There’s never been a better time to rock your natural coils, kinks and curls. Keep up to date with the latest trends in natural hairstyles and check out these awesome photos below for your next hairdo. Whether your natural hair is short, medium or long, you’ll find your next favorite hairstyle here.
Pineapple Updo
Finna get finessed with a full natural afro ponytail. Braids and beads are your best friend when this style comes up.
Bantu Knots
Q&A with style creator, Haymanot Hime
from Ethiopia
How would you describe this look?
Bantu knots for natural hair has become one of my favorite protective styles since I started transitioning my hair from perm damage. It can be done with short or long hair and it can be done with different hair ranging from type 2 hair to type 4 hair.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I mostly like it because I can wear it for a couple of days without it getting messy. Before unraveling my Bantu knots I usually just do some small accessorizing with a cute set of earrings and rock it all day just like that. I get my best curl definition when I use a product that is lightweight leave-in cream for example, “ORS Olive pudding”. Just make sure to use a small amount so just a fingertip full is enough. I usually cover my hair with a satin scarf when I sleep so that my hair is protected.
Natural Top Knot
Q&A with style creator, Jennifer West
Master Loctician / Licensed Natural Hairstylist @ Cut Creaters Salon in Decatur, GA
How would you describe this look?
This look would best be described as a half up and a half down hairstyle. The intricate bun style at the top is made up of the clients over ten years worth of growth long beautiful health natural locs. My favorite thing about this style is showing the clients length of hair but also being able to show the versatility of styles the length of hair can do.
Any advice for someone considering it?
The advice I would give is to purchase a jumbo size Marley Cap for that length of hair to keep the style fresh and decrease frizz from the fresh retwist. I also like Wild Grow hair oil to keep the scalp moisturized as well as the locs so the hair does not dry out over time with the style.
Jumbo Box Braids
Q&A with style creator, Centra Maia Smith
Freelance Artist @ CineticEnergy in Detroit, MI
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
Sometimes you don’t want to wait hours on top of hours to get a head full of box braids done on your head. Sometimes you just want to get out the door and go about your day, but still look alluring and conversational. This is the protective hairstyle to do just that!
Jumbo box braids, which consist approximately 18-21 braids, look simply beautiful, carefree and effortless. My favorite thing about this style is the fusion of colors, size and length of the braids. I love the freedom of weight with 21 braids as oppose to 80-100 braids, which can be too much!
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
The products I used to achieve this look were Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges, Argan Oil Eco Styling gel, any hair grease or natural hair oil for moisturizing the scalp, and hair mousse for a finishing touch.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I believe the hairstyle doesn’t make the person, but the person (any person) can make the hairstyle. For example, this beauty has naturally curly, waist-length hair, so it is cool to see extensions that can be worn by anyone despite hair differences. You would just need more packaged hair extensions so that it can exceed your own naturally long hair.
It’s all about confidence. As long as you have enough hair, speaking to my short haired women, at least four to five inches of hair to grip and weave into the hair extensions, you’re good to go! This style can be worn everywhere and by anyone, from professional to casual environments. Just be you…unapologetically beautiful and free!
Tapered Fro
Q&A with style creator, Adrian Fanus
CEO @ Adrian Fanus Grooming Inc in Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this haircut as a dark tapered fro with natural curls.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
I recommend a leave-in moisturizing lotion to prep the hair and a curl sponge to achieve the natural twist. The sides are then laid down with a small comb or soft brush.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this style for women with three to four inches of hair. It can be achieved with longer hair, but will require more work.
This look is perfect for women with a more oval face as the curves accentuate these features. It is recommended for someone who works in the creative field or a more relaxed atmosphere. The three lines in the back add more character to the haircut and truly show off a more adventurous and fun side.
Straight Braided
Q&A with style creator, Jenise Mills
Hair Stylist @ Jenise Weaving Service in Tortola, BVI
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a crochet braid style created with Freetress Pre-Looped Crochet Braid. I love that it is straight, not curly like most crochet styles.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
I recommend a hair polish and a hair sheen.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
All hair types can wear this look. I do not recommend it for anyone that it a gym addict because too much sweat will affect the style.
Cute Curly Bangs
Be proud and flaunt your roots, literally! Look majestic while fashioning tight curls.
