25 African American Hairstyles and Haircuts To Get You Noticed

Naturally Curly Pixie

@drazticchick

Q&A with style creator, Dominique
Owner @ Draztic Measures Hair Designs & Eau So Draztic Boutique in Plano, TX

How would you describe this look?

This is a perfect naturally curly pixie cut.

My saying with short hair is “Wear the hair don’t let the hair wear you”. She’s fun, flirty, sexy, a woman on the go! I love the fact that this cut is so versatile. She can go from casual to a night out with her girlfriends. It’s a super easy style that can transform your look. I mean look at her glow!

Any advice for someone considering it?

Clients need to know that short hair does mean maintenance. However, it’s all in the haircut. A good haircut can make or break any style. I specialize in pivot point cutting which allows me to give each client a cut especially for them, their head shape, their lifestyle. So, yes, the stylist who provides this cut should personalize it for you.

When it comes to products, less is best. This style is very soft. I use essential oils on the hair, so it’s very healthy. Heat is at a minimum. Just have fun with your hair long or short, discuss with your stylist in detail, and don’t forget to ask questions.

Chic & Eccentric Swirls and Braids

@touchofkay

Q&A with style creator, Kay
Hairstylist @ Blessed Tresses in Hampton Roads, VA

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this look as chic and eccentric.

One thing I love about this look is that it can be styled on either natural or relaxed hair. It is also low maintenance and can be dressed up or down.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This style can be worn as shown or taken out and worn as curls. Knowing the hair texture is very helpful in knowing which products to use and whether it would be better do the style on dry or semi-dampened hair.

This style will turn heads for sure!

Feed-In High Ponytail

@_slayitnae

Q&A with style creator, Janae Brice
Professional Braider in Atlanta, GA

How would you describe this look?

This look is called a feed-in high ponytail.

My favorite thing about this look is that it’s very versatile. You can put it to the side, directly in the middle, or into a large bun! This look can be worn for any type of casual or professional event.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Some advice I would give to a client considering this style is to prepare to look good, feel good, and get lots of compliments!

Waterfall Devacut

@dgubeauty

Q&A with style creator, Daisy Giles-U’u
Level 2 DevaCurl Stylist @ Curl Power Salon in Minneapolis, MN

How would you describe this look?

This look is a very long, luxurious, signature Waterfall Devacut.

My favorite thing is the drama that the length brings. A close second would be the additional curls that the added shaping in her interior brings.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look is for clients who have either a very strong curl pattern that doesn’t dilute much with length, or clients who have a weaker curl and don’t mind heavy maintenance and diffusing with each cleanse and condition (which would be minimum of twice a week).

As this hair gets heavier and the longer it grows, it will require a lot of upkeep for styling as well as clean, healthy products to maintain soft curls. This look is terrific because it can be easily worn up or down, but it is a classic and not going anywhere soon.

Fulani Braids

@redd_bangzz

Q&A with style creator, Reya
Afro Hairstylist @ Reya Braids in Birmingham, UK

How would you describe this look?

This style is called “Fulani Braids”. I created box braids at the back of the head, while the front of the head is a row of cornrows. It’s like taking parts from two separate hairstyles and turning them into one hairstyle.

My favorite thing about the hairstyle is the versatility of it. The hair can be styled a handful of different ways because the braids at the back of the head allow for easy styling and manipulation. Ultimately, these braids can be worn in an updo, a ponytail, half up half down, or even in a bun.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I recommend tying down the braids at night with a silk headscarf to prevent frizzing. It is also important to moisturize your hair before and after braiding to prevent the hair from drying out. Remember that this is a protective style, so make sure you protect your hair and scalp.

Short Edgy Razor Cut

@lori_theexclusivestylist

Q&A with style creator, Loriane Jackson
Master Cutter / Hairstylist @ In God’s Hands Beauty Salon, Inc. in Chicago, IL

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This is a disconnected and edgy razor cut bang with stunning highlights and a caramel base.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

This color can be achieved with Wella 7W, Blonde Brilliance bleach and 20 volume developer by Wella. This dynamic and edgy bang was shampooed with Joico K-Pak and conditioner and molded to the shape of the head with It’s a 10 leave-in and the Nairobi foaming wrap. She was placed under the dryer for 45 minutes, then combed out. I added a pea-sized amount of grapeseed oil for styling, rubbing it throughout the hair. I used a 1/2-inch flat iron to silk out and finish the hair.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This edgy classy look works best on medium textured to coarse hair and can be worn on all face shapes by simply adding or taking away the length of the bangs. This look is excellent for working-class women that make a point to balance their lives with leisure entertainment and the nightlife.

