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Author
Merit Ronald

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When one first transitions to natural hairstyles, it's common to feel totally lost. On top of figuring out what type of products work on thick, coily hair, you might have no idea how to style it. For some of us, years of straightening our hair into oblivion had us under the delusion that natural hair was just too much work.

But after trial and error, and a lot of YouTube videos, we finally came to know the versatility of natural Black hair. Our hair is magic, and it can seriously do anything. Whether you’re newly natural, looking for easy, quick styles (e.g., cute a topknot or a twist-out) for work, or you love getting super creative with your hair—like in protective styles such as box braids or bob braids—there’s no shortage of natural hairstyles you can try. From updos and goddess braids to locs and short Afro hairstyles, there are endless styles to wear while embracing natural curls. Accessories, colored extensions, and unique shaves all accentuate the beauty of natural hair.

Maintenance can come down to using the right product for your hair’s curl type, protecting it from moisture-sucking fabrics, and giving your hair the natural care it deserves with the best curly hair products. When you’re ready to concentrate on hair growth, check out some protective styles. Keep your satin bonnet or scarf at the ready to protect your new style at night, and peruse some inspiring natural hairstyles for Black women below.

Instagram / @yarashahidi

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Wash-and-Go

The name “wash-and-go” is a tad misleading because this style usually takes several steps, but the results are well worth it. For many women who first go natural, this is the style to help learn their true hair texture.

Instagram / @traceeellisross

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Bantu Knots

This traditional African style is not actual knots but tightly wrapped buns. You can rock the buns as is or do a Bantu knot-out for bouncy curls.

Instagram / @healthyafrohair

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High Puff

This low-manipulation style is the go-to for many coily girls. Not only is it cute, but it’s a great style for length retention, as your hair is not rubbing against your clothes.

Instagram / @candicechenade

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Low Puff

We love to do low puffs when we're nearing wash day and feeling a little lazy. You can achieve a sleek look with some gel and a boar-bristle brush.

Instagram / @lacyredway

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Pineapple

Don’t have time to “do” your hair? Throw it up in a pineapple of curls that instantly showcases your hair and highlights your face. This is also a great style for preserving your curls at night (use a silk or satin bonnet, though, so they keep their shape).

Instagram / @naivashaintl

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Afro

An Afro is the best of both worlds: It’s fairly low-maintenance but super stylish for all settings. Pick it out to add extra drama.

Instagram / @goldynaps

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Twist-Out

Twist-outs are a staple when it comes to easy natural hairstyles because it’s a great low-manipulation style to keep your curls defined and tangle-free during the week. Here's an easy tutorial to follow.

Instagram / @nelliefro

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Braid-Out

Curly and coily hair is prone to shrinkage, which can lead to tangles and breakage. Braid-outs help you stretch your hair without the heat.

Instagram / @theimperfectnatural

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Twaid-Out

Twist-out meets braid-out! To achieve this look, you start by braiding your hair; once you get half way down the strand, twist to the bottom. Twaid-outs give you the stretch of a braid-out and the spiral curl of a twist-out. Gorgeous. 

Instagram / @lacyredway

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Twist-Out With Accessories

Pop a few pearl barrettes or pins into a twist-out or pineapple to take the look next-level. Bonus if they match your earrings.

Instagram / @zendaya

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Box Braids

Is there anything more classic or cool than extra-long box braids?

Instagram / @the.melanin.monroeee

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Curly Bantu Knots 

While Bantu knots can be worn smooth and sleek, they also look incredible with swooped edges and curls peeking through. 

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Afro Puffs

This is a style that works on kids and adults alike. Spice up the look by adding jewelry or other accessories to the buns.

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Micro Braids

Although micro braids can take a long time to install, the soft and flexible style can then be molded into so many other looks. But you can also go for Zoë Kravitz’s loose, laid-back look too.

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Senegalese Twists With Jewelry

Senegalese twists are somewhat quicker than braids to install and just as cute. Bring attention to your eyes by adding jewels on the twists around your face.

Instagram / @emilychengmakeup

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Undercut Cornrows 

Cornrows with a sharp side part that flows into big, bountiful curls gives the illusion of an undercut. Spice it up even more by wrapping your braided into knots. 

Instagram / @alex_haircraft

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Fauxhawk 

Edgy and elegant. Achieve the look of a mohawk without the shaving by pinning or braiding your hair up on the sides.

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Blowout

We love the look of a fluffy blowout. Add even more volume and movement by blowing out your hair first, then twisting. When you unravel, you’ll have a wavy look like Solange’s.

Instagram / @curlelia

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Perm Rod Set

Perm rod sets are perfect if you want voluminous curls without using a curling iron or hot rollers. Make sure your hair is completely dry before unraveling, though, to achieve a bouncy look.

Instagram / @dovidolls

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Flexi Rod Set

Like perm rods, flexi rods can give you curls without the potential heat damage. If you want more length, stretch your hair by blowing it out on cool or low heat first.

Instagram / @naturalhairdoescare

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Flat Twists

Like cornrows, flat twists are braided onto your scalp. You can wear the twists as is, or do a flat twist to get a more defined twist-out.

Instagram / @palomabarbiezinha

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Rainbow Box Braids

There are so many things you can do with box braids. But one of the best things about them is that you can experiment with bright, bold colors without worrying about bleach and color damage.

Instagram / @ashleyshairboutique 

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Gray Box Braids With an Undercut

Box braids get their name from the “box” part. But you can add flair to the look by doing triangular parts, plus chic gray hair and an undercut.

