Okay, this might sound stalkerish – please don’t call Olivia Benson on me – but as someone deeply immersed in beauty and natural hair content, one of my absolute favorite pastimes is gawking at photos of Black women on social media.
The other day, I stumbled upon @hairbysusy and couldn’t help but keep scrolling through her page. Have you ever seen so many jaw-droppingly gorgeous images of Black women confidently and proudly rocking their natural textures like the Queens they are? #BlackGirlMagic at its best!
And it’s not just that. What struck me most was the incredible variety of hair textures, styles, and lengths. It filled me with an indescribable sense of empowerment, reaffirming my pride in being an African woman with 4c hair.
In a world where conformity reigns supreme and Black women still face discrimination – even losing jobs – for wearing their natural hair instead of conforming to societal expectations, these images serve as a powerful f**k you to society. They reject these false ideologies woven from generation to generation and remind us to embrace our hair in all its natural grandeur.
Read: Company Forced To Pay $50K To Black Worker They Fired For Wearing Her Natural Hair Instead Of A Wig
That’s why today, in homage to Black hair, we’ve curated a list of 95 of the most beautiful natural hairstyles for Black women. It’s a salute to all the brave, powerful women whose creative and unapologetically beautiful natural hairstyles continue to inspire us, offering hope, reassurance, and good vibes when needed.
Best Short Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
Natural Hair Shaved Sides
One of the best natural hairstyles for Black women is shaved sides/mohawk. It’s effortlessly cute and can be accessorized with braids, twists, purple-tinted hair, twists, or a playful side part, adding a bold and unique touch to your overall look.
Or you can go with this natural hair pixie cut, specifically designed to complement curly hair types.
The chic style not only showcases your beautiful curls but also incorporates intricate designs for a cool and distinctive look that exudes edgy sophistication perfect for Black women.
Natural Pixie: Best Natural Hairstyles for Black Women
If shaved sides aren’t your cup of tea, this pixie cut is just the inspiration you need. The short look is easy to maintain and one of the best natural hairstyles for Black women in 2024.
You can zhuzh it up with gold jewelry like Teyana Taylor did with hers for that Black Girl Magic.
Buzz Cut Pixie
If you want a sexy, low-maintenance natural hairstyle that turns heads, look no further than this extra short, buzz-cut pixie. The classic look is ultra-flattering on Black women of all ages and hair textures and can be easily personalized with a bold lip, massive earrings, and a barrette.
To get the most out of this look, communicate clearly with your hairstylist about the desired length, and remember to preserve just the right amount of hair – don’t let them take too much off.
Slicked Down Natural Hair
@freshlengths, aka Lesley, is another natural hair enthusiast I can’t stop gawking at. This particular look makes me want to cut down my hair, slick it down, and hop on a plane to Seychelles.
Finger Waves
Finger waves hold a special place in the hearts of Black women, tracing their roots back to the iconic Ms. Josephine Baker during the Harlem Renaissance era.
This classic hairstyle has since blossomed into a symbol of beauty and grace, evolving into one of the most beautiful and flattering natural short hairstyles for Black women.
Undercut Cornrows
This is one of those looks you need to add to your list of the best short natural hairstyles for Black women. With this look, you get the best of both worlds—stunning cornrows and an undercut that could send your ex spinning.
Best Short Natural Hairstyle For Black Women: Tapered Cut
We can’t think of anything sexier than this dip-dyed tapered fro-hawk. It is easy to maintain, perfect for the summer heat, and the most fabulous natural hairstyles for Black women.
To recreate it, have your barber shave the sides, create a cute and fun Z pattern, and then toss your curls/coils upfront and pin it in place to show off the highlighted ends when you’re ready to go out.
Cropped 4c Hair
If you prefer relatively low-maintenance looks, a cropped cut like Jodie Turner-Smith’s is probably your best bet, especially if you have 4c hair. Bonus point if you go pink, too.
And if the cropped look doesn’t do it for you, Jodie’s signature fade should get the heads turning all summer long.
