Short natural hair is versatile and stylish, offering a range of options for those who want to embrace their natural texture. From protective styles to bold cuts, short natural hair can be both low-maintenance and fashionable. This guide explores 13 best hairstyles for short natural hair, providing detailed analysis and reasons for each style’s suitability.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Before diving into specific hairstyles, it’s crucial to understand your hair type. Natural hair is categorized into different types based on curl patterns:
- Type 3: Curly hair with loose curls
- Type 4: Kinky or coily hair with tight curls
Knowing your hair type helps in choosing styles that work best with your natural texture.
1.Flat-Twist with Twist Out
The flat-twist with twist out involves twisting sections of hair close to the scalp and then unraveling the twists to create defined curls.
How to Achieve It
- Start with Clean Hair: Wash and condition your hair.
- Section the Hair: Divide your hair into small sections.
- Apply Product: Use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner or styling cream.
- Twist: Flat-twist each section from the roots to the ends.
- Dry: Let your hair air dry or use a hooded dryer.
- Unravel: Carefully unravel the twists to reveal defined curls.
Why It’s Great
- Definition: Provides excellent curl definition.
- Low Manipulation: Protects the hair from excessive manipulation.
- Versatile: Can be styled in various ways, such as updos or left down.
2.Half Shaved Natural Hairstyle
The half shaved hairstyle involves shaving one side of the head while leaving the other side with natural curls.
How to Achieve It
- Consult a Professional: Visit a hairstylist to achieve a precise shave.
- Maintain the Shave: Regularly trim the shaved side to keep it neat.
- Style the Curls: Define the curls on the unshaved side with styling products.
Why It’s Great
- Bold and Edgy: Makes a strong fashion statement.
- Easy Maintenance: The shaved side requires minimal upkeep.
- Contrast: The combination of shaved and curly hair creates a striking look.
3.Cute Natural Tapered Cut
A tapered cut involves keeping the hair longer on top while gradually shortening the sides and back.
How to Achieve It
- Visit a Stylist: Get a professional cut to achieve the perfect taper.
- Define Curls: Use curl-defining products on the top section.
- Regular Trims: Maintain the shape with regular trims.
Why It’s Great
- Volume: Adds volume and height to the top of the head.
- Shape: Provides a structured and neat appearance.
- Versatility: Can be styled with different curl patterns or accessories.
4.Braided Fauxhawk
The braided fauxhawk features braids on the sides of the head, creating the illusion of a mohawk with the remaining hair.
How to Achieve It
- Part the Hair: Section the hair into three parts – the middle section for the fauxhawk and the sides for braids.
- Braid the Sides: Create cornrow braids on the sides.
- Style the Middle Section: Define the curls or twist out the middle section to create volume.
Why It’s Great
- Protective Style: Keeps the hair protected and reduces breakage.
- Edgy Look: Offers a bold and stylish appearance.
- Versatile: The middle section can be styled in various ways.
5.Wavy Middle Part Bob
The wavy middle part bob is a short bob cut with waves and a defined middle part.
How to Achieve It
- Cut to Length: Visit a stylist to achieve the bob length.
- Create Waves: Use a curling iron or flexi rods to create waves.
- Define the Part: Use a comb to create a straight middle part.
Why It’s Great
- Classic Style: A timeless and elegant look.
- Easy to Manage: Short length makes it easy to maintain.
- Sophisticated: Suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
6.Afro Puff
An afro puff is a high ponytail where the natural curls are gathered into a puff.
How to Achieve It
- Gather Hair: Pull the hair up into a high ponytail.
- Secure: Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail.
- Fluff: Fluff out the puff to create volume.
Why It’s Great
- Quick and Easy: Simple to achieve and maintain.
- Volume: Highlights the natural volume of the hair.
- Versatile: Can be worn high, low, or to the side.
7.Bantu Knots
Bantu knots involve sectioning the hair and twisting each section into small knots.
How to Achieve It
- Section the Hair: Divide the hair into small sections.
- Twist: Twist each section until it forms a knot.
- Secure: Tuck the ends under the knot or use bobby pins.
Why It’s Great
- Protective Style: Protects the hair ends from damage.
- Defined Curls: When unraveled, Bantu knots create defined curls.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional African hairstyle with cultural significance.
8.Finger Coils
Finger coils involve twisting small sections of hair around your finger to create defined curls.
How to Achieve It
- Apply Product: Use a curl-defining cream or gel.
- Twist: Wrap small sections of hair around your finger.
- Set: Allow the coils to dry naturally or use a hooded dryer.
Why It’s Great
- Defined Curls: Creates uniform and defined curls.
- Low Maintenance: Lasts for several days with minimal upkeep.
- Versatile: Can be styled in various ways.
9.TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)
A TWA is a very short afro, typically less than 2 inches long.
How to Achieve It
- Cut to Length: Visit a stylist for a precise cut.
- Define Curls: Use curl-enhancing products to define the natural texture.
Why It’s Great
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal styling.
- Embraces Natural Texture: Celebrates the natural curl pattern.
- Bold Statement: A confident and bold look.
10.Wash and Go
The wash and go is a style where the hair is washed, conditioned, and then styled without the need for additional manipulation.
How to Achieve It
- Wash and Condition: Cleanse and condition the hair.
- Apply Product: Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream.
- Dry: Let the hair air dry or use a diffuser.
Why It’s Great
- Quick and Easy: Minimal time and effort required.
- Natural Look: Highlights the natural curl pattern.
- Healthy Hair: Reduces the need for heat styling.
11.Faux Locs
Faux locs are synthetic or yarn extensions that mimic the appearance of natural locs.
How to Achieve It
- Part the Hair: Section the hair into small parts.
- Wrap Extensions: Wrap synthetic hair or yarn around each section.
- Secure: Use rubber bands or knots to secure the ends.
Why It’s Great
- Protective Style: Protects natural hair from environmental damage.
- Versatile: Can be styled in various ways.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal daily upkeep.
See Also: What To Do With A Short Afro
12.Frohawk
The frohawk is a mohawk style created with afro-textured hair.
How to Achieve It
- Section the Hair: Part the hair into three sections – one middle section and two sides.
- Braid or Twist the Sides: Cornrow or twist the side sections.
- Style the Middle Section: Define the curls in the middle section for volume.
Why It’s Great
- Bold Look: Makes a strong fashion statement.
- Versatile: Can be dressed up or down.
- Protective: Keeps the sides protected while showcasing the curls.
13.Tapered Fro
The tapered fro is an afro with a tapered shape, where the sides and back are shorter than the top.
How to Achieve It
- Cut to Shape: Visit a stylist for a precise taper.
- Define Curls: Use curl-enhancing products on the top section.
Why It’s Great
- Volume: Adds height and volume to the top.
- Neat Appearance: Provides a structured and tidy look.
- Versatile: Can be styled with different accessories.
Conclusion
Short natural hair offers a plethora of styling options that can suit any personality and occasion. From protective styles like Bantu knots and faux locs to bold looks like the half shaved hairstyle and frohawk, there’s a style for everyone. Embracing your natural texture and experimenting with different styles can enhance your overall look and boost your confidence. Remember, the key to healthy and stylish short natural hair is regular maintenance, proper hydration, and choosing styles that protect your hair from damage.