39 Models of Afro Hairstyles to Inspire!

When let loose, afro hairstyles always grab attention. It’s normal, your hair is too beautiful!

However, some women who are lucky enough to have this type of hair do not see much of a positive side to it.

Either it is difficult to grow them, maintain them or find the hairstyles to do. Fake ! and we give you lots of tips & tricks for the growth of your frizzy hair here.

The good news is that we also have a large number of afro hairstyles ideas .

Of all lengths, from super short to long and sublime. You will have no more excuses.

After presenting you with beautiful afro hairstyles , let’s take a little step back to understand what the afro is.

Items you will love:

- African braids: more than 101 models that will inspire you!
- Vanillas: things to know about this magnificent hairstyle!
- Braids hairstyles, twist … 41 models that you will love!

1 – Bantu knots

Bantu people are the generic name for over 300 ethnic groups in Africa, covering a large geographic region in central and southern Africa.

Most people are unaware of the history surrounding the Bantu knot hairstyle.

This hairstyle features charming little buns that are rolled up and spread throughout the hair.

Traditionally, this hairstyle has been worn for centuries by women of African descent.

2 – High puff

The high puff is a simple yet elegant hair style that suits almost all hair lengths and textures.

The hairstyle is easy, fast and elegant. This style is great for the office, at a wedding, on the red carpet, or on a night out.

3 – Braids or glued mats

Braids or cornrows are traditional African hairstyles . This involves braiding the hair close to the scalp using an up and down motion to create a continuous row.

The braid hairstyle is also present in various Native American cultures.

Glued braids are often shaped in straight, simple lines, but they can also be shaped with geometric patterns. It’s impressive, it’s an art!

They are often popular due to their ease of maintenance. If properly cared for by washing the hair thoroughly and moisturizing the scalp regularly, braids can be left on for several weeks at a stretch.

It’s important to note that a common type of hair loss, called traction alopecia , can be caused by braids that are too tight or worn for long periods of time.

4 – Frohawk

The frohawk (similar to a mohawk) is an emerging style in the natural hair community and it’s the one we love!

This curly hairstyle style is simple, attractive and can easily be customized to suit your profile and outfit.

Some women accent their frohawk with platinum blonde highlights for even more style!

The style looks pretty regardless of your hair length, short, medium or long. It is necessary to use an afro comb, hairpins and vegetable oil.

This style really showcases the versatility of natural hair.

5 – The must-have afro

Years ago, the afro was commonly referred to as “natural.” This style is frequently worn by men and women with curly, frizzy hair .

This hairstyle is created by combing the hair from the scalp, which allows the hair to create a rounded and voluminous shape, resembling a ball or a cloud.

In the late 1960s, afros were especially popular in African-American communities. Afros are shaped using a wide-toothed comb called an “Afro pick” (or afro comb).

The afro is sometimes abbreviated as “fro” or TWA (for small afros). TWA styles are very popular because many women choose to shave their hair when going for a natural style. TWA means “tiny afro”.

There has been a lot of innovation recently with short hairstyles, like the ever-popular afro puffs. Plus, many TWA styles are pretty and easy to maintain.

If you have short natural hair and are exploring your hairstyle options, there is a lot more variety than you might think for short hair.

6 – Box braids

People used to refer to these braids as “poetic justice braids”.

In fact, the name of poetic justice braids started after famous singer Janet Jackson and Tupac collaborated in the movie titled “Poetic justice” where Janet (Justice) wore box braids during the movie.

7 – Wash and go

One of the first hairstyles that many nappy masters is the wash and go .

This simple hairstyle is a key element in the hair routine of women with afro hair.

8 – Halo braids

The halo braid, which resembles a crown braid, is so stylish that it has rapidly gained popularity in recent years.

Celebrities and many popular beauty bloggers are wearing halo braids, so this is one of the most popular braided hairstyles right now.

9 – Goddess braids

Goddess braids are sometimes called granny braids because they resemble some styles commonly worn by grandmothers.

These are usually long braids. Goddess braids are a great way to protect your hair as it grows and they can be braided in a variety of ways.

The different styles are achieved by making braids and combining them with smaller, wavy braids.

