Natural afro hairstyles can be hard to come by these days. It’s somewhat of a legendary look that has been worn with confidence by celebrities, politicians, musicians and other icons. The afro hair type can be worn short or long, by men or women. It’s quite a versatile look that takes some patience and care to achieve.
However, with some regular basic care, afro hairstyles can be fairly low-maintenance styles. Check out some of the best afro hairstyles from Pinterest for a little inspiration if you wear your hair natural or want to switch back to this textured style.
The Most Inspiring Natural Afro Hairstyles
We’ve scoped out Pinterest and Instagram to prove the huge variety of stylish, inspiring, modern Afro hairstyles. Protective updos, twists, puffs, mohawks and fauxhawks, finger coils, side parts, undercuts, pixies, and scarf-wrapped Afro hairstyles are just a part of all the excellent ideas for natural hair.
Afro Hairstyle With Red Lips
ukhairbeauties
You don’t need a lot of makeup to make a statement with Afro hairstyles like this. Matte red lips and strong eyebrows can define your face so that it doesn’t get overshadowed by your glowing hair, however. An ideal accessory to wear with a shorter afro is massive earrings. This is a great way to emphasize your laid-back style.
The Headpiece Side Part
@ukhairbeauties
You don’t have to let your curls go wild to rock an afro. Gather your hair slightly, and secure it at the side with multiple colorful pins.
This headpiece touch will completely change the look of your natural curls, turning a typical Afro mane into an elegant and unique trendy hairdo.
Scarf-Wrapped Afro Hairstyle
@fololo_tuala
Wearing a scarf can be a boon on a bad hair day. However, it can be hard to figure out how to wrap the fabric around all that hair so that it ends up looking chic instead of bulky. This simple accessory creates height on top of your head and frames your face.
Space Buns
@iconagramm
When you want to get your hair out of your face, place it in two pigtails at the top of your head. The curls will shrink, creating playful poufs at the crown. Leave a few tendrils out around the ears so the pulled-back style isn’t too severe.
Vintage Natural Texture
nisa_maranda_jones
Let your hair grow long, and use rollers to create larger curls that aren’t too kinky. You’ll get a longer look that you can pair with some retro glasses. Don’t worry about creating a part. Just let the shorter layers around your forehead flop wherever they end up.
Soft, Brushed-Out Brown
iamzoefoster
The more you brush your natural hair, the softer and more blended it will appear. Don’t style your hair this way if you want defined curls. However, for thick, fluffy tresses, use a brush to bring out the best in your hair’s texture. Your hair can be easily damaged if you brush it too much while it’s dry.
Detangle it in the shower with a wide-toothed comb so that brushing it is easier later. If you want it to grow this long, get the ends trimmed regularly, and make friends with moisturizing treatments. Although you may be tempted to blow dry your hair because it takes a long time to dry on its own, don’t do it. Blow drying is one of the most damaging things you can do to natural black hair.
Short Go-To Silhouette
good_girl_reeree
This short, sweet look is shaped to surround the face neatly. A few tendrils fall down over the eyebrows, and the back of the hairstyle comes almost to the collar. Leave the top a little longer than the back and sides to mimic this shape.
Silver Natural Hair
youngbambinaa
The afro is an ageless style. These curls are tinged with grey, white and black. Together, the colors create a shimmering effect. Go natural even with your hair color, and own the end result.
Super Long Afro Hairstyle
nnoorxo
Although it can be tempting to avoid cutting your hair if you want to grow it to this length, that’s not a good idea. Hair with damaged ends won’t grow as quickly. You’ll have a better chance of growing it out if you get regular trims. You don’t have to chop off a lot of length; just lop off any damaged tips for healthy hair that seems to go on forever.
Cute Rockabilly Afro
freshlengths
Keep your hair up with rocking metal beads to create an intriguing effect. Instead of using it to pull the hair off your face, gather your hair up and off of your neck. This is a perfect way to wear your hair on a hot summer day. Tie the band just in front of the crown of your head, leaving the front thick and curly. This will bring attention to your eyes and can add height to a round face.