Naturally Beautiful/Big Chop
One of the best ways to grow out your 4c hair is to let it shine – no tugging, no pulling, just slathering it with deep conditioner and hair oil and letting it run free.
What’s more?
This natural look works for almost anyone and pairs perfectly with gold hoops, sunglasses, and just about anything you want to add to your ensemble.
Blonde TWA – Teeny Weeny Afro
Or, you could rock your natural hair in a small afro like @jadenoval here. It’s a conventional timeless look that’s perfect for women with coily and curly textures and highlights your face beautifully. Add a splash of color for that va-va-voom factor!
Full Afro
You could also rock a massive one like model @eboneedavis. No one’s holding you back, Queen. Have you ever seen anything so majestic? It’s the best and cutest natural hairstyle for Black women, for sure!
Finger Coils: Best Natural Hairstyle For Nappy Hair
Ebonee is also the Queen of finger coils (basically everything Black natural hair) – look how she’s all smiles and sexy with her 4c coils. Just a small tip – the smaller your coils, the longer they’ll last. Just ask this gorgeous supermodel.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are the It Girl of natural hairstyles for Black women. They work incredibly well on various hair lengths and textures, providing the ultimate protection for your type 3 to type 4 strands.
And did we mention that bantu knots are the most stress-effort and brilliant way to achieve naturally curly locks with minimal effort? Now you know.
Best Braided Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
Cornrows
Cornrows are one of the most versatile and easy-to-maintain natural hairstyles for Black women. You can braid your natural hair (which we’re here for) or use a braid extension. Either way, they’re truly gorgeous.
Side-Swept Cornrows
Natural braids are always 10/10, but the precision in parting and pattern of these side-swept braids is next level. Go on and add this look to your list of the bestsummer natural hairstyles for Black women to try next.
Pineapple Braids
Look at this masterpiece! Told you @hairbysusy was a natural hair goddess! We love how the accessories add an element of pizzazz and elevate the entire look to another level of fabulousness.
Bubble Braids
Also known as poddle puffs or bubble plaits, bubble braids are considered one of the most stylish natural hairstyles for Black women.
They’re red-carpet-worthy and look stunning on just about every hair texture. You could also rock it as a pony like @tikasumpter or do a couple like this Black Queen did for a beauty shoot.
Braids With Jumbo Bubble Bottoms
Why stick to the ordinary when you can elevate your bubble braid game? Check out this unique twist by @hairbysusy: vibrant red braids cascading into jumbo bubble bottoms embellished with glimmering gold hair strings.
PSA: This best natural hairstyles for Black women is native to Malagasy people, a tribe originating from Madagascar. It consists of woven braids with afro buttons at the bottom – it became popularized in the U.S. when Rihanna was spotted rocking it for a magazine cover.
Best Braided Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Stitch-In Braids
These braids might look simple, but they ooze sophistication and are truly remarkable and extraordinarily beautiful, especially for Black women. This makes them one of our favorite natural hairstyles for Black women.
To recreate the look, ask your stylist for small, clean braids that come along with stunning trails running across your scalp.
Flip-Over Braids
Yeah, this look calls for clean lines and angles, but you dont need to have passed geometry to nail this look. You do, however, need an expert braider like @hairbysusy. Flip-over braids are the newest kid on the block and one of the most fabulous natural hairstyles for Black women in 2024.
The style combines all the fabulous looks – cornrows, box braids, and curly tendrils (if you want to achieve a boho flair).
Box Braids
Is there anything more timeless or cool than well-done box braids? You can have them done with your natural hair, use synthetic braiding hair like kanekalon, or go the modern way with plant-based options like Rebundle.
Jumbo Box Braids
The best part about braids? You can go jumbo or micro. Chloe Bailey looks incredible in her jumbo/chunky braids, which were creatively done by Fesa Nuza.
Micro Braids
Micro braids take a long time to install. However, this is one of the softest, most flexible, and versatile braided hairstyles for Black women.
Braided Updo
Braided updos are one of the most gorgeous natural hairstyles for Black women. Try out this cute look for special occasions – red carpet events, birthdays, you know the like.
