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Do you even realise how versatile your natural hair is?
There are so many styles, accessories, and even products to truly make your curls pop and you don’t have to be a multi-skilled hairdresser to pull these off either!
Gone are the days that an afro is seen as a timeworn style of the 70s, in fact, more and more women are choosing their natural coils.
So whether your hair is short or long, 3A or 4C, embrace and celebrate your fro by trying out these gorgeous hairstyles…
1. Bantu Knots
Originating from The Zulu people of South Africa, Bantu knots have long been used as a protective style for afro hair. Both stylish and easy to do – simply twist small sections of your hair, then wrap around the base of the twist until it forms a ‘knot’.
2. Chunky Twists
I know from experience with my hair, that low manipulation styles are a winner for natural hair. Chunky twists either with two or three-strands hold onto moisture really well, they’re quick to do and will create beautiful waves in your hair when you take them out.
3. Braid Out
A braid out is a heat-free way to create wave-like curls in your hair that tend to last a long time because of how long your hair has been manipulated by the braid. It can also be used as a way to stretch your hair out.
4. Space Buns
Image | Photo by Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images
Space buns are an effortless 5-minute hairstyle. First, create two ponytails – one on each side of your head, then wrap the hair into a bun. For some extra style leave out some hair at the front for some tendrils or wear a full bang.
5. Blow Out
If you have tight curly hair then you know how deceiving the true length is! A blow-out is not only a good time to stretch your hair, but it is also a recommended step in preparing your hair for a silk press.
6. Afro Puff / Pineapple
A pineapple is essentially a very high ponytail that sits right at the top of your head. It’s a cute way to showcase your curls and can be your lazy go-to style. Or you could try adding some accessories, a patterned headwrap or slicked baby hairs.
7. Low Double Puffs
No, they’re not just as style for school, this style looks bomb at any age! To achieve a sleek finish, you’re going to need a strong and flake-free gel like Taliah Waajid’s Black Earth Tight Hold gel.
8. Halo Braid
A halo braid is when you wrap a long plait (or long dutch braid) around the entire circumference of your hairline, creating a plaited crown that is versatile enough for work and going out.
9. Flat Twists
Flat twists are similar to cornrows in that they are kept close to the scalp, but they are twisted instead. There are so many variations of flat twists that you can find online for inspiration – just be aware that they won’t last as long as cornrows, but they are great for a twist out.
10. Tapered Afro Cut
If you did the ‘big chop’ then you have likely reached that stage when your hair is an awkward length, too short and too long at the same time. But that just means you need to get a little creative, you could throw your hair into a protective style like braids or wear a headwrap. Or, you could fully embrace this stage and rock a tapered afro that perfectly sculpts your face.
11. Perm Rod Curls
Using a perm rod set is an easy and effective way to create va-va-voom curls without heat! This style looks great on hair at any length, and the wide variety of perm rod sizes available means you can achieve tiny-to-big curls.
12. Twist Out
The results of a twist-out differ from a braid-out. While a braid-out stretches and creates waves that are defined, twist-outs will appear more frizzy which you might like if you want an afro-look that hangs a bit!
13. High Bun With Slick Baby Hairs
A high sleek bun will always look classic, making it perfect for an evening out, and it seems like the buns are getting higher and higher with variations like the top knot. No matter how high you go, you’ll need a good boar bristle brush, strong-hold gel and poppy pins. Style your baby hair with Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Edge Control Gel for a stylish finishing touch.
14. Mini Twists
This is one of my favourite protective hairstyles and it grows my hair likely crazy! Mini twists are perfect for locking in moisture and can be worn in many different ways. You can put them in a bun, ponytail, wear them down or half up/half down.
15. Full Afro
Just wearing your afro out in its natural state is fiercely coming back and I love to see it! It’s easy to achieve a voluminous afro after a wash-n-go, but if you want some definition, do a twist-out then pick your fro to add more height.
16. Half-Down, Half-Up With Space Buns
If you love space buns but want to show off your luscious curls too, no problem! Just wear both! This hairstyle will add a bit of fun to your look and is super easy to do.
17. High Puff With Bangs
Image | @yarashahidi / Instagram
When I hear the word “bangs”, I instantly think of a full fringe with straight hair, but it looks gorgeous with curly hair too. If your hair is too fine to have a puff as well as leave out hair for the bang, just fake it with faux bangs and a drawstring ponytail extension.
18. Finger Coils
Finger coils are achieved by wrapping your hair around your finger with the help of a leave-in styler like the Flaxseed Gel Curl Custard from Naturall and misting with water, which will result in bouncy curls that can last up to a week.
19. Fro Hawk
Go rock out your afro with this cool style! You don’t have to shave the sides of your hair either, simply create multiple ponytails going down the middle of your head and use bobby pins to hold your hair in place if needed.
20. Low Puff
You could slick it down or just leave it as it is! A simple and casual style to do when you’re running late for work in the morning, but still shows off your length.
21. Half-Down, Half-Up With Flat Rubber Bands
You can use rubber bands to create cool patterns in your hair at the front, then leave your hair out at the back for dramatic contrast. Just make sure your hair is well moisturised before you put these in! And be patient taking them out, otherwise, they can damage your hair.
22. Deep Side-Part Afro
Whether you have TWA (short natural hair with a maximum length of 2 inches) or a big afro, you can work a deep side part. Not only does it give your hair a nice shape, but it shapes your face too.
23. Straight Cornrows
Image | Photo by Mike Font / Getty Images
An easy style that can be worn with braids like Ciara or with your own hair. If you want to spruce it up, try adding hair cuffs to the cornrows or beads towards the end.
24. Low Bun
Low buns can be just as formal or informal as high buns or updos. They can be versatile with variations like a swept chignon bun, double rope bun, or a simple messy bun, which means you can wear this style for a wedding or for a gym workout.
25. Bubble Band Ponytail
This look is such a fun and creative way to add volume to your ponytail. The bubble ponytail hairstyle is nothing new, but it has been popping up here and there on social media. The great thing about this style is that it can be done with any hair texture as long as you have some length.
