Just like kids fashion, the hair industry is always coming up with age-appropriate yet trendy styles and black kid hairstyles have never been cuter! Check out some these great styles you can choose for your kid.
Braided Ponytail
Q&A with style creator, Meagan Tayylor
Freelance Cosmetologist @ Hair For It in Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe this look?
This look is a braided Genie ponytail. What I love about this hairstyle for black girls is the gold band and the curls.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Take your time when adding in the extensions and make sure it’s being braided into the correct desired spot in the middle of the head and not the side.
Protective Box Braids
Q&A with style creator, Miéchelle Walker
Independent Stylist in Evanston, IL
How would you describe this look?
What she loves about the style for black kids is that you can add colorful strings and hair jewelry. It makes the hairstyle truly unique when you add your own touches. What I love about the hairstyle is once her hair is braided, it’s low maintenance and her natural hair is protected. I oil her scalp consistently to promote healthy hair growth and that’s it until it’s time to take her braids down. Her hair texture is a looser curl pattern and I often braid her hair but in order to make the styles last longer, I sometimes add braiding hair to reinforce all her curls remaining in the braids without getting frizzy.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Box braids work on all hair types because the braiding hair really helps lock the hair in place. Brielle’s hair texture is a looser curl pattern and I often braid her hair but in order to make the styles last longer, I sometimes add braiding hair to reinforce all her curls remaining in the braids without getting frizzy. Before braiding hair washing and deep conditioning is important, I let her hair air dry but depending on the hair texture you will need to blow dry the hair to straighten it our a little not much if though. After the hair is air dried a little I oil her scalp with wild growth oil (having a healthy moisturized scalp is important) as I part it into boxes. For this style, I use the rubber-band method which is where you section off squares of hair and put a rubber-band to make ponytails all over and then braid braiding hair into each ponytail.
This hairstyle is great year round, great for children and women on the go. Great for all face shapes because you can style braids the same as you would any other hairstyle (a ponytail, braid your braids, 1/2 up-1/2 down, wear in a bun etc). Once your hair is braided you are set for a few weeks. Just maintain the moisturizing of the scalp and sleeping with a bonnet, scarf, or a satin pillowcase to protect the hair.
Low Skin Fade Side Part Pomp
Q&A with style creator, Alexi Soward
Barber @ The Final Cut in Boca Raton, FL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This haircut for black boys is basically a low skin fade side part pomp. What I like about this haircut is that with his texture hair, most barber stylists would not recommend this style, but I thought it came out awesome.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
The products I recommend to produce this look would be a light water-based pomade, a hot air blow dry to the desired look, and a cold air blast to close the cuticle and distribute product.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this haircut for any texture and face structure. You can go about this style so many different ways to tailor to your client’s face.
Mohawk Fade
Q&A with style creator, Jonathan Scott
Barber @ Shave & Groove in Plainfield, NJ
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this black boy’s cut as sleek and modern. My favorite things about it are the two dimensions. From the front view, it would appear as just a regular fade with medium length hair on top. From the side view it’s not just a fade, but a burst fade, accenting the idea of a mohawk.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
As for products, I used CLEAR ICE GEL to bring out the natural curls and to lay down the fade.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look isn’t for young or old. I would recommend this look for anyone with this type of short and curly or short and coily textured hair.
Protective and Pretty
Q&A with style creator, Tiffany Milton
Protective Hairstyle Expert @ The Halcon Experience in Rock Hill, SC
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
The hairstyle for black kids featured below is a protective hairstyle. I love how you can have a different look and have color, all while protecting your natural hair!
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
This look can be achieved on all hair textures, lengths and color. This style is very low maintenance and can be for worn eight to ten weeks. For best results, I recommend going to a professional for proper installation and sleeping with a satin bonnet on to maintain the style.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this hairstyle for any girl on the go. It is perfect for someone that doesn’t have time to do their hair, plays sports, is going on vacation, someone transitioning to natural hair, and for all girls that dare to be different.
Cute Bantu Knots
There is freedom with creating scalp patterns and accessorizing your mini top bantu knots. This once’s extraordinary with the added gold sheen in each knot.
Curly Top Fade
Q&A with style creator, Que
Barber @ All In The Wrist Barbershop & Academy in Smyrna, DE
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as a curly top Fade. It’s a bald fade with the new generation twist to it. My favorite thing about this look, aside from it being my favorite go-to-style, is that it’s very playful! You can rock out with your curls at this length, or you can let your curls grow and transition into the “man bun” look which is becoming more and more popular by the day.
