70 Stylish Natural Hairstyles For Short Hair in 2024 (2024)

A stylish short natural hairstyle can be a cute, timeless and versatile look for black women who want to embrace their texture. From cropped afros to elegant curly updos, these beautiful natural hairstyles for short hair are trendy, low-maintenance and effortlessly feminine choices that will show off your personality and transform your vibe for a stunning finish.

Natural black hair can be parted, braided, twisted, layered, brushed up and puffed out to create the perfect style.

For a classic approach, ask your stylist for a cute short afro, puffy bun, side-parted bob or twist for an impressive style that exudes class and confidence. Edgy haircuts like the faux hawk, pixie with tapered sides and buzz cut can be edgy and playful options that make a fashion-forward statement.

Browse these easy and attractive short natural hairstyles for black women to inspire an alluring look.

Beautiful Short Natural Hairstyles For Black Women

Short Twist Out

A lovely twist out can be an effortless natural hairstyle for short black hair that will allow African-American women to highlight their texture with a fashionable, high-volume look. This low-maintenance and popular protective style provides a soft, feminine aesthetic that can suit any occasion. Use a moisturizing product to define and shape your curls while keeping your hair bouncy and shiny.

Cute TWA

Also known as a teeny weeny afro, a cute TWA is an easy and sexy natural short hairstyle that any black woman can use to achieve a retro look with a modern twist. This cropped and curly afro-textured style can be a low-maintenance and classy approach to your natural texture. Enhance the cut with a chic color, such as red, add a side part or twist out, or add some hair accessories to give the look personality.

Beautiful Medium Afro Updo

A beautiful medium afro updo is simple and glamorous, making it an ideal style for everyday wear. Pulling the hair back and away from the face sharply contrasts perfectly with the thick coils and curls. This youthful style showcases the beauty of natural hair and keeps the bulk of the hair away from the face and neck.

Edgy Faux Hawk with Fade and Long Choppy Fringe

An edgy faux hawk with a fade and long, choppy fringe brings attitude and style center stage. The hair is longer at the forehead and gradually becomes shorter toward the crown and the back. Add some streaks of bold color like platinum blonde, red, and fiery orange to contrast the deep brunette shades, then use a strong-hold styling product to create massive volume.

Elegant Short Textured Curls

A fashionable short hairstyle with elegant, textured curls can be a chic look that creates volume, definition and movement. The classic style features a deep part on one side of the head for a playful finish that will draw attention.

Blonde Buzz Cut with Design

A blonde buzz cut with a design makes a powerful statement, and it is a daring way for women to showcase their sense of style without spending hours styling. The blonde locks are a fraction of an inch long, and a design flows from the side to the back of the head.

Cute Short Natural Hair with Head Wrap and High Puff

Cute, short, natural hair with a head wrap and a high puff put femininity at the center stage. Gather the hair into a high ponytail to create the voluminous puff, and use a head wrap to section the central part of the hair from the fringe.

Curly Medium Natural Layered Hair

A gorgeous medium-length curly hairstyle with layers will put all the attention on your natural coils and texture. The style embraces movement and color for a classy look you can wear anywhere. The twists are naturally dark close to the head, but the sun-kissed highlights at the ends add some youthful flair.

Grown Out Coily Pixie Cut with Part

A grown-out coyly pixie cut with a part is a stylish and versatile option for women who want a low-maintenance, convenient style that still offers enough length and volume to play with. Add some bold color at the ends or create a subtle part on the side for a personalized look.

Short Fiery Red Tapered Pixie

A short, fiery red tapered pixie adds instant dimension to your curls by creating definition and structure around the sides. The taper makes a strong statement against the mass of curls on top, creating a fun but unique style that’s cool and comfortable. The bold red shade pairs beautifully with darker skin, adding instant warmth to your complexion.

Kinky Curls with Low Undercut

Kinky curls can look chic and alluring with a low undercut that complements the afro-textured hair while creating light contrast that highlights the short style on top.

Layered Medium Side Part

A layered medium style with a side part combines thick, high-volume layers with a deep part to create a unique shape with flair. The look works for natural black hair since the layers remove some bulk while the side-parted bob works with the curls to embellish texture, definition and bounce.

