Hairstyles
for Black Women
Spanning from the 1970s to the 2000s, explore numerous highly favored black women hairstyles embraced over the past several decades. Possessing a significant history and influence on American society, black women have accentuated their innate beauty by adopting diverse hairstyles over time. These hairdos have frequently been showcased across all aspects of America’s popular culture, gaining prominence and continuing to pave the way for the development of novel and inventive styles.
Top African American Women Hairstyles Over The Years
Black Women Hairstyles: Box Braids
Box braids remain a classic and adaptable hairdo. The process entails dividing the hair into tiny, square or triangular segments, and incorporating synthetic or real hair extensions into each braid. The outcome is a fashionable hairstyle that can last for an extended period of time, while offering endless possibilities personalization.
Black Women Hairstyles: Pixie Cut
The Pixie Cut is an example of a traditional and everlasting hairstyle that has been popular for many years. It is a short, cropped cut that typically falls just above the ears and may be styled in various ways and can be shaped to suit anyone’s preference. This includes smooth and straight, or give it the look of choppy layers and wispy bangs, often accessorized with headbands, hats, and other accessories to give it a unique look.
Black Women Hairstyles: Fingerwaves
Finger waves are a classic look that has popularized since in the early 1900s. A comb and several finger methods are required to achieve this look, characterized by deep and rolling waves. The design is renowned for its elegant and timeless look, often showcased at significant functions like weddings, proms, and various formal events. Being very fashionable, finger waves also require little maintenance, leaving them as an excellent choice for ones focusing on a classy style.
Black Women Hairstyles: Bantu Knots
A traditional African hairstyle that has been practiced for hundreds of years. Steeped in African heritage and culture, Bantu knots can be traced back to the Zulu tribes of South Africa. This hairstyle consists of sectioning the hair into small portions; then, each split is twisted into a tight knot, creating the appearance of a small round bun. The finished appearance is one of a kind and very fashionable, and it can be dressed up or down according to the event’s requirements, while also being able to sport with various hair textures, like natural, relaxed, or curly.
Black Women Hairstyles: Natural Style
There are multiple styles of the natural hairstyle look. First, with a variety of coils and curls, women with natural hair employ products and techniques to improve their coiled or curled texture, resulting in more distinct and lengthened curls. This can be achieved through approaches such as finger coiling, shingling, or utilizing curl-boosting products. Additionally, Frohawks and Puff Hairstyles involve collecting hair at the front or top section and producing an elevated or puffed appearance.
The Wash-and-Go technique, popular for natural hair, includes washing the hair and letting it air dry or using a diffuser to emphasize and refine the innate curl pattern, leading to an effortless, “freshly washed” appearance. Twist-Outs involve creating twists in damp or dry hair, allowing them to set, and then unwinding them to expose well-defined curls or waves. This style is adaptable and can be executed with a range of twist sizes and designs.
Black Women Hairstyles: Dreadlocks
Another hairstyle that dates back hundreds of years, dreadlocks, also known as locs or dreads, are rope-like strands of hair formed by locking or braiding hair. The locking process involves hair tangling, which causes the strands to coil around themselves into fused units. There are many methods to style dreadlocks, there are various lengths, from short to long, and the option of coloring / dyeing.
Black Women Hairstyles: Afro
The Afro is a classic and distinctive appearance for ladies of African descent in the United States, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, but has remained popular among many women for decades, often worn in various styles, from tight curls to free-flowing waves to being celebrated and embraced with natural hair texture.
Black Women Hairstyles: Micro Braids
Micro braids are a versatile, elegant, and stunning hairstyle that involves braiding tiny sections of hair to create a delicate and eye-catching look that you simply cannot ignore. The versatility of Micro Braids is what truly sets it apart – you can wear them long, short, half up, half down, in a ponytail, or even in a chic updo. With endless styling possibilities, Micro Braids are perfect for those who love to experiment and express themselves through their hair.
Black Women Hairstyles: Marley Twists
Marley twists involve two-strand twists created with Marley braid extensions, which have a coarse texture and appear natural. Also known as “mini-locs,” they can be styled in numerous ways. To apply Marley twists, you’ll require 5-6 packs of Kanekalon hair extensions, a rat-tail and wide-tooth comb, hair clips, edge control gel, a moisturizing curl cream, and an anti-frizz solution.
Additionally, you must divide your hair into small sections, secure or braid all sections except one, and use an equal amount of Marley twist hair for consistent twists. When done correctly, Marley twists serve as an excellent choice for a traditional twist hairstyle that can be maintained for up to 8 weeks.
Black Women Hairstyles: Senegalese Twists
Senegalese Twists are a type of African-style braiding that involves two braids of hair twisted around each other. The result is a thick and voluminous look that is perfect for those who want to add texture to their tresses. Senegalese Twists are low maintenance, low-toxicity, and can last up to eight weeks with proper care. They look best on medium to long length hair and can be styled in various ways, from sleek and straight to voluminous and curly. The best part about this style is that it is great for all hair types, including thin and thick hair.
Black Women Hairstyles: Bob Cut
The Bob Cut is a timeless and classic hairstyle, typically cut straight around the head and slightly longer in the front. It is a simple and easy to maintain style that can be adapted to any face shape or hair type, giving the wearer a modern, professional look. It can be left natural or styled with a variety of products to give it a more textured and edgy look. Bob Cuts are great for busy women who don’t have time for complicated styling and maintenance.
Black Women Hairstyles: Press and Curl
The press and curl hairstyle was a popular hairstyle for African American women. It involves using a hot pressing comb to straighten the hair and then curling it with a curling iron. This style can be achieved with chemical relaxers, but many women opt for the more natural route of hot pressing combs. This hairstyle gives the hair a sleek, polished look and can last for up to a week with proper maintenance. It is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance style that can be changed up with the use of different accessories.
Press and curls are a classic ’90s technique that uses a hot comb to press hair, then uses oil or grease to curl or style the hair. This results in a sleek, straight style that is much easier to manage and maintain than other methods. The technique can be used to create a variety of looks, including tight curls, waves, and sleek, straight styles.