Trendy Short Waves

@t.techniques

Q&A with style creator, Tynisha Escobar
Hairstylist @ StarTaki Hair Lounge in Sandy Springs, GA

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

I would describe this look as classic with a modern twist! Waves are definitely trending. My favorite thing about this look is that the waving technique allows me to be as detailed and creative as I like, all while giving the client optimum longevity.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

I recommend using Influance Honey Foam for molding and shaping the client’s waves. After the client is fully dry, use a small amount of Influance Therma-Seal on the hair before curling. As for finishing aids, I use Influance Holding Spray and Influance S3 Spray for shine.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

I recommend this look to any client who enjoys a low maintenance and trendy style. It is ideal for clients with short, chemically relaxed hair.

Side Cornrows

@braidsbymadaline

Q&A with style creator, Madaline
Sudanese Artist @ Madaline Braiding in Atlanta, GA

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

I would describe this look as side cornrows. My favorite thing about this look is that fits every person’s face and it actually makes your appearance more appealing because it brings out your jaw structure and facial features that would normally be covered. It contours your face and neck naturally. It also makes everyone’s face look slimmer and more chiseled, no matter the body type.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

I will have videos demonstrating tips on my Instagram (@braidsbymadline) on how to achieve this look for any hairstylists that are interested. It’s not easy to explain and there are a lot of hidden details that are easier to grasp once you watch how it’s done.

I only use one product and that is Beeswax because it slicks down any hair texture and makes it easy for me to carve my way around. Beeswax also grows your hair really fast and keeps it moisturized from the time I apply it until the time they take down the hairstyle.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

I’ve worked in braiding since I was 10 years old. I’m now 24 years old and I’ve seen thousands of different hair textures and I can work with them all. I recommend this look for everyone, even if you have a patch with no hair. This is a great look for covering it up!

Vintage-Inspired Waves

@hairbydelvina

Q&A with style creator, Delvina Jeffries
Hairstylist @ Hair by Delvina in Alexandria, VA

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This look is very classic to me. It really speaks to the vintage 1920s flapper look that has resurfaced over the past few years. My favorite thing about this style is that it’s effortless for a stylist to achieve this look and easy for the client to maintain at home.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

To recreate this look, I definitely recommend a foaming wrap lotion or soft hold gel. My product of choice is Narobi Foam Wrap. Also, a good oil sheen spray is great to add shine and finish off the look.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This style really works best on fine or relaxed hair. It’s a great low maintenance, get up and go hairstyle that can work with most face shapes.

Protective Bob Braids

@stellahairstyles

Q&A with style creator, Stella Styles
Cosmetologist Student and Certified with a Braiding License @ Salon Hair Design Institute in Palm Beach, FL

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

I would describe this look as a protective style for most Black/African-American women. It’s an average short bob that is perfect for hot summers. What I love about it is that you can just get up and go in the mornings.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

To recreate this look, you will need six to ten packs of braiding hair and a protective styling hair jam/grease, as well as a flamed candle or flat iron to burn off the tips into the desired length.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

The type of clients I would recommend for a braided bob would be those who would like a protective style that is less maintenance. This style is great for kids as well!

No Fuss Hair Coils

@genevieveatcharlespenzone

Q&A with style creator, Genevieve
Hair Senior Director @ The Charles Penzone Grand Salon in Gahanna/New Albany, OH

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This is natural, no fuss hair. The best thing about this look is that you can see those curls! The highlights help to enhance her curl type. With tighter curls, sometimes the curls can get lost, but this style helps to show them off.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

DevaCurl all the way. Start with No-Poo and then use One Condition to add the moisture. Use B’Leave-In and Light defining gel and appy it section by section, making sure to encourage the curl as you go. Dry by using a hood dryer and fluff at the end.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This look is perfect for just about anyone with curls! This is an easy and quick way to show them off.

