Natural Afro Hairstyles for Women To Try

Natural Afro Hairstyles for Women To Try

Natural Afro hairstyles are more than just hairdos—they’re powerful expressions of culture, heritage, and individuality. From voluminous afros to intricate protective styles, the versatility of natural hair allows women to showcase creativity while maintaining healthy hair. This article explores the diverse range of Afro hairstyles, how to care for them, and tips for styling.

1. The Classic Afro

The afro is an iconic natural hairstyle that has been a symbol of pride, power, and self-expression. This style involves wearing the hair in its natural, voluminous state without manipulation. It embraces the curl pattern, allowing for a bold, circular shape.

• How to Achieve the Look: Achieve a classic afro by washing and conditioning the hair, then using a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a light styling cream to define curls, and allow the hair to air dry or diffuse. Once dry, use an afro pick to lift the roots and create volume.
• Maintenance: Regular deep conditioning helps maintain moisture, and trimming the ends every few months keeps the afro in shape.

2. Tapered Afro

The tapered afro is a modern twist on the classic afro, featuring short sides and back with more length on top. This style is edgy and low-maintenance, offering a sleek yet bold look.

• How to Achieve the Look: Ask a stylist for a gradual fade on the sides and back while leaving the top longer. You can define the top curls with a curl-enhancing product.
• Best for: Women looking for a structured but voluminous style.

3. Twist-Outs

A twist-out is a popular hairstyle for women with natural hair, creating defined, elongated curls. It’s achieved by twisting sections of hair and then unraveling them once dry.

• How to Achieve the Look: Start with damp, detangled hair. Apply a curl-defining cream or mousse and section the hair. Twist each section (either two-strand twists or flat twists) and allow the hair to air dry or sit under a hooded dryer. Once completely dry, gently unravel the twists, and separate the curls for more volume.
• Benefits: Twist-outs provide definition without heat, making it a great protective style.

4. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are small, coiled buns created by sectioning the hair and twisting it into knots. This style can be worn as is or taken down for a curly, textured look known as a Bantu knot-out.

• How to Achieve the Look: After applying a moisturizer or styling cream to damp hair, section the hair into small parts and twist each section into a knot, securing it close to the scalp. Allow the knots to dry completely before either keeping them in for a chic look or unraveling them for defined curls.
• Versatility: Bantu knots can be dressed up for formal occasions or worn casually for a fun, playful look.

5. Braided Styles

Braids are an essential part of Afro hair culture, offering endless styling possibilities while protecting the hair. Here are a few popular braid styles:

• Box Braids: These individual braids can be worn long or short and provide a protective style that lasts for weeks.
• Cornrows: Hair is braided close to the scalp in rows. This timeless look can be styled in various patterns and designs.
• Fulani Braids: A mixture of cornrows and box braids, often adorned with beads and accessories.

Braided hairstyles are perfect for women seeking low-maintenance options while protecting their hair from damage.

6. Afro Puffs

Afro puffs are a fun and youthful style, where the hair is gathered into one or two puffed sections, usually high on the head. This playful look is great for all ages and hair lengths.

• How to Achieve the Look: Using a hairband or scarf, gather the hair into one or two sections on top of the head. Fluff the ends with an afro pick or fingers to create voluminous puffs.
• Best for: A quick, easy style that can be done on any hair length, from short to long.

7. Wash-and-Go

The wash-and-go hairstyle is a simple yet stylish look that embraces the natural curl pattern. After washing the hair, it is styled while wet and allowed to dry without further manipulation.

• How to Achieve the Look: After washing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner, followed by a curl-defining cream or gel. Scrunch the hair to encourage curl definition, and allow it to air dry or use a diffuser.
• Maintenance: Refresh the curls with a spray bottle of water and leave-in conditioner between washes.

8. Faux Locs

Faux locs are a protective style that mimics the appearance of traditional locs. This style is achieved by wrapping natural hair or braids with synthetic hair to create the look of locs.

• How to Achieve the Look: Faux locs can be installed using several methods, including wrapping braids with synthetic hair or crocheting pre-made locs into cornrows or individual braids.
• Benefits: Faux locs are long-lasting and require minimal daily maintenance.

9. Locs (Dreadlocks)

Traditional locs involve sectioning the hair and allowing it to naturally tangle and lock over time. This style is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions.

• How to Start: There are various methods for starting locs, such as palm rolling, twisting, or using extensions. Over time, the hair will begin to mat and form locs.
• Maintenance: Regular washing and retwisting of new growth are essential to keeping locs looking neat.

10. Flat Twists

Flat twists are similar to cornrows but with a softer, more feminine appearance. Hair is twisted against the scalp in a flat, two-strand twist technique.

• How to Achieve the Look: Starting at the hairline, section a small part of hair and divide it into two strands. Twist them flat against the scalp, adding more hair as you move along the row.
• Advantages: Flat twists are a protective style that can last for several days and can be taken down for a defined, twist-out look.

Hair Care Tips for Afro Hair

Maintaining natural Afro hairstyles requires proper care to keep hair healthy and vibrant.

• Moisturize Regularly: Afro hair tends to be dry, so use leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams to lock in moisture.
• Avoid Excessive Heat: Limit the use of heat-styling tools to prevent damage and preserve the hair’s natural texture.
• Protective Styling: Use protective styles like braids or twists to minimize manipulation and protect hair from environmental damage.
• Sleep with Satin: Use a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage while sleeping.