Finger Wave Weave

@elandadunn_stylist

Short haircuts for African American women are plenty, but not always modern for a woman as they get older. These short finger waves are a more modern short black hairstyle for women in their 40’s.

Short Afro Mohawk

@kefashion_hairstyle

Optimal for those who want to always look fresh and fun these highlights on a short mohawk inspired look. The curly hair twist hair styling with caramel tips definitely achieves that look.

Naturally Curly Bob

@pekelariley

Let your envy-inducing wavy locks go wild with this natural short bob hairstyle for a black woman! Use your stylist-recommended products to show off your mane’s structure and volume effectively!

Straight Hair

@xspreshunhair

This one features an ear-length rounded bob haircut with side-swept bangs that’s very sweet and sassy. The dark maroon hair color not only showcases her smooth strands but also complements the complexion perfectly! There are lots of styling options for this short hairstyle for black women!

Short Purple Balayage

@gigidoesmyhair

Add some major pop into your life with this gorgeous short wave with purple hair color. It’s one of my favorite vibrant short haircuts for African American women!

Short Weave Bowl Cut

@kemeonstarstylist

The straight hair on this short weave gives black women a simple and everyday look.

Pin Curl Black Hairstyle

@cthomdmv

These short pin curls is on fire with this red and orange blend.

Razor Cut Pixie

@hairbyuno

A perfect stylish short haircut never goes wrong on girls as long as you have the confidence to rock it. Keeping your cut simple like this razor cut to make a textured layered pixie is what you need to look sexy in any outfit you wear.

Edgy Undercut

@pekelariley

The undercut designs on this short cut are a perfect example of some new trends this season and goes well with this long blonde pixie cut. The natural black base + blonde color = dope!

Waves & Curls

@nikki_h_stylist

The waves and curls are a great way to spice up your standard black pixie cut. For an African American, short hair is a way to stand out and express yourself.

Copper Pixie Cut Bob

@mrskj5

This TWA copper pixie bob is a bold look for black girls with a bold personality. Do you have what it takes to rock these natural curls on the chocolate rose gold balayage?

Faux Locs Bob Crochet

@vanitybydanit

This neck length cut has unique crochet tresses that black ladies with the right personality can really pull off.

Tapered Crochet Pixie Cut

@onyestyles

This naturally curly short black haircut is a unique mix of black and dark tresses. It’s a very natural tapered cut that any black girls can pull off.

Disconnected Faux Hawk Fade

@floyds99nation

This short hair does a great job balance the volume up on top with those playful ringlets while keeping the sides short with an edgy surgical line.  Keeping your short natural haircut like this is a great way to get the eyes up to your cool hair. Ask for a taper fade to get the sharp edges like this girl.

Side-Parted Pixie

@t.techniques

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

How would you describe this look?

This is a traditional choppy pixie haircut with a layered bang for more drama. I love the versatility the bang gives to the style. It’s one of my favorite cuts if you’re looking for short hair ideas. If she chooses to loosely curl the bangs or flip them black she’s got a totally different trendy look. I also gave her a jet black rinse. I love how her hue adds so much shine her curly haircut.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I would recommend purchasing the Influance styling package which will help the guest maintain her look at home no matter what her extracurricular activities are. This includes therma-seal which is a heat protectant that adds a lot of shine, honey styling foam which will be great for molding her hair in-between visits, firm holding spray which gives the hair a great pliable, nonflaking hold, and last but not least, S3 spray for shine.

Silver Pixie Cut

@livelifemichxox

This is a gorgeous choppy black pixie cut for older women with gray hair.

Q&A with style creator, Shakeela
Stylist in Brooklyn, NY

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this look as Simply Beautiful. My favorite thing about this short hairstyle is that it’s lightly curled so it goes in any direction that you want.

Any advice for someone considering it?

It’s a very simple short hairstyle. Keeping your cut simple like this doesn’t require too much maintenance. It’s a great hairstyle for someone on the go. They will have to simply just use a silk scarf at night, wake up and add just a little oil. If the client has to bleach their hair to achieve this look, then oil will most definitely be necessary. However, this particular client has turned this color naturally, so it’s perfect for her.

Cute Bob with Bangs

@ninididmyhair

Looking for a elegant daily look? These warm brown ringlets go perfect for ladies looking to frame their cute round faces.

