65 Beautiful Hairstyles for Black Women Perfect for Any Occasion
It’s time for a new look, don’t you think? Of course, you do! You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t want to play around with a new style. Anytime you’re choosing a new hairstyle, there is good news and bad news. Good news? Black women’s hair is so versatile and there are many hairstyles for Black women. The bad news? It can sometimes be difficult to choose the style perfect for you. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Check out this gallery containing a whopping 65 (!) of the best hairstyles for Black women to get inspiration from before you make your choice.
1. Box Braids
For a set-it-and-go style, try box braids. They give you the freedom to transform your look with ease. Tie them up into a large bun at the office, then let them loose for after-work fun! Get the 411 on this style.
2. Sleek Bob
If you’re looking for edgy, a sleek bob is definitely the way to go. This sophisticated style pairs with any occasion and is easy to maintain. You can even get creative by adding a pop of color.
3. Gorgeous Goddess Braid
It’s time to wear the crown you deserve! Rocking a goddess braid will make you feel like the queen you are while protecting your hair from the elements and wearing one of the best hairstyles for Black women.
When styling natural hair, it’s super important to keep your tresses extra hydrated. Try giving your hair a spritz of TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Leave-In Hydrating Mist before and after styling for an extra moisture boost.
4. Bantu Knots
Got 5 minutes? Then you have time to create beautiful Bantu knots. This style originated in African culture and now can be seen everywhere from the runway to special events. The hardest part will be determining how many to create. Once you’ve worn them for a couple of days, let them down for a curly Bantu knot out.
5. Big Afro
A big afro commands big attention! It’s a carefree, quick hairstyle for black women that exudes confidence and is easy to shape. Check out these other afro styles.
6. Jumbo Braids
Swing around the jumbo braids you always dreamed of with this look. This is definitely one of our favorite hairstyles as it gives laid back and relaxed vibes.
7. Braided Twists
Sometimes you need a little extra hair security. You’ll find that with braided twists. They start with braids at the root but end in beautifully wrapped twists. The braids allow the style to handle more daily styling. Since they are so versatile, you can wear them up or down.
8. TWA Hairstyle
There are so many fun things you can do with a TWA (teeny weeny afro). If you’re on the go, let your style take a natural shape. Let your hair show its personality by keeping your hands out of it as much as possible.
9. Senegalese Twists
Switch up your look with Senegalese twists. While they can take up to six hours to install, they are well worth the wait. You’ll be able to create endless styles that will take you from day to night.
10. Short Natural Hairstyle
It’s fun to dream of long, flowing hair but who says that’s the only place where the fun is? The real fun is styling short natural hair by transforming it into whatever you like. Try a puff in the back and funky bangs for one of the best hairstyles for Black women.
11. Long Cornrows
Once you get them, you’ll never want to stop swinging them! We don’t blame you. Long cornrows are easy to install and fun to pair with your favorite outfits. You can also try switching things up with different colored hair, helping to add an extra pop to your style.
12. Razor Pixie Haircut
Low cut styles like this razor pixie equal low maintenance! It’s a great style if you’re in the middle of transitioning from relaxed to natural hair or simply want to highlight one of your greatest features: your face.
12. Razor Pixie Haircut
Want the loc look without the full commitment? Faux locs are the way to go. Oh, we forgot to mention that they are the perfect protective style if you’re looking to give your hair a break from daily styling.
14. Short Curls
The right cut can truly help you show off your beautiful curls. With a little bit of practice and the right products, you’ll become a pro at defining your short curls to really make them pop.
When leaving your hair out and proud, don’t forget to appropriately prep your strands. To keep your hair nourished and looking healthy, try applying Love Beauty and Planet Lavender & Argan Natural Oils Infusion to the ends of your mane.
This rich oil blend is infused with golden Argan Oil and French lavender, and it’s also paraben-free, silicone-free & formulated without phthalates! Nothing not to love.
15. Mohawk
Nothing says fierce like a mohawk full of natural curls! This fun and simple style can be dressed up with hair accessories like clips and pins.
16. Feed-In Braids
Feed-in braids are one of the just many types of braids you can style in your own way. You can tell you’ve got feed in braids when your cornrows are accompanied by smaller ones.
17. Yarn Braids
One of the most unique braiding techniques involves yarn. It’s great for protecting the hair from the elements and appears natural. Since acrylic yarn is so inexpensive and accessible, you should have no problems finding a variety of colors.
