As the natural hair movement continues to gain momentum, more and more black women are embracing their natural hair textures and styles. From short and curly to long and straight, there are endless possibilities when it comes to black natural hair styles. Here are the top 10 black natural hair styles that are sure to inspire and empower you to rock your natural hair with confidence.Black Natural Hair Styles
Black Natural Hair Styles
Short hair can be just as versatile and beautiful as longer locks. For black women, a popular natural hair style for short hair is the big chop. This involves cutting off all chemically-treated hair to reveal your natural hair texture. Another trendy option is the teeny weeny afro (TWA), which is a short, cropped style that showcases your natural curls.Black Natural Hair Styles for Short Hair
Black Natural Hair Styles for Short Hair
Long hair can be a bit more challenging to maintain, but it offers a wide range of styling options. For a sleek and elegant look, try a bantu knot out which involves sectioning the hair into small knots and unraveling them for defined curls. Another popular option is the wash and go, which involves washing and conditioning your hair, then using a styling product to define your curls and let them air dry.Black Natural Hair Styles for Long Hair
Black Natural Hair Styles for Long Hair
Curly hair is a beautiful and unique hair texture that can be styled in various ways. One popular curly hair style is the pineapple, which involves gathering the hair into a high ponytail on top of the head. This style helps to preserve and maintain the curls overnight. Another trendy option is the twist out, which involves twisting small sections of hair and unraveling them for defined, spiral curls.Black Natural Hair Styles for Curly Hair
Black Natural Hair Styles for Curly Hair
While many black women have naturally curly or coily hair, some have naturally straight hair as well. For those with straight hair, a popular natural hair style is the silky blowout, which involves blow drying the hair straight and using a flat iron for a sleek and smooth finish. Another option is the flexi-rod set, which uses flexible rods to create bouncy curls on straight hair.Black Natural Hair Styles for Straight Hair
Black Natural Hair Styles for Straight Hair
Thick hair can be a blessing and a curse, as it can be difficult to manage but also offers a lot of volume and body. One popular natural hair style for thick hair is the faux locs, which involves wrapping sections of hair with synthetic or human hair extensions to create long, loc-like strands. Another trendy option is the high puff, which involves gathering the hair into a high ponytail on top of the head for a stylish and easy look.Black Natural Hair Styles for Thick Hair
Black Natural Hair Styles for Thick Hair
Thin hair can also be a challenge to style, but there are ways to add volume and texture to make it look fuller. One popular option is the finger coils, which involves twirling small sections of hair around your finger to create defined coils. Another trendy option is the flat twist out, which involves twisting small sections of hair and letting them dry overnight for a voluminous and textured look.Black Natural Hair Styles for Thin Hair
Black Natural Hair Styles for Thin Hair
Protective styles are a great way to give your natural hair a break from constant manipulation and styling. One popular protective style is the box braids, which involves braiding extensions into your natural hair for a long-term style. Another option is the crochet braids, which use a crochet needle to add extensions into braided hair for a natural-looking and versatile style.Black Natural Hair Styles for Protective Styles
Black Natural Hair Styles for Protective Styles
Braids are a classic and versatile natural hair style for black women. One popular braided style is the goddess braids, which involve cornrowing the hair and then wrapping the braids into a bun or ponytail. Another trendy option is the feed-in braids, which use extensions to create thin braids that appear to be growing from the scalp.Black Natural Hair Styles for Braids
Black Natural Hair Styles for Braids
Twists are another popular and versatile natural hair style for black women. One trendy option is the Senegalese twists, which use synthetic or human hair to create long and thin twists. Another popular option is the twisted updo, which involves twisting small sections of hair and pinning them into an elegant and stylish updo.Black Natural Hair Styles for Twists
Black Natural Hair Styles for Twists
The Importance of Embracing Black Natural Hair
The Impact of Eurocentric Beauty Standards
For decades, the beauty industry has been dominated by Eurocentric standards, glorifying straight, sleek hair as the epitome of beauty. This has led to the marginalization and erasure of black natural hair, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and forcing black individuals to conform to these unrealistic standards. The pressure to straighten or alter one's hair to fit these beauty ideals has not only caused damage to the physical health of black hair, but also to the mental and emotional well-being of those who feel they do not fit the mold.
Celebrating Diversity and Individuality
However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards embracing and celebrating natural black hair. This shift in perspective is not only empowering for black individuals, but also for society as a whole. By breaking away from the narrow standards of beauty, we are embracing diversity and individuality, promoting inclusivity and acceptance. This has also allowed for a reclamation of black identity and culture, as natural hair holds deep cultural significance and has been an integral part of black history and heritage.
The Rising Popularity of Black Natural Hair
As more and more black individuals embrace their natural hair, the numbers speak for themselves. According to a report by Nielsen, the sales of hair straighteners have declined by 26% since 2015, while the sales of hair care products specifically for natural hair have increased by 30%. This not only shows a shift in beauty trends, but also a reflection of the growing pride and acceptance of black natural hair.
The Empowerment of Black Natural Hair
Choosing to wear one's hair in its natural state is not just a fashion statement, but a powerful act of self-love and acceptance. By embracing our natural hair, we are rejecting societal norms and embracing our true selves. This empowerment not only uplifts black individuals, but also sends a message to future generations that they are beautiful and worthy just the way they are.
In conclusion, the rising numbers of black individuals embracing their natural hair is a powerful and positive shift in the beauty industry. By breaking away from Eurocentric beauty standards, we are celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and empowering black individuals to embrace their unique identities. It's time to #LoveYourCrown and embrace the beauty of black natural hair.