Two-Strand Twists
Stylist Malloray knows her way around black locks. Protective and stylish, this is a classic natural hairstyle that will live on.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
The term “silk press” is mainly associated and used in the African American community as it describes the art of pressing the hair until it is silky straight. This particular style is suitable for all hair textures, as the key component to this particular style is the shampoo process and products used before styling.
Voluminous Curls
These voluminous curls are effortless. They have tons of volume up top with just the right amount of face-framing curls.
You would maintain natural hairstyles like this look by doing a pineapple or mini pineapples at night. In the morning, release the curls and spray a curl refresher to shake everything back into shape.
This hairstyle is for a woman with a looser curl pattern (Type 3a-4a). Any face shape can wear this because the face-framing can be customized. This is the perfect look for someone who has minimal time to do their hair and needs three to four days of wear before restyling.
Bouncy Curls
Opt for a Deva Cut. Curly girls that have never tried a Deva Cut before usually lose some length with their first cut. This shape in particular helps them feel like their hair is more manageable, but still has some length to it.
I love that this cut for natural hair gives the hair some shape and style, but keeps you feeling like she didn’t cut a ton of hair off.
Start out by cleansing your hair with Devacurl Decandence Conditioning Cleanser. After rinsing that out, detangle using the Devacurl Decandence Conditioner. Rinse the conditioner out just enough to get the residue out and leave some in her hair to act as a leave-in moisturizer. While the hair is very wet, spray some Mizani Miracle Milk in for added moisture.
In four to five sections, put in the styling products. First, put some Devacurl Supercream mixed with Mizani supreme oils. Then over that, layer in Devacurl Ultra Defining Gel and Devacurl B’Leave-In. Then get under the dryer for bit before breaking up the curls to give some fullness.
Another positive to this haircut is that it is versatile for a lot of face shapes and hair types ( i.e. curly, super curly)! It’s for girls that do spend some time styling their hair and don’t like to wear it up much. It’s a very fun and bouncy cut that can be styled in many different ways by simply changing the part or amount of volume you choose to have that day with your hair.
The best thing about this cut is that after the first day of styling, the curls start to open up to a much fuller, bouncier style. If you curly girls like volume and bounce, this is the cut for you!
Crochet Twists
Q&A with style creator, Briana
Natural Hair Stylist & Education @ The Shop by Leftys in Phoenix, AZ
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
These are crochet twists. I love this look because it’s a super quick hairstyle for natural hair and it’s very versatile. You can wear them in a ponytail, completely down, half up/half down…the options are endless!
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
This style is very low maintenance. I recommend wearing a silk bonnet or sleep on a silk pillow case at night to prolong the longevity of this hairstyle.
To recreate this look, you’ll need a crochet hook and six bags of Janet Collection Havana Mambo pre-twisted crochet hair, also called Havana Hair. The hair needs to be braided in eight to ten straight-back cornrows before using the crochet hook to hook the pre-twisted hair onto the braid.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This hairstyle can be for anyone regardless of hair type, race or age. The pre-twisted crochet hair comes in a variety of sizes, lengths and colors, so there is something for everyone. I also did a similar look on my four year old daughter. Her twists were shoulder-length and skinnier in size.
Graduated Curly Bob
Q&A with style creator, There
Curly Hair Stylist @ The Standard Studio in London, UK
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this haircut as an asymmetrical graduated curly bob on natural hair. I love his look because the layering allows you to see the beautiful curl patterns. This layering prevents curls from falling flat and looking bottom-heavy whilst enhancing volume.
I’m so glad we’re finally getting over the view that curly hair needs to be tamed or less voluminous. Embrace that BIG curly hair!
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
Curly hair naturally lacks moisture, so it’s essential to use hydrating curl-friendly products to restore moisture and define curl pattern. It’s important to note that when choosing products, look for ones that are sulphate and silicone-free as these ingredients dry the hair.
For this client, I cleansed and conditioned with the DevaCurl Decadence line and styled with DevaCurl Supercream on soaking wet hair. I then locked that moisture in with DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. Finally, curls were dried on a low temperature using a diffuser to reduce frizz and for maximum curl definition.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
The beauty of this cut is that it can be worn by both wavy and super curly hair. The most important thing is to maintain healthy curls by ensuring curls are cleansed and deep conditioned at least a week and applying the correct styling products.