18. Mohawk Braids
Ok, so you’ve decided to shave off the sides of your hair. So what? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy styles like braids. Turn your mohawk into a braided style in just a few hours. Feel free to dress it up a bit with colored extensions.
19. Updo
If your hair is causing you to wake up hours earlier just to get the perfect style, let us introduce you to the updo. It’s nearly a set-it-and-forget-it style brought up off the shoulders. The exciting part is, it can be whatever you’d like. Updos can feature ponytails, twists, braids and more. Let your creativity flow!
20. Micro Braids
We know. Micro braids do take a very long time to install, but we think the perks are worth the wait! The versatility of micro braids is unmatched and makes them one of the best hairstyles for Black women. Need ideas? You can wear ponytails, curl them with rollers, crimp them, rock space buns and more.
21. Nubian Twists
Looking for a style that lasts? Nubian twists are your answer! This protective style can last six to eight weeks with very little upkeep. Nubian twists can also be styled in a variety of ways to match your daily mood.
22. Shaved Hair
Let’s be real. Shaving your hair takes a ton of confidence. If you got it, flaunt it! With shaved hair, you’ll want to make sure to keep the cut maintained, but there is no combing required. How refreshing! Check out these other short natural haircuts.
23. Balayage Blends
If you want to experiment with color but aren’t looking for a drastic change, balayage is the way to go. There are endless hues to choose from like a light amber balayage, auburn balayage or honey blonde balayage. The choice is up to you!
24. Asymmetrical Bob
Give your bob an upgrade with this asymmetrical cut. This style involves wearing a bob that is shorter on one side than the other.
25. Ghana Braids
Give your cornrows an upgrade with Ghana braids. They are often called “straight-backs” as the hair is braided from the front to the back of the head. Try jumbo braids or a combination of large and small braids for a complete look.
26. Bold Bangs
Frame your face with the perfect bangs. Curly, straight or wavy, bangs are an easy way to add a little extra oomph to your overall look.
27. Sleek Ponytail
Nothing says classic like a sleek ponytail. It’s a simple go-to when you’ve got little time to style your hair before heading out the door. Try changing the position of your ponytail (high, low, side) for different looks.
Keep your strands sleek and shiny with the help of Suave Professionals Sleek Anti-Frizz Smooth & Shine Cream. This cream not only helps to give you up to 24-hour frizz prevention but your hair will be left lusciously glossy too!
28. Natural Hair Bun
There are so many occasions that call for a natural hair bun. Think about the gym, office or even a simple casual Friday. Wear a high bun for fashion and a low bun for comfort.
29. Long Hair with Layers
Let your hair flow with long layers that drape down your back. Take this style to work or pull it back for a quick workout.
30. Ombre Locs
Step up your locs game with a splash of color on the end. Ombre locs are in right now and can add depth to your overall appearance. Go wild with bold colors like pink, purple or whatever fits your fancy.
31. Afro Puff
Just as the ponytail is a classic, the afro puff stands closely behind. Show off your true texture with this gorgeous puff that requires no heat styling. Not to mention, it adds tons of volume to super curly hair.
32. Black and Blonde Locs
Transform your everyday locs into a trendy look. This involves adding blonde hair when creating faux locs or coloring the tips of your own black locs.
33. Short Twist out
Twist outs can bring out the best in your hair. They leave you with texture that lasts for days. The key to a great twist out? Leave your two-strand twists in for days at a time before unraveling.
34. Straight Hair
Show off your shiny hair with this straight style. Use your flat iron to straighten small sections that will result in a sleek and polished look.
35. Short Curls
Contrary to belief, there are loads of cute styles you can do with short curls. Pin them to the side with bobby pins, add sparkling hair accessories or add curl defining products for an extra pop.
36. Marcel Waves
Let’s take it way back to the 1920s and 1930s. Marcel waves, also known as finger waves, continue to make a comeback. You can rock these waves today and still receive compliments on this timeless look.
37. Tight Curls
Show off your tight curl pattern in a variety of styles. While textured hair does require a watchful eye, as the curls are more fragile, they can be styled in a variety of ways. Our favorite style is to let them loose!
38. Shoulder Length Bob
If you see a haircut in your future, you will no doubt want to go with a shoulder-length bob. Flex your creative muscles by adding in a pop of color (or two).
39. Goddess Braids
If the halo goddess braid didn’t fit your fancy, maybe more is what you need. Goddess braids are eye-catching and an easy way to keep heat away from your hair for healthy tresses long-term.