Edgy Short Brush Up with Tapered Sides

A short brush-up with tapered sides is an excellent hairstyle for bold and edgy women who love sharp edges, impeccable shine, and gravity-defying lift. The hair at the top of the head is much longer than the rest, flowing upward and back to add volume. A burst taper fade at the sides adds some contrast while adding to the illusion of height.

Low Undercut

A low undercut can be a simple way to keep the back and sides short while showcasing the curly frohawk with enhanced volume. The sleek and textured undercut allows for some customization through designs or shaved lines.

Messy Short Pixie Cut

A messy, short pixie cut keeps the hair cropped and low-maintenance while creating movement and volume. Each section moves slightly differently, providing visual interest and appeal. Structured curls at the edges of the head serve as a focal point, and the cut looks phenomenal with and without fringe.

Natural Curls with Buzzed Sides

Natural curls with buzzed sides are ideal for women who want to put their sense of style and edginess on full display. The beautiful rings move upward and over from one side of the head, and the long fringe balances the cut to suit virtually any face shape. The buzzed sides create much-needed contrast that gives this cut its pizzazz.

Afro Puff

The afro puff is a classic natural hairstyle for black women who want to rock a retro look with extra volume and some modern edge. To create the look, use a large elastic scarf to pull your hair into a central location high on the head. As a traditional ball, it is easy to personalize this style with a few loose twists and tendrils, a boldly patterned scarf, or bright colors.

Buzz Cut with Floral Side Pattern

A buzz cut with a floral side pattern is an excellent short hairstyle for any woman needing a low-maintenance look that requires very little styling time. The buzz cut features some waves at the top for interest, but the shaved flower around the ear gives this cut the bulk of its appeal.

Natural Curls with Short Bangs

Fluffy natural curls and short bangs add shape and dimension to your style while highlighting your texture for a glamorous finish. Each ring is perfectly separate from the next, and the hair falls in various directions to create a fuller, more voluminous look. The short bangs balance the cut and give it a uniform appearance.

Natural Puff with Cornrows

Beautiful cornrows are cool and low maintenance, while the natural puff in the back adds flair that will stand out in any room. The thick cornrows start just behind the forehead and stop at the crown of the head, where the enchanting afro puff takes center stage. This versatile style is easy to personalize with highlights and color or hair beads.

Sexy Short Natural Curls

Sexy short natural curls are the perfect choice for highlighting natural beauty and personality for formal events or date nights. High-shine products define the curls and shape, and the carefully curled edges along the hairline balance the look. The cut will turn heads, especially with glamorous makeup and sparkling statement earrings.

Shaggy Kinky Curls

Shaggy kinky curls feature expert layering to create lively volume and shape. Styling products can help create lift and separation for a classic look or make pulling the hair back into a ponytail or puff easier. This fun and flirty style is perfect for women who want to embrace their naturally curly hair.

Classy Side-Parted Curly Bob

A classy side-parted curly bob combines bouncy texture with a swept appearance to create a timeless style. The clean lines of the bob work well with the effortless movement of the curls to give natural hair a polished and professional feel. Keep your locks moisturized and defined with a hydrating conditioner and curl crème.

Short Curly Pixie with Side Part

A short, curly pixie looks effortlessly cool styled with a striking side part for a fashionable but low-maintenance look. The extreme side part offers a relaxed structure and lets your curl pattern shine without significant styling. This cut is a great natural alternative to a buzz cut if you’re transitioning from a weave and want to give your hair a break.

Short Faux Hawk with Faded Sides

Rebellious and flattering, a short faux hawk with faded sides commands attention with enviable contrast and flow. Leave the hair at the front slightly longer and slick it to the side for a modern fringe effect. Dye the top platinum blonde and add a shaved line to create visual interest against your natural dark locks.

Short Afro with Tapered Sides and Shaved Line

A short afro with tapered sides and a shaved line is an excellent choice for powerful women who want to look their best without spending hours in front of the mirror each morning. The curls create a cohesive shape and look, but each coil is still perfectly separate from the next. The shaved line adds interest, and some careful edging near the ears and the temples adds structure.

Attractive Short Box Braids with Beads

Modern short box braids with beads are a timeless protective hairstyle that will frame your face and accentuate your feminine features. Traditionally, the hair rests just above the shoulders, and the beads at the end of each braid add fluidity and movement. Customize this fun style with hair colors, bead types, and extensions.