Purple Curly Pixie

@paulabrittstyles

Q&A with style creator, Paula Britt
Educator & Owner @ Blendz Salon in Atlanta, GA

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this as a short curly pixie cut. It’s extremely feminine yet radical with color. This client is partially relaxed (around the perimeter) and naturally curly in the crown. She reminds me of the vintage photos of Rosie the Riveter. She exudes strength and at the same time looks submissive. In an eclectic kinda way.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This is a good example of short cuts for black women that works with any face shape. Although texture plays a significant role in the way that the curls lay, it can be achieved with the use of a flat iron and minimal product.

The color was achieved by a lifting the hair using a foiling method leaving the roots lower for a multidimensional look.

Short Gold Pixie Lines

@greg_gilmore

An impressive short black haircut with thick hair with surgical lines. The golden blonde hair color really gives it that added flair.

Q&A with style creator, Greg Gilmore
Owner / Hair Artist @ Modern Hairitage Studio in West Hollywood, CA

How would you describe this look?

This is a very bold look and one that takes a confident person to wear. However, it can also inspire confidence in the wearer as well. My favorite thing about this look is the distinctive flavor it gives very sold, very bold.

It’s a level 7-8, cool gold, reminiscent of the 90’s. Usually, people are going for the higher lift blondes, but we opted for this tone that really complimented her skin tone.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I would say that this would require a lot of moisturizing and that would consist of regular, weekly deep conditions with an intense moisturizer such as Design Essential’s Almond and Avocado Conditioner and or Design Essentials Coconut, and a Mono Moisture Masque.

It’s very important to follow up with a great leave-in conditioner such as Almond and Avocado Leave In or from the Coconut and Monoi line.

My client here has natural coils, which can be naturally dry so it’s important for her to keep it moisturized. It’s also important to apply products that will protect her follicles from the elements such as curling creams and or essential/botanical oils ( jojoba oil, argan oil, hairdressings/pomades).

This is a wet and go type of style, so it would be important to rinse the hair and add more product to it each day to recreate the look or redefine the curls again. Keeping this moisturized is what’s needed for the long-term success of the style.

Box Braids

@superbraider_

Q&A with style creator, Kisha Jackson
Licensed Braider @ Super Braider LLC in Miami, FL

How would you describe this look?

This look is called a short bob plaits. I love this look because it gives the braids distinct characteristics that will last as long as you care for it properly. Braids in itself are also good for hair growth if properly done and cared for.

Any advice for someone considering it?

For shape, always sleep with a bonnet to keep the short braids to a curve and prevent frizz.

If possible, hair no longer than shoulder length works best for this style and preferably it has texture.

(Ladies stay away from the perms! )

This style looks best on people with long thin faces.

This style is ideal for individuals that like to get up and go, while still keeping an edgy, yet professional look.

Pixie Waves

@bonefide.hair

Q&A with style creator, Bo Lenoir
Salon Owner / License Cosmo @ Bonefide Hair in Lakewood, CA

How would you describe this look?

This look is best described as the wave short hairstyle for black women.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This is look is universal because it frames the face when styling. The stylist will adjust the curls to lay in a certain position to accommodate the client.

Messy Pompadour Undercut

@hairbiz1

Q&A with style creator, Monika Parham
Master Stylist @ Salon Ramsey in Atlanta, GA

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this particular short hairstyle as a messy pompadour. This particular client said “just do whatever you feel”, and this was the result.

My favorite thing about it is that it’s funky yet clean at the same time.

Any advice for someone considering it?

First and foremost, be willing to simply rock the cut! The cut itself supports the style, so there is no need for heavy sprays and spritzes. I did style this particular look with a holding spray.

This one of the more trend-setting short hairstyles for African American women. If you are adventurous, live on the edge type of woman, I say go for it! This style is most flattering on women with fuller faces because of the height and closeness on the sides give a slimming appearance.

For home care, a styling pomade or curling wax can be used to smooth the sides and back. Use the same product to pull the hair upward and maintain the height.

Short Disconnected Cut

@naturalrootsalon

Q&A with style creator, Karen D. Wilson
Stylist / Owner @ Natural Root Salons in Philadelphia, PA

How would you describe this look?

This is a pretty short disconnected cut. What I love about this look is the color and the way the strands falls in the front of the face.

I also love the layers that were created for this crop cut. They are a soft, feminine touch to complete the look. The stylist must be awesome!

Any advice for someone considering it?

Consider the cut and what versatility you can once you achieve the cut. Adding hair dye only makes the cut more attractive. This style is very low maintenance and you don’t need to use a lot of products. The magic is all in the cut!

This cut can be customized for every face shape. Happy cutting!

Blonde Pixie Cut

@b_andrew_hair

Q&A with style creator, Brian Andrew
Hairstylist @ Hair By Brian in Bronx, NY

How would you describe this look?