Five Strand Feeding Braids

@styledbyesss

Q&A with style creator, Esther Contant
Independent Stylist @ StyledbyEs in Saint Albans, NY

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This look is five feeding braids with little braids in between. It’s simple and versatile at the same time, giving you an edge without being too extreme. It is a nice day to day look that you can dress up or down.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

For this look, I used one pack of Xpression braiding hair, as well as Shine and Jam to keep the parts and braid clean. I followed with mousse, tied it down, and placed the client under the dryer for about ten minutes.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This style can be recreated on pretty much anyone with hair longer then four inches. Braids are for everyone, and that’s the beauty of it!

Loose Shoulder-Length Waves

@adashofjass

Q&A with style creator, Jasmine Flagg
Owner @ A’Dash of Jass Hair and Lash Studio in Cincinnati, OH

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

The look that I created is a loose wave style. By using this method of straightening, it allows any texture of hair to have bounce and body.

My favorite thing about this style is that it is a nice, soft and elegant style. It also allows flexibility with or without chemical, since many African American women have transitioned to being natural.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

To recreate this look, not a lot of products are needed. You never want to overdo it with what you put in your hair. Too many products will result in heavy hair. You should always use a hydrating shampoo/conditioner followed by a heat protectant.

After blow-drying, I used a small amount of light serum to add some moisture and shine before I began flat ironing. One of my favorites is the Chi Keratin Serum. The tool used was a 1 1/2-inch Paul Mitchell Neuro flat iron at 450 degrees. I took about two-inch wide sections, and within those sections, I did approximately half-inch diagonal subsections. Only go over the hair once or twice. Too much heat results in damage and we don’t want damage. As I flat ironed, I did a slight bend all the way down the hair strand in the same direction all the way through. When finished, you may a wide tooth comb to style as desired.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This style is actually a universal one. It compliments all face shapes, body types and hair lengths. As mentioned before, a lot of women are transitioning from using relaxers to natural hair, so this style can be worn either way.

In my opinion, this look rarely fails anyone. It can be worn in the office or for a Saturday night out. Its nice and sleek, yet youthful. It also doesn’t add any tension, so it’s a nice way to let your hair breathe from your normal day to day styling. The only upkeep would be to wrap it at night and cover it with a silk scarf.

Weightless Modern Long Curls

@torrensalicia

Q&A with style creator, Alicia Torrens
Owner/Hairstylist @ Brandon Hairstyling in Brandon, FL

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This look reminds me of a diamond shape that accentuates her facial features. I love how it falls weightlessly and how effortless it looks with her defined curls. The hair was cut curly and fully dry to create this shape. I cut the curls where they live!

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

I recommend using only water soluble products to recreate this look. Innersense Organic is one of my go-to product lines! I cleansed her hair with Hydrating Cream Hair Bath shampoo and Hydrating Cream conditioner. I styled her hair with Quiet Calm curl cream and I Create Hold gel.

I made sure to apply the styling products on sopping wet hair, adding the cream first and finishing with the gel for hold. I scrunched the hair to remove excess water and to allow the product to penetrate. We let the hair fully dry without touching the hair.

Once this hair is fully dry, scrunch it to break the gel cast. The curls will be plumped, soft and hydrated!

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This look will work on most face shapes. The best curl types that I would recommend this cut on would be 3b, 3c, 4a and 4b. It’s a great look for on the go clients that don’t have much time to style their hair, but want something modern.

Bold Pixe with Red Highlights

@cutz_up

Q&A with style creator, Simone Ho-Sang
Hairstylist & Colorist @ The Glam Lounge Salon in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

I love everything about this look. It’s a fun, playful, sexy look. I love how it’s a soft style overall with just a bit of boldness to it with the color.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

My best advice to recreate this look is to just GO FOR IT! I freestyle a lot of my finishes, so it’s fairly easy to recreate these versatile, soft curls. I definitely recommend using a light oil and your favorite soft hold spray.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This look is for the woman who is up for a soft, cute and edgy look. It’s great for someone who wants to take a little risk with her color, but still be able to wear it at work. The ideal client does need to have a bit of density in her texture to achieve this look.

