Natural hairstyles are having a moment in 2024, offering a wide range of easy and stylish options for black women. From quick protective styles to intricate updos, the beauty of natural hair is celebrated in all its forms. Whether you have 4c hair or short hair, there’s a style to suit every preference and occasion. In this article, we’ll explore 39 fabulous hairstyle ideas that are not only easy to achieve but also perfect for various face shapes and events. Let’s dive in!
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The high puff is a go-to style for 4c hair and a quick way to keep your curls in check while looking chic. This style is perfect for black women who want to embrace their natural texture without spending too much time styling. The twist here is adding a few flat twists or cornrows at the front to frame the face. This hairstyle is great for a casual day out or a quick for school look. It’s especially flattering for round and oval face shapes, and pairs well with bold makeup, making your eyes pop.
To create this look, gather your hair into a high puff using a soft hair tie. Create flat twists or cornrows in the front section of your hair and secure them into the puff. For maintenance, use a leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In, and refresh the puff daily with a water-based moisturizer to keep it hydrated and defined.
For those with short hair, the short afro with rubber bands is an edgy and fun way to style natural hair. This look involves sectioning the hair with rubber bands to create a geometric pattern that adds dimension and interest to the afro. It’s a versatile style that works well for black teens and kids alike, making it a great choice for school or weekend outings. This hairstyle complements heart-shaped and oval faces and brings out the warmth in brown eyes.
Start by sectioning your afro into small squares or triangles, securing each section with a small rubber band. Fluff out the rest of the afro to add volume. To maintain this style, use a moisturizing cream like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream, and avoid leaving the rubber bands in for too long to prevent breakage.
The slick back low bun is a classic and elegant option for black women looking for a polished and easy hairstyle. This look is perfect for professional settings or formal events, giving you a sleek appearance with minimal effort. It’s particularly suited for those with medium length or shoulder length hair and works beautifully with all face shapes. The simplicity of the style allows your makeup and accessories to take center stage, making it a versatile option for various occasions.
To achieve this look, start by applying a smoothing gel, like Eco Styler Gel, to your hair and brush it back into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun with a hair tie and smooth down any flyaways. Regular maintenance with a silk scarf at night will help keep the style intact, while a light oil, such as argan oil, will add shine and moisture.
A 4c short twist out is perfect for those with 4c hair who want a defined yet natural look. This style involves twisting the hair and then unraveling the twists to create voluminous, defined curls. It’s an excellent choice for black women who want a low-maintenance style that lasts several days. This look is flattering on all face shapes, and the defined curls can enhance the color and brightness of your eyes, making it a great style for casual outings or social events.
To create this style, start by applying a twisting cream like TGIN Twist & Define Cream to freshly washed, damp hair. Divide your hair into sections and twist each section tightly. Once dry, carefully unravel the twists and fluff your hair for volume. Maintain the style by sleeping with a satin bonnet and using a light oil, like jojoba oil, to refresh your curls.
Box braids are a timeless protective style that works for long hair and medium length hair alike. These braids are not only stylish but also offer a great way to protect your natural hair from daily manipulation. Perfect for black kids and black teens, box braids can be worn in various ways, from ponytails to buns, making them versatile for any occasion. They suit all face shapes and are particularly flattering when adorned with beads or hair cuffs.
To achieve box braids, start by sectioning your hair into small, even squares. Use a braiding hair extension, like X-Pression, to add length and thickness. Braid each section from the root to the tip. To keep your scalp moisturized, use a scalp oil like ORS HAIRepair Anti-Breakage Crème. Protect your braids at night with a silk scarf or bonnet.
Afro puffs with rubber bands are a cute and playful style that’s easy to achieve for black kids and adults alike. This look involves creating two puffs on either side of the head and adding rubber bands for a fun, youthful touch. It’s a great style for school or casual outings, especially for those with short hair or 4c hair. This style works well with round and oval face shapes and adds a touch of whimsy to any outfit.
To create this style, part your hair down the middle and gather each section into a puff using a soft hair tie. Use colorful rubber bands to section off the front part of your hair for added flair. Maintain this style by moisturizing daily with a water-based product and sealing with a light oil. Refresh the puffs with a curl cream like Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie to keep them looking defined.
Cornrows are a staple in the world of natural hairstyles, and they’re especially great for 4c hair. This style involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in straight or curved rows, creating a neat and tidy look. Cornrows are perfect for those looking for a quick and protective style that can last for weeks with proper care. They’re ideal for school, work, or any daily activities and suit all face shapes, making them a versatile option for everyone.
