The Best Haircuts and Hairstyles for Women with Curly Hair
Imagine if you had a comprehensive directory of the best natural hairstyles for women.
If that directory also included the best weave hairstyles, wedding hairstyles, and more, would that make things easier for you?
You’d probably be pretty excited to go through the list and find different styles that you like.
Today’s your lucky day; that’s exactly what we’re going to provide in this article:
…a comprehensive list of insanely popular hairstyles and haircuts for women, young girls, and kids that you can wear today.
Table of Contents
- 1 Insanely Popular Haircuts and Hairstyles for Women
- 2 1. Dreadlocks
- 3 2. Bantu Knots
- 4 3. Afros and TWAs for Short Hair
- 5 4. Braids, Cornrows, or Canerows
- 6 5. Poetic Justice Braids
- 7 6. Goddess Braids
- 8 7. French Braids
- 9 8. Ghana Braids
- 10 9. Crochet Braids
- 11 10. Faux Locs
- 12 11. Protective Hairstyles
- 13 12. Twist Hairstyles
- 14 13. Finger Coils
- 15 14. Yarn Braids
- 16 15. Flexible Curling Rods
- 17 16. Low or High Bun
- 18 17. Space Buns
- 19 18. Frohawk (Sometimes Called Faux Hawk, Fohawk, or Mohawk)
- 20 19. Hair Extension Hairstyles
- 21 20. High Puff Hairstyles
- 22 21. Wash and Go Hairstyles
- 23 22. Halo Braid
- 24 23. Curtain Bangs
- 25 24. Wolf Cut
- 26 25. Rezo Cut
- 27 26. Pineapple Bun Hairstyle
- 28 27. Karen Haircut
- 29 28. Long Layers
- 30 29. Deva Cut
- 31 30. Ponytail Hairstyle
- 32 31. Shirley Temple Curls
- 33 32. Sisterlocks Hairstyle
- 34 33. Pixie Bob Haircut
- 35 34. Military Hairstyles for Black Females
- 36 Natural Hairstyles for Work
Insanely Popular Haircuts and Hairstyles for Women
You can use this hairstyle guide for inspiration, regardless of your hair type or natural texture.
1. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks, also known as dreads or locs, are rope-like strands of hair created by braiding or matting. Though naturally curly hair can form tangles and mats when left uncombed or unbrushed, achieving evenly sized dreadlocks requires planning and maintenance.
Various methods, such as braiding, rolling, backcombing, and the crochet hook, can help form dreadlocks. Consistent work is needed to ensure tight, mature, and neat dreadlocks. Popular among black women, dreadlocks are a widely embraced natural hairstyle.
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2. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a traditional and culturally significant hairstyle originating from the Bantu people, representing more than 300 ethnic groups across central and southern Africa. This unique and eye-catching style features small, coiled buns that are strategically placed throughout the hair, creating a beautiful pattern.
Worn for centuries by women of African descent, Bantu knots showcase their cultural heritage, creativity, and the versatility of African hair. This timeless hairstyle continues to be popular, blending historical roots with modern style.
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3. Afros and TWAs for Short Hair
Years ago, the afro was commonly referred to as a natural. This style is frequently worn by males and females with curly, kinky hair.
This style is created by combing the hair away from the scalp, this allows for the hair to extend out from the head in a rounded and large shape, much like a ball or a cloud.
In the late 1960s, afros were particularly popular in African-American communities. Often times afros are shaped with the assistance of a wide-toothed comb referred to as an Afro pick.
The afro is at times abbreviated as a `fro´or TWA (for small afros). TWA hairstyles are quite popular, as many women are choosing to big chop when they go natural. TWA is short for ‘teeny weeny afro.’
There has been quite a bit of innovation recently with short hairstyles, like the ever-popular afro puffs. Also, many TWA styles look great while also being simple to maintain.
If you have short natural hair and are exploring your styling options, there is far more variety than you might think for short hair.
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- TWA Hairstyles For Women With Natural Hair
- Afro Puffs Tutorial: ‘How to Do’ Styling for Natural Hair
4. Braids, Cornrows, or Canerows
Braids, cornrows, or canerows are traditional African hairstyles. This is when the hair is braided closely to the scalp; an underhand upward motion is used to produce a continuous and raised row.