Also, make sure to keep a heap of bobby pins nearby to hold your strands in place and some form of styling gel to slick down your edges.
Natural Braided Hairstyles For Black Women: Dutch Braid
Also known as 3D braids or reverse braids, Dutch braids are formed by crossing three sections of hair under one another to create a plait that pops out.
The coolest part? Dutch braids, like French braids, adapt to any occasion and work for almost every hair texture and length.
Fulani Braids
One of the coolest parts about braided natural hairstyles for Black women is the never-ending options for how to rock them. There’s no one set way to go regarding this traditional look, so you should consider giving your braider a reference when getting them done.
Halo Braid
Channel your inner princess and sport a crown made of type 3 and 4 hair like this Queen here. All you need to do is a quick wrap-around (that requires you to brush on your French braiding skills) and securing with a couple of clips and pins.
Fishtail Braid
Here’s the trick to a flawless but cute-messy fishtail braid that stays in place: braid it tight and smoothly. Ensure that you secure it first before mussing it up a little and pulling it apart.
Infinity Braid
Infinity braids are similar to fishtail braids, but they tend to be tighter, longer (8 ft long or so), and have a more polished finish.
Pigtail Braids
Say it with us: simple ain’t dull, sis. Styling your coils and curls tight and slicked gives this natural hairstyle for Black women a sleek finish that doesn’t read too young.
Cutest Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Heart Braids
Heart braids are similar to cornrows but with a heart-shaped design fashioned close to the scalp in a heart shape. The best part? They can be huge or tiny, long or short, in natural or a pop of color – it all depends on how you want them.
Feed-In Braids
Feed-in braids are the best low-maintenance natural hairstyles for Black women. They work by the braider’ feeding in’ synthetic braiding hair to your natural curls/coils, creating an illusion of thick braids. Like every other braided hairstyle, you can match the braiding strand to your natural hair color or go for fun, playful shades.
Feed-In Twist Out
Feed-in, leave-out twists are the perfect summer natural hairstyles for Black women. You can leave them as is or add in a few accessories (clips, gold ties, and whatnot) for added pizzazz.
Braided Space Buns
Braided double buns are cooler than one, amiright? We’re obsessed with this statement-making look, and we bet you are too, so why not bookmark it so you can try it out next time you’re looking for a relaxed updo look for your date night?
Braided Bun
If you want to keep the frizz and flyaways at bay, give this cornrow bun a try. It’s a killer protective hairstyle that’s perfect for any occasion and one that’ll serve you all summer long.
Half-Up Bantu Knots, Half-Down Braids
Elevate your look with the perfect blend of tradition and trend—half-up Bantu knots, half-down braids. Embrace your heritage while flaunting your individual style with this unique hairstyle that celebrates the beauty of Black hair textures.
Best Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Braided Pony
Ummm, excuse us – how pretty is this braided pony? Even better, it’s easy to DIY and effortless to style – go with a super-long option for all the drama.
Braided Bob
Everything about this cute natural hairstyle for Black women feels cool and classic. Ya get this bob natural box braided bob look, add some color, and be ready to conquer the summer like a Queen!
Braided Bangs
It’s no easy feat creating bangs from box braids, but the braiding whisperer @hairbysusy managed to do it with style here. She adorned them with beads to give this look an added flair.
Best Twisted Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
French Twist
The French roll or twist is an elevated updo that’s been an iconic natural hairstyle for Black women since the ‘90s.
The style starts by gathering your hair into a ponytail and twisting the ends. You twist hair at the back of your head, roll it into place, and secure it with bobby pins or decorative hair pieces to finish the look.
Flat Twists
Flat twists are your best bet if you’re on the hunt for a natural hairstyle for Black women that’s faster to execute than braids or cornrows. To get flawless flat twists, ensure that your hair is parted into equal sections so that your twists look uniform.
Related: 33 Innovative And Incredibly Gorgeous Flat Twist Styles For Short Hair
Twists
Any Black Queen who wants very long, chunky, fabulous hair should look no further than @ravishing_tresses’ statement-making chunky twists.
