@magavilhas
Sporting a layered cut, highlighted color, and natural texture is a bold and empowering choice, and this model’s awe-inspiring style is a true testament to that. We love her light and medium highlights, emphasizing her skin tone and features.
Black curly hairstyles are amazingly beautiful, chic, and creative. African-American women have gorgeous yet unique hair textures that require some special love and care to look their best. From long loose curls to shorter cropped styles, here are 30 ideas for those who are searching for a new way to sport Black curly hair.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Zendaya Coleman’s long loose waves are the perfect example of locks that make you turn around. From casual to formal, this hairstyle can literally be worn for any occasion and it looks great when paired with any outfit.
The very tight curls in the photo are a beautiful example of how gorgeous natural hair can be. Use an ethnic hair product designed to accentuate strands like these.
carrie-nelson / Shutterstock.com
This was the go-to hairstyle for 90s girls with curls – heavily gelled, strands left hanging freely in the front, spiral curls tumbling down. It still totally works today for curly-haired girls of any age.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Spirals have the potential to look great on anyone, but those with thick ringlets will really pull them off well. With plenty of body and not so many rules, this hairstyle is a windfall. Let spiral curls flow freely to frame your face gracefully.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Kim Fields learned the “facts of life” long ago, and now as an adult, she has mastered how to make the most of her beautiful hair. Going for natural tight curls, she brightens up her face by adding ashy-blonde and honey highlights.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Put into the limelight by fashion-forward celebs like Zendaya and Beyoncé, long, black wavy cuts like this one give off that effortlessly cool hippie vibe. Pair with a black choker, loose printed blouse, and neutral makeup, and you’ll be Coachella-ready in no time.
@anthonycuts
Oftentimes, it can be all too tempting to straighten locks chemically. But as this sweet, corkscrew crop goes to show, there’s nothing more beautiful than rocking your natural texture, maybe even enhanced with tight spirals and a delicious caramel blonde color.
@loopsalon
Turn up flirtation on your next first date with this stunningly charming spiraling curls. When pulling your hair up into a pineapple style, you can easily insert cute, playful adornments (like these red and white flowers) to mix it up.
@modelesque_nic
Although Tiffany blue and pastel pink color schemes on darker skin tones might not be an obvious choice, this vibrant, effortless style by Shelley Gregory in SoHo, New York beautifully challenges that assumption. Keep a few of your naturally colored strands intact to make your look even more dynamic and fun.
@shelleygregoryhair
If you’re looking for a unique haircut full of charisma, this gorgeous angled bob might be just the right pick. Go for a dramatic A-line cut for an even bigger statement.
@hairartbydominique
Colors for African American hair often lean toward classic choices, with black being predominant and occasional light brown highlights. Red hair, however, is less commonly seen. But as this model’s gorgeous shade exemplifies, fiery reds can be stunningly gorgeous on natural spirals.
@haircolorkilla
For a date, an interview, or a night out with friends, there’s nothing more stylish and elegant than soft, loose curls. Hair stylists from 360 Degrees Hair Studio in Texas mix it up by adding a couple of face-framing amber highlights, a deep side part, and sweeping bangs.
@360_hairstudio
For ladies with healthy hair, there is absolutely no reason why you should be afraid of dramatic coloring. As this model makes clear, you can certainly rock a wide variety of shades, including bombshell blondes. The fluffy bangs give this heavenly coif even more sweetness.
@curlpop_n_hair
Ladies with long hair should consider wrapping their hair around a large-barrel of a curling iron or placing in oversized hot/Velcro rollers to get that super bouncy, fun and carefree curl. Just be sure to smooth over frizzies with a pomade or serum afterwards.
@hairartbydominique
Prepare to be the center of attention with this short, ultra-fun rocker pixie! Ask your stylist to carefully shave the sides and back of your head while leaving the crown and front pieces long, with the longest layers near your face.
@khimandi
Let’s be real – mastering the half-up, half-down bun trend can be a bit tricky. It can be even more challenging with naturally wavy hair. Thankfully, this example shows us the right way to wear the highly Instagrammed style with loose waves and a sky-high wrapped bun.
@the_difference_is
Moving effortlessly from day to night, this spiral bob is ideal for females who don’t want to spend hours agonizing over their hair each morning (but still want to look crazy cute). Try inserting bleached highlights sporadically throughout your head, paying special attention to the tips.
@loopsalon
Sporting a layered cut, highlighted color, and natural texture is a bold and empowering choice, and this model’s awe-inspiring style is a true testament to that. We love her light and medium highlights, emphasizing her skin tone and features.
@magavilhas
Some hairstyles for Afro-textured hair inject too much horizontal volume. As a result, your face appears wider than it actually is. With this particular cut, however, the height is the name of the game, with soft, amber tendrils topping the body of tight bouncy curls. Just be sure that the sides are cut shorter than the top.
@themariaantoinette
We are huge fans of half-braided styles with ringlets, like this one from stylist Dee Carrington from Atlanta. The key to achieving the look is twisting in, and then twisting out, first focusing on the tight side twists or braids and then moving to the loose back.
@deecarrington
With flyaway tendrils, barely there makeup, and a deep side part, this hairstyle oozes so much confidence. We suggest keeping the cut medium-length and layered in order to retain your natural locks while still remaining in control of their movement and softness.
@deshonicakerrie
With crochet installs you can achieve unique silhouettes, adding height and volume where you need and creating one-of-a-kind looks. This medium style is awesome in texture and shape.
@beautybysheri
Contrary to popular belief, not all styles designed for curly-haired gals need to have seriously poufy textures and crazy heights. Natural hair can fall gently and smoothly in trendy wet looks. The right balayage helps to give the hair increased life and movement.
@curlfactor
When your alarm clock starts ringing incessantly in the morning, the last thing you typically want to do is to think of how to style your hair today. This model shows us a simpler, more natural way to wear your longer tresses down. You just need a good layered cut.
@embracenaturalbeauty_
Loose curls on a short crop, like the one pictured here, create an elegant flow that immediately draws the eye. What’s even better? Chunky balayage highlights that accentuate your facial features, of course!
@rachel_redd
Hairstyle like the one Viola Davis rocks in this picture can easily be achieved with hot rollers and a styling product. This style is fairly quick and it works fantastic both for a night out with friends and on the red carpet. Add a droplet of shine serum for the high-gloss finish.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Ladies with short hair can have just as much curly fun as those with longer locks. Sleeping in soft rollers overnight will result in these short, tight curls that can be beautifully paired with big-statement earrings or a formal gown.
JStone / Shutterstock.com
Women of mixed ethnicities will oftentimes have thinner locks than women with type 4 hair. Curls can be difficult to manage with different nationalities shining through, but it doesn’t have to be. In this case, you can simply use a holding gel in damp hair, scrunch it with your fingers, and pin it loosely back.
Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com
These curls are natural throughout, but feature a deep side part and a strongly slicked down area on one side. This adds body and drama to the remaining locks. Having them all piled on one side brings in some added formality for that fancy affair.
Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
Ringlets can be uber short and still look beautiful. This short, cropped cut presented by Paige Thomas shows how even the shortest curls can look gorgeously glam. Pair this style with heavy makeup for special events, or keep the face as naturally simple as your hair on your downtime.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
No matter how you choose to wear your hair, if you have curls, you are blessed. From natural ‘dos to more controlled styles, your options are endless.
