The 6 Best Haircuts for Natural Hair

There’s no shortage of hairstyles for natural hair of all lengths. Those with short natural hair can try cornrows, short braids, or a chic chignon. Those with medium-length natural hair can try box braids, Bantu knots, or colorful twists. And last—but not least—those with long natural hair can try chunky box braids, a twisted updo, or a Dutch roll, just to name a few. The key to maintaining beautiful natural hair, however, is to use the proper hair care products and get regular trims and cuts every six to eight weeks. If you’re due for a snip and aren’t quite sure what haircut would look best on your natural hair, you’ve come to the right place. We’re sharing our picks for six of the best natural haircuts to get you inspired before your next salon visit.

Natural Haircut #1: Blunt Bangs

If you have naturally curly hair, chances are you’ve never really considered bangs. It’s not entirely surprising, either, since most of the bangs we see on our social media feeds are styled with straight or slightly wavy hair. But curly-haired gals don’t have to shy away from bangs. As long as they’re cut the right way, blunt bangs can look equally great with curly, natural hair. Work with a stylist you trust who has experience working with natural hair textures and curls. Also, be prepared for regular maintenance and trips to the salon since you don’t want to attempt to trim your curly bangs at home. Your coils may shrink and you could end up with a shorter-looking fringe than you originally anticipated. When in doubt, stick to a professional.

Natural Haircut #2: Buzz Cut

Curly hair is beautiful, but it can also be difficult to maintain. For some, styling curly hair can take quite a bit of time every morning. This daily upkeep is not a good fit for everyone’s lifestyle. If low maintenance is what you’re after, you can’t find a cut that’s easier to style than a neat buzz cut. You’ll look chic and stylish without needing to spend precious time taming your tresses before heading out the door. A buzz cut is an especially good pick for warmer weather as it leaves your neck exposed to cool wind and eliminates the need to battle frizz.

Natural Haircut #3: Teeny Weeny Afro

If you want to embrace a shorter hairstyle that’s not quite as short as a buzz cut, a teeny weeny afro (TWA) may be the perfect middle ground for you. The look is gorgeous and can be easily accessorized with clips, scarves, and headbands. You could also slick down the front of your TWA with hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel, to flatten volume.

If you eventually decide you’d prefer a longer afro, proper care of your teeny weeny afro can ensure healthy growth. Use a shampoo and conditioner that’s specially formulated for curly hair and reach for a deep conditioning treatment at least once per month to infuse your curls with moisture.

Natural Haircut #4: Undercut

Whether your hair is short or medium-length, consider a playful undercut to turn heads—in a good way, of course. This look involves shaving the back or sides (or both) of the hair and leaving hair longer on top. If you’re feeling bold, ask your hairstylist to spice up your undercut with unique and creative designs, whether that’s a lightning bolt, flower petal, or spiral pattern. There are plenty of ways to style your undercut as well, two of our favorite ideas are braiding the top portion or tying it into space buns.

Natural Haircut #5: Mohawk

Feeling adventurous? Let your natural hair shine with a mohawk. Ask your stylist to shave down the sides of your hair, leaving length and volume on the top of your head instead. One of the perks of a mohawk is that it’s very easy to maintain. Simply comb the top of your hair, apply a curl taming cream like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, and you can be out the door and on your way. What’s more, mohawks are incredibly versatile. You can opt to braid the sides back (instead of buzzing them), twist the top of the hair into a giant braid, or add fun patterns into the buzzed sides. For an additional ‘wow’ factor, add a pop of color on top of your head with temporary hair color from the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Color or L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Spray lines.

Natural Haircut #6: Long Layers

We get it: You worked hard to grow your hair out and you’re not willing to part ways with the length. When visiting your stylist, ask for a trim with long layers to add volume, movement, and body to your mane. A dry cut may be the best option here since it will allow your stylist to see your true curl pattern which may be masked when your hair is wet. This can help ensure the layers are not cut too short.

No matter what haircut you end up going with, make sure to visit a professional stylist who has experience working with curly hair and natural textures. Head to your appointment with pictures of cuts you’d like to emulate and a list of questions about maintenance, upkeep, and styling options. The last thing you want to do is commit to a haircut that doesn’t match your personality or lifestyle!

Now that you know the best haircuts for natural hair, why not learn the best way to embrace your texture? Here’s How to Embrace Your Natural Hair Texture.