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Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are a mixture of cornrows and box braids and can be worn with or without beads. And as Rihanna proves, they can look both elegant and edgy.

Instagram / @divanamk

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Passion Twists

Created by hairstylist Kailyn Rogers, passion twists are the boho version of Senegalese twists. If you don’t like your hair looking too done, passion twists are a look you should try.

Instagram / @deb_goddesslocs

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Infinity Locs

Passion twists meets locs, with a more distressed look. Use already distressed hair to make installation easier.

Instagram / @bigsecret

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Curly Bangs

For those of us with curly and kinky hair, getting a good curly cut can be daunting. Thankfully, more and more stylists specialize in curly hairstyles, so you can rock the most popular haircuts of the year too.

Instagram / @_arthurhair_

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Braided High Ponytail

A sleek high pony is forever glam. You’ll channel your inner Beyoncé by adding a braid to the look.

Instagram / @multistrandz

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Chunky Twists

Twists are not only a great, low-manipulation style that protects your hair, but they can also be styled so many ways for work, going out, or just lounging around.

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Blown-Out Blunt Bob

Textured hair is so naturally voluminous, why straighten it totally flat? With a blowout, you can showcase sleek hair without loosing the movement and fluffiness.

Instagram / @_tiffany.yvette

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Halo Braid

Halo braids are so elegant and glamorous. You can go straight from the office to a gala with this look.

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Fluffy Afro

Tracee Ellis Ross always has enviable hair. Don’t worry about a little frizz and curls being out of place—that’s part of the look!

Instagram / @jewejewebee

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Curly High Bun With Tendrils

High buns are superchic. Bring back the ’90s by leaving some hair out to frame your face.

Instagram / @curlicandi

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Three-Strand Twist-Out

Like a two-strand twist-out, but with three strands of hair. For some natural textures, this method can help you achieve a more defined look.

Instagram / @himenatural

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Flat Twist-Out

If you have tighter coils, flat twist-outs can help you achieve a more stretched look without blow-drying your hair first.

Instagram / @laryhill_

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Tapered Cut

Not everyone wants long hair. Short natural hair is just as beautiful, and this tapered cut is super cool too.

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Cropped Natural Hair

Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi showed the pageant world that you don’t need flowing, long hair to win the crown. If you don’t like spending too much time on your hair, this cropped look will help you be out the door in no time in the morning.

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High Pony

There’s something about a high, flowing pony that will never go out of style. Swoop your edges like Rihanna's to round out the look or try a half-up, half-down variation.

Instagram / @laidprettyboutique

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Silk Press

You don’t need to relax your hair to get silky, bouncy tresses. Silk presses can last up to two weeks if done properly—just make sure you prep your hair first by deep-conditioning and using plenty of heat protectant.

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Cornrows With Slicked Baby Hairs

Cornrows have been Alicia Keys’s look since the early aughts. Get her swooped baby hairs by using a toothbrush with some edge control or a dedicated brush for your edges.

Instagram / @whitneymadueke

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Low Bun

Another low-manipulation style that is perfect for work, the gym, and formal occasions. Sparkly barrettes or metallic bobby pins instantly glam up this simple style without adding tension to your hairline or strands.

Instagram / @_cicichanel_

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High Puff With Headwrap

Some days it’s just hard to find the energy to do your hair. Throwing your hair into a high puff or bun, then covering your hairline with a colorful wrap is easy and chic, and protects your delicate edges.

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Slicked High Bun

Buns are the easily the most versatile style. Use a moisturizing gel to achieve the shine of Keke Palmer’s slick bun.

Instagram / @kersti.pitre

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Heart-Shaped Part

The beauty is in the details with hairstyles for natural hair. Combine bantu knots with some framing cornrows, and part the hair for the back bantu knot in a heart shape for a style that will cause double takes.

Instagram / @freshlengths

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Braided Bun

Give thick braided hairstyles some height with this braided bun look. This is great for a trip to the gym or running errands, giving your neck a break from the weight of being the cutest person at Trader Joe’s.

Instagram / @saditybeauty_parlor

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Heart Braids

Fun patterns don’t need to end at shaving or parting. Combine two cornrows into a heart shape on the side of your head for a statement braid.

Instagram / @lovelycolibri

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Twists With Beads

Nostalgia can fuel some pretty cute natural hairstyles. Add beads to some neat twists for a Black girl classic, and feel free to customize on color and material.

Instagram / @braids_ch

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Wavy Blonde Cornrows

Whether you’re ready for the platinum blonde plunge or just want to use extensions for dramatic length, brighten up your look with these curvy cornrows.

Instagram / @tarajiphenson

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Gold Ribbon Topknot

Taraji P. Henson mastered this subtle yet sweet part pattern. Elevate a simple high bun with gold thread laced throughout.

Instagram / @lizzobeeating

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Wet Look

Lizzo is the queen of the wet, glossy look for natural hair. It's great for fine, short natural hairstyles—just don’t skimp on the styling mousse when creating this style.

Instagram / @samyracambrielle

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Feed-In Twist-Out

These feed-in, leave-out twists are the perfect summer style inspiration. Use gold hair ties for an extra shine.

Instagram / @chloebailey

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Bantu Knots With Loose Tresses

Chlöe Bailey, queen of the loc style, provides excellent inspo in this bantu knot style. Go for a fire engine red like Chlöe’s, or simply leave a few tresses loose to frame your face.

Instagram / @sifra.la

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Claw Clip

Some of the cutest Black natural hairstyles are effortless. Let a stylish claw clip hold your curls in place for a little organized chaos.