It’s bold, it’s vibrant, and it’s a statement!

My favorite thing about this look is that it works for all hair types and textures and that it’s fun and flirty. The best part about the coloring process is watching it go from one dynamic to another. Color has a tendency to brighten up the face and highlight specific features like the eyes and cheekbones.

Short hairstyles for black women wearing a platinum blonde hair color is no longer taboo, it’s fierce and sophisticated. For too long only darker tones and hues were reserved for black women, but this year it’s go bold and have fun with colors. I predict that platinum blonde will be the hot trendy hue for spring/summer.

All color, cut, and styling are customized specifically to the client and I use their current style and lifestyle to play up the look.

Any advice for someone considering it?

For a client with naturally curly hair that’s thinking about this look, I would take a close look at the health of the hair and ask a battery of questions such as:

How often do you visit the salon?

What is your current care regimen?

Do you have an active lifestyle?

Are you currently on medication?

Do you have any concerns?

I would also like to add that hair type doesn’t matter much, it’s the aftercare that is most important. Blonde hair is very drying to the hair, so the client must keep it moisturized with regular treatments and use product geared toward color treated hair.

One thing to note is not all haircare lines are created equal, so I include a product discussion as part of my consultation. I put together a plan that fits the needs of each client and work my magic from there.

Teenie Weenie Afro (TWA)

@jaivali

Q&A with style creator, Vernita Ali
Freelance Cosmetologist & Barber @ Hair by Etc Etc in Ewa Beach, HI

How would you describe this look?

This is an extra short TWA (teenie weenie afro) crop. Short hairstyles like this can be rocked by all natural haired women with or without color in their hair.

My favorite thing about the TWA is the different ways it can be styled. It complements a woman in a way that says she’s fierce, serious, and confident. I am currently rocking this look and short hair just makes me feel exhilarated. I am at my best with short hair.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I’d advise an existing or new client to make sure they are certain they would like a shorter look if they are going for a big chop, because the grow-back process can be bumpy. If it’s a client who is already at this lengthl, I’d simply educate them on tools to maintain their look of choice.

Some of my favorite go-to products are Creme of Nature Perfect Edges, Lotta Body to get those curls bursting and moisturize the hair, and black castor oil with lavender in it for shine, strength, and growth. Shampoo and conditioning all hair types is very important, but for natural black hair women to get health and strength in each strand, I use Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo and Paul Mitchell Super Charged Moisturizer. I also use Matrix Oil Wonders shampoo and conditioner. For color clients, I use the Paul Mitchell Color Protect shampoo and Ultimate Color Repair conditioner to help preserve the color the client has invested so much time and money into.

As far as styling goes, a TWA is very simple to style, but the maintenance can seem a bit of a hassle for those who do not even shampoo their own hair. I recommend making sure you see your stylist regularly if that applies to you. Otherwise, flat twist, flexi rods, perm rods, or simply scrunching the hair with your hands can create a beautiful fro with the natural curl pattern and, of course, some products to give it shine and body.

TWA short hairstyles for black women is perfect for someone who is in the military, a stay at home mom, or even a corporate woman/entrepreneur. An oval-shaped face is ideal, but just because you may not have that bone structure doesn’t mean you can’t wear what makes you happy.

Cropped Cut

@aaronscottlacy

Q&A with style creator, Aaron Scott Lacy
Artist & Educator @ theFactory in San Diego, CA

How would you describe this look?

This is a cropped haircut. My favorite thing about this look is how there is nothing to hide behind. The short haircut draws emphasis to your natural features while simultaneously complementing them with a minimalistic look.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I recommend this type of cut based on a number of factors regarding suitability. A cropped haircut is ideal for a woman with soft features, a reluctance to spend hours styling their hair, and a preference to look and feel unique.

Chocolate Brown Pixie Cut

@bethtastik

Q&A with style creator, Beth Johnson
Curly Hair Specialist @ Southern Curl in Atlanta, GA

How would you describe this look?

I describe this short hair look as fun and feminine pixie cut. A lot of women with natural curls are afraid of short hair because they think it won’t be flattering to their face or they won’t look feminine. Even with thin hair, this look is all about the shape.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Short locks can take less time to style, but it may need to be styled more often. When your hair is long, it’s easy to throw it up into a bun or puff until you’re ready to wash. Hair this length will need a little more care throughout the week to look its best.

Modern Buzz Cut

@adrianfanus

Women with short black hair tend to have a fun and bold personality to match their look. This shaved cut certainly brings a different kind of femininity.