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Choosing a natural hairstyle to suit your hair goal can be tricky. Our hairstyle choices are driven by personal preferences, lifestyle requirements, and a desire to take care of our natural hair in ways that will prolong its health. Sometimes, it just helps to have a catalog of beautiful and efficient hairstyles to pick from.
In this article, we will focus on stylish and classic natural hairstyles for adults, with or without extensions. There is something here to suit every occasion and anyone’s choice, from flashy and trendy to low-maintenance to protective. In our Pinterest board, you will find these and many more stylish and practical natural hairstyles you could explore. For now, let’s dive right in!
Hairstyles for Natural Hair Without Extensions
We understand that for various reasons, you might want to skip adding attachments and extensions to your hair, and that’s perfectly fine. You even get to reduce the excessive manipulations and tension that attachments tend to have on your hair, as an added advantage. Let’s get into hairstyles you can make on your natural hair alone.
1. The Twist-Out
The twist-out is a classic natural hairstyle that gives your hair a beautiful, well-defined curl pattern, highlighting the texture of your hair.
How to Achieve It: Start off with fresh, moisturized hair. With the use of a styling cream or a leave-in conditioner, proceed with small to medium twists. Carefully untwist for defined and bouncy hair after drying.
Why It’s Great: Easy to achieve, suits all lengths of hair, and polished-looking full-bodied perfect for work and casual scenarios.
2. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a versatile style that can be used to set curls for a defined knot-out and as a hairstyle.
How to Achieve It: After dividing your hair into portions, secure each section at the base by twisting and coiling it into a small bun. The knots can be untied for gorgeous curls or left in for a bold style.
Why It’s Great: Bantu knots are protective, which is great for all hair types. They also have that air of royalty and style to them.
3. The Frohawk
The frohawk is a bold, edgy cut that accentuates your hair’s natural volume and texture.
How to Achieve It: Section your hair into three to five sections along the middle of your head. Bobby pin or use tiny hairbands to secure each section so that the middle section pops up like a mohawk.
Why It’s Great: It’s a creative way to style your natural hair, adding a playful and dramatic flair to your look.
4. The High Puff
The high puff is one of the most sought-after hairstyles when you want to draw attention to your natural curls on any given day, because it’s really understated yet easily stylish.
How to Achieve It: Secure your hair with a hair tie or band and gather it into a high ponytail. Shape your edges for a sleek finish and fluff the curls for maximum volume.
Why It’s Great: It accentuates your hair’s natural beauty, is relatively easy to achieve, and looks good on a lot of face shapes.
5. Flat Twists
Flat twists are a neat, protective style that can look great on any occasion.
How to Achieve It: Section your hair and twist it so the hair lies flat against your scalp. You may twist to the side or directly back as it see fit for your style.
Why It’s Great: If you want to switch up your style later, flat twists give the perfect base for a twist-out and are low-manipulation and protective.
6. Locs
Locs, more commonly known as dreadlocks, are a beautiful and meaningful way to embrace the natural texture of your hair while cultivating a deep connection with your roots.
How to Achieve It: Locs are attained by starting with twists, coils, or braids and allowing them to lock into place naturally over time. Regular maintenance, such as retwisting the roots and keeping the scalp clean and moisturized, helps the locs mature and thrive. You can choose from sister locs, freeform locs, traditional locs or other options and get this timeless hairstyle done by your stylist.
Why It’s Great: Locs celebrate natural beauty, with textures that are African and culturally and historically significant. They are very versatile in the sense that they can be styled into buns, ponytails, and updos, growing stronger and more defined with time—a long-term investment in style and self-expression.
Hairstyles for Natural Hair With Extensions
Here are several options for beautiful natural hairstyles with extensions:
1. Box Braids
Natural hair lovers still adore box braids because they are a classic and timeless form of protective styling. It is achieved by dividing the hair into small squares and thereafter plaiting each division with extensions. Box braids can be done in different lengths and thicknesses to give various effects from bold and voluminous to sleek and understated.
One of the most important advantages is that box braids have low maintenance, which makes them ideal for extended wear or for those with busy schedules. Besides, they can be styled in any way desired, whether it is buns, ponytails, or elaborate updos. Box braids protect natural hair by reducing daily manipulation, which fosters growth and limits breakage.
2. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are the go-to for someone who wants a quick makeover but with style. This involves cornrowing the natural hair and then attaching extensions with the use of a crochet hook to achieve a smooth, natural look. Whatever one’s aesthetic preference is, crochet braids can pull it off, from thick curls to sleek, straight forms.
One of the best things about crochet braids is that they are so versatile. They can let the user experiment with many different styles without causing damage to their natural hair through heat or chemicals. Also, they are comfortable and useful for extended use because they feel light and are easy to install.
3. Faux Locs
Faux locs are a stylish alternative for those who love the look of traditional locs but aren’t quite ready to make that commitment. This hairstyle, featuring wrapping extensions around parts of natural hair, achieves the look of permanent locs. For those with different tastes, faux locs come in many lengths and shapes, ranging from sleek and slim to dramatic and bulky.
Faux locs not only are pleasing to the eye but they protect the natural hair from being over-manipulated and from environmental stressors. They keep your hair at a length while still keeping it healthy and give this Bohemian, laid-back vibe.
4. Passion Twists
Passion twists are chic and portable options for people seeking change in their outlook. In general, passion twists show off soft, curling twists from combined natural hair with extensions that carry with it a carefree and amorous charm. Because of their natural spring, twists have the insertion technique done mostly using two-strand twisting.
Passion twists offer a versatile design that is stylish and convenient for formal occasions and informal gatherings. They are also a favorite for those who enjoy comfort and style, as they are easy to manage and gentle on the scalp.
