No matter what's going on in the world, hair doesn't have to be complicated. Enter low-maintenance short hairstyles for Black women, which can really help simplify your life (or at least your morning routine). For the natural girl with a TWA (teeny weeny afro), you can opt to get a low fade, twist-out or comb it into a classic 'fro. For the woman transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, you can rock a short braided hairstyles, hot press curly hair or cornrows. And for the woman with relaxer in her hair, you can sport a pixie cut, bob, fingerwave... the options are endless!
With so many great protective hairstyles to choose from, you may not be sure where to start. So we asked Sabrina Porsche, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist who has styled the heads of A-listers like Beyoncé, to weigh in on the hottest short hair trends for Black women of any age or face shape to try right now.
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1
Shaggy Bob
Actress Gabrielle Union shows off her short and sassy shaggy bob. The tapered back helps shape the face and makes this short hairstyle great for women with oval and heart-shaped faces.
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2
Playful Pixie
Update your short black pixie with a single curl like singer Janelle Monáe. Shape the curl by using hair wax or your favorite edge control product.
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3
Blowout Beauty
Model Maria Borges is known for rocking her teeny weeny afro, and she switched it up with a short blowout look. So chic!
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4
Braided Bun
Short looks can be super versatile: Actress Tracee Ellis Ross knows a thing or two about easy, protective styles. Keep your braided bun sleek and edges laid without the mess by using an edge control product like her own Pattern Mini Strong Hold Gel.
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5
Tousled Tresses
Actress Taraji P. Henson's short tousled tresses give off a romantic air. The bias cut helps to show off her highlights and draws attention to her collarbone.
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6
Flip Hairstyle
Try flipping out...your hair that is! This sleek look is coming back and singer Saweetie shows us how it's done. The 70s are trending on runways, so it's no surprise that the "70s big hair flip out will be popular this year," Porsche says.
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7
Fulani Braids
Actress Issa Rae's glam updo hairstyle has an extra touch of sparkle with gold embellishments. With or without the decorative beads, this Fulani braids look is both regal and fun.
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8
Low Cut Fun
Short cuts and fades are getting a new look in 2022: Trendsetters "are becoming very brave and cutting off their hair and doing multi colors," Porsche shares. Opting for a wig versus cutting your real hair allows you to try out this bold look without committing to a big chop. Take it to the next level like model Amber Rose by having your pro add a fun design with clippers.
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9
Pinned-Up Fro-Hawk
Have some fun with your TWA by pinning or braiding the sides into a cute fro-hawk like Issa Rae's.
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10
Loose Curls
Taraji P. Henson smiles as she shows off her easygoing chin-length bob with loose curls. Don't be afraid to separate the curls for added volume.
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11
Updo With Tapered Sides
Actress Samira Wiley is showstopping in a tapered updo. Blow out your natural hair and twist it up to create a beautiful updo that allows the focus to be on your face.
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12
Curled Bob
Let your curls loose with this carefree hairstyle seen on actress Tessa Thompson. For more defined ringlets, part strands and twist small sections around a curling iron.
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13
Finger Waves
Actress Danielle Brooks adds sparkly barrettes to her finger waves for a red carpet-worthy natural hairstyle.
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14
Curls and Cornrows
Pair your curls with intricate cornrows. Actress Regina King mixes it up by tightly braiding one side of her hair and leaving the rest to cascade in beautiful ringlets.
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15
Tight Voluminous Curls
Issa Rae's tight curls create a full, fabulous frame for her face. Bangs of the same texture are the perfect finishing touch.
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16
Making Of The Bang
What goes with a stylish side bang? A smize of course! Actress Yara Shahidi illustrates the look on curly hair and we love it.
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17
A Different Angle
It's all about the angles! Actress Amandla Stenberg asymmetrically styles her short curly hair for a sophisticated look. Curls are here to stay for naturalistas, Porsche says. "For the curly/natural girls, focusing on the health of the hair will be a big deal this year!" she adds.
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18
Swooping Waves
Actress Meagan Good served classic Hollywood glamour with cherry red lipstick and a short cut with waves of hair in the front. Her whimsical curls can be achieved by blending in clip-in extensions.
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19
Cropped Flip
The flip style also looks great on more cropped cuts, a la actress Amandla Stenberg. To style, "instead of blow-drying hair over a round brush, blow-dry it under to make the curl flip upward," Porsche says. If that is too difficult and you want an easier option, "you can also do this with a barrel curling iron by curling the ends upward," she notes. Finish your flip with a middle part.
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20
Sleek Middle-Parted Bob
Always on the go? Singer Kelly Rowland's sleek bob is a busy girl's dream, as it's so easy to maintain. Keep the part centered for a symmetrical, even look.