Goddess braids have been very popular for quite some time. Due to the number of hairstyles that can be created, they remain popular.

The versatility they offer when it comes to styling is why women love them. They are simple and elegant.

10 – French braids

French braids translate into French as “French braid” or “French braid”.

Three sections of hair are included in the french braids, and they are braided together, starting at the top of the head and working down towards the nape of the neck.

There are variations of this hairstyle, for example, the fish cob braid or the Dutch braid. Some women wear a French braid completed with a curly ponytail.

11 – Ghana braids

Ghana braids are a classic style that protects your natural hair.

Depending on the region or your part of the world, they may also be called banana braids, cornrows or straight-backs.

Whatever they are called, ghana braids have their origins on the African continent.

In fact, some of the oldest known depictions of ghana braids are found in carved carvings and hieroglyphics around 500 BC.

12 – The curtain fringe

The fringes!

There are wispy bangs, very short bangs, straight bangs, side swept bangs, curly bangs and so much more. Today, let’s get to know curtain bangs.

If you are unfamiliar with this hairstyle, curtain bangs refer to a specific type of cut that creates messy, easy and sleek bangs.

These bangs usually frame your face rather than cut straight across your forehead like the straight bangs.

There are many ways to turn curtain bangs into a modern and attractive look.

13 – Wolf cut

The wolf cut is a viral cut. You’ve probably seen it on your Instagram or Tik Tok news feed, but you might not be sure what it is.

The wolf cut is a hybrid created from the disheveled cut of the 70s and the mullet of the 80s. If you are looking for a bold or laid-back style, the wolf cut could be just what you are looking for.

The wolf cut is generally a longer hair style. She has unstructured layers. The top layers are short, which adds texture and volume.

Say goodbye to flat, lifeless hair. The back has long and soft layers, which gives a disheveled and tousled look.

The wolf cut recently appeared on the scene in the United States, but it has been a trend in South Korea for years.

K-pop stars popularized this style first.

14 – Rezo cut

If you are looking for a fresh haircut, you might consider a Rezo cut. This style is becoming increasingly popular and it’s easy to see why.

A Rezo cut can be tailored to your individual characteristics and personality, making it a very versatile option.

A Rezo cut is a type of haircut characterized by short, choppy layers.

It’s a versatile style that can be worn both tousled and flattened. The Rezo cut rose to popularity in the 1990s and has been sported by many celebrities over the years.

Although the style can be achieved with any length of hair, it generally looks best on medium length hair.

15 – The pineapple or pineapple method

The pineapple method ensures that your hair avoids creating knots, flattened curls and frizz when you sleep at night.

When you arrange your hair in a pineapple bun, only the sides and back of your hair touches the pillow while you sleep. So you protect them.

What do you need to put your hair in a pineapple bun?

A soft elastic to hold your pineapple ponytail on top of your head.

To avoid hair breakage , some women prefer to use a satin elastic to make their pineapple bun.

For even more protection, it is advisable to use a satin or silk bonnet or scarf over the bun while sleeping.

Satin or silk helps reduce frizz and lock in hair’s moisture

It’s important not to use rubber bands or traditional cotton headbands, as they can damage curly or frizzy hair.

It is also recommended not to use combs, brushes or barrettes to undo the bun, but rather to detangle the hair with your fingers to avoid breaking it.

16 – Sisterlocks

Sisterlocks look like traditional dreadlocks, but are much thinner.

They are braided into the hair using a patented tool rather than being twisted by hand with certain products used.

Sisterlocks should be fitted by a hairstylist experienced in Sisterlocks to ensure they are done correctly.

When you make an appointment with your hairdresser to get your hair done, you should expect appointments that take place over a period of time that can last up to 36 hours.

This is due to the complex braiding technique that is used to create locks , which is very time consuming as over 400 locs are created over time.

With Sisterlocks, your stylist will use a tool needed to install a few locs during your initial consultation to see what type of pattern looks best on your hair type .

After your Sisterlocks are all done, you should have a follow-up visit with your stylist within a month of your initial appointment.

You will then need to go on retwist appointments every four to six weeks to keep your locs healthy.

The result will be well worth the effort, as you will have a beautiful hair style that will last a very long time.

17 – Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks, also known as dreads or locs.

These are strands of hair that look like strings.

Dreads are often formed by braiding or matting the hair.

Natural curly hair that is left to its own devices, refraining from combing or brushing it, will usually produce tangles. However, they must be maintained to form dreadlocks of regular sizes.

There are a variety of methods to encourage the formation of dreadlocks, such as braids, vanillas, backcombing, and the crochet method.

All of these methods require constant work for dreadlocks to form, mature and look beautiful.

Dreadlocks are logically one of the most popular natural hairstyles for black women. We wrote an article for those who want to get started with dreadlocks.

18 – Crochet braids or crochet method

Crochet braids can be confusing for some people because the name refers to the method used while the hairstyles can be very different.

The crochet method is similar to some types of weaves, where you start by braiding the hair before adding extensions.

The person doing the crochet braids inserts a crochet needle through the braid and ties the braid in a knot to be attached to your natural hair.

19 – Faux locs or faux locks

Faux locs or faux locs are artificial dreadlocks , which allow you to see exactly what you will look like if you decide to actually wear dreadlocks.

If you are starting dreadlocks and want to avoid the lengthy growing process, dreadlock extensions might be an option.

20 – Twists

One of the most popular natural hairstyles for black women are twists (i.e., glued-in twists, two-strand twists, mini-twists, etc.).

These hairstyles are usually achieved by dividing the hair into different sections, the strands of hair are then twisted.

The “twist out” style is a variation of twists, it is when the hair that has been twisted is undone, creating curls or waves.

The twist out has multiple variations, one is done with the use of two strands of hair and another uses three strands of hair, this one is called the “three-strand twist out”.

21 – Finger coils

Finger coils are a low maintenance natural hairstyle that looks pretty.

Although finger coils take time to create, they are a great choice for different lengths of natural hair.

What is an afro hairstyle?

An afro is a hairstyle in which naturally frizzy or heavily curly hair is styled to create a round shape and volume all around the head.

In the United States during the 1960s, it was a hairstyle worn by a small number of young black jazz dancers and singers to express their racial pride.

Gradually, this hairstyle was adopted by African Americans, men and women.

Although this hairstyle was not invented in recent years, the hairstyle became very popular in the 1960s and early 1970s and saw some resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s.

How to make a perfect afro hairstyle?

1 – Gentle shampoo & hair mask

The first step to creating the afro of your dreams is to prepare your hair with suitable products by making a mild shampoo and applying a deep treatment or hair mask.

Your hair should be as clean and nourished as possible, without any product build-up . This will make your hair much more flexible.

Using products that promote volume is optional, but can help achieve the hairstyle as a whole.

2 – After washing

You can apply a leave-in moisturizer, cream or hair lotion. However, make sure it is a lightweight product.

Avoid heavy vegetable oils , creams and butters, as they can weigh your hair down.

For an afro , the hair should be light and supple. This will help you achieve the fluffy and silky effect of the afro.

3 – Drying

If you prefer to limit the use of heat on your hair, you can opt for air drying.

To do this, let your hair rest under a towel for a few minutes, then let it air dry.

If you use a hair dryer, use it on low heat with a heat protectant so you don’t overheat them.

4 – Preparation

To stretch your hair, you can separate it into sections. Make braids or vanillas to air dry.

This will stretch your hair although it may take longer to dry, depending on the thickness of your hair.

5 – Now is the fun part!

It’s time to do your hairstyle. Your hair should be very dry.

Take out your braids or vanillas and start creating your afro.

You will need an afro comb. The comb allows you to stretch the roots of your hair so that they are straight. This is what will give even more volume .

Use the afro comb until you reach the desired volume.

The 7 advantages of afro hairstyles

Easy to make and maintain, requires minimal effort.
Requires no budget other than clean, healthy hair.
You can do it yourself and create many other hairstyles from the afro.
Requires little product and accessory.
Allows you to proudly wear your natural frizzy hair.
Suitable for women, men and children.
Yes, with your beautiful hairstyle , you will be jealous!

The only drawback is that this hairstyle must be protected from humidity (rain, high heat, etc.) because frizzy hair in contact with humidity shrinks more.