Embracing and styling short natural black hair can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you are transitioning from relaxed hair or simply seeking a new look, there are countless versatile and stylish options to explore. This comprehensive guide will delve into various hairstyles, care tips, and styling techniques for short natural black hair, ensuring you can confidently showcase your unique beauty.
Teeny Weeny Afro (TWA)
The Teeny Weeny Afro, commonly known as TWA, is a popular choice for those who love a super short, low-maintenance hairstyle. This look is ideal for anyone who appreciates simplicity and wants to embrace their natural hair texture without the fuss.
Why Choose TWA?
Low Maintenance: With minimal styling required, TWA is perfect for those with a busy lifestyle. It doesn’t need frequent trimming or elaborate care routines.
Versatility: Despite its short length, TWA can be styled in various ways. You can accessorize with headbands, scarves, or even color your hair for a bolder look.
Healthier Hair: Cutting your hair short allows you to get rid of damaged ends and start fresh. This can lead to healthier and more vibrant hair growth.
How to Maintain TWA
- Moisturize Regularly: Use a leave-in conditioner or hair moisturizer to keep your curls hydrated and defined.
- Protect at Night: Wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to prevent friction and retain moisture.
- Trim Occasionally: Although TWA is low-maintenance, trimming split ends every few months can help maintain its shape and health.
Fade for Natural Coiled Hair
A fade haircut is a stylish and trendy option for short natural black hair. It involves gradually cutting the hair shorter from the top down to the nape of the neck and sides, creating a seamless blend.
Benefits of a Fade Haircut
Fresh Start: Cutting off damaged hair ends allows for a fresh, healthy beginning. This is particularly beneficial if you have experienced breakage or split ends.
Stylish Look: A fade can be customized with different lengths and designs, making it a versatile and fashionable choice.
Easy Maintenance: Shorter hair is easier to manage and requires less time to style.
How to Maintain a Fade Haircut
- Moisturize: Keep your hair and scalp moisturized with natural oils or hair lotions to promote healthy growth.
- Regular Trims: Visit your barber regularly to maintain the fade and keep it looking sharp.
- Protect from the Elements: Wear a hat or scarf when exposed to harsh weather conditions to protect your hair and scalp.
360 Waves with Etched Side Design
360 waves are a classic and popular hairstyle among men with short natural black hair. This look involves creating a wave pattern that encircles the entire head, giving it a smooth and polished appearance.
Creating 360 Waves
Brush Regularly: Use a wave brush to brush your hair in the desired wave pattern consistently. This helps to train your hair to form waves.
Moisturize: Apply a wave cream or pomade to keep your hair hydrated and enhance the wave pattern.
Wear a Du-rag: To maintain your waves and keep them in place, wear a du-rag or silky night cap while you sleep.
Adding an Etched Side Design
For an extra touch of flair, consider adding an etched side design to your 360 waves. This can be done by a professional barber who will use clippers to create intricate patterns or lines on the sides of your head. It’s a bold and stylish way to personalize your look.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a protective hairstyle that not only looks stunning but also helps to keep your hair moisturized and defined. This style involves sectioning your hair and twisting it into small knots.
How to Create Bantu Knots
Moisturize: After washing your hair, apply a moisturizer and seal with an oil-based product like shea butter.
Section Hair: Divide your hair into even sections. The size of the sections will determine the size of the knots.
Twist and Knot: Twist each section of hair tightly and then wrap it around itself to form a knot. Secure the ends with bobby pins if necessary.
Dry: Allow your hair to air dry or use a hooded dryer for faster results.
Benefits of Bantu Knots
- Defined Curls: Once you unravel the knots, you’ll be left with beautifully defined curls.
- Protective Style: Bantu knots help protect your hair from breakage and retain moisture.
- Versatility: You can wear the knots as they are or unravel them for a different curly look.
Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is a chic and trendy hairstyle that combines the volume and texture of curly hair with the clean, sharp lines of an undercut. This look involves shaving or trimming the sides and back of the head while leaving the curls on top longer.
Advantages of a Curly Undercut
Fashionable: The curly undercut is a modern and edgy hairstyle that stands out.
Reduced Weight: Shaving the sides and back reduces the heaviness of your hair, making it easier to manage.