Twisted Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Micro Twists
It doesn’t matter your hair type. Micro or mini twists can be an excellent way to safeguard your strands while creating a hairstyle that you can enjoy for weeks. If you want to go full-micro, sisterlocks have been trending since Lupita rocked them at an event two years ago.
Senegalese Twists
Also known as rope twists, Senegalese twists are one of the most popular and protective natural hairstyles for Black women. They look similar to box braids, but rather than using three strands, your stylist uses two strands to wrap around each other.
Twisted Bun
Sophistication meets sculptural with this sleek bun. All it takes is slicking down your hair and then twisting your pony into a bow. You could also add a clip-in if your hair isn’t long enough to be held into a bow.
Nubian Twists
Nubian twists resemble two-strand twists and involve using hair extensions in a springy pattern. What differentiates them from spring and Senegalese twists is that they don’t have a sheen and come in two exclusive sizes—short and medium.
Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Two-Strand Twists
Two-strand twists are the most stunning and super easy-to-do natural hairstyles for Black women. To ensure they last you for days on end, apply a leave-in conditioner and styler hybrid before twisting. It’ll help smooth and condition while keeping frizz and flyaways at bay.
Passion Twists
Passion twists are the most flattering natural hairstyles for Black women, especially girls with kinky hair. If your hair is too short, you can add some length with extensions, but if you’ve got long hair, opt for some crochet passion twists for a look that will get heads turning wherever you go.
Jumbo Twists
Zazie Beatz is the Queen of jumbo twists. Are we right or amiright? Adds to 2024 natural hairstyles for Black women Pinterest board.
Pinned Twists
Give your natural twists a new look by pinning them up for a night out or to show off your makeup or whole outfit.
Best Long Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
Locs
One of my favorite all-time natural hairstyles for Black women? Locs or dreadlocks. Just ask Chloe and Halle Bailey.
The girls have been rocking locs since the beginning. And the best part about locs? You can wear them over your wigs, have them braided, or style them into over a hundred looks, like Chloe and Halle always do.
Related: 4 Times Chloe and Halle Bailey Showed Us Locs Are Absolutely Versatile
Side-Swept Curls
We’re utterly gobsmacked with this natural hairstyle for Black women. To recreate it, pull your curls in a side-swept style, braid the left side, and then use bobby pins to hold the side-swept curls for a sexy, face-framing look.
Voluminous Curls
Let your natural texture radiate by letting your curls roam free. All you need to do is invest in a good diffuser, hair-strengthening conditioner, and curl-defining cream to ensure your curls look healthy and cute all year.
Perm Rod Set
Soft curls are one of the most incredibly stunning natural hairstyles for Black women. The only thing we ask is that you ensure your hair is completely dry before unraveling to achieve a flawless, bouncy look.
Flexi Rod Set
The perm rod set cousin flexi rods give you curls without the potential heat damage. And the best part? Unlike perm rods, these stay in incredible shape for days. All you need to do is wrap them around your curling rod, set your curls, and then air-dry for the most beautiful, bouncy, loose curls.
PSA: Remember, the smaller the rod, the tighter the curls. The bigger the rod, the bouncier and looser your curls.
Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Pineapple Curls
Don’t have time to do your hair? Copy and paste Yara Shahidi’s look and throw up your curls in a pineapple of curls that shows off your hair and highlights your bone structure and makeup. If a few curls in the front slip up, it is even better for your whole ensemble.
Wash And Go
One of the ultimate and most effortless natural hairstyles for Black women, this one’s pretty much self-explanatory and easy to do. All you need is the right products and your blow dryer’s diffuser to dry your hair without undoing your coils.
The Cinnabun
Slay like the Goddess you are with this jaw-dropping Cinnabun. You can make it extra chic, fun, and glamorous by playing with the size and zhuzhing it with accessories.
Elegant Updo/Pompadour
Look red-carpet-ready with this fabulous pompadour, a combination of a twisted bubble and smoothed-out sides. It’ll get people talking and bring the wow factor to your look.