To achieve cornrows, start by parting your hair into sections. Use a rat-tail comb to create clean lines and braid each section tightly against the scalp. For added length, you can incorporate hair extensions like Kanekalon. Maintain your cornrows by regularly moisturizing your scalp with a light oil, and use a silk scarf at night to keep the style intact.
The twisted updo is a sophisticated and elegant style perfect for black women attending a formal event or looking for a chic daily hairstyle. This look involves twisting sections of hair and pinning them up in a stylish arrangement. It’s ideal for those with medium length or shoulder length hair and works well for all face shapes. The updo can be accessorized with decorative pins or a headband to elevate the look further.
To create this style, section your hair and twist each section, securing the ends with a bobby pin. Arrange the twists in a desired pattern at the back of your head and secure with more pins. For maintenance, use a hydrating mist like Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner to keep the twists fresh. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night to preserve the style.
A 4c short puff with no gel is a carefree and easy style that showcases the natural beauty of 4c hair without the need for heavy products. This style is perfect for those who prefer a more natural look, free from gels and pomades. It’s ideal for casual outings or a quick for school style that’s both cute and practical. The puff works well with all face shapes and is especially flattering for those with strong facial features.
To achieve this look, simply gather your hair into a puff using a soft hair tie. Fluff the puff to your desired volume and use a water-based moisturizer to keep your hair hydrated. For added definition, you can lightly finger coil the ends of your hair. This style requires minimal maintenance, making it a great option for those who prefer low-effort hairstyles.
Beach waves are not just for straight hair; they can be beautifully adapted for black women with shoulder length natural hair. 
This look involves creating soft, loose waves that give off a relaxed, beachy vibe. It’s perfect for a day at the beach or a casual summer outing. This style works well for oval and heart-shaped faces, enhancing your natural features and giving your hair a voluminous, textured look.
To create beach waves, start by sectioning your hair and twisting each section into a loose twist. Use a heat protectant and lightly blow-dry the twists to set the waves. Once cooled, unravel the twists and fluff your hair to create the waves. To maintain this style, use a light-hold spray like Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray and refresh the waves with a bit of water and leave-in conditioner.
Two strand twists are a versatile and protective style that works exceptionally well for 4c hair. This style involves twisting two sections of hair together, resulting in a defined, coiled look that lasts for days. It’s perfect for black women and black kids alike, making it an excellent choice for school or casual outings. This hairstyle suits all face shapes and adds a touch of elegance to your natural look, especially when paired with bold earrings or a colorful scarf.
To achieve this style, start by applying a twisting cream like As I Am Twist Defining Cream to damp hair. Divide your hair into small sections and twist each section from root to tip. Once the twists are dry, you can either leave them in or unravel them for a twist-out style. To maintain the twists, use a satin bonnet at night and re-moisturize with a light leave-in conditioner as needed.
Box braids are a fantastic protective style for black kids and black teens who need a low-maintenance option. This style involves braiding the hair into small sections using extensions, which helps protect the natural hair from damage and breakage. Box braids are perfect for school, vacations, or any activity where you need a long-lasting style. They suit all face shapes and can be styled in various ways, such as ponytails, buns, or left down.
To create box braids, section the hair into small squares and braid each section using a braiding hair extension like Kanekalon. For added flair, you can incorporate beads or colorful rubber bands. Maintain the braids by moisturizing the scalp with a light oil and wrapping the hair in a satin scarf at night to prevent frizz.
A wash and go is the ultimate quick and easy hairstyle for those with short 4c hair. This style emphasizes your natural curl pattern, making it a perfect choice for black women who want to embrace their texture without spending hours styling. It’s ideal for a casual day out or a quick for school look. This hairstyle suits all face shapes and enhances the natural beauty of your curls, especially when paired with minimal makeup and simple accessories.
To achieve this style, start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo like SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining gel, such as Eco Styler Gel, to damp hair. Scrunch your hair to enhance the curls and let it air dry or use a diffuser. Maintain the style by refreshing with a water-based spray and reapplying the curl-defining gel as needed.
A slick back ponytail with extensions is a sleek and sophisticated style that’s perfect for black women with short hair or medium length hair. 