Versatile Styling: You can style the top curls in various ways, from defined curls to a messy look.
How to Achieve a Curly Undercut
- Visit a Professional: It’s best to get this style done by a skilled barber who can create the perfect undercut and blend it seamlessly with your curls.
- Define Curls: Use a curl-defining cream or gel to enhance the curls on top.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep the undercut fresh with regular trims.
Flat-Twist with Twist Out
Flat-twists are a protective hairstyle that involves twisting two sections of hair flat against the scalp. When unraveled, they create a beautiful, textured twist-out.
Creating Flat-Twists
Part Hair: Start by parting your hair into sections. The size of the sections will determine the size of the twists.
Twist: Take two strands of hair and twist them flat against your scalp, picking up more hair as you move along the section.
Secure: Secure the ends of each twist with a small elastic band or bobby pin.
Dry: Allow your hair to air dry or use a hooded dryer.
Benefits of Flat-Twists
- Protective: Flat-twists protect your hair from damage and breakage.
- Versatile: You can wear the twists as they are or unravel them for a twist-out style.
- Defined Texture: When unraveled, flat-twists create a beautiful and defined texture.
Half Shaved Natural Hairstyle
A half shaved natural hairstyle is a bold and daring look that involves shaving one side of your head while leaving the other side with your natural curls or coils. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement and showcase their unique personality.
Why Choose a Half Shaved Hairstyle?
Unique Look: This hairstyle is eye-catching and sets you apart from the crowd.
Easy Maintenance: With one side shaved, you have less hair to manage, making your routine simpler.
Versatility: You can experiment with different looks on the unshaved side, such as defined curls, twists, or braids.
How to Maintain a Half Shaved Hairstyle
- Regular Trims: Keep the shaved side neat with regular trims.
- Moisturize: Ensure the unshaved side is well-moisturized to keep your curls healthy.
- Protect: Wear a satin or silk scarf at night to protect your hair and maintain moisture.
Cute Natural Tapered Cut
A natural tapered cut is a stylish and modern option for short natural black hair. This look involves cutting the hair shorter on the sides and back while leaving the top longer. It’s a flattering style that enhances your natural texture and facial features.
Benefits of a Tapered Cut
Stylish: The tapered cut is a trendy and fashionable hairstyle that looks great on everyone.
Easy to Manage: With less hair to manage on the sides and back, this style is easy to maintain and style.
Versatile: You can experiment with different looks on the longer top section, from defined curls to a voluminous afro.
How to Maintain a Tapered Cut
- Moisturize: Keep your hair hydrated with a leave-in conditioner or hair moisturizer.
- Regular Trims: Visit your barber regularly to maintain the tapered shape.
- Protect: Use a satin or silk scarf or bonnet at night to retain moisture and prevent breakage.
Braided Fauxhawk
The braided fauxhawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that combines braids with a fauxhawk look. This style involves braiding the sides of your hair while leaving the middle section free to create a fauxhawk effect.
Creating a Braided Fauxhawk
Section Hair: Start by sectioning your hair into three parts – the middle section for the fauxhawk and the sides for the braids.
Braid the Sides: Create cornrows or individual braids on the sides, braiding them tightly and securing the ends with elastic bands.
Style the Middle: Style the middle section into a fauxhawk by defining the curls or creating a twist-out.
Benefits of a Braided Fauxhawk
- Unique Look: The braided fauxhawk is a head-turning and unique hairstyle that showcases your personality.
- Protective: The braids on the sides protect your hair from damage and breakage.
- Versatile: You can experiment with different styles for the middle section, from defined curls to a twist-out.
Wavy Middle Part Bob
A wavy middle part bob is a chic and elegant hairstyle that works well for short natural black hair. This look involves creating soft waves and parting your hair down the middle for a symmetrical and polished appearance.
How to Achieve a Wavy Middle Part Bob
Part Hair: Start by parting your hair down the middle with a comb.
Create Waves: Use a curling wand or flat iron to create soft waves throughout your hair.
Define Waves: Apply a curl-defining cream or gel to enhance and define the waves.
Finish: Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place.