Sassy Short Pixie

@tylerjamessalonlofts

It’s fresh yet glamorous – this boyish cut will leave you feeling breezy all day without the hassle of your hair getting on your pretty face.

Long Pixie for Straight Hair

@khimandi

This Hollywood favorite short cut is sensational! Combine this with full bangs and show off the beautiful face line you’ve got.

Super Short Crop

Style by Nancy Hamilton, Lady of Grace, Peoria, AZ

Afro-textured hair has an allure of its own. Show off your gorgeous natural locks in this super cute short hairstyle.

How to style:

While in the shower, apply a leave-in conditioner
Gently dry hair with an old t-shirt and apply a generous amount of curl crème
Lightly twist ends with natural curl pattern.
Allow hair to air dry.
Fluff curls as desired.

Product Recommendation:

For defined and conditioned curls, try Kinky Curly’s Knot Today conditioner.

Face shape:

This natural pixie style will work for all face shapes.

Angled Bob

@shanamaire_

A cool blonde on straight strands is perfect for any season. Match it up with a sassy bob cut and you’re off to go!

Glamour Blowout Long Waves

@rachel_redd

Wear the right blond with these super stylish loose curls. Bring out the S-shape of your hair and be strikingly stunning!

Super Straight with Blunt Bangs

Style by Nicki Glasgow, Studio Seven Salons, Columbia, SC

For head turning African American hairstyles, try pairing a strong, full bang with super straight locks.

How to style:

Prep towel dried hair with a blow dry lotion.
Section hair into 4 quadrants and blow dry straight using a small paddle brush.
Blow dry bangs by alternating blowing them down and from side to side.
Flat iron hair by working in small horizontal sections.
Flat iron bangs straight down and with a light bend on the ends.
Finish style with a small amount of dry oil.

Product Recommendation:

Try the Drybar’s 100 Proof Treatment Oil for lightweight shine.

Face shape:

This style will work for all face shapes.

Lightly Curled Long Bob

Style by LACEY SINGLETON, Upscale Hair Salon, Savannah, GA

This lightly curled long bob is a soft and sweet do that speaks volumes.

Try adding curls just to the ends of your long bob for a sweetly chic attention grabbing style.

How to style:

Apply a blow dry lotion to towel dried hair.
Using a medium sized round brush, blow dry hair.
Blow dry bangs using a small round brush and slightly over the opposite side.
Using a flat iron, style bangs as desired.
Curl hair with a 1 inch flat iron.
Set style with a soft hold hairspray.

Product Recommendation:

Finding the perfect round brush is difficult, but Olivia Garden’s 2 inch 100% natural Boar Bristle Round Brush works well to achieve a perfectly smooth blowout.

Face shape:

This style will for oval, triangle, and oblong face shapes.

Styling Tip:

When curling hair, don’t curl any higher than mid ear to achieve the perfect curl on the ends look.

Knotted Updos

Style by Shwanda Williams, Kenneth Shuler Schools, Columbia, SC

This head-turning hairstyle is perfect for both naturally curly and relaxed girls.

How to style:

On air dried hair, apply a moisturizing oil.
Part hair from the top of the ear to the other ear.
Pull top section into a tight ponytail near the part.
Pull the bottom section into a tight ponytail near the part.
Create 5 sections in each ponytail.
Divide sections in half and create a 2 strand twist.
Secure twists with a clear elastic.
Wrap 2 strand twists around ponytails as desired and bobby pin into place.
Fluff twists for extra volume as desired.
Finish style with a shine enhancing spray.

Product Recommendation:

Try Kinky-Curly’s Perfectly Polished to moisturize and add shine to your locks.

Face shape:

This updo style will work for all face shapes.

Braided Frohawk

Style by LASHONDA HOWARD, First Impressions, Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Take on the world and get noticed while doing it!

How to style:

On air-dried hair, section off side where you want braids to be.
Create 4 cornrow braids that go from the front to just behind the ear. Secure braids with a clear elastic..
Spritz rest of hair with water and apply a curl cream.
Allow hair to air dry and fluff curls as desired.
Finish with a medium hold hairspray.

Product Recommendation:

Try Moroccan Oils Luminous Hairspray in medium for a flexible hold hairspray with tons of shine.

Face Shape:

This style will work for all face shapes.