High Puff
You’re never too old to rock a puff. This low-manipulation style is one of the best natural hairstyles for Black women – especially girls with coily hair.
Not only is it incredibly cute, but it is the perfect alternative when your twist-outs and curls are a few days old but you still want to preserve the look.
Best Professional Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Low Puff
Super-sleek at the base, the low puff is the perfect natural hairstyle for when you’re nearing wash day or feeling too lazy. You can achieve the look using gel/pomade and a boar-bristle brush.
Twist-Outs
Rated one of the best curly natural hairstyles for Black women, this low-manipulation style helps keep your coils/curls defined and tangle-free all week.
Braid-Outs
Want to maintain your perfect post-braid waves sans tangles and breakage? Enter braid outs, twist-outs cool sister, and one that can be maintained by spritzing your curls with water, slathering on a curl or wave-defining crème and deciding whether box braids, cornrows, or fishtail braid will be your ticket to perfection.
Bantu Knot-Outs
Bantu knot-outs are fantastic for girlies looking to achieve coils with bounce and volume. They’re also terrific for those transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.
Twaid-Outs
Braid-outs meet twist-outs with this natural hairstyle for Black women, which combines the stretch of a braid-out with the curl of a twist-out.
To recreate it, start by braiding the hair; once you get halfway down, twist to the bottom.
Beautiful Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Natural Gray Hair
Most women dread the slow creep of gray hair, but others embrace it wholeheartedly, as they should because silver is gold.
If you need proof, just look at this Queen. Plus, no matter your hair length, texture, or desired look, gray hair is one of the best natural hairstyles for Black women over 50.
Curly Bob With Bangs
For the girlies scared of dramatic transformations, follow Yara Shahidi’s example and take a few inches off your curls to achieve this chic, fun, and incredibly stunning take on the bob.
Plush Bob
Plush bob haircuts are the peak of quiet luxury, so it’s no surprise that this Laura Harrier-inspired ‘rich girl’ look will continue to be one of the best natural hairstyles for Black women in 2024.
Flipped Bob
Also known as the flippy bob or flob, this super-sexy hairstyle is the easiest and chicest way to add volume and texture to your short hair. It’s no wonder almost every celebrity, including Lori Harvey, Tika Sumpter, and Zendaya, has worn the 90s supermodel bob cut recently.
Blowout
Nothing beats the look of a fluffy blowout. You can add volume and movement to your hair by blowing out your strands first and using your curling iron to achieve some sexy curls like @katrina.manners here.
Silk Press
If relaxers give you nightmares but still want sleek, straight hair, a silk press is your best bet.
The non-permanent, non-chemical process is similar to a blowout but with the added step of going over your curls/coils with a flat iron to get that super sleek, bone-straight look.
PSA: Silk presses can last up to two weeks; just ensure you prep your tresses by deep-conditioning and slathering them with a heat protectant.
Colored Tresses
If you need a little enjoyment with your natural hair this summer, consider adding some hair color. And what better than Ciara’s creamy caramel bronde to add sun-kissed warmth to your type 3 and type 4 strands? We can’t think of anything better.
Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Wavy Bob
There’s something to be said about a wavy bob – it’s effortless, adds extra oomph to your natural hair, and creates an aura of elegance. To achieve Robyn Fenty’s signature bend, reach out for a curling iron, and then brush through your curls to create a sexy looser pattern.
Natural Hair Top Knot
Black girls are top knot queens. Depending on your hair type and texture, you might need to use edge control, gel, or mousse. Also, make sure to use flake-free products such as Rizos Curls Flake-Free Light Hold Gel ($14) to help keep the flyaways and edges in check.
Natural Ballerina Bun
It doesn’t matter if you’re on day six or ten of unwashed hair or want a slicked, off-duty look; there’s nothing quite cute and snatched like a ballerina bun. It is one of the most minimal-effort natural hairstyles for Black women, and one that helps busy girlies look so put together.
