Hairstyles for natural hair run the gamut from sleek cornrows to gorgeous twist outs. Scroll through these 50 hairstyles for natural hair to find all the inspiration you need.

One of the best things about having natural hair is the versatility of styling options at your fingertips. Hairstyles for natural hair can encompass everything from braids, locs, and even partial sew-ins. You can wear practically any look under the sun and add accessories, like beads, bobby pins, or hair clips, to each style to give it an editorial spin. With so many options available to you, there are some parameters to consider when coming up with the best natural hairstyle that suits your needs.

“For some people, they want flexible hairstyles that don’t compromise their natural textures,” says Stanley Nolan, a cosmetologist & beauty education specialist at Ogle School. “For others, they want to get creative while avoiding heat damage.” Numerous hairstyles for natural hair offer those protections, but one of the main things to understand is the importance of taking care of your hair in the process. It’s easy to get up and go when these looks take styling off your plate every day but keeping a wash and deep conditioning schedule will work wonders for the health of your hair between each look.  

Now that you know how to start your journey to finding the best hairstyles for natural hair, we curated 50 inspirational looks to add to your mood board ASAP.

Braided Bob

Not only are braids a premier protective hairstyle but they can also be styled in numerous ways. This blunt bob is the perfect way to elevate a traditional short haircut to an edgier style.

Geometric Parts

Natural hairstyles allow you to experiment and have fun with your parts. This traditional box braid gets extra cool points thanks to the addition of diamond-shaped parts that create a peek-a-boo effect when the braids move.

Cornrows and Box Braids

Cornrows have been around for thousands of years and are one of the most classic hairstyles for natural hair. This version is perfect for medium-length hair and allows you to have a bit more styling versatility while still keeping your hair out of your face.

Blonde Braids

Still, if box braids are your thing, playing around with color is one of the easiest ways to give the style new life, as evidenced by this gorgeous, warm blonde version of the hairstyle.

Simple Twists

Twists are one of the easiest hairstyles for natural hair to DIY. They’re also a perfect two-in-one look; when you take them down, you’ll be left with the twist-out of your dreams. 

Cross-Cross Rubber Band Braids

Criss-cross stitch braids are nostalgic, making the style perfect for fans of the Y2K beauty resurgence. Whether you add them to box braids or an updo, the design adds a touch of whimsy to any hairstyle.

Jumbo Twists

Jumbo twists are another easy hairstyle to do at home and are particularly eye-catching when done at an extra-long length. Add accessories like beads or metallic hair cuffs to make them a statement style that can complement any outfit. 

Fulani Braids

Fulani braids had a resurgence in 2020 and have been taking up residence on For-You Pages worldwide since then. The style originated from the Fulani people of Africa, and no matter the variation of the style, you can always spot the look from the characteristic side braid

Braided Blunt Bob

If you want the illusion of blunt-bob braids without the sharpness of the actual cut, twist the ends of your hair like the style here. Accessories like seashells add a boho-chic vibe to the hairstyle.

Rose Cornrows

If you’re an avid fan of fashion month street style, you may come across more editorial versions of cornrows. If you want to try your hand at a version of the style, these cornrows with roses at the ends are a head-turning iteration of a classic trend.

Pinwheel Braids

Pinwheel braids are equal parts edgy and high fashion. Pair the style with a more subtle makeup look for everyday wear or add some bold color to the eyes, lip, and cheeks to have all eyes on you. 

Braided Baldie

The braided baldie is also known as one continuous cornrow braid that spans the entirety of the head. The style was popular in the early ‘00s and made a comeback in 2023. It’s the perfect low-maintenance look for all-year wear.

French Curl Braids

French curl braids feel like the best of two protective styles: braids and sew-ins. Box braids allow for versatile styling options, yet the curls add a contrast in texture that feels just as flowy as human hair extensions. A win-win.

Cornrows With Swirls

Straight-back cornrows are already a staple hairstyle, but you can always have more fun with the style by adding designs. The curvy lines featured in this hairstyle add a bit of extra visual intrigue—perfect for an elevated take on the classic style.

Classic Cornrows

Whether you want a simple vacation hairstyle or just want to keep your hair tucked away for a few weeks, classic cornrows are your answer to achieving cute hair with minimal effort.

Pineapple with Bangs

You often hear of people putting their hair in pineapples to protect their curls, but the hairstyle is a look on its own. It’s extremely versatile and can be worn with braids, curls, or locs, as seen here. 

Asymmetric Bob

Locs are one of the most popular hairstyles for natural hair and can be styled just as easily as braids or twists. This asymmetrical bob is perfect to show off the versatility of your locs. If you choose to opt for this style, don’t be afraid to play around with a bolder color like this bright red shade.

Sideswept Cornrows

If you’re still in your “Lemonade” era, these side-swept braids will make you feel like Beyoncé in the “Formation” video. 

Teeny Weeny Afro

Whether you naturally have shorter hair or you keep a haircut schedule like clockwork, one of the easier hairstyles for natural hair is a teeny weeny Afro, also known as a TWA. This length is perfect for twist and braid-outs as you’ll be left with a lush halo of curls every time. 

Bedazzled Bun

Buns are a staple hairstyle for a reason—they’re simple yet chic and will never go out of style. Still, if you need to take your everyday bun up a notch, add some hair crystals, as seen here, for an elevated version of the hairstyle.

Curly High Ponytail

A curly high ponytail can take you from the gym to the office with the addition of a simple hair accessory like a scarf or bedazzled scrunchie.

