54 New Natural Hairstyle Ideas You'll Want to Steal Right Now
54 New Natural Hairstyle Ideas You'll Want to Steal Right Now
One of the most empowering parts of natural hair is how incredibly versatile it is. Braids, twist outs, updos are among the different natural hairstyles you can experiment with. Apart from having fun with different colors, natural hair can also be worn in a variety of patterns regardless of length.
Whether you have short hair, medium hair or long hair, you can draw inspiration from this selection of natural hairstyles worn in Hollywood. If you’re in the mood to create some art with your hair, you can opt for a more elaborate look or go for an easy and quick ‘do. There is also a great range of protective hairstyles to try, including box braids and cornrows.
Instead of spending time looking up natural hairstyle photos all over the internet, we’ve done the work for you and gathered the best of the best in one place. From The Batman’s Zo? Kravitz to Euphoria’s Zendaya, there are many celebrities to draw hair inspiration from on-screen, on the red carpet and in real life. No matter if you’re thinking of going for a sleek or tousled, we’ve got you covered. You might even want to bookmark some of these natural hairstyles for the next time you’re thinking of switching up your rotation again.
Gray Moment
Going gray can still be exciting. Mara Brock Akil, embraces her gray strands and curly locks with this textured low ponytail.
Full Fro
If you’re 1970s obsessed, or just interested in experimenting with the shape of an afro then you can you can learn a thing or two from the icon herself Diana Ross. This perfectly shaped afro is achieved through combing out the curl and picking the hair at the root.
Head Wrap
Headwraps have been a part of natural hair care for centuries. Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo is known for her patterned headscarves. The significance of headscarves even holds a lot of weight in the United States. According to, National Park Service, in Louisiana, many Creole women used the tignon cloths given to them to create elaborate headscarves and wraps.
Sleek Bun
A slicked back bun is one of the most popular natural hairstyles and is easy to achieve regardless of your hair styling skills. Yara Shahidi wears a gelled bun at the Emmy Awards.
Platinum Moment
Do blondes have more fun? We don’t know! But, Solange’s platinum hair is giving everyone a little bit of blonde ambition.
Red Blow Out
Chaka Khan is known for two things: her unique voice and voluminous hair. Chaka’s violet red hair, has become synonymous with the singer. This style is achieved by coloring the hair violet red and blowing out the curl.
Silk Press
If you want to ditch the relaxer but wear sleek straight hair then a silk press is the perfect alternative, and this heat styling technique works for all curl patterns. Zendaya wears her bone straight style on the red carpet.
Pearls
Pearls don’t only go on your neckline! Alicia Keys applied adhesive pearls onto her hair for the Met Gala.
Pink TWA
Are you adjusting to a big chop? Or prefer wearing your hair short? This pink TWA (teeny weeny afro) is great if you’re newly natural.
Defined Curls
Let your natural texture shine like former First Lady Michelle Obama. For ultra-defined ringlets, try using a gel for curly hair right when you get out of the shower.
Wave Pattern Micro Braids
Micro braids take a bit of extra time, but for hair like Beyoncé, they're totally worth it. A wave pattern makes these braids look regal and unique.
Braids with a Headband
This easy hairstyle can be worn in any situation. If you have box braids, throw them back with a headband to keep them out of your face. Try a plain black headband like Tiffany Haddish, or mix it up with a fun pattern.
Side Swept Twist Out
Go for a curly and voluminous twist out for maximum impact. Sweep strands to one side like Taraji P. Henson to keep it cool.
Fluffy Afro
Iman is undoubtedly a fashion icon — but we should be talking about her hair, too. Channel her by keeping your hair natural and sporting it in an afro for an effortless effect.
High Half Bun Braids
Try this half-updo, seen on Gabrielle Union, for a fun twist on a casual style. To achieve this look, box braids are pulled up into a half bun, but the end of the braids are left out for a cascading face frame.
Side-Pinned Coils
This style looks chic and sophisticated — and bonus, it's easy to achieve. Let your natural texture shine through, styling in a deep side part, then pin back one side like Issa Rae.
Long Pigtail Braids
Impossibly long pigtail braids with embellishments are the height of cool. Part your hair straight down the middle like Janelle Monáe to keep them sleek.
