35 Dapper Black Men Hairstyles to Make You Stand Out
You're going to want to bookmark this black men's haircut guide.
Not all hairstyles for African American men or Black men haircuts are the same. Rooted in history and modified through the years, we have seen many iterations and styles on this hair type, such as cool dread styles, the natural Afro, hair that’s buzzed short and every iteration of a fade! No matter how you want to style or cut it, there are tons of trending hairstyles out there for you.
To get inspired to switch things up a bit, or to simply check out what’s out there, we’ve compiled a gallery of some of the most stylish Black men hairstyles that just may inspire your next ‘do. Read on to see the many options and to find one that’s sure to work for you:
Our Favorite Black Men’s Haircuts
1. Baby Afro
This look is great for professional dudes who want some length but don’t have much time to style their hair. Go for an all-over chop and maintain this look with regular trips to your barber. Be sure to use some pomade to help you create your structured and defined afro hairstyle.
2. Mini Coils
Another take on the classic dreads, this modern version works for those that don’t want long hair but still want to express some of their unique style.
3. Twist-Out Black Men Haircuts
This haircut style for black men works creating curls by twisting your hair. You’ll have to maintain this look by constantly twisting your locks, but it’s so worth it to try out this stylish look.
4. High and Tight
We love black male haircuts that are structured and easy and handle. The high and tight is all about shaved sides with some length on the top of your head. Great for professionals and low-maintenance guys.
5. Buzz Cut
To go one step further in the short hair department, opt for a buzzed cut as your black men haircuts. This is a great look for summer that requires minimal styling while looking effortlessly cool.
6. Short Dreads with a Fade
If a whole head of dreads isn’t for you, try this cut. It’s a mix of mini dreads, a high top and the stylish Brooklyn fade. That sounds like a lot all together but this look is simple and extra cool. Dreading just the hair on the top of your head will feel a lot lighter, and the fade ties the style together.
7. Bold Afro
Channel the ’70s with this bold afro. Whether you take it to the next level and opt for color is up to you, but if you go for this look you’ll have to master how to style and maintain this awesome hair. Be sure to keep your afro style in check by using some SheaMoisture Men Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Defining Cream. This product works to give your Afro hairstyle a strong hold with a defined finish.
8. Dreadlocks with Blonde Tips
Rooted in Rastafarian culture, dreadlocks have definitely made their way to popular culture and it’s easy to see why! Once you’ve mastered the loc style, you simply have to maintain the look with minimal styling. Add some color or cool hair ties to your hair to mix up this cool look!
9. All Over Curls
African American men with curly hair should embrace their look by rocking a full head of curls. You’ll need to master your own styling routine (hair mousse is key!), but once you have that you’ll be golden and look incredible to boot!
10. High Top Fade
A high top will always exude an air of style and confidence. Add a little more style to this cut by creating definition to your sides with clippings. Keep it simple with one clean line for a professional look. And remember, a high top doesn’t have to have a perfectly flat top. Let your barber work with your hair texture to create the best finish for your hair.
11. Short Braids
Although more of a braided hairstyle than a wild n’ out afro, the look still entails wearing natural hair in its virgin state but with a twist. Hair is kept to cheekbone length and box-braided from a half-inch from the root to tips. Wear in a middle part to maximize the look and highlight the uniform sleekness of the braids.
12. Ponytail Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks have become more and more mainstream in recent years. This look will instantly give you a cool Rastafarian vibe, and so long as you keep up with your hair growth they will always look pulled together. You can wear long dreads down, in a man bun, or in a loose ponytail. Whatever works for you!
13. Full Afro
The full ‘fro is back and better than ever. It’s because now we have super convenient ways to keep up the moisture so your afro isn’t frizzy. Use a spray to add moisture and shine to your hair. It’s also a good option to spray onto wet hair when you need to get any knots or tangles out of your hair.
14. High and Tapered
The ’90s called, and it wants its high-top ’fro back! This campy take on afro hairstyles popularized in teen movies past gets a more serious update. Instead of a full, round shape, 3C hair is left to grow out to a longer length up top, but is tapered towards the neckline at the bottom. The result is a narrower, “reverse triangle” look that actually is super-flattering on guys with a square jawline and sharper features. You may also need some texturizing paste to help you to shape and define your afro.
15. Cropped
We can’t get enough of the baby ’fro, and it looks like the guys agree with us. Different versions of the cropped afro have been seen on designer runways and celebrities, and with good reason: This look keeps your head cool (literally) and ready for the workday, while retaining some natural swag. Not to mention relatively easy upkeep, which entails a simple trim every month.