Gathered Puff
freshlengths
Gathering your hair on top of your head can create height. Allow some of your curls to fall over your face. This hairstyle draws attention to your locks. Make sure that you’ve moisturized them well. Olive oil works as a wonderful moisturizer. Seal in the softness by using hair butter or oil.
Afro Sunshine
Hair that extends from your face like rays of light captures the eye. The spirals are long, loose and defined. To keep your long hair moisturized, wrap your hair before going to bed.
A cotton pillowcase will absorb the oils in your hair, leaving you with dry tresses in the morning. If you’re too tired to cover your hair while you sleep, consider buying a satin pillowcase. It won’t absorb as much of your hair’s natural moisture.
Smoky Dome Hair Color
melanatedgray
If your hair has naturally gone gray, showcase this new sense of style. The neutral color can be complemented with a head wrap or scarf in any color. If you haven’t gone gray yet, you might want to stay away from using chemical dyes and products. Coloring your hair can cause damage if you’re not careful.
Parted And Defined Shape
You can define your afro by creating a deep side part. It’s a chunky look that adds shape and structure to your hairstyle. You don’t have to keep every curl defined. Pick out the afro for a soft look that brings out your facial features. Some think that the side part prevents the undefined afro from looking too retro for today’s modern style climate.
Afro Mohawk
naturalcurlfriend
Keep your hair confined to the center by gathering it up and letting the curls loose. You can secure it with pins, or you can braid it up the scalp, leaving the ends loose. This is a beautiful nod to ‘80s style. It’s more versatile to rock than you would expect.
Short And Shaved Styles
well.goncallves
Your afro doesn’t have to be long to look amazing. Keep the top short and upswept, and trim the sides short. Shave an interesting design into the hair along the sides for added interest.
Protective Halo
theriver_oshun
Braiding and twisting your hair can protect it from damage. Instead of taking the time to create tiny braids, consider creating a twisted halo around the head. Extreme temperatures can take a toll on your hair. Using a deep conditioner before putting hair up in a protective style can add moisture to your hair. Wearing the style for at least a week will prevent you from damaging your hair by manipulating it too much.
Short Afro Puff
janixa_rivera
You can style your hair into an Afro puff even if it’s as short as one inch. If you’ve recently chopped off your hair, this is a great way to give it some style. The trick is to use a headband to gather it instead of collecting it into a tight ponytail. Spray your hair with water, and apply moisturizer to it. Pull a headband over your head and leave it around your neck. Add pomade or gel around the edges.
Smooth them with a soft brush. Slide the headband up as you smooth it over the edges. The higher you bring up the headband, the smaller the puff will be. Pick out the puff, or use your fingers to bring out the curls.
Afro On Relaxed Hair
wedocurls
What if you want to go curly after you’ve relaxed your hair? Braid the entire scalp. Then, spray all of your hair with water before saturating them with a styling product. Once the hair is completely dry, remove the braids. Alternatively, you can wrap tiny sections of hair around tight rollers.
Red Afro Wash-And-Go
_kinksandcurls_
Although chemically coloring your hair can damage it, treating it once a year or so can give you a new look. Using semi-permanent hair color can be less damaging than bleaching your hair. Use a bold magenta hue only at the ends of your hair for this multifaceted look.
Ombre Weave
salaowgelte
Weaving hair into your cornrows can give you a curly style while protecting your natural hair from breakage. If you dye your weave, you’ll also prevent your own hair from becoming chemically damaged. Keep the ends lighter than the roots for a trendy look that’s a little sun-kissed and beachy.
Bright Blue Afro Hairstyles
schwarzkopfprouk
If you have already lightened your natural hair at some point, infuse it with color. A bold, primary hue will show up well on lighter locks of various Afro hairstyles.