This look involves slicking the hair back into a ponytail and adding extensions for length and volume. It’s a great option for professional settings or formal events, giving you a polished appearance that works well with all face shapes.
To achieve this look, apply a smoothing gel like Eco Styler Gel to your hair and brush it back into a low ponytail. Attach a ponytail extension to the base of your natural ponytail and smooth down any flyaways with a bit more gel. For maintenance, wrap the ponytail with a silk scarf at night to keep it sleek, and refresh the style with a light oil spray to add shine.
Cornrows are a practical and stylish option for 4c short hair that’s perfect for school. This style involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in straight or curved rows, creating a neat and tidy look that lasts for weeks. Cornrows are a great protective style for black kids and black teens, keeping their hair secure while they focus on their studies. This style suits all face shapes and can be adorned with beads or colorful rubber bands for added personality.
To create cornrows, part your hair into sections using a rat-tail comb. Braid each section tightly against the scalp, starting at the front and working your way back. For added length, you can incorporate hair extensions. Maintain the style by moisturizing the scalp regularly with a light oil and using a silk scarf at night to keep the braids intact.
A twist out on shoulder length hair with extensions offers a defined and voluminous look that’s perfect for black women who want to add length and fullness to their natural hair. This style is versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions, giving you the freedom to express your personality through your hairstyle. It’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, enhancing your natural features.
To achieve this look, start by twisting your natural hair with a twist cream like TGIN Twist & Define Cream. Attach hair extensions to the ends of your twists for added length. Once the twists are dry, unravel them and fluff for volume. Maintain the style by re-twisting at night and using a satin bonnet to preserve the curls.
A bun with 4c cornrows is a neat and elegant hairstyle that combines the structure of cornrows with the simplicity of a bun. This style is perfect for black women who need a professional look that’s both stylish and practical. It’s ideal for work, formal events, or any occasion where you want to keep your hair out of your face. This style suits all face shapes and adds a sophisticated touch to your overall appearance.
To achieve this look, start by braiding your hair into cornrows, focusing on the front and sides of your head. Gather the remaining hair into a bun at the back of your head, securing it with a hair tie. Use a smoothing gel like Eco Styler Gel to keep the edges sleek and neat. Maintain the style by wrapping your hair in a silk scarf at night and moisturizing your scalp regularly.
The shoulder length slick back ponytail is a sleek and polished option for black women with shoulder length or medium length hair. 
This style involves slicking the hair back into a low ponytail, giving you a clean and elegant look that’s perfect for both casual and formal settings. It suits all face shapes and can be dressed up with accessories or left simple for a more understated appearance.
To achieve this look, apply a smoothing gel like Eco Styler Gel to your hair and brush it back into a low ponytail. Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail and smooth down any flyaways with more gel. For added length and volume, you can attach a ponytail extension. Maintain the style by using a satin scarf at night to keep it sleek and refreshing with a light oil spray for shine.
A high bun with hair extensions is a stylish and elegant option for black women with short hair or medium length hair who want to add some volume and height to their look. This hairstyle is perfect for formal events or professional settings, giving you a polished and sophisticated appearance. It suits all face shapes, and the height of the bun helps to elongate the face, making it especially flattering for round faces.
To achieve this look, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Attach a hair extension to the ponytail and wrap it around to form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins and smooth down any flyaways with a gel like Eco Styler Gel. Maintain the style by wrapping your hair in a satin scarf at night and using a light hairspray to keep the bun in place.
Bantu knots are a stylish and protective option that works well for all hair lengths, particularly short hair and medium length. 
This style involves sectioning the hair and twisting it into small knots, which not only looks chic but also helps protect your natural hair. Bantu knots are perfect for casual outings, weekend activities, or even for school. They suit all face shapes and can be accessorized with hair jewelry for a touch of elegance.
To achieve this look, start by parting your hair into small sections. Twist each section into a tight coil and wrap it around itself to form a knot, securing it with a bobby pin if needed. Use a moisturizing cream like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream to keep the hair hydrated and smooth. Maintain the knots by wearing a satin scarf at night and re-twisting any loose sections as needed.
Easy natural hairstyles in 2024 offer a wide range of options for all hair types, from quick and simple styles to more elaborate updos. Whether you’re looking for something suitable for work, school, or a special event, these hairstyles provide versatility and beauty without requiring extensive styling time. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which styles you’re excited to try this year. Don’t forget to share your own favorite natural hairstyles with our community!