The cornrow style is also found in a variety of Native American cultures.
Many times, cornrows are formed in straight, simple lines, as implied by the name; they can, however, also be formed in designs that are curvilinear or geometric.
They are often popular due to how easy they are to maintain; if properly maintained through washing the hair carefully and regularly oiling the scalp, rows can be left in for even weeks at a time.
It’s important to note that a common type of hair loss, called traction alopecia, can be caused by braids that are pulled too tight or worn for long periods of time.
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5. Poetic Justice Braids
People used to refer to these braids as box braids before they were known as poetic justice braids.
As a matter of fact, the name poetic justice started after Janet Jackson and Tupac had their famous collaboration in the movie called “Poetic Justice” where Janet (Justice) wore box braids during the film.
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6. Goddess Braids
Goddess braids are sometimes referred to as granny braids since they look similar to some styles commonly worn by grandmothers.
They are cornrow-style braids that are large and generally lie flat along the person’s scalp. Goddess braids are a great way of protecting your hair as it grows and they can be braided in a variety of ways.
The various styles come about by twisting goddess braids into knots or buns and combining them with smaller ones, although large cornrows are the typical way for braiding them.
Goddess braids have been very popular for quite some time. Due to the number of hairstyles that can be created, they remain popular.
The versatility they offer when it comes to styling is the reason that women love them. They can look simple, casual, and sleek, or they can look elegant when styled up.
Goddess Braids Tutorial:
7. French Braids
A French braid is also commonly referred to as a French plait.
Three sections of hair are included in the French braid, and they are braided together, starting at the crown of the head and moving down toward the nape of the neck.
There are variations of this hairstyle, for example, the fishtail braid or the Dutch braid. Some ladies wear a French braid complemented by a curly ponytail.
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8. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids are a classic style that protects your natural hair. Depending on the region or your part of the world, they might also be called banana braids, cornrows, or straight-backs.
Regardless of what they are called, Ghana braids have their origins on the African continent.
In fact, some of the earliest known depictions of Ghana braids are found in sculptures and hieroglyphics carved in approximately 500 B.C.
Ghana Braids Tutorial: Ghana Braids Hairstyles: History, Styles, and Pictures
9. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids tend to confuse some people since the name refers to the method used, and the hairstyles can look quite a bit different.
The crochet method is similar to certain types of weave styles, where you start by cornrowing hair prior to adding extensions.
Whoever is doing the crochet braids inserts a crochet needle into the selected cornrow braid.
After that, a tiny handful of hair gets threaded onto that needle before being pulled through that cornrow braid. It gets tied into a knot so that is secured to your natural hair.
Crochet Braids Tutorial: Crochet Braids: Doing Crochet Braids The Right Way
10. Faux Locs
If you have ever wondered what you would look like wearing dreadlocks, then the perfect opportunity for you could be faux locs.
Faux locs are artificial dreadlocks or imitation dreadlocks, and they allow you to see exactly how you would look should you decide to actually grow dreadlocks.
If you’re starting dreadlocks and want to avoid the lengthy growth process, deadlock extensions could be an option.
Learn More: Faux Locs Tutorial: Step-By-Step DIY Video Guide
11. Protective Hairstyles
If preserving your hair from damage is one of your hair goals, then protective styling should be incorporated, whenever possible, into your natural hair regimen.
Protective styling is a hairstyling concept that reduces consistent manipulation of the hair, encourages length retention and protects the ends of the hair strands.
This concept often leads to increased hair growth and fewer tangles. The concept is to simply mitigate damaged hair.
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12. Twist Hairstyles
Twists (i.e., flat twists, two-strand twists, mini-twists, etc.) are some of the most popular natural hairstyles for black women in the United States.
These hairstyles are usually achieved by dividing the hair into various sections, the strands of hair are then twisted.
The “twist out” style is a variation of hair twists, this is where hair that has been twisted is untwisted, creating a texture that is large and loosely crimped.