The part in his head was actually there to begin his transition into the man bun, separating his curls from the fade. Ultimately I love this look and encourage it to my clients who are looking for a new style!
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
I highly recommend Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Luster’s S-Curl, No Drip Curl Activator, and the Curl Sponge. I’d use the No Drip Curl Activator to stimulate the curls, and come behind it with the Curl Enhancing Smoothie to lock in the moisturizers, as well as define the curls and give it a nice shine. My clients love the smell of both products and sometimes want to buy the product off me on the spot! Last but not least, I’ll finish with the Curl Sponge. The Curl Sponge has become a must-have for all ages to achieve the “curly top” look.
Another great thing about these products are they are inexpensive. A little also goes a long way! You can find all of these products atyour local beauty/barber supply store.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look to clients who are going for a change, especially to those who may be going for the big chop and are looking for a new style. This would be the perfect cut!
Another great thing is that this cut and style can be achieved with any hair texture! Whether you’re going back to school, starting a new job or getting ready for a date, this hairstyle is the perfect way to introduce yourself without speaking.
Fancy Braided Updo
A traditional black kids style celebrating a rich culture. The twisted braids in a bun takes you back to your African roots.
Cornrow Braids
Black power prevails with a distinguished set of cornrows. Keeps black hair healthy with a purpose of keeping you looking good.
High Top Fade
Q&A with style creator, Miguel Quillens
Barber @ Unlimited Styles n Kutz in New Orleans, LA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This particular black boy’s style is known as a low blend high top fade. My favorite aspect of the cut is the rainbow part that complements the blend to perfection.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
I use Andis Fade to start it off and Oster Fast Feeders to smooth the blend. I finished with Andis Outliners to line him up.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This particular style fits perfectly on anyone, but it works better on kids as it gives all hair the illusion of silky curls when done properly.
Line Up with 360 Waves
Transform your kinky curls into spellbinding waves. You may need constant brushing, moisturizing, and dragging to maintain that finesse.
Braid and Twist
Q&A with style creator, Shannon Foster
CEO / Owner / Licensed Cosmetologist @ Returning 2 Natural LLC in Indian Trail, NC
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a braid and twist, half up half down protective style for little black girls. My favorite thing about it is how it saves us time in the morning because I don’t have to style my daughter’s hair daily.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
To maintain this style, I recommend wearing a satin bonnet at night. One would also need to apply oil to the scalp and on the ends as needed. Additionally, smooth the edges with Edge Control.
This style should typically last two weeks, depending on home maintenance and hair type/texture. To recreate this look, use a thick and creamy leave-in conditioner, oil, and Edge Control. If you prefer a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then add a curl cream or twisting butter.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this style for a child or an adult with dense curly/coily natural hair. A working mom who doesn’t have a lot of time to style her daughter’s hair daily or the working professional could appreciate this style. It works well for all face shapes.
High Taper With Length
Q&A with style creator, Steve Darius
Barber @ Steve The Barber in Harlem, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a high taper on the sides and back. This particular client has a lot of length on top. Today’s youth like the length. It’s clean on the sides and back with length to style in so many ways.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
There are a few products I would use to style that hairstyle. I would start with a pomade/wax or gel. With length there is maintenance, so for some, product and heat could be applied for the desired style needed.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I’ve service all types of hair with this style. Products are the key for each type of hair.
I recommend round or square face with this hairstyle only because of the height, length and body this hairstyle creates. It wouldn’t look quite as nice on a long or oval face.
The clients that request this trend most often are millennials, models and soccer players.
Carefree and Cute
Q&A with style creator, Breanna Goodwin
Professional Stylist @ Versus Salon in Virginia Beach, VA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This little black kid’s hairstyle is carefree and cute! My favorite part is that even though she has extensions, it’s still age appropriate. This style helped me change the way my client felt about herself without society’s perception or her changing.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
This look can be obtained with human hair extensions or synthetic hair extensions of your choice. In this case, I did a partial sew-in using synthetic hair. I attached the hair using a C-shaped needle and nylon thread.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This is a great get up and go look! It is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have much time to spend on their hair. It can be worn by almost anyone as a protective style and it can be customized for any age from children to adults.
The Wave Cut
Q&A with style creator, Keila Olivencia
Licensed Master Barber @ MVP Barbershop in Worcester, MA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a very popular haircut in urban culture and is called “the wave cut” or “waves”. Just like some women envy the curly hair look, a lot of men envy the “wave” look because it is hard for most men to obtain if their hair is not the proper texture.