Half-Up Half-Down Space Buns

Yes, space buns can feel a little youthful, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a cute hairstyle for natural hair. Pair them with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, and you have a fresh take on the look that dominated the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. 

Full Afro

Want a hairstyle that is equal parts cute and tension-free? Rock your natural Afro in all it’s glory.

Twisted Updo

Elevate your traditional ponytail by adding twists to the front of your hair like this loc’d hairstyle. 

High Pigtails

Yes, your locs can also be twisted to create a different hairstyle. When you take down your twists, not only will you have the most gorgeous curls, but you’ll also get a few extra days of a new hairstyle that you can use to create looks like these high pigtails.

Curly Locs With Shaved Sides

Sometimes, the best hairstyles require you to shave your head. If you need inspiration for your own big chop, look no further than this gorgeous curly locs hairstyle with buzzed sides. 

Multiple Space Buns

Space bun hairstyles usually feature dual twisted buns on top of the head, but no hard-and-fast rule forces you to stick to two. Opt for three or even four buns to create a crown-like effect with the style. 

Half-Up, Half-Down High Ponytail

Half-up, half-down hairstyles can last quite a while if styled correctly. This version features a ponytail wrapped using the person’s locs, so all they will have to do is tie a scarf around their head to wear the style for an few extra days. 

Low Ponytail

Low ponytails can be versatile and even offer an opportunity to play with different textures to achieve your desired look. This loc’d hairstyle flows beautifully into a kinky low ponytail that will match any type 4 texture, allowing it to be re-worn if you ever comb out your locs.

Halo Braid

Halo braids are one of the easiest, yet most elegant hairstyles that you can wear. Whether the halo spans the entire perimeter of the head or has a break in the line, you can never go wrong with the classic look.

Half-Up, Half-Down Halo

Halo-inspired designs can also pair well with other looks like this half-up, half-down hairstyle. Take the style up another notch with twists or bold colors like bright reds and oranges. 

Ombré Ponytail

Sometimes, it’s not just the hairstyle but the color as well. This high ponytail looks like a work of art thanks to the ombré blonde color that is seen throughout each loc.

Goddess Twists

You’ve likely heard of goddess locs, but have you heard of goddess twists? The same rules apply—curls are added to the ends of each piece of hair, but instead of a traditional box braid, the hair is twisted for an even more relaxed boho-chic vibe. 

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots will never go out of style, making them one of the best hairstyle ideas for natural hair to keep in your arsenal. 

Beehive Bun

Beehive buns take the height of a traditional beehive hairstyle and combine it with the simplicity of a bun for an almost editorial take on a classic hairstyle. 

Baby Braids

Baby braids made a comeback during festival season in 2022, but they remain an adorable hairstyle idea for natural hair. You can leave your Afro out to blow in the wind or put your hair in an updo—either style would look incredibly cute. 

Jumbo Twists

Need a hairstyle for natural hair that you can DIY without thinking too hard? Add jumbo twists to your Pinterest boards and thank us later. 

Middle Part Afro

When it comes to hair, every detail matters, and the middle part of this Afro adds a bit of understated structure to the typically free-flowing hairstyle.

Boho Fulani Twists

Fulani braids have been trending for a few years now, but have you ever heard of the boho version of the trend using twists? Similar to goddess braids, loose curls are added throughout each twist and toward the ends, allowing for a more relaxed take on the hairstyle.

Medium-Length Faux Locs

Faux locs are one of the more low-maintenance hairstyles for natural hair. The longer you keep them in, the better they look. So, if you want a style you can do and forget about, opt for this one. 

Fulani Braids With Bangs

Fulani braids can be dressed up like any other braided style. To give your version a more personal touch, add beads like the one seen here. 

Fulani Braids With Designs

The main characteristic of Fulani braids is the side braid near the ear that comes toward the front of the face rather than going toward the back. Therefore, you can have a bit more fun with your cornrow designs and add swirls and geometric shapes while still keeping the integrity of the style intact. 

Jumbo Cornrow Ponytail

Do you need a simple hairstyle for natural hair that won’t take ages to remove on wash day? These jumbo cornrows are easy to install and remove in equal parts. 

Strawberry Blonde Goddess Braids

The color red has continued to trend for the fall and winter months, but if you want a more approachable shade of the hue that can be worn year-round with your natural hairstyles, opt for this gorgeous strawberry blonde.  

Mini Twists

Mini twists are another simple hairstyle that can be done at home, saving you a trip to the salon, while also providing you a glorious twist out when you take them out.

Blue Jumbo Braids

These jumbo blue braids are simple yet striking, proving that a natural hairstyle doesn’t have to be complicated to turn heads. 

Half-Up, Half-Down Ombré Braids With Side Pieces

It’s not uncommon to get stuck styling your braids the same way once you install them, but it’s important to remember just how versatile the style is. Switch up your styling routine by playing with face-framing braids near the front of or around the perimeter of your head.

Micro Loc Pigtails

Micro locs are a more permanent version of mini twists that are just as versatile. You’ll likely need to visit a loctician when it comes time to re-twist your hair, but the ease of styling is unparalleled. 

Goddess Braids Bob

Goddess braids don’t have to be long to be chic. Don’t believe us? Look at this stunning braided bob with goddess curls added throughout the entirety of the style.

Medium Twists

Medium-length twists allow more styling versatility than their shorter counterparts and won’t be as finicky to manage as longer versions. If you want just enough hair to achieve a handful of your favorite hairstyles, this might be your twist length.