The twist out has multiple variations, one is done with the use of two strands of hair, and the other uses three strands of hair; this one is called the “three-strand twist out.”
A textured style, when untwisted, is the end result of both methods.
Havana twists, Marley twists, passion twists, two-strand twists, flat twists, spring twists, and Senegalese twists are some of the most popular twists. Depending on the length of your hair, some of these twists require specific types of
Senegalese Twists Tutorial: Senegalese Twists: The Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial
13. Finger Coils
This is a low-maintenance, cute natural hairstyle. Beauty vlogger KeyLovesGod has a finger coil tutorial that is super easy.
While finger coils can be time-consuming to create, they look great and are an excellent choice for various lengths of natural hair.
14. Yarn Braids
If you’re looking for a fun protective style or just want to mix it up, yarn braids are a good choice. Yarn braids are braids, but instead of using human or synthetic hair, you use yarn.
This style will allow you to leave your hair alone without having to style it for several days. Some women wear yarn braids for two weeks at a time. At that point, they may start to get itchy, and you’ll want to take them out.
15. Flexible Curling Rods
If you’ve ever used your finger to twirl your hair around and wished it would hold that shape for more than a couple of seconds, then that’s the reason why flexi-rods were created.
It is easy to use flexi-rods on natural hair and generate a multitude of different hairstyles depending on your hair type, rod size, and how long they’re left in your hair.
A flexi-rod is a long flexible tube that is available in various sizes. When it comes to hair tools, it is fairly straightforward.
Although you can achieve curls faster when you use a curling iron, flexi-rods provide a heat-free way for making creating curly hairstyles.
Learn more: How to Use Flexi-Rods on Natural Hair
16. Low or High Bun
Buns are always easy and serve as “go-to” styles for many women. In fact, a high bun is one of Kira’s favorite protective hairstyles. The bun helps protect the hair ends of your hair and looks very classy.
The style works well with most hair lengths. In this video tutorial, Halfrican Beaute demonstrates her method for creating a neat, professional-looking low bun for type 3 and type 4 hair types.
17. Space Buns
Space buns (or, as my wife calls them, Mickey Mouse buns) are a little different from low and high buns, but space buns are a great option if you’re looking to change up your hairstyles.
While this style can be worn at any age, it’s particularly cute on young kids. My wife, Kira, and my daughter, Kennedy, often wear Mickey Mouse buns when we visit Disney World. Jasmine Brown has put together an easy-to-follow space bun hair tutorial. Even though there are multiple ways to create space buns, we love the simplicity of Nina’s process.
Learn more: How to Do Space Buns: Easy, Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
18. Frohawk (Sometimes Called Faux Hawk, Fohawk, or Mohawk)
The frohawk (similar to a mohawk) is an emerging style in the natural hair community, and it’s one that I really like. This curly updo style is simple, attractive, and can easily be customized to fit your profile and outfit.
I’ve even seen some women accentuate their frohawk with platinum blonde highlights. The style looks nice regardless if you have short, medium, or long hair. In this video, Priscilla, who goes by the name ImShineStruck on social media, provides a simple tutorial on creating a braided frohawk on natural hair.
To create this style, Priscilla uses an afro pick, bobby pins, and coconut oil. This style really highlights the versatility of natural hair.
Frohawk Tutorial: A Popular Mohawk Derivative for Curly Girls
19. Hair Extension Hairstyles
I’m constantly amazed by the creativity of ladies in the curly hair community. In this video tutorial, Ify Yvonne, a popular Nigerian-American beauty blogger, demonstrates how to create a beautiful style with clip-in extensions.
As you may already know, extensions have become incredibly popular in the natural hair community. Many popular celebrities, including Issa Rae, have worn
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20. High Puff Hairstyles
Similar to the high bun, the high puff is a simple yet elegant hairstyle that works on nearly all hair lengths and textures. As I mentioned earlier, Kira really loves to wear high buns, the mega puff is also a common hairstyle that Kira wears to work during the week.
The hairstyle is easy, professional, and classy. This style is great for the office, your wedding day, the red carpet, or a night out on the town. In this video, Actually Ashley provides a step-by-step tutorial for creating a beautiful mega-high puff.