Side Cornrows
You don't have to braid cornrows straight back — take it from Keke Palmer. Mix up typical cornrows by braiding them toward either side. The result? Sleek, stylish strands.
Braided Bangs
Long box braids will always be in style. Take them to the next level by adding shorter braided bangs, like Lupita N'yongo. These bangs add drama to any look, but to make them even more show-stopping, some carefully placed beads are always a good idea.
Side-Pinned Twist Out
Looking for an easy way to put a twist on long, voluminous curls? Take some inspiration from Kerry Washington by middle parting your hair, then pinning the top of each side down. This look is so versatile, you can dress it up or down.
Oversized High Bun
One of the best things about box braids is that you can wear them in a million different ways. Channel Kelly Rowland by twisting them into a high bun.
Mini Dreadlocks
If you think dreadlocks can't be dressed up, think again. Zo? Kravitz proves that dreadlocks are ultra-chic and feminine.
Flipped Out Ends
Try straightening your natural hair and pulling it back into half-updo. To add a bit of volume, flip out the ends like Lupita N'yongo.
Short Knots
Willow Smith keeps it simple with miniature knots. This style ensures that your eyes are the focus.
Bun and Low Pony Combo
There are few people as glam as actress Regina King, so it's no surprise that she had an amazing partial updo at the Emmys. Her super-long braid was amped up with a ballerina half-bun on top.
Box Braid Top Knot
Actress Teyonah Parris made a statement at the Toronto Film Festival with her dramatic braided top knot. As much as you want to copy it ASAP, we recommend waiting up to a week after getting your braids to recreate this updo.
Fulani Braids
Actress Issa Rae's Met Gala hairstyle had an extra touch of sparkle with gold embellishments. With or without the decorative beads, this is both regal and fun.
Side Braided Ponytail
Singer Alicia Keys's hairstyle has it all: a voluminous mohawk, braided ponytail, and cornrows on the side. Whether you're hitting the stage or just heading to the grocery store, this is a definite head-turner.
Playful Middle Part
Actress Tracee Ellis Ross's exuberant personality comes through in this full, shoulder-skimming style that saves the volume for the sides and stays low key on top. Keep spirals smooth and defined by applying a natural oil-based hair serum.
Flirty Forehead Pieces
Victoria's Secret model Samile Bermannelli's tight curls have a sexy piecey-ness, including a couple of strands that tease the look of bangs without full fringe.
Short and Glossy Curls
We'd be smiling ear to ear like actress Samira Wiley too if we were sporting such a cute style. A high dose of shine adds definition to her tight, springy curls— try a shine gloss or serum created for curls.
Multi-Texture Ponytail
Super-sleek at the base, this long ponytail mixes up a variety of textures from straight to wavy to curly — all of which you can get with a single flat iron — for an edgy yet glamorous look.
Curly Bangs
Who says curly hair can't have bangs? Zendaya is proof that you can not only wear bangs with your natural texture, you don't have to straighten them out to look incredible. Help shape ringlets with a curl custard.
Wash and Go
Dark and Lovely's Lead Squad Stylist, Stephanie McLemore, says the secret to nailing this style is bringing your blow dryer's diffuser attachment into the equation. Use the diffuser to dry your hair without blasting away your coils. Bonus: Apply a curl boosting leave-in prior to drying, to enhance fullness, like Kimberly Elise.
Halo Braid
According to Vivrant Beauty's Desiree Verdejo, "There are only three easy steps to achieving this style [seen on actress Jada Pinkett Smith]: Detangle your hair, weave one continuous braid around your head securing with bobby pins, and lastly, pull on the braid so that its thicker in certain sections for a messier look." Done!
Pineapple
You can pull your locks toward the crown of your head and pin accordingly for this funky fruit-esque 'do. Or, for a less severe version, Vida Latimer, Colorist and Educator at Devachan NYC, recommends using "a very wide micro fiber headband to gently lift curls from the face. Then, you can jump right into bed, since this style is perfect for overnight style-stretching.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots, which originated in Southern Africa, are a great way to take your hair game up a notch, à la singer Rihanna. And don't commit the cardinal crime that is forgetting to lay your baby hairs! Try a gel formulated specifically for them.
