Embracing natural hairstyles for women goes beyond making a fashion statement. It’s all about loving your texture. From the classic afro to sleek cornrows and trendy jumbo braids, these styles highlight the strength and beauty of natural kinks and curls.
Each style reflects the individuality and creativity of Black women. From fashionable accessories to protective styles that promote hair health, these looks inspired by celebrities and hair influencers bring serious style to the forefront.
Natural Hairstyles for Women
Braided Bun
The Braided Bun is an intricate hairstyle that combines traditional braiding techniques with a chic updo. This style involves creating neat cornrows that start from the front of the head and converge into a top knot bun at the crown.
It offers a unique blend of textures, making it a standout choice for both formal events and everyday wear.
Afro
Another hairstyle to wear if you are natural is the iconic Afro hairstyle. It celebrates your texture, showing a natural kink and curl. Whether looking for a rounded shape and voluminous hairstyle or something with a sleek part, it can be tailored to any length.
Natural oils like coconut and argan will enhance an afro’s luster and manageability.
Short Tapered Cut
The Short Tapered Cut is a chic, low-maintenance hairstyle ideal for those who wish to highlight their natural texture. This style stands out due to its shorter sides and back with a slightly longer length, allowing the natural coils to stand out and shape the face.
This short natural style requires minimal styling effort. A good curl-defining cream and regular trims can keep the style looking sharp and defined.
Dreadlock Ponytail
The Dreadlock Ponytail is a bold hairstyle that showcases the versatility of dreadlocks while offering a tied-back look. This style involves pulling the dreadlocks back into a high or low ponytail.
Proper dreadlocks maintenance, including regular washing and tightening, ensures they remain neat and healthy.
Curly Updo
If you have a special occasion coming up, the Curly Updo is an exquisite and versatile hairstyle ideal. This style elevates natural curls by pinning them up in a structured and romantic manner.
The updo can accentuate the hair’s natural volume and texture, making it a perfect canvas for showcasing different curl patterns and types. Moisturizing products and bobby pins help keep the shape of the updo throughout the day.
Jumbo Box Braids
Jumbo Box Braids are a striking and trendy hairstyle that stands out for its bold thickness and protective qualities. This braided hairstyle involves partitioning the hair into large, square sections, or “boxes,” and braiding each section into thick, long braids.
These box braids can be adorned with beads, cuffs, or colored threads to elevate the style further.
Faux Locs
If you want to try dreadlocks without the commitment, Faux Locs make an innovative and stylish hairstyle that offers the look and feel.
This protective style involves wrapping sections of the hair with extensions using Kanekelon or Marley hair to create the illusion of authentic dreadlocks.
Proper maintenance includes keeping the scalp clean and moisturized and sleeping with a silk or satin headscarf to preserve the locs’ integrity.
Cornrows
Embrace a timeless natural style with Cornrows. This look involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in straight, curved, or intricate patterns. Cornrows can be adorned with beads or other accessories and serve as a foundation for other styles like wigs or weaves.
Regular moisturizing and gentle scalp care are essential to maintain the style’s neatness and the hair’s health.
Medium-Length Curls
Medium-Length Curls offer a versatile and effortlessly chic hairstyle. This style features defined and spring curls that fall to a comfortable medium length around the shoulders.
It’s a great way to showcase the hair’s natural texture while maintaining a manageable length. Medium curls can be enhanced with products that define and moisturize, like custards or gels, minimizing frizz while maximizing volume and shape.
Scarf with Braids
For days when you don’t have much time to style your hair, you can accessorize your look by wearing a Scarf with Braids. This style involves incorporating a colorful scarf into braided hair, either by using it as a headband to accentuate the hairstyle.
The scarf can add a pop of color, pattern, and texture, providing a unique twist to traditional braided styles.
Twist Out
The Twist Out is a classic style that gives your hair defined curls. Start by twisting damp or moisturized hair sections and then unraveling them once dry. This method stretches out the natural curl pattern, resulting in volume and definition without heat.
The Twist Out can last several days with proper nighttime protection, such as sleeping with a satin bonnet. This style reflects the versatility and beauty of natural hair.
Bantu Knots
Originating from African culture, Bantu Knots are a hairstyle that protects your strands from breakage. They feature small, coiled buns spaced evenly across the head.
This style can be created on any hair length or texture and is known for its protective and styling benefits. When unraveled, Bantu Knots serve as a standalone hairstyle and a styling method for achieving wavy or curly hair.
Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are protective hairstyles that showcase the art of crocheting synthetic hair extensions through natural cornrowed hair. The technique offers a less time-consuming and gentler alternative to traditional braiding methods.
Using this technique, you can play with hair color. Proper care, including regular scalp cleansing and moisturizing, will ensure the longevity of the style.
Embracing Your Natural
Exploring the world of natural hairstyles opens practical options tailored to different needs and lifestyles.
Whether it’s the low-maintenance appeal of the Short Tapered Cut or the protective benefits of Jumbo Box Braids, each hairstyle presents an opportunity to upgrade personal style while embracing natural texture.
Consider your daily routine, the amount of time you’re willing to invest in hair care, and your overall fashion sense when choosing the perfect look.
