ComScore

34 Short Natural Hairstyles, from a Sleek Pixie to a Box Braid Bob

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Are you ready to do the big chop? Maybe you’re looking for a nice protective style. Or, you’re simply pumped to try latest hair trends (like the wet look or shag cut). The possibilities are endless when it comes to your natural hair, and we’ve got just the round-up for you to experiment with different looks all year long. From a sleek pixie to a box braid bob, here are 35 short natural hairstyles to try now.

The 35 Best Natural Styles for 4C Hair, from Twist-Outs to Butterfly Locs


natural hairstyles for black women michael jae rodriguez in a wet look style
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Stringer/Getty Images

1. The “wet” Look

The “wet” look is making waves this year, with stars like like MJ Rodriguez and Zendaya sporting the style. A good mousse or styling gel will provide enough texture and sleekness to your ‘do. Also invest in a wide-tooth comb or use your fingers to create more definition and really play up that “damp” look.

short natural hairstyles slick back
Paul Archuleta/Contributor/Getty Images

2. Slick Back

Kick the “wet” look take up an extra notch with a slick back fix. Use gel and a brush for a sleek look or resemble Christina Milian and just run some product into your locks to keep your natural texture intact.

short natural hairstyles traditional pixie
Jon Kopaloff/Contributor/Getty Images

3. Traditional Pixie

The queen of pixies goes to Halle Berry. We’ve already seen many ‘90s and early ‘00s staples coming back, so it’s no surprise that this cut is making the rounds once again.

short natural hairstyles choppy pixie
Frazer Harrison/Staff/Getty Images

4. Choppy Pixie

If you’re looking for a another pixie reference, Zoe Kravitz’s signature style has you covered. The extra-short look emphasized your features while the rough-cut pieces provide the right amount of layers for an edgy finish.

short natural hairstyles side swept bob
Amy Sussman/Staff/Getty Images

5. Side-swept Bob

We love a middle part, but sorry Gen-Z, sometimes a side part is just what you need to elevate a classy look. Leave it to Jennifer Hudson for proof, and try pinning back one side with a snazzy accessory.

short natural hairstyles bob
Bravo/Contributor/Getty Images

6. Bob

Nothing is as glossier as Kelly Rowland’s bob. All you’ll need is a heat protectant, a blow dryer and a round brush to achieve the look. But the key to an ultra-sleek style is going over the sections again with a flat iron. It’ll really be baby smooth after that.

blonde highlights on brown hair
Michael Loccisano/Staff/Getty Images

7. Coily Bob

Calling all coily gals. Show off your tight spirals (with a step-by-step hair routine in your arsenal). Whether you wear it out or rock a side twist like Issa Rae, this wash-and-go style is versatile for any occasion.

short natural hairstyles curly bob
Jason LaVeris/Contributor/Getty Images

8. Curly Bob

This low-maintenance style doesn’t need a 10-step routine. An easy wash-and-go will make your curl pattern really pop.

big braids hairstyles a photo of dania guiria rocking a bob
John Shearer/Contributor/Getty Images

9. Braided Bob

Love bobs and want a protective style? This braided look is just what you need. Danai Guiria takes this look one step further by feathering out the ends for a fashion-forward moment.

short natural hairstyles a line bob
Robin Marchant/Contributor/Getty Images

10. A-line Bob

This bob is all about the angles. The A-line shape consists of a shorter length in the back that gradually gets longer towards the front of the face. This design accentuates your face shape and draws attention to your most prominent features (aka your impeccable jaw structure).

short natural hairstyles bangs
Stefania D'Alessandro/Contributor/Getty Images

11. Bangs

If you’re still unsure about bangs, Viola Davis is telling you to go for it (or at least that what we’re hearing from this stylish pic). Whether you prefer straight or curtain bangs, it’ll definitely elevate your short hair.

short natural hairstyles tapered side
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Contributor/Getty Images

12. Tapered Side

If you’re on the fence about a short chop, consider just a section instead. Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved sides give her middle section all the attention. Add the side-swept style (with a popping blonde hue) and it’s a win-win look.

short natural hairstyles loose curls
John Shearer/Contributor/Getty Images

13. Loose Curls

It’s time to add some bounce and body to your short ‘do. Reach for a curling iron (or hot rollers) and build spirals through each section. Then grab a brush and run it through for a loose, tousled look. If you’re looking for a heatless option (and have thicker hair), consider rollers, Flexi rods or hair clips instead.

short natural hairstyles finger waves
MICHAEL KOVAC/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES

14. Finger Waves

Forget the beach, the impressive waves are in this style. A comb and mousse will help you bring the look to life, and once you part your hair, comb through it for a smooth flow. How? It’s all about working the tool downwards before lifting the hair up (like the Nike symbol). Here’s a handy tutorial in case you need a closer look.

short natural hairstyles high puff
Araya Doheny/Stringer/GETTY IMAGES

15. High Puff

Yes, short hair can deliver a high bun and then some. This fluffy style is great for coily texture. Just add a stylish scrunchie, lay down your edges and you have yourself a casual look.

short natural hairstyles 60s flipped ponytail
Todd Williamson/NBC/Contributor/Getty Images