5. Marley Twists
Marley twists are voluminous and textured, complementing the natural hair perfectly. This two-strand twist hairdo was made with Marley hair extensions, giving it a fuller look of more natural hair. Because of their versatility, marley twists can be dressed in a variety of ways, such as buns, ponytails, or left loose.
This hairstyle not only is aesthetically beautiful but also protects the hair by minimizing manipulation and retaining moisture. Marley twists are a great choice for people looking for a stylish yet functional hairstyle that compliments the natural hair texture.
These natural hairstyles offer the mature woman protection, versatility, and style. You can be innovative with these hairstyles while being protective of your natural hair at the same time. From easy-to-wear styles that protect the hair in its growth stage to just a new look, you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of these styles while embracing the power and pride of your natural hair.
Preserving Hairstyle for Longevity
Now that we’ve discussed several hairstyles, you need to know how to maintain them properly so that they will remain neat and last longer. Whether it is box braids, locs, or two-strand twists, it is highly important to take steps that keep your hairstyle looking fresh, ensure a healthy scalp and encourage hair growth. Here are some great tips in maintaining styles and ensuring they stay put for as long as possible:
Hydration and Regular Cleansing
Your hair should remain as moisturized as possible. More importantly, this applies when it is in protective styles, such as braids or twists. Dry hair will lead to breakage or an itchy scalp with irritation. You can take the following steps to make sure your hair is kept hydrated and your scalp is cleansed:
- Moisturizing: Your scalp produces all-natural oils that might not reach the ends of your hair when styled. You might want to apply water-based or oil-based products on a regular basis in order to moisturize it. You can apply a light leave-in conditioner or even use a spray bottle with just water and a few drops of any natural oil like jojoba oil, argan oil, or tea tree oil. These oils help nourish the hair without leaving a heavy sheen, hence not making the hair greasy or weighed down. For braids, twists, and other styles that keep hair tucked away, make sure to moisturize your scalp and the opened parts of your hair so it does not get dry or flake out.
- Cleansing: With protective hairstyles like locs, your scalp still needs to be cleaned regularly. A dirty scalp could be subjected to irritation, product buildup, and may even affect hair growth. You can wash with a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing co-wash product for natural hairstyles. During the time of washing, use your fingertips to massage your scalp, removing dirt and excess oil. When it isn’t possible to wash the entire style, you may wash your scalp by sprinkling dry shampoo or even watered-down apple cider vinegar solution. Pay extra attention to scalp care, not necessarily hair care, so as not to mess with the style of your hair.
Nighttime Protection
Protective hairstyles must be cared for during nighttime to maintain the longevity of the style and the healthiness of your scalp. Sleeping without protecting your hair exposes your hairdo to frizz, tangling, and even loosening of braids or twists. To protect your hair in the nighttime, take either of the following steps:
- Use a Silk or Satin Scarf/Bonnet: The easiest method to protect your hair at night is to tie it with a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or even use a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton fabrics absorb any moisture in your hair and in time will cause dryness and breakage. Silk and satin reduce friction, which will keep your hairstyle intact and avoid split ends. They will also help lock moisture in and prevent your hair from frizzing while sleeping.
- Loosely Pin Up or Cover Your Hair: For box braids or twists, you may want to loosely pin up sections or tuck them in to take some of the tension off the hair overnight. This keeps the weight of the braids or twists from causing tension at your scalp and edges, causing breakage or thinning.
Protective Styling During Activities
You get active when you work out, do errands, or play sports. Protecting your hairdo against friction, sweat, and environmental elements is important to maintain it. You can take the following steps:
- Keep Hair Tied and Secured: For the active days, keep hair tied up in a loose hairstyle, like a bun or ponytail. A headband or scarf can also help keep your hair out of your face. However, while wearing box braids and twists, be aware of how tightly you secure your hair because too-tight elastics and over-pulling can be damaging to the roots of hair. When it comes to locs, make sure that they are either collected loosely or in a fashion that prevents them from pulling while you work out.
- Regular Touch-ups and Retightening: Protective styles, such as box braids, locs, and crochet braids, simply need periodic touch-ups or re-tightening to maintain their freshness for an extended period. For example, locs require frequent re-tightening to stay neat, while box braids may need their edges redone once it starts to grow out.
Monitor Growth
Natural hair, while in your protective style, will begin to grow and lose shape at the roots. Make an appointment for a retouch at a salon or follow one of several do-it-yourself methods of retightening the tips for your particular style to keep your hairstyle neat and intact without visible growth lines that will detract from its entirety.
Protect the Edges
The edges of your hair are actually very sensitive, and keeping them moisturized is also important. Any time you feel any kind of pulling around the edges due to taut braids or locs, take your time to adjust the tension or take some time off the edges by loosening up your style. Take a light edge control or apply a nourishing oil to keep the edges healthy and smooth.
Follow these simple but effective tips to maintain your natural hairstyles and enjoy the beauty, comfort, and protection a little more. This will keep your hairstyle fresh while taking care of the health of your scalp and natural hair. It will also keep your protective styles intact, minimizing damage, and maximizing the benefits it can give to hair health and growth.
Conclusion
Whether you like to rock your natural hair in its purest state or add a little extensions to it, there definitely isn’t a lack of chic and timeless options. These hairstyles reveal the beauty and versatility of your hair while catering to different preferences, styles of life, and different occasions.
From twist-outs to Bantu knots, box braids, and faux locs, the options are limitless to continue embracing your unique hair all the while keeping it healthy and protected. With proper maintenance, hydration, and care, your chosen style will last longer and keep your hair looking fabulous. Don’t forget to check out our Pinterest board for more natural hairstyle inspo! Need natural hairstyles for children? We’ve got you covered.
Celebrate your hair’s journey, express yourself through creative styles, and enjoy the confidence that comes with wearing your hair with pride.