Alluring Short Messy Curls

Short, messy curls showcase your natural texture without looking bulky or unkempt. You can work short layers into your coils to add movement or lightly muss your locks for an undone look. Control your edges and add a youthful feel to your style by placing playful swirls around the front and side of the face.

Playful Short Braided Updo

A short braided updo can be an exciting and youthful look that uses your natural hair to create texture and visual drama. The thick cornrows start at the back of the head and follow the head’s shape forward to the crown. The hair from all the braids gathers into a single point and is then slightly teased to create the signature puff.

Short Caramel Blonde Curls

Striking caramel blonde curls can be an alluring natural hairstyle for short hair that will put your color and texture on display. The color makes the individual curl pattern come alive while highlighting the beautiful natural texture of the hair. The cut also serves as a fantastic base for a traditional afro.

Beautiful Short Natural Curls with Taper Fade

Beautiful short natural curls look fantastic with a taper fade on the sides that will exude fearlessness and allow your style to shine through. The tight curls are uniform from the back of the head to the fringe. A taper fade with sharp, sleek lines adds the crisp, clean structure that makes this cut popular.

Cropped Curls

Cropped curls are easy to wear and simple to style for a fabulous finish. The rings are cut short all over the head and the natural afro-texture creates some subtle interest.

Braided Faux Hawk with Undercut

A braided faux hawk with an undercut can look powerful and fierce. Pull your braids up and into a bun to create the stylish faux hawk. The low-maintenance undercut brings contrast and showcases the height for a more polished finish.

Face-Framing Brown Kinky Curls with Fringe

Gorgeous brown kinky curls will look soft and feminine with a face-framing fringe that can suit any occasion, including formal events. The cut draws attention thanks to expertly-trimmed layers while the coiled bangs complete the look. High-shine products separate each curl for impeccable texture.

Stylish Braided Twists

Stylish thick braided twists are protective and beautiful. Two strands of hair form each rope-like twist, and they can feature natural or synthetic hair as well as a variety of extensions or accessories. Twists offer plenty of opportunities to play with color, and they last for weeks.

Stunning Short Afro Updo

A stunning short afro updo is a quick and easy way to transform the traditional look into a glamorous style perfect for any formal event. Pull the hair back and away from the face with an elastic or comb, then use fingers or a pick to shape the resulting puff. The style is versatile enough to suit most hair types, lengths, and face shapes.

Small Braided Bob

A small braided bob is a cute and youthful medium-length hairstyle that features short box braids. The style can involve all-natural hair or some synthetic extensions to achieve various sizes, lengths and colors. Wear your hair down with a center part, pull it back into a ponytail or decorate it with beads and other accessories.

Stylish Mohawk Fade with Design

A stylish mohawk fade with a design is a trendy and modern haircut for natural black hair. The fade at the sides and back creates balance, and the design shaved into the sides and back of the head adds plenty of interest. The edgy style offers ample opportunity to play with shape and color.

Sweet Short Locs with Mid Fade

Attractive short locs can look elegant and sexy with a mid fade on the sides and back to complement the style. These super-short dreads feature relatively thin twists that hang slightly over the sides. The mid fade contrasts the cut, and the shaved line adds visual drama for a trendy look.

Thick Brushed Back Curls

Thick brushed-back curls are a glamorous and gorgeous style that black women can use to combine textures for a classy finish. Apply high-shine texturizing products like oils or pomades to slightly damp hair and work them through evenly. Then, use a double-slide hair comb to pull the hair back tightly from the base of the head and the forehead. When the hair comes together at the crown of the head, it creates a brushed-back look.

Tight Short Ringlets

Tight short ringlets are feminine, flirty and fun thanks to their cute shape and ample movement. Each defined coil falls directly downward from the center of the head, and careful layering creates a big, bouncy shape. Women can wear this style down, pulled back into a cute updo, or clipped upward and back at the sides for incredible height.

Tousled Blonde Pixie Curls with Low Taper

Tousled blonde pixie curls are fierce and fun when combined with a low taper and bold platinum coloring for an eye-catching dimension. The cut features precision layering, stacking the individual coils to create shape. The low taper is a contrasting element, and it looks phenomenal with the side-swept tousled curls.

Cute Afro Pixie with Tapered Sides

A cute afro pixie with tapered sides is a fun and playful cut that can suit various ages, hair types and face shapes. With a deep side part, the curls fall forward and over the forehead to create the curly fringe. The low taper and shaved design bring bold, daring edges and accentuate the feminine movement.

