African hairstyles are a celebration of culture, individuality, and creativity. From sleek and professional looks to bold and edgy styles, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re rocking relaxed hair, dreadlocks, Senegalese twists, or embracing your natural texture, these hairstyles offer versatility, elegance, and flair. Below, we’ve curated a detailed guide to 28 stunning African hairstyles, complete with styling tips and suitability advice.
Relaxed Hair Styles
1. Texturized Low Ponytail
- Description: This chic hairstyle combines sleekness with subtle texture, making it perfect for both casual and formal settings. The mid-way waves add dimension and volume, while the low ponytail keeps it polished.
- How to Style:
- Start with straightened hair.
- Apply a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and create a sleek finish.
- Part your hair down the middle and gather it into a low ponytail.
- Add a texturizing spray to enhance curls and volume.
- Best For: Square and round face shapes, as it elongates the face and accentuates facial features.
2. Fringe (Bangs)
- Description: Blunt bangs are timeless and frame the face beautifully. They work best on straightened hair, adding a touch of sophistication.
- How to Style:
- Work a conditioning serum into damp hair and blow-dry straight.
- Use a flat iron for extra smoothness.
- Ensure the rest of your hair complements the length of the bangs.
- Best For: All face shapes, but consider the overall length of your hair for balance.
3. Side Shave Curls
- Description: This edgy yet feminine style combines shaved sides with soft, voluminous curls. It’s a bold statement that works on all hair types.
- How to Style:
- Straighten your hair as a base.
- Use a volumizing product and curl your hair with a large-barrel curling wand.
- Sweep the curls to one side and secure with a medium-hold hairspray.
- Best For: Everyone! The shaved sides flatter long faces, while the curls soften angular features.
4. Braided Bouffant
- Description: A braided bouffant is elegant and regal, perfect for special occasions or everyday elegance.
- How to Style:
- Condition your hair and detangle thoroughly.
- Sweep your hair to one side and begin French braiding, adding sections as you go.
- Tuck the braid in and pin securely.
- Best For: Most face shapes; add extra volume for wider faces.
5. Beehive
- Description: A vintage-inspired look that exudes glamour and confidence.
- How to Style:
- Smooth out your hair with a conditioning serum.
- Section off the top and gather the rest into a high ponytail.
- Tease the sections of the ponytail for volume, then wrap them around the base to form the beehive.
- Secure with pins and finish with hairspray.
- Best For: Those who want to channel their inner diva—works for all face shapes.
Dreadlocks and Senegalese Twists
6. Fully Braided Bun
- Description: A sleek and polished updo that works beautifully with matured dreadlocks or braids.
- How to Style:
- Gather your locks into a high ponytail.
- Wrap sections of your hair around the base and pin securely.
- Avoid gels or sprays to maintain the integrity of your dreadlocks.
- Best For: Thin-braided dreads; thicker locks may make this style challenging.
7. High Braided Pony
- Description: A hybrid between a bun and a ponytail, this style is simple yet elegant.
- How to Style:
- Gather your locks into a high ponytail.
- Fold the ends back onto the base and secure with pins.
- Best For: Medium-braided dreadlocks.
8. Dreaded Mohawk
- Description: A modern twist on the classic Mohawk, this style is bold and versatile.
- How to Style:
- Twist and knot your dreadlocks to create height at the crown.
- Add flair by dyeing your dreadlocks for a personalized touch.
- Best For: Anyone willing to commit to dreadlocks; suits all face shapes.
Natural Hair Styles
9. Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail
- Description: A casual yet elegant style that highlights your natural curls while keeping hair manageable.
- How to Style:
- Create a half-high ponytail, leaving some strands loose for a relaxed look.
- Finger-comb the curls for added bounce and volume.
- Best For: All hair types and face shapes.
10. Curly Bob
- Description: Effortlessly chic, this style embraces your natural coils without over-styling.
- How to Style:
- Apply a shine-boosting serum to damp hair.
- Finger-comb in all directions and let air-dry.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold.
- Best For: Everyone—this style is universally flattering.
11. Coils
- Description: A playful take on the Mohawk, this style uses natural texture and a headband for a feminine touch.
- How to Style:
- Apply a conditioning serum and brush back the top section.
- Blow-dry for a sleek finish and tousle the rest for a messy effect.
- Best For: Oval faces, though anyone can pull it off with confidence.
12. Buzz Cut
- Description: Minimalist and bold, the buzz cut emphasizes facial features and requires little maintenance.
- How to Style:
- Keep your hair conditioned for shine.
- No additional styling needed—just embrace the simplicity.
- Best For: Highlighting unique facial features; ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance styles.
13. High Braided Pony
- Description: A hybrid between a bun and a ponytail, this style is sleek, modern, and versatile. It’s perfect for casual outings or semi-formal gatherings.
- How to Style:
- Gather your locks into a high ponytail.
- Fold the ends of the locks back onto the base and secure with pins.
- Best For: Medium-braided dreadlocks.
14. Side-Swept Dreadlocks
- Description: A feminine twist on classic dreadlocks, this hairstyle is chic and effortless. It works well for all face shapes and hair textures.
- How to Style:
- Sweep your dreadlocks to one side and secure them with a hair tie.
- Add accessories like beads or cuffs for extra flair.
- Best For: All types of dreadlocks and face shapes.
15. Dreaded Mohawk
- Description: A bold and edgy take on the traditional Mohawk, this style combines dreadlocks with a shaved undercut for a striking look.
- How to Style:
- Twist and knot your dreadlocks to create height and volume at the crown.
- Experiment with dyeing your dreadlocks for added personality.
- Best For: Those who want to make a statement—works for all face shapes.
16. Ponytail and Loose Locks
- Description: A simple yet stylish option for those with immature or partially locked dreadlocks. This style keeps the front loose while pulling the rest into a high ponytail.
- How to Style:
- Let the front locks hang freely.
- Gather the remaining hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Best For: Dreadlocks that haven’t fully matured.
17. Side-Swept Senegalese Twists
- Description: This hairstyle combines cornrows with cascading Senegalese twists for a fresh and trendy look. It’s perfect for showcasing length and texture.
- How to Style:
- Start by creating cornrows from the temple to the crown for flexibility.
- Sweep the twists to one side and pin them securely.
- Best For: Longer hair, though shorter styles can also pull it off with creativity.
18. Cornrows and Dreadlocks
- Description: A fusion of cornrows, dreadlocks, and loose curls, this style is versatile and dynamic. It’s ideal for those who want to experiment with multiple textures.
- How to Style:
- Create cornrows on one section of your hair.
- Leave the bangs partially loose or dreaded, and gather the rest into a ponytail.
- Use a volumizing product on the loose curls for added body.
- Best For: Hair that isn’t tightly curled.
19. Cornrow Bun
- Description: Transform your cornrows into a sleek and professional bun for a polished look. This style is perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
- How to Style:
- Part your hair into sections and braid each row close to the scalp.
- Gather all the cornrows and wrap them into a bun, securing with bobby pins.
- Best For: Textured and curly hair.
Natural Hair Styles
20. Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail
- Description: A casual yet elegant style that highlights your natural curls while keeping hair manageable.
- How to Style:
- Create a half-high ponytail, leaving some strands loose for a relaxed look.
- Finger-comb the curls for added bounce and volume.
- Best For: All hair types and face shapes.
21. Curly Bob
- Description: Effortlessly chic, this style embraces your natural coils without over-styling.
- How to Style:
- Apply a shine-boosting serum to damp hair.
- Finger-comb in all directions and let air-dry.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold.
- Best For: Everyone—this style is universally flattering.
22. Coils
- Description: A playful take on the Mohawk, this style uses natural texture and a headband for a feminine touch.
- How to Style:
- Apply a conditioning serum and brush back the top section.
- Blow-dry for a sleek finish and tousle the rest for a messy effect.
- Best For: Oval faces, though anyone can pull it off with confidence.
23. Pulled Back
- Description: A sleek and polished look that works best for longer hair.
- How to Style:
- Apply a conditioning product to damp hair and part it down the middle.
- Stretch your curls and pin them flat against your head.
- Let the rest of your hair flow naturally.
- Best For: Most curl types, though kinky hair may require extra effort to stretch.
24. Stretched Pixie
- Description: A unique twist on the classic pixie cut, this style retains some of your hair’s natural texture for a zigzag effect.
- How to Style:
- Use pomade on damp hair and work it upward for lift.
- Alternatively, blow-dry your hair while lifting it for added volume.
- Best For: Kinky hair that benefits from stretched styling.
25. High-Up Pony with Side-Swept Bangs
- Description: A voluminous ponytail paired with cornrows and curly bangs creates a dynamic and elevated look.
- How to Style:
- Section off your hair and create cornrows starting at the temples.
- Finger-comb your bangs and tie the rest into a high ponytail.
- Best For: All curl types, with slight variations in results.
26. Side-Swept Curly Pixie
- Description: Curly bangs add a playful touch to this short, asymmetrical style.
- How to Style:
- Work a conditioning product into damp hair and let it air-dry.
- Finger-comb and sweep the bangs to one side for a wispy finish.
- Best For: Hair with tight, natural curls.
27. Faux Updo
- Description: Perfect for short hair, this style mimics an updo using your natural volume and texture.
- How to Style:
- Apply a conditioning serum to damp hair and finger-comb as it dries.
- Gather your curls into an updo and secure with strong-hold hairspray.
- Best For: Hair with S-shaped curls.
28. Buzz Cut
- Description: Minimalist and bold, the buzz cut emphasizes facial features and requires little maintenance.
- How to Style:
- Keep your hair conditioned for shine.
- No additional styling needed—just embrace the simplicity.
- Best For: Highlighting unique facial features; ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance styles.
Styling Tips for All Hair Types
- Prep Your Hair: Always start with clean, conditioned hair to ensure smooth styling.
- Use the Right Products: Opt for serums, mousses, and sprays tailored to your hair type.
- Experiment with Accessories: Neutral-colored clips, scarves, and headbands can elevate any look.
- Maintain Volume: For curly or coily hair, scrunch with a sea salt spray to enhance texture.
Final Thoughts
These 28 African hairstyles cater to a wide range of preferences, from sleek and professional to bold and creative. Whether you’re attending a formal event, heading to the office, or simply want to switch up your everyday look, these styles are versatile, elegant, and empowering. Embrace your natural beauty, experiment with different textures and techniques, and find the perfect hairstyle that reflects your personality and style!