I love the balance between the wavy texture and the crisp outline. It looks especially nice with an perfectly blended taper or fade.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
To obtain this look, it is important to first identify if the person has the proper hair texture and curl pattern. It is created mainly by cutting the hair with the growth pattern, also known as “cutting with the grain”.
Individuals often wear do-rags or wave caps at night to keep the hairs in place. Brushing the hair with the hair pattern on a regular basis helps maintain this look as well. Shea butter-based products such as Xotics Sweet Jamilla are excellent products to apply to the finished look.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Curly or wavy hair are the perfect hair textures for this look. This look is a very regular and casual look, so it is perfect for both businessmen and the everyday guy.
Half Up Half Down Crochet
Q&A with style creator, Sophia
At Home Hair Stylist @ Naturally Sophia in Queens, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This style is a half up half down crochet look, with the front being braided up with crochet curling hair and the back flowing down. My favorite thing about this style is the way it looks so natural, but you don’t have to worry about waking up every morning to restyle as you would your own hair.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
For maintenance of this style, I recommend wearing a bonnet (a silk-like shower cap) when going to bed. From there, you should not have to do much.
If you begin to see some frizzy hairs, I recommend either a touch of a soft gel or a curling spray and work it through the curls. For the braids in the front, you can use edge control.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This is a very versatile look. Although this is a big style in the African American community, I would love to explore this style on any and every nationality as there is no specific “hair type” for this style. Also, this is not too “grown” for children and not too “kiddish” for adults.
Old Fashioned Flat Top
Q&A with style creator, Jonathan Darling
Barber @ Jaydee’s Cuts in Las Vegas, NV
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is what we call the old fashioned flat top with a high fade on the side. My favorite thing about this haircut is that it’s not only one of the hardest cuts to achieve, but it symbolizes a lot coming from the African American culture including fashion and music.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
Once you have achieved this haircut, I recommend the client buy a bottle of holding spray to hold the Afro in place throughout the day. Depending on the climate you live in, you should buy a spray that works best in your weather.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look are for those who love to be different and love the retro look. A lot of athletes, children and icons wear their hair like this. No matter where you are, you will stand out in a positive way. If you don’t maintain your hair after you get it cut, I don’t recommend this for you.
This style would be easy for people with really thick hair. It will stand up and hold in place with or without the holding spray. Honestly, anyone can wear this haircut, but can your barber pass the test?
Beyoncé Lemonade Braids
Q&A with style creator, April Soden
Licensed Hairstylist @ Tressenoire / Yeluchi by Un-ruly in New York, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
In past years, this style was called “around the way girl braids”, but in more recent times, they are called “Beyoncé lemonade braids“. My favorite thing about this look is that it’s perfect on short hair or long hair. It all depends on preference.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
For this look, I used Pamper Me April Haircare Products. I started with an all natural hair growth oil to soften the hair. I then greased her scalp to maintain a healthy scalp. I used a rat tail comb for straight parts. Before I begin each braid I add some repair edge control for a neater braid. When I’m done with braiding, I make a pattern with the beads and add them to each braid using a bead wand. I secure the beads with rubber bands.
To finish, I sprayed with oil sheen and a holding spray with shine. You can maintain this look by tying it down with a satin scarf at night.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this style to someone looking for a protective style that will last a couple of weeks. It is ideal for someone looking to do little to no maintenance, and it is a style that fits all ages.
Braids & Twisted Bun
Q&A with style creator, Candice Forde
Hairstylist @ Hair Candy Salon in Parkville, MD
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is a braided style with a twisted bun. What I like about this style is that it is a protective style, meaning you do not have to do anything but maybe spray a little braiding sheen to your hair and go on with your day.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
The products I recommend using are a foam wrap or mousse to keep the braids nice and neat, as well as a little oil or grease to keep the scalp hydrated. I also recommend a really good edge control product to keep your edges smooth. I love EBIN New York Edge Tamer.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This is not just a kid style, but it is recommended for all ages. I think that if your hair is thin, you may want to add extensions to give the style a fuller look. Although a person with an oval face can wear any hairstyle, this particular style is recommended for all face shapes.
Modern Mohawk
Q&A with style creator, Mike Sales
Barber @ Mike and Bills Presidential Barbershop in Huntsville, AL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This black kid’s haircut is a style derived from the traditional mohawk. The cut has evolved over time, but the thing I like about this cut is seeing my client’s eyes light up after he’s been blessed with a cut.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
There are an array of products out there, but for this particular style I used Gorilla Snot Gel.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This cut is for anyone with swagger from five years old and up. He or she is more than likely very outgoing. This cut is similar to the athlete Odell Beckham’s cut and style.