Edgy Buzz Cut with Two Shaved Lines

An edgy buzz cut is perfect for any black woman wanting a simple, classic look without the effort. This very short military-inspired haircut can be achieved with affordable clippers at home, while the two shaved lines add an exciting element that pulls the look together.

Gorgeous Blonde Short Curls

Stylish short blonde curls are effortlessly chic and flattering for anyone with personality. The yellow-blonde coils contrast sharply with dark skin tones and accessories to create a stunning style. When paired with a cute light-colored summer dress, the femininity shines through.

Short Chunky Braids

Short, chunky braids are a funky and stylish alternative to cornrows, traditional locs and twists. Each braid features a unique style element, such as a bead or a thin ribbon. The braids fall in all directions., which makes this cut attractive and sexy.

Natural Curly Mohawk Fade

A natural curly mohawk fade combines a classic “punk” look with feminine flair for a balanced cut with enough asymmetry to keep it interesting. The curls are longer at the top and gradually grow shorter toward the sides. The zig-zag line at the side combines sharp edges and soft swirls for balance.

Frohawk

A frohawk is a trendy and daring style that brings the mohawk into the mainstream. The cut shies away from the perfect structure and relies on slightly messy asymmetry for its shape. The long hair at the top center section of the head stands almost straight up, while the hair at the crown falls straight out and back. The shorter sides help to balance the height and give this cut a refined look.

Short Cornrows

Short cornrows are a protective style that involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in small sections. The ends land just above the shoulders, and the braids can be thick or thin. The beautiful swoops at the edges add femininity and style to this timeless look.

Very Short Sleek Hair

A very short, sleek hairstyle can be a chic, sophisticated and easy-to-wear look. The hair is about half an inch long all over the head, and a high-hold styling product provides a glossy, slick finish. The clearly defined side part gives this cut its signature style. Wear it with bold makeup, statement earrings and chunky shades for a fashion-forward aesthetic.

Voluminous Curly Afro

A voluminous curly afro can transform the classic 1960s and 70s hairstyle with understated glamor and elegance for a modern finish. A traditional ‘fro is more about shape than definition, but the curly afro features well-defined curls and longer hair at the top than on the sides. Allowing a few pieces to fall over the forehead on one side creates the illusion of a short fringe and pulls this style together.

Wild Loose Short Curls

A bold short hairstyle featuring wild and loose curls can be ideal for a free-spirited woman looking to stand out. The messy, longer curls make a statement while the sides are tighter to create the framework.

Cute Blonde Medium Kinky Curls

Cute blonde medium kinky curls exude femininity and grace. The style is all about massive volume, and the golden honey blonde is bright and playful. The cut requires some effort, especially regarding color and hair health. Women can wear their hair down or shape it into stunning updos.

Short Curls with Head Scarf

Adorable short curls with a head scarf are the perfect style for women who want to embrace their inner femininity while protecting their hair with style. The natural curls hang in ringlets to create a beautiful fringe, and the scarf adds another stylistic element with colors, patterns, and textures.

Short Curls

Chic short curls shaped into a symmetrical style are perfect for formal events like weddings or fundraisers and are trendy in the corporate world. The layered ringlets form a balanced cut that works well with most face shapes. Personalize this cut further with color and accessories, or tease it into an afro for a more voluminous look.

Short Curls with Small Side Bantu Knots

Short curls with small side bantu knots are cute and captivating styles that draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The layering in the textured ringlets creates a stacking effect that cuts its shape, including the beautiful fringe. Like an undercut or fade, the tiny bantu knots at the side add visual appeal and create the illusion of additional volume.

Short Braids

Short braids are a sleek, low-maintenance approach that protects natural hair by minimizing styling. Experiment with various braid patterns and sizes for a unique and personalized look. The continuous tension on the braids promotes blood and oil circulation to the scalp without any heat. Pull your braids into a small bun or wear it loose for a casual aesthetic.

Puffed Short Natural Coils with Shaved Sides

Puffed up natural coils are a cute, edgy and casually cool look with shaved sides to accentuate the short style. The tight curls on top offer effortless volume and the close shave brings contrast. Emphasize the puffiness with an undercut or fade to keep the look fresh.