Fancy Puff
islandcurls242
If you’ve perfected the puff, dress it up by twisting a halo of natural hair around it. You can accessorize with a headband around your forehead, or secure pretty clips into the puff or twist.
Super Defined Curls
lomarochaa
If you love the look of glossy, separated curls, stay away from the hair pick or brush. Use a lot of moisturizing product before transforming small sections of natural texture hair into two-strand twisted cornrows. Leave this in overnight. Separate each twist carefully after you wake up. Don’t run your fingers through the spirals, or you’ll puff out the curls.
Black Pixie
pixiehair_girls
It’s easy to sport the pixie haircut when your hair already has texture. If your hair is dry, use as much styling product as you want. It will add a ton of gloss and keep the short hair smoother at the edges. Natural hairstyles for short hair are fantastically easy and fun indeed!
Front Bun
naturallyou26
Instead of creating a bun high at the crown, move it toward your forehead. How do you create this style if you don’t have the length or thickness to make the bun big? Flip your hair forward, and hold your head upside down. Add gel or styling cream to the underside of your hair. Tie your hair into a ponytail at the front of the top of your head. At this point, pin down any short pieces that are falling out. Attach a hair piece to the existing, and wrap it like a pompadour around itself. Secure it with pins.
Honey Afro
bravincreative
If you have dark hair that’s all one tone, make it pop by adding lots of lighter highlights. You can have them painted in for a more blended look.
Crossed Cornrows
albertine_couturehairsalon
Create thick cornrow twists at your scalp, crossing them as you move back to make a pretty design. Gather hair into a low bun or bantu knots. Add a hair piece to the ponytail if you desire more fullness at the crown.
Sideswept Bangs Updo
blackgirlhairguide
If you’re wearing your hair up, part it on the side. Leave out a large chunk in the front. After you’ve secured the bulk of your hair, drape the front over your forehead. Pin it near your ear.
Afro Mini Twists
blackgirlhairguide
Mini twists provide some protection for damaged hair. Twist tiny sections of hair using two strands each. You can wear these for as long as you wish.
The Twist-Out
blackgirlhairguide
If you’ve worn your hair in twists for a while, you can unravel them and wear them as tidy twist-outs. The night before you’re ready to remove the twists, spray your head with a moisturizing product mixed with water. Wrap it in satin. In the morning, use jojoba oil to help you untwist each strand carefully. You’ll end up with tight, orderly curls that rock.
FAQ
What hairstyles can you do with an afro?
Afro puffs and natural Afro hairstyles are not the only options for girls with natural texture.
Indeed, natural hair type is challenging to style, you can’t just wash and go: even for a classic Afro mane you’ll need special care and styling products meant for curly natural hair to make it look healthy, shiny, and win-win.
Here are some ideas of inspiring natural hairstyles for long and medium-length Afro hair:
- Braids in Afro style
- Teeny weeny Afro twists
- Gorgeous Bantu knots
- Fun banding hair Afro style
- Updo natural hairstyles with playful curls (chignons, Afro top knots, bantu knots, half-up styles, space buns)
How do I style my short afro hair?
To give your short Afro a win-win twist out, get inspired first. Look through our gallery of hairstyles for natural texture and choose the natural Afro that will compliment your face.
Wash and go – yes, this is about a short curly classic look. But still, you have to follow some Afro hair rules:
- Do cleansing and conditioning with ultra-hydrating products
- Use high-quality hair products created specifically for Afro puff
- Apply the detangling and smoothing cream on damp hair
- You’d better avoid bleached bold colors and switch the blow-dryer to low heat
In Conclusion
Afro hairstyles are a go-to versatile style, but they can be prone to damage if you manipulate them too much. Alternate your afro with protective hairstyles to allow your hair to grow and to give your strands a break. Some of these wedding hairstyles for black women are great examples of protective styles. If you want to change up your afro, you can see more black women hairstyles here.