and involves less work when styling and caring for your strands.
Trendy Short Cuts
- A bob is one of the best haircuts for curly natural hair because it shows off your texture and gives your style length without worrying about too much upkeep.
- Ask for an inverted bob where the hair at the back of your head is shorter than the front.
- A short-stacked bob is a great ultra-short option!
- Layers can add more dimension to a mid-length cut.
If you want a variation in length and thickness with your curls, try a shag cut! Adding a variety of layers to your lob cut will help give your black curly hair even more volume.
Pixie Cuts
- The pixie cut will forever be one of our favorite cuts.
- Change up a regular pixie cut by opting for a fade haircut.
Long Curly Hairstyles
Put into the limelight by fashion-forward celebs like Zendaya and Beyoncé, long, black wavy cuts like this one give off that effortlessly cool hippie vibe. Spirals have the potential to look great on anyone, but those with thick ringlets will really pull them off well. With plenty of body and not so many rules, this hairstyle is a windfall.
Read also: African American Women's Wigs
For ladies with healthy hair, there is absolutely no reason why you should be afraid of dramatic coloring. As this model makes clear, you can certainly rock a wide variety of shades, including bombshell blondes. Sporting a layered cut, highlighted color, and natural texture is a bold and empowering choice, and this model’s awe-inspiring style is a true testament to that.
Styling Tips for Long Curls
Ladies with long hair should consider wrapping their hair around a large-barrel of a curling iron or placing in oversized hot/Velcro rollers to get that super bouncy, fun and carefree curl.
Loose curls on a short crop, like the one pictured here, create an elegant flow that immediately draws the eye. What’s even better?
Updos for Curly Hair
Looking for the perfect updo for your curly strands?
- Gather your curls into a high ponytail updo for an effortlessly chic look.
- A high-top knot is perfect for any occasion, whether you need a formal updo or just want to keep your hair out of your face for the day.
- Need a go-to formal look? Then, style your curly black hair into an elegant bun.
- Pinup your curls for a romantic look!
- You can never go wrong with an effortless updo! This messy bun can be achieved very quickly.
Color Trends for Curly Hair
Colors for African American hair often lean toward classic choices, with black being predominant and occasional light brown highlights. Red hair, however, is less commonly seen. For ladies with healthy hair, there is absolutely no reason why you should be afraid of dramatic coloring. As this model makes clear, you can certainly rock a wide variety of shades, including bombshell blondes.
Read also: Style, Culture, and Identity in 1930s African American Hair
Although Tiffany blue and pastel pink color schemes on darker skin tones might not be an obvious choice, this vibrant, effortless style by Shelley Gregory in SoHo, New York beautifully challenges that assumption.
Specific Styles and Techniques
Half-Braided Styles
We are huge fans of half-braided styles with ringlets, like this one from stylist Dee Carrington from Atlanta. With flyaway tendrils, barely there makeup, and a deep side part, this hairstyle oozes so much confidence.
Crochet Installs
With crochet installs you can achieve unique silhouettes, adding height and volume where you need and creating one-of-a-kind looks.
Wet Looks
Contrary to popular belief, not all styles designed for curly-haired gals need to have seriously poufy textures and crazy heights. Natural hair can fall gently and smoothly in trendy wet looks.
When your alarm clock starts ringing incessantly in the morning, the last thing you typically want to do is to think of how to style your hair today. This model shows us a simpler, more natural way to wear your longer tresses down.
Read also: Stylish Pixie Cuts
These curls are natural throughout, but feature a deep side part and a strongly slicked down area on one side. This adds body and drama to the remaining locks.
Table of Hairstyle Ideas
| Hairstyle | Description | Styling Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Curly Afro | Brushed out look with natural shine. | Use a wide-tooth comb and apply a product like Sebastian's Dark Oil. |
| Shaved Sides | Short curls with shaved sides for an edgy look. | Incorporate a barber-style fadeout on the sides. |
| Slicked Down | Hair slicked down with maximum-hold gel. | Apply gel from roots to ends while hair is wet, comb, and tie a scarf until dry. |
| Halo Curl Updo | Curls styled into an updo resembling a halo. | Use a coiling cream and curl each section, then secure with bobby pins. |
| Bouncy Curls | Looser curls creating a nice silhouette. | Enhance the natural texture while adding a fresh shape. |