Benefits of a Wavy Middle Part Bob
- Elegant: This hairstyle is sophisticated and elegant, perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Style: With the right tools and products, creating waves is simple and quick.
- Versatile: You can wear the waves loose or pin them back for a different look.
Afro Puff
An afro puff is a classic and easy-to-achieve hairstyle for short natural black hair. This look involves gathering your hair into a puff at the top of your head, creating a voluminous and stylish appearance.
How to Create an Afro Puff
Moisturize: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair moisturizer to keep your curls hydrated.
Gather Hair: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gather your hair into a high ponytail.
Secure: Secure the ponytail with a hairband, creating a puff at the top of your head.
Define Curls: Use a curl-defining cream or gel to enhance the texture of the puff.
Benefits of an Afro Puff
- Simple: This hairstyle is easy to create and requires minimal effort.
- Versatile: You can wear the puff high or low, depending on your preference.
- Protective: The afro puff helps protect your hair from breakage and keeps it out of your face.
Two-Strand Twists
Two-strand twists are a versatile and protective hairstyle for short natural black hair. This look involves twisting two sections of hair together to create defined and textured twists.
How to Create Two-Strand Twists
Moisturize: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair moisturizer to keep your hair hydrated.
Section Hair: Divide your hair into small sections.
Twist: Take two strands of hair and twist them together from the root to the ends. Secure the ends with a small elastic band if necessary.
Dry: Allow your hair to air dry or use a hooded dryer.
Benefits of Two-Strand Twists
- Protective: Two-strand twists help protect your hair from damage and breakage.
- Defined Texture: When unraveled, the twists create a beautiful and defined texture.
- Versatile: You can wear the twists as they are or unravel them for a twist-out style.
Finger Coils
Finger coils are a great way to define and enhance your natural curls. This hairstyle involves coiling small sections of hair around your fingers to create tight, springy curls.
How to Create Finger Coils
Moisturize: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to keep your hair hydrated.
Section Hair: Divide your hair into small sections.
Coil: Take a small section of hair and wrap it around your finger, starting from the root and working your way down to the ends.
Dry: Allow your hair to air dry or use a hooded dryer.
Benefits of Finger Coils
- Defined Curls: Finger coils create tight, defined curls that showcase your natural texture.
- Long-Lasting: This hairstyle can last for several days with proper maintenance.
- Protective: Finger coils help protect your hair from damage and breakage.
See Also: What To Do With Short Thin Hair
Coiled Frohawk
A coiled frohawk is a bold and stylish hairstyle that combines coils with a mohawk look. This style involves creating coils on the top section of your hair while keeping the sides short or tapered.
How to Create a Coiled Frohawk
Moisturize: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to keep your hair hydrated.
Section Hair: Divide the top section of your hair into small sections.
Coil: Take a small section of hair and wrap it around your finger to create a coil.
Style Sides: Keep the sides of your hair short or tapered to create the frohawk effect.
Benefits of a Coiled Frohawk
- Unique Look: The coiled frohawk is a bold and eye-catching hairstyle that showcases your personality.
- Defined Texture: The coils create a beautiful and defined texture on the top section of your hair.
- Versatile: You can experiment with different coil sizes and styles to customize your look.
Wash and Go
The wash and go is a simple and quick hairstyle for short natural black hair. This look involves washing your hair and applying products to enhance your natural curls, allowing them to air dry.
How to Achieve a Wash and Go
Wash Hair: Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
Apply Products: Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to keep your hair hydrated and define your curls.
Dry: Allow your hair to air dry or use a hooded dryer for faster results.
Benefits of a Wash and Go
- Quick and Easy: The wash and go is a simple and quick hairstyle that requires minimal effort.
- Defined Curls: This hairstyle enhances and defines your natural curls.
- Versatile: You can customize your wash and go with different products and techniques to achieve your desired look.
Conclusion
Styling short natural black hair offers endless possibilities to showcase your unique beauty and personality. Whether you choose a bold and edgy look like the braided fauxhawk or a classic and simple style like the TWA, there’s a perfect hairstyle for everyone. Remember to keep your hair moisturized, protect it at night, and experiment with different styles to find what works best for you. Embrace your natural texture and enjoy the journey of discovering and expressing your personal style.