Leave a few tendrils for a chic, girl-next-door look.
Space Buns
Space buns are one of the trendiest and easy-to-master natural hairstyles for Black women. All you need to do is slick your hair with gel at the crown of your head. Pull the rest of your strands into two high pigtails, tie them, and tuck the ends under for a playful, youthful, and cute look.
High Bun
We love a high ponytail moment like the next girl, but a high bun always holds a special place in our hearts. Exhibit A: This sleek bun can make even the most hardened girlie feel glamorous and sexy—plus, it keeps hair protected, making it an ideal choice for those with natural Black hair.
Low Bun
Low buns are one of the most low-maintenance natural hairstyles for Black women. They’re also classy and excellent for showing off your jewelry and makeup.
Top Tip: Ensure to preserve the style overnight by tying your natural hair down with a scarf. You’ll wake up with super-slick strands.
Slicked Mid-Bun
A slicked mid bun is forever glamorous and one of the easiest natural hairstyles to achieve regardless of your styling skills. This Queen definitely makes it look effortless.
Best Natural Hairstyles For Black Women: Messy Bun
Are you having a bad hair day? Don’t fret—slick your edges and tie your hair down for a messy, effortless look.
Voluminous Ponytail
This voluminous ponytail screams big hair energy, which is why it made our list of natural hairstyles for Black women. If you have thick hair, consider beefing it up with a boar bristle brush or adding a drawstring ponytail to get the same va-va-voom effect!
Natural High Pony
A sleek high pony is one of the most popular natural hairstyles for Black women. You’ll channel your inner Queen Bey by adding a little pizzazz to the look.
Low Pony
Yara Shahidi shows us that a low pony can be chic, sleek, and glamorous.
Fauxhawk
Do you know what’s the cutest natural hairstyles for Black women? A fauxhawk. It’s a cool, convenient, and cute way to keep curls out of your face. You only need a hair pick, rattail comb, bobby pins, and favorite hair gel. For a more long-lasting look, consider braiding or flat-twisting the sides.
Wet Look
The wet look has been a red carpet favorite for years now. It’s incredible for fine, short, natural hairstyles for Black women – just don’t skimp on the styling mousse when creating this look.
It helps enhance your natural hair texture, and the wide-tooth comb adds definition and gives you a ‘stepped out of the shower’ aesthetic.
Curly Half-Updo
You can effortlessly flaunt your spirals while ensuring your hair stays clear of your eyes! Follow Queen Golda Rosheuvel’s lead by elegantly weaving the top half of your hair into French braids for a romantic touch.
Mermaid Waves
Mermaid waves typically boast well-defined curls, but for a more relaxed vibe, consider embracing a looser interpretation of the style. This approach exudes a casual, effortless charm while maintaining a chic allure.
Best Accessorized Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
Shell Out Natural Hair
Accent your natural hair with cowrie shells. Revered in African and Caribbean cultures, these shells serve not only as a stylish accent but also as symbols of protection and heritage.
Beaded Natural Hair
There are so many beautiful things going on in this photo. The combination of rich melanin skin with cornrows, bangs, and beads of all sizes and colors makes this look so Instagram-worthy.
Headwrap
Headwraps have been among the best accessories for Black natural hair for centuries. According to Leone Culture, headscarves hold a lot of significance in the U.S, especially amongst Creole Women who used tignon clothes to create elaborate wraps and headscarves for beauty and also invoke spiritual protection.
Monarch Queen
Feast your eyes on one of the dopest natural hairstyles for Black women in 2024. As shown, you can Mother Nature your hair by adding some butterflies to your afro for the ultimate Coachella vibes.
Statement Clips
@hairsusy doesn’t leave anything to chance. This look makes me want to call her and spend all my savings to get that perfect I.G. shot. Tres chic!
Cornrow Pearls
Pearls don’t just go on your neckline. This Queen applied adhesive pearls to her cornrows; we’re not mad about it. It’s the perfect way to adorn your basic cornrows to give them that va-va-voom, red-carpet-worthy touch.