16. Blocky
Wearing your ’fro like a curly, medium fade gives it a modern shape. The tops are left in a slightly rounded, natural shape, but the sides are cut more squarish (yet not shaved). The overall result is a softer and shorter version of the tapered Afro and complements men with high foreheads and guys with a strong jaw. If you want a slicked blocky look, use some pomade.
17. Medium-Length Dreadlocks
Medium-length dreadlocks are one of the more popular afro hairstyles for black men we’ve seen out on the streets, as it marries ease of wear and a unique, creative way to rock natural hair. Instead of wearing your locs long and strong, sections are kept at a shorter length (enough to still spike out). The sides of these black men haircuts are usually shorter and the top can be kept long enough to be styled at an angle.
18. Go Natural
the classicists out there, the natural afro is (and as far as we’re concerned, will always be) in vogue. The go-to length for this year is around 5 inches up top, and slightly shorter in the neckline and sides. Wearing hair in a true afro has some responsibilities, the biggest of which is consistent conditioning. Spritzing it periodically during the way with some leave-in conditioner can help with the frizzing and keep your spirals bouncy and well-defined.
19. Close-Cropped Buzz
For the shortest of black men’s hairstyles for short hair, go for the buzz. This all-over abbreviated look keeps you from totally shaving your head while giving that barely-there feel. This particular cut is great because military haircuts have become so popular. Bonus: An all-over short buzz looks good on almost everyone. It’s a confident look that we think is extra dapper.
20. Clean-Cut High Top
If you’re really going for that clean-cut look, ask your barber to pay extra attention to your hairline. They can shave and style your hairline to get that perfectly straight look. Ask for a Brooklyn fade to get the short fade right at your temple for a look that’s definitely more unique.
21. Angled Top With Fade
For a slightly more funky high-top look, try adding in an angle. The precise cut of this look makes it extra special and stylish. To get this look, make sure you show your barber just how much of an angle you would like. You don’t want it to be too steep of an angle or risk looking a bit silly. But, too low of an angle may just make it look like your haircut is slightly off-kilter. Aim for an angle like our model, that makes the look obvious without going too far.
22. Curly Top
For a cut that is right in between a high top and a mini ‘fro, try the curly top. It’s got the clean-cut look of a high top, with the curly appeal of an afro. This is another cut that looks particularly great with a fade. Depending on your curl structure and preference, you can keep your curly top longer or shorter. We like this medium length on most dudes.
23. Mini Dreads With Fade
We love the look of short locs with an undercut fade around the ears and neck. It takes this old-school style and makes it totally modern. Make sure when you have dreadlocks to keep them clean and hydrated with a moisturizing shampoo. We like SheaMoisture Men African Black Soap & Tea Tree Oil 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner because it’s a one-and-done! Curly hair tends to run on the dry side. And when your hair is in dreadlocks, it’s harder to penetrate with hydrating products. That is why it’s important to use a hydrating shampoo for extra moisture.
24. Waves and Low Fade
Double on textures and lengths by pairing waves with a low fade and styling with SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Waves Pomade.
25. Tall Flat Top
The tall flat top is the best way to add some volume to your style without missing out on a more structured style.
26. Long Twists and Fade
Contrast your long twists with a classic fade for a multi-dimensional look.
27. High Low Fade
The high low fade is a classic!
28. Curls and Temple Fade
Add a temple fade to any style to give it a touch of edginess. We love pairing a closely shaven look with classic natural curls.
29. All-Over Curls
Let your curls do the talking and wear them wild.
30. Closely Cropped Buzz Cut
Keep it short and sleek with a closely cropped buzzcut.
31. Full Buzz
A full buzz always looks tough and edgy, and the even better news is that it isn’t difficult to style. To get the look, simply ask your barber to carefully buzz your hair close to the head, giving it that barely-there effect.
32. Natural Full Afro
Spring runway styles were all about showing off natural textures, especially full afro styles were a key look at lots of runway shows. However, maintaining any natural afro look requires care and vigilance. To keep your style clean and hydrated, use Suave Men 2-In-1 Ocean Charge Shampoo + Conditioner whenever it’s time to give your hair a wash.
33. High Fade Cuts
But if you want a natural hair look that’s daring and exciting, trying a high fade cut always looks sharp and on-trend. To get this retro-inspired style, as your barber to carefully buzz the sides and bottom part of the head, keeping enough hair on the top part of your head.
34. Thick Curly Styles
If you want a look that is full of texture, don’t be afraid to show off your natural curls, especially since thick curly looks are the rage this year. However, keeping your curls nourished is key, so it’s always wise to invest in a good conditioner or leave-in product. And mousse will do wonders to help define your curly hair!
35. 360 Waves
Achieve the highly coveted 360 waves look, it’s currently trending and so easy to create.