16. ‘60s Flipped Ponytail

Step into the ‘60s with this classic ponytail style. Whether you’re following the TikTok trend (with a deep side part) or slicking it back like Gabrielle Union, the most important thing is flipping those ends. Use a flat iron to create the signature swoop.

short natural hairstyles twisted pompadour
Jemal Countess/Staff/GETTY Images

17. Twisted Pompadour

If you have high-textured hair, chances are you can play around with different shapes and structures. When it comes to having fun with hairstyles, this twisted pompadour is the icing on the cake.

short natural hairstyles layers
Dia Dipasupil/Staff/Getty Images

18. Layers

Sometimes your hair just needs a little shaping. Layers can be a great addition and spruce up any hairstyle.

curly hairstyles curly fro
Frazer Harrison/Staff/Getty Images

19. Curly Fro

A curly fro can really bring out your pattern and texture. For Solange, her blonde spirals work perfectly with her bone structure. Use styling products (like cream or gel) to define your curls or use a hair pick comb to bring more volume to your look.

short natural hairstyles shaggy curls
Amy Graves/Contributor/GETTY IMAGES

20. Shaggy Curls

This popular haircut is a hit in the curly world. The style focuses on the shape of your face for maximum volume and definition.

short natural hairstyles pineapple
Leon Bennett/Stringer/Getty Images

21. Pineapple

This curly hairstyle isn’t only a protective style for bed. You can rock this high ponytail day or night. A good trick to perfecting this style is flipping your hair over, grabbing your curls from the nape of your neck and brushing towards the front. And if you have super short hair, no biggie, just grab a few bobby pins for the flyaways.

short natural hairstyles bantu knots
JON KOPALOFF/STRINGER/GETTY IMAGES

22. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are so customizable that there’s no one way of styling them. Not only does it work on all hair types and textures, but it can be worn at any time. Have fun playing around with the size, quantity and directions of your buns.

short natural hairstyles intricate braids
Rich Fury/Staff/Getty Images

23. Intricate Braids

Whether you’re an expert at braiding hair or booked your hair appointment, reference Alicia Keys’s protective style for your next look.

short natural hairstyles cornrows
Marc Piasecki/Contributor/Getty Images

24. Cornrows

If you want braids a little more straightforward, cornrows are the way to go. This simple design starts from your hairline and works its way down to your desired length. To make this style uniquely yours, consider the number of braids or even try adding some jewels and gems. And, as always, don’t forget to lay down your edges.

short natural hairstyles box braids
Toni Anne Barson/Contributor/Getty Images

25. Box Braids

Yup, box braids aren’t just for the long hair gals. If you rock short hair, the style is still a winner in our books. You can show them off down or work with different hairstyles (and we have 25 options to get you started.)

short natural hairstyles updo
Rich Fury/Staff/Getty Images

26. Updo

Got a fancy shindig to attend? Try an elegant updo that would work well for the occasion. Similar to Jurnee Smollett, play around with volume and texture using treatment spray or gel.

short natural hairstyles bowl cut
Vivien Killilea/Stringer/Getty Images

27. Bowl Cut

Now, hear us out. We know you’re thinking about Coconuthead from Ned’s Declassified or Timothée Chalamet in The King, but if Zendaya can look amazing sporting the look, why can’t you? Bring this hair inspo to your next appointment and show off your new cut with confidence.

short natural hairstyles big chop
Paul Archuleta/Contributor/Getty Images

28. Big Chop

Looking for a big change? Try a major chop. This popular style is great for starting over or just doing something outside of your comfort zone.

short natural hairstyles buzzcut
Rich Fury/Staff/Getty Images

29. Buzzcut

There’s the chop…and then there’s the buzzcut. If you’re ready for a big hair change, follow Michaela Coel’s footsteps.

short natural hairstyles locs
Dominik Bindl/Stringer/Getty Images

30. Locs

A classic look that will never go out of style. Similar to braids, locs are so versatile. Try a half-up ‘do, space buns or even leave it down for a casual look.

natural hairstyles for black women lupita nyongo with a low bun
Jerod Harris/Stringer/Getty Images

31. Low Bun

This low-maintenance style only needs a brush and a gel to keep flyaways at bay. Whether you’re with friends or doing a date night, this look is timeless.

natural hairstyles for black women samira wiley with a curly fade
Phillip Faraone/Stringer/Getty Images

32. Curly Fade

This curly fade consists of the sides and back being completely tapered down so that the main focus is all on the curls on top. Celebs like Samira Wiley have been rocking this signature style for years.

curly hairstyles slicked down curls
Manny Carabel/Contributor/Getty Images

33. Sleek Down Curls

Gel, gel and you guessed it, gel will be the number one product to smooth down those curls but still keep them defined. Bring back old Hollywood and do a side part for a ‘20s inspired ‘do.

short natural hairstyles curly fohawk
Jacopo Raule/Contributor/Getty Images

34. Curly Fohawk

This faux mohawk look lets you rock the style without relying on a big cut. Bobby pins are a great way to twist and pin your curls in place.



about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

  • Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
  • Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
  • Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz