Short Black Hairstyles For Black Women

Black hair evolved from a standard of beauty into a political tool in the 1960s where it was a fundamental tool in the Black movement in that particular period in America. It was one of the symbols of a cry for Black power and the women in this era set about to define their own beauty standards and ideals and hair was the central icon. An Afro at this time showed black pride and the revolution against societal norms. Black hairstyles since then have been used as a tool of self-expression.

For a period however, when women started pursuing careers, straightening hair became the way to go if one wanted to appear professional. Black women invested in weaves, wigs and braids and chemically straightened their hair all in the name of conforming to the unwritten rules that Afro hair could not be tamed and therefore did not belong in the office. With the turn of the century this school of thought started disappearing and ladies again rocked their natural dos in the office. Oprah appeared TV with big hair, Chaka Khan and her massive do were entertaining the world in a fierce way and black hairstyles again breathed anew.

Trendy Short Black Hairstyles For Black Women

Today the natural black hair is considered stylish and even Hollywood has welcomed it on its red carpets thanks to Viola Davis, Solange Knowles and Lupita Nyong’o. These ladies showed that going natural could look classy and that short hair did not take away from one’s femininity. Halle Belle, Toni Braxton and Regina King with their short bob cuts have always managed to look gorgeous and Rihanna and Jennifer Hudson joined the club and brought sassy to a new level. However, these beautiful ladies do have stylists and experts to help them with their looks as the step out but the rest of the world need black hairstyles that are easy to maintain while still bringing the A game.

There are countless black hairstyles that can be protective as well as stylish. Ranging from Afros, cornrows, dreadlocks to braids and twists. Dreadlocks have been around for the longest time. You can let them grow out naturally or get them done by a professional. This style is popular because it minimizes manipulation on your hair helping with length retention. You can also get baby-locks if you have short hair. Cornrows are pretty easy to make and maintain and can look glamorous with accessories like beautiful colored beads. You can steal one of Alicia Keys’ styles and get the braids at the end braided towards your forehead then adding beads.

Twists are a good preventive style that you can make by yourself and that are pretty easy to maintain. They can be basic or two-strand twists and they are perfect for that awkward length between a teeny weenie Afro and shoulder length hair. Marley twists can be put up in an Updo for an elegant look. The bob cut is also a short black hairstyle that can look edgy and chic. You can get a fringe and a layered texture to make it stand out. It is also very versatile as you can leave one side long which is a look Keri Hilson has perfected and looks gorgeous with. Pixie cuts also look amazing and can be perfect for those who hate having hair in their face or neck. The style can be layered or spiked for that bold look that shines. Finally one of the most common trends today in black hairstyles is going super short and then coloring the textured hair left. This look sweeps across classy, bohemian, edgy, chic and bold to the cultured look without all the hassle. Black hairstyles both for long and short hair are plenty and once you find one that works for your face, go all out and look gorgeous.

The pompadour is another short hairstyle that just makes you look classy chic. It is however not for the shy or fainthearted. The front-sweeping hairstyle has been a trademark of Janelle Monae, the petite talented singer. Another hairstyle that though receives controversy is weaving or wearing wigs. There are so many different styles when it comes to weaves and wigs and the best part is that they give your hair a break from all the twisting when braiding or straightening. The extensions can also give you length when you want to feel hair swinging or swaying from your back. The Mohawk came to the limelight a few years back and evolved from being wild and rebellious to a classier toned down look. If cutting your hair is not something you are looking forward to then you get a faux Mohawk by slinking back your hair at the sides and holding it up with bob pins. Braids are also a popular look. They last long and keep your hair hidden from the elements protecting your ends. The braids can be made using synthetic or human hair or yarn. Some prefer yarn for the kinky and deadlocked look and because it provides volume if you have little hair on your head.

Curls are also big right now and look amazing with short hair. You can try a curly upsweep where you pile up the front hair in curls and use headbands to keep it away from your face. Even trimmed hair can be curled using gel for a simple stylish look. Curls also look really great with locks for a special occasion. Buns are a great way to look sophisticated and keep your ends tucked in to protect it from losing moisture to the environment. Although it can be a bit tough to get a bun to stay in place with short hair using bobby pins and headbands will keep the strands in place.

Black hair needs more moisture than other textures because of their curly nature. This is because it takes longer for moisture to reach the ends and could result in weak ends and splitting as well as breakage. African-American textured hair needs a lot of TLC for it to flourish and though most black women dread having wet hair because of shrinkage, water really is your friend as it makes your hair more manageable.