Elegant Updo
Q&A with style creator, Brittany
Master Cosmetologist @ First Generation Hair Salon in Conyers, GA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as a simple and elegant updo that can also be worn as a casual, day to day hairstyle for natural hair. My absolute favorite thing about this look is how both buns are intertwined, creating a rope-like formation. The thickness makes them very prominent.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
The products I recommend to recreate this look are two packages of Kanekalon Braiding Hair, hair Pins and bobby pins, medium-sized rubber bands, a rattail comb, a brush, Eco Styler Gel (with no alcohol), and jumbo styling wraps.
Maintain this look day to day with Edge Control and a silk or satin hair wrap.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for the client who has medium to long hair. It would be suitable for a natural hair client with hair types 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b and/or 4c. Heat does not have to be applied to the hair to recreate this style, but the choice is optional.
This look compliments oval, round and heart shaped faces and brings out the best features. Whether you are considering this style for an event or simply something different, this look is ideal for the anyone from the everyday career woman to the stay-at-home mom to the athlete.
Rainbow Curls for Short Hair
Q&A with style creator, Leysa Carrillo
Curly Hair Expert and Color Correction Specialist @ Atelier by Square Salon in Las Vegas, NV
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look fun, in style, and definitely a sophisticated and gentle way to wear rainbow hair. My favorite thing about natural hairstyles like this look is how seven different colors can blend perfectly together in a big full Afro.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
To maintain this look, I will always recommend to used a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo. It gently cleanses and conditions the hair and the color won’t be affected by over washing, definitely giving your color more longevity. Always keep in mind to shampoo as little as possible.
The good thing about these bright colors is that as they fade out, they will become soft and softer pastels. My favorite and only product used on the model was the Curl Define Pudding from Mizani.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I will totally recommend this look to someone with healthy hair. These beautiful colors require pre-lightening the hair to blonde, and that can affect the texture and pattern of the curls. The style you see in picture was created with a leave-in conditioner and a diffuser to disperse air evenly around the curls, gently drying the hair and improving definition.
I usually plan a 30 minute consultation to examine the hair and determine if the look is a good idea for my client. We go over lifestyle, products, routine, and all the commitments for beautiful healthy hair.
Many things can be done with curly hair. Sometimes simply re-shaping the haircut and the way you style it can change the whole look!
Jumbo Loc Plaits
Q&A with style creator, Kimberly West
Loctician @ Jah Locs in Atlanta, GA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
These are “jumbo loc plaits” or simply “plaits”. I absolutely love this natural style because it allows the client to have the freedom of wearing their locs down without being in the face, as well as tied back to give a neat and professional look.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
The product I recommend to recreate this look is called LocN Gel. LocN Gel is the best product that I’ve come across thus far. This product doesn’t leave the scalp itchy or dry and it leaves any style looking perfect for weeks. The best thing about it is that it does not contain any unwanted or harmful chemicals that most “other” brands have. LocN Gel is definitely my number one recommendation.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for anyone who is looking for something different, fun and low maintenance. If you have locs, try it out! Especially if your locs are medium length to passing the shoulders.
This style lasts a long time and once taken out, the hair will have a beautiful crinkly pattern. Locs can be done on loose to very tight coily hair, so once the locs are established, the styling can begin!
Senegalese Twists for Long Natural Hair
One of the many protective styles for Afro hair, these rope twists can be further enhanced by including extensions within the kinky twists.
Blended Fade
Q&A with style creator, Amanda
Owner @ Triple A Hair Styling in Loganville, GA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a very simple and easy yet sophisticated natural haircut! My favorite thing about this style is the uniform blended fade.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
I recommend a light moisturizing oil sheen for shine and moisture.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this style to the natural client who is constantly on the go and wants a style with very minimal maintenance!
Crochet Braids
Also known as latch hook braids, this natural hair style involves weaving hair extensions at the roots. Fuller hair with the desired styling may then be achieved.
Voluminous Natural Curls
Go for some voluminous natural curls if you’re ready to show off your natural hair without any extensions. Black women with 3c hair texture or close to can achieve this look with healthy and maintained hair. You and your stylist should consistently keep up with healthy hair and trimming practices for the absolute best results and reactions when you let your curls out.
3b Curls with Blonde Highlights
3b curls look incredible with highlights, especially blonde highlights. Curly girls will notice an increase in texture definition when lightness is added to the hair. As the blonde is pulled through, each strand twists and turns, causing light to bounce in different directions. This creates pops of movement within your coils, allowing light to reflect rather than retract.
Natural Kinky Coils