Stretched Afro
Of course, you can just rock the afro that nature gave you as singer Solange does so gorgeously. But, for a little variety, try stretching your hair with a minimal amount of heat to show off your length and achieve envy-inducing volume. For a fluffy, soft effect, try a styling lotion.
High Bun
A bun at the crown of your head like Tracee Ellis Ross is one of the best ways to look effortlessly chic in seconds. Smooth the top and sides with a hairspray.
Elegant Updo
Look red carpet-ready (red carpet or not!) with this fancy updo, a combination of a center twist and smooth sides. It'll really help you bring the wow-factor to your next party or wedding.
Bantu Knot-Out
Bantu knot-outs are a great way to change up your look. There's no other way to get coils as full and bouncy as the ones you're left with after having unraveled the knots. They're also ideal for women who are transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.
Three Strand Twist Out
The three-strand twist out is the answer to every natural girl's prayers to achieve the ultimate curl definition. The motion is a bit confusing at first, but once you get it down, you'll be a twisting machine. Latimer is also a fan of the style, as it lasts for a few days and promotes the "replenishing of moisture in the hair," which is especially important in curly and transitioning hair. Want to achieve this yourself? Follow along with YouTube hair expert Samantha Harris a.k.a. Ahfro Baang's tutorial.
Box Braids
The best thing about box braids is that they're a great way to protect your hair from over-styling and the damage that comes with it. The second best thing is that there's a size for every preference, ranging from Moesha to Poetic Justice.
Senegalese Twists
If you're looking for very long, very fabulous hair, then look no further than these statement-making twists, sported by singer Brandy.
Braid Out
Ever get a glimpse of your perfect post-braids waves in a mirror and wished you had somewhere to go? We know. Just spritz your hair with water, add a curl or wave-defining styling cream, and decide whether cornrows or box braids will be your ticket to morning flawlessness, like Amandla Stenberg.
Sleek Ponytail
Who says that ponytails have to be condemned to marinating in your gym sweat? Start thinking of them as actual styles and stop looking at them as last-ditch efforts. Dress it up by adding a deep part like Chanel Iman and flatten it to sleekness with a bit of edge control and a satin scarf.
Pompadour
Channel your inner Janelle Monáe and work your statement-making poof. Bonus points if you succeed at achieving a style that's equally as stylish in the back! Enlist a handheld mirror for help in seeing the details behind your head.
Fauxhawk
This isn't the average angsty pre-teen haircut that we're talking about. This style simply calls for an abundance of pins, a smoothing brush, and the desire to flaunt your edgy (yet pretty!) side, like Yaya DaCosta. For a more long-lasting version of the style, consider braiding or flat-twisting the sides.
Crochet Braids
Crochet braids à la singer Kelly Rowland are the volume-lover's best friend. When you untwist these babies they explode into bouncy goodness. They can also last up to two months, so they're a perfect protective hairstyle. Apply a styling butter for added conditioning and definition.
Classic Cornrows
Don't let anyone tell you that these are "boxer braids." They're cornrows and they're fabulous, as seen on actress Jada Pinkett Smith. Plus, you can keep them in for a few days and follow up with a braid-out, easily carrying you from one wash day to the next. Boost definition in between with SheaMoisture Coconut Custard Make it Last Wash 'N Go Curl Revival Oil.
Space Buns
Who says that this funky style is only for kids? Rock out with sleek space buns like Yara Shahidi, or embrace your texture and upgrade them to Afro puffs, leaving your ends free.
French Braids
Rock these twin French braids like singer Leona Lewis and pretend that your effortlessly cool look didn't cost you some upper arm soreness. Simply start at the top on each side and create three-strand braids while adding a bit more hair per section as you move down. Set your braids in place with a braid pomade.
Faux Locs
If you're looking for a shortcut to a head full of beautiful dreadlocks, then you'll be pleased to know that you can fake it 'til you make it using hair extensions. If you want to polish off your look, add some pretty dread cuffs into the mix, like Zendaya!
Two-Strand Twist
Two-strand twists are truly the best of both worlds, because they're super easy and quick. Plus, after they're done, you can still style them differently each day! Apply a leave-in styler and conditioner hybrid before twisting to help smooth and condition.
The best natural hairstyles and hair ideas for black and African American women, including braids, bangs, and ponytails, and styles for short, medium, and long hair.
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