21. Wash and Go Hairstyles
One of the first hairstyles that many new naturals master is a wash-and-go. This simple style is a staple of many natural hair regimens. This video, by AlyraTV, a YouTube vlog managed by twin bloggers, Alisha and Kyra, provides an awesome wash-and-go natural hairstyle.
During the video, Kyra provides a quick step-by-step wash-and-go tutorial that will last for a week.
22. Halo Braid
The halo braid, a classy and ethereal hairstyle, has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to celebrities and beauty bloggers.
Similar to a crown braid, the halo braid encircles the head, creating a stylish and elegant look. As one of the most popular braided styles currently, the halo braid is a trendy choice for those seeking a unique and sophisticated hairstyle.
Halo Braid Tutorial: How to Do a Halo Braid on Natural Hair
23. Curtain Bangs
There are wispy bangs, baby bangs, blunt bangs, side-swept bangs, curly bangs, and much more. Today, let’s get acquainted with curtain bangs.
Curtain bangs are a versatile and attractive style that originated in the 70s. Unlike straight bangs that cut across the forehead, curtain bangs frame the face with a shaggy, breezy look. This style is highly adaptable and can be dressed up or down for various occasions. Suitable for all hair types and textures, curtain bangs can be easily styled, whether wavy, messy, straight, or curly.
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24. Wolf Cut
The wolf cut is a trendy style combining the 70s shag cut and the 80s mullet. It is characterized by choppy, short layers on top that provide texture, volume, and longer, soft layers at the back for a tousled, messy look. Popularized by K-pop stars, the wolf cut suits nearly anyone and is especially great for those with fine hair that needs more volume.
However, it is not recommended for those looking to reduce volume or prefer a polished appearance. The wolf cut is versatile and works with any hair length. It can be styled in various ways, including curly, wavy, or blown out for a high-volume look.
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25. Rezo Cut
The Rezo cut is a stylish and versatile haircut characterized by short, disconnected layers, making it suitable for various individual features and personalities. This cut gained popularity in the 1990s and is typically best suited for medium-length hair.
To achieve a Rezo cut, your stylist will cut your hair into separate layers of varying lengths, with shorter layers near the crown and longer ones towards the front.
Thinning scissors are then used to texturize the ends, creating a softer, more natural look. The Rezo cut can add volume and texture to your hair, making it an excellent option for those seeking a fresh and stylish hairstyle.
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26. Pineapple Bun Hairstyle
The pineapple hairstyle is a high, loose ponytail that rests on top of your head, designed to protect your hair from knots, flattened curls, and frizz while you sleep. To create a pineapple bun, bend forward, gather your hair on top of your head, and loosely secure it with a scrunchie or elastic band.
Avoid tight bands or traditional cotton hair ties, especially for kinky hair. Cover your hair with a satin or silk bonnet or scarf for extra protection. If your hair is short or you prefer multiple smaller buns, that’s fine too.
To maintain defined curls, try plopping your hair with moisturizer or hair gel before putting on the silk or satin protection. When taking down your pineapple bun, finger comb your hair to prevent breakage.
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27. Karen Haircut
The Karen haircut, also known as the “Can I Talk to the Manager Haircut,” is a short and distinctive hairstyle. It starts short in the back and gets longer towards the front, with a significant difference between the shortest and longest portions.
The style features height in the crown, achieved through choppy layers and long side-swept bangs in the front. Although the cut has gained a stigma, many people wear it without engaging in negative behavior.
To avoid looking like a carbon copy, consider softer layers and variations in length, or opt for an asymmetrical bob or lob. To fully embrace the Karen cut, add chunky highlights and maintain the crown’s height.
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28. Long Layers
Layered haircuts offer versatility and minimal effort for maximum impact, with long or short layers that can be tailored to individual preferences. The shortest layer typically sits around the cheekbone, while the longest layer determines the overall length.
Layered cuts add texture, with more layers for fine hair and fewer layers for thick or curly hair. Stylists may use razors for choppy layers or scissors for smoother layers.
This style suits various hair types and facial features, with examples like Jennifer Aniston’s early 2000s cut or the Kardashians’ long layered cuts. Choosing an experienced stylist ensures a personalized, flattering layered look.