Low-Maintenance Buzz Cut

A low-maintenance buzz cut is edgy but practical, making it a stylish pick for high-flying boss babes. The bold, all-over buzz makes a confident statement and gives your natural hair a break from the constant traction of protective styles. Showcase your individuality by dyeing your hair with hints of chocolate, caramel or platinum.

Short Twists with Undercut

Short twists look fantastic with an undercut if you want a bold look that requires little upkeep. The twists highlight your natural curl pattern, while the fashion-forward undercut lends the style a masculine edge.

Tight Coils with Shaved Sides

Tight coils with shaved sides create a casual and relaxed look for women who want to let their natural texture shine. The shaved sides pull the eye to the mass of coils on top, giving this cut structure and volume. Add color by bleaching the tips and experimenting with vibrant highlights for a unique edge.

Short and Thick Curly Style

A short and thick curly hairstyle offers impressive versatility and lets you show off your natural curls with minimal upkeep. Cutting the hair to a uniform length provides a balanced structure that you can liven up with chocolate highlights. Let the coils naturally flop forward for a cute look that flatters your soft facial features.

Straight Buzz Cut with Cute Heart Design

A trendy and straight buzz cut is a simple style that can be elevated by getting a cute heart design. The classic cut is defined by a uniform, short length achieved using clippers. The unique design adds flair without distracting from the clean finish.

Short Kinky Afro

A short, kinky afro is a stunning, retro cut that won’t take hours of styling to achieve. The shorter length pulls focus to the cheekbones for a flattering finish. Puff up and style the coils by combing out the natural growth before locking in moisture with styling cream and oil.

Short Kinky Curls with Side Braids

Short, kinky curls are a fun and refreshing way to style natural hair, and you can easily sweeten the look with side braids. Pulling the sides back with thick braids gives the hair structure and lends effortless dimension to the free-flowing curls on top. Because the braids are tight to the scalp, you can leave them in for weeks without any strands coming loose.

Natural Hair with Part and Cropped Sides

Vibrant and daring, style natural hair with a part and cropped sides for a timeless short aesthetic. Closely cutting the sides creates visual interest with the floppy and relaxed fringe at the front of the head. Dye the hair a vibrant blue or green for mermaid vibes that you can switch up with the seasons.

Short Natural Parted Coils with Short Sides

Wearing short, natural parted coils with short sides creates a defined style that lets your curl pattern take center stage. Creating simple finger curls will give your hair dimension, and you can tackle tangles with a wide-tooth comb for easy styling. Add a hard part to the mix for an edgier feel.

Short Natural Updo

A short natural updo is ideal for busy black women who want a practical and comfortable everyday style. Pulling the hair into a high updo showcases your natural coils and creates volume and height that hides messy or dry strands. Create an elegant and clean-cut look by laying down your edges with a sculpting gel or wax.

Short Pixie Curls

Sassy and short pixie curls offer a practical style with a feminine edge. Shape your curls with hair wax and gently pull your sides into place for a defined appearance. For a looser look, let any ringlets pop by leaving the hair natural. Switch up your aesthetic with bright red, brown or blue dye for a fun change from your natural color.

Feminine Blonde Curly Buzz Cut

A blonde curly buzz cut is a fierce feminine approach that contrasts beautifully with your base black locks. Leave the hair long enough for curls to form before bleaching the remaining hair on top. The result should be a two-tone style that lets your natural roots peek through. A good purple shampoo will keep the vibrant shade in check for longer.

Short Kinky Curls with Temple Taper

Short, kinky curls can be personalized with a trendy temple taper to give your hair a modern touch. The gradually tapered sides draw attention to the voluminous coils on top, letting you wear your natural hair with style. Use a razor to remove baby hairs near the temple for a cleaner look.

Stylish Natural Mohawk Fade

A stylish natural mohawk fade combines a defined strip of tight curls with edgy faded sides to create a rockstar-worthy style. Use a curl-activating gel to define your coils and deep condition the bulk regularly to avoid dryness. A couple of cute curls around the front can add a feminine vibe to this rebellious look.

Popular Natural Short Black Hairstyles

The most popular short natural hairstyles for black women are cute curls, cropped afros, modern twists, cornrows, pixies with tapered sides, the slicked down look, TWAs, tight curls, loose bouncy coils, frohawks, side-parted bobs and pulled back updos. From casual to elegant, these gorgeous, flattering and youthful styles will complement your texture, boost your volume and shape your look to match your personality.