40. Big Curls
The bigger the curls, the better time you’ll have! Dress up your big curls with hair accessories like crowns, hair clips, beads and more.
41. Long Blonde Hair
You were meant to stand out from the crowd! Do so by rocking blonde in its full length. This sleek style is the perfect hue to complement your skin tone.
42. Undercut
An undercut takes shaved sides to the edge of time. Not only are the sides shaved, the entire back of the hair is also shaved.
43. Faux Hawk
No shaved sides required for this bold look. Use inverted braids and long winding curls to create a show-stopping look.
44. Half Up, Half Down
This style you may have worn as a child has gotten a makeover! Style your hair in a top knot (complete with hair accessories) and let the back just flow. It’s an easy style that stays put all day.
45. Shaggy Bob
Who says all bobs have to be straight? Show off your texture with a shaggy bob that’s mostly effortless to style.
46. Opal Hair
Can’t decide on one hair color? No problem. There is no doubt that opal hair leaves a mighty impression. It’s the hair color everyone will be talking about for days and a great way to show off your personality.
47. Twisted Braids
Let your twists hang as long as you want. Twisted braids can be worn in every which way. This makes them good if you like to change things up often.
48. Simple Cornrows
Call them what you want, but let’s go by the simple term of cornrows. Sometimes referred to as boxer braids or reverse French braids, cornrows are a style braided to the back of the head that originated in Africa. While cornrows can be done on wet hair, style on blow-dried hair for a full look.
49. Wedge Cut
Get a fresh start with a chic wedge cut. Add some texture to this flirty look with curl-defining products.
50. Chin Length
Add a happy dose of fearless fun to your hair with a chin-length cut. It will frame your face perfectly and bring a bit of attitude thanks to the precise trim.
51. Side Swept Layers
Volume? Check. Layers? Check. Side Swept Bangs? Check. This style has everything you could practically want all in one. Create large curls and enhance your layers with hot rollers or a large curling wand.
52. Pompadour
Once you give this hump a try, you’ll never look back. This style adds tons of volume to the top of your head, and may be perfect for those with fine or thinner textures. Pair it with a ponytail or bun for added glam.
53. Corkscrew Curls
With the right shape and products, your corkscrew curls will be ready to be unleashed to the world. This is a common style for those embracing their natural hair texture.
54. Smooth Ponytail
Break out the gel and your favorite brush because its time to get your ponytail as smooth as can be! Smooth ponytails create a polished look while taming your edges.
55. Big Bun
Protect your hair from harsh weather conditions and give yourself a break from rigorous styling by wearing a big bun. Style your bun by pulling loose pieces to add texture and depth.
56. Short Bob with Side Swept Bangs
Short bobs are convenient because they don’t require tons of upkeep. This cut-above-the-shoulder style can be set into place with your favorite hair spray.
57. Long Waves
These long waves are perfect to wear no matter the season and they are a great protective style. Keep your loose waves defined with a light spray or leave-in conditioner.
58. Loose Waves
Sport this beachy look long after you’ve left the sand. Loose waves add texture and volume to your tresses for one of the best hairstyles for Black women.
59. Cropped Cornrow Bob
The cropped cornrow bob is back and better than ever. It could be seen in the 80s and 90s and has found its way into future decades. Spice up one of the best hairstyles for black women with shaved sides, colorful extensions, beads, and braid cuffs.
60. Braided Bun
Get the best of both worlds by sporting a braided bun. It’s perfect if you want the glam but don’t want to deal with daily upkeep.
61. Half-Up High Ponytail
Worn for decades, this style is timeless. Choose to wear it sleek or curly, with a ball gown or jeans, it always fits the occasion.
62. Cropped Curls
Fresh cut, fresh you! Cropped curls were practically made for our wash and go queens. The best cropped curls are achieved by allowing your hair to dry without touching it.
63. Double Braids
For a quick but impactful way to style your hair, opt for double braids worn in pigtails. Sweet and simple, there’s nothing not to love about one of the best hairstyles for black women.
64. Braided Ponytail
Keep things sleek and neat with a braided ponytail, which will not only give you a beautiful style but you’ll also have a look at won’t get in your way – so you’re free to be a boss lady all day!
65. Big Cornrows
Do it like a real Fashion Week girl and rock big cornrows, gathered at the back into a neat low bun.
And there you have it, our rundown of the best hairstyles for Black women. How many of these styles will you be trying?