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29. Deva Cut
The Deva Cut is a unique haircut technique designed for curly hair, focusing on the natural curl pattern rather than length. Created by Lorraine Massey and associated with the DevaCurl brand, it is suitable for tight coils, ringlets, natural kinks, and waves.
Certified salons recommend arriving with washed, air-dried, and untangled hair without any styling for the cut.
The angling process creates a uniform edge with defined curls and no frizz, resulting in a layered, textured look. The cut takes about an hour, and styling should be done with a suitable conditioning mousse or curl crème, preferably air-drying to preserve the curls.
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30. Ponytail Hairstyle
The ponytail is a classic and versatile hairstyle, where hair is pulled away from the face and secured at the back of the head, creating a tail-like appearance. Suitable for both men and women, ponytails can be styled in various ways, such as power, braided, retro, snatch, and scrunch ponytails, making them suitable for different occasions.
They are ideal for informal settings, exercise, and school-aged children due to their practicality and minimal preparation time. However, be cautious of traction alopecia and headaches from wearing ponytails too tight; adjusting the tightness can provide relief.
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31. Shirley Temple Curls
Shirley Temple Curls, popular since the Great Depression, are iconic spiral curls that frame the face with lengths falling between the face and shoulders. Suitable for all hair types and face shapes, this youthful style can be achieved with different colors and sizes.
To create Shirley Temple Curls, part the hair and apply your preferred products, such as heat protectants or spritz sprays. Use a curling iron or alternative tools like straws, rollers, or pipe cleaners to form the spirals. Remember to use curly-girl-approved products to protect your hair and maintain the curls’ shape.
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32. Sisterlocks Hairstyle
Sisterlocks, created by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in 1993, is a style promoting natural, healthy hair care for women seeking cultural expression.
Unlike traditional dreadlocks, Sisterlocks are thinner and woven using a patented tool by certified Sisterlocks consultants. The installation process is time-intensive, requiring up to 36 hours for over 400 locs to be created.
An initial consultation helps determine the best pattern for each hair type, followed by a follow-up visit within a month and retwisting appointments every four to six weeks. The result is a long-lasting, beautiful hairstyle that emphasizes self-empowerment and cultural identity.
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33. Pixie Bob Haircut
The pixie bob haircut is a popular, timeless, and low-maintenance style that combines elements of the classic bob and short pixie cut. This versatile style features a shorter back and a longer top with bangs, varying in length from above the ear to chin length.
Bangs are common and can be swept to the side for a softer, more glamorous look. Pixie bobs can be styled professionally for work or dressed up for evenings, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a stylish yet easy-to-maintain hairstyle.
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34. Military Hairstyles for Black Females
The United States military has recently implemented new grooming standards, raising concerns about the inclusivity of diverse hair textures and styles, especially for African American women. These new guidelines should strive for a balanced approach that considers all ethnic groups rather than excluding them.
While weaves,
The United States military is made up of diverse groups, and regulations should not target characteristics unique to certain ethnic groups.
Confidence and individuality should be encouraged, as there are no adverse effects on military readiness, unit cohesion, good order, discipline, health, or safety from wearing professional, uniformed, natural hairstyles.
Efforts to include professional natural hairstyles within Army Regulation 670-1, such as a petition created by Sgt. Jasmine Jacobs are essential to ensure inclusivity and fairness within the military.
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Natural Hairstyles for Work
When selecting natural hairstyles for work or job interviews, it’s essential to consider the professional environment and the expectations outlined in your company’s employee handbook. Natural hair offers versatility, providing numerous styling options that can be adapted to various workplace settings.
It’s important to note that some corporate environments may not be as accepting of certain African American cultural norms, including clothing, language, food, and hairstyles. However, feeling comfortable with your appearance is always a priority.
Non-profit organizations may have a more relaxed work environment, allowing for greater freedom in experimenting with hairstyles and color treatments. Ultimately, all the hairstyles mentioned in this article can be styled appropriately for work. The key is to present a neat, professional appearance that reflects your company’s personality, preferences, and culture.
