African American Hairstyles
The best African American hairstyles are looks that reflect a proud heritage and work with the texture of African American hair, not against it. Traditional African American hairstyles such as cornrows, and modern enhancements to them such as hair weaves are among the best ways to maximize the beauty of African American hair.
African American Hairstyles : Strong On Heritage
Cornrows, a customary African American hairstyle that originated in sub-Saharan Africa , refers to hair that is braided tightly and close to the scalp to produce unbroken lines. These braids can be done in straight lines or in patterns, and may take hours to accomplish depending on how intricate the design is, but once they are in place they are among the easiest to maintain of African American hairstyles because the wearer can wash his or her head carefully without removing the braids. Cornrows were first popularized in the United States in the 1950’s and have gone in and out of fashion since then. They are currently experiencing a resurgence due to their ease of maintenance.
Hair Weaves for African American Women
Hair weaves are a particular type of hair extension that work well with cornrows because they are attached to the natural hair with thread and glue. The natural hair is styled in tiny cornrows along the middle of the scalp and the hair extension (which may be made of human hair or synthetic) is sewn into the cornrows and then glued to make sure it stays in place. The women’s natural hair is then combed over the spot where the hair is attached so it is not noticeable. Hair weaves are a great way to create longer African American hairstyles without waiting for your hair to grow out.
Picture Gallery for African American Women hairstyles
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
April 21st, 2008 at 11:50 pm
what kind of a hairstyle website tries to accomidate blacks and there is no black folks on here that we can relate to i mean a few pics on latest hairstyles… thanks for attempting to try but post something worth looking at, and some pictures that we can for real look at, and say “hey check out that web site that’s where i got this style from” sorry to be so rude and all i’m just tired of not having a hair style choice…
June 21st, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Where are the pictures of hair syles for black women?
June 21st, 2008 at 5:08 pm
We have just added a picture gallery for black african american hairstyles…hope you may find it useful.. any comments are appreciated..thanks
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 am
Ok there are a lot of styles out there but your site needs more pics using black stars for hairstyles isn’t gonna work because they are so caught up they keep it old white and plain when they get back then post their pics they all have the same ol plan Jane hair do’s
August 4th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Uall r serious no one on this page has real african hair thjs for the effort but nex time if u tryin to do someting so it at ur best and the way its supposed to be
August 13th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
This site is good and provides great tips on new hairstyles for women. If your looking to help those with African American hair which is much more difficult to manage, some more information and pictures would be helpful. It’s hard to find hairstyles for my hair type that are natural. could you post some natural African american hairstyles up (other than an afro please…)
August 14th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
u guys need to show more black women hair styles. 6 hair styles isnt a variety!
August 24th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
what you have shown are black women with western hairstyles. Where are the naturals? I have sported a low fro for over 30 years and these pictures are not truly african american hair. I disagree with Nicole; please post afros. More sisters are wearing their own hair and afros are just one form of what is natural. AA hair is worn in many styles. Thanks for attempting. Research, Research, Research.
September 13th, 2008 at 7:27 am
I support you 100% Elizabeth, i am truly african ,with black afro hair ,but whenever i am searchin for afro american hairstlye gallery i see black women wearing western styles weaves ,this is not truly africa or afro natural hairstyles. Gives us more ,my hair is natural i need the original african look , show us braids , kinky afro, locks ,etc but not straight weaves .
I am still searching
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 am
I agree with Nicole!!! It is difficult to find new hairstyles and not the same old thing. Having something that looks more natural doesn’t mean sporting an afro. Not every black woman falls on the two extremes of down to her hips weave or an afro. If you are looking for a site on locs, kinky afros or other naturals, type that into your search field. Not that hard! For the rest of us, styles without weave that are innovative and attainable at home are definitely wanted.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Well I am african, a truly one too but I have long and straight hair! So what’s the deal? C’mon people africa it’s 30 millions km², it’s a continent! All africans don’t look the same nor share the same futures! So because Iman Bowie has straight hair she’s no longuer african? Aren’t Mauritians africans?
Get serious!
October 9th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
NOW OF COARSE I LOVE THE RIHANNA CUT !THIS CUT JUST DOES WONDERS TO THE APPEARANCE. TO ME. THIS CUT SCREAMS BOSSY!!!YOU CAN PULL THIS LOOK OFF WITH ANY TYPE OF CLOTHING WETHER ITS A CASUAL LOOK OR AN ELEGANT LOOK!!!! AND I MUST SAY I WOULD KNOW SINCE THIS IS THE CUT THAT I AM PRESENTLY ROCKIN IN MY HEAD RIGHT NOW!
October 13th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
So I’d like to summarize what’s been written and add my personal thoughts. We are looking for pictures of African American hairstyles for women that are not just weaves (which a lot of movie stars do with their hair) and reflect the diverse ways that we can style our hair (which are numerous so why is this so difficult to find!!). These include everything from afro and other natural styles, but also styles that can be done with straightened hair (chemical or heat) with the help of a stylist and even better, done at home.
Personally, I have curly natural hair that is on the finer side so I can’t do a lot of the kinkier styles. Plus I have sooo much of it and it frizzes quickly so the cute curly styles don’t work well either! I end up straigtening it a lot. So clearly i’m in need of some creative hairstyles that i can work out.
October 25th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I agree with Elizabeth. I have searched the internet and have found way too many western styles for african americans.
i’ve also found it particularly difficult to find short pretty hairstyles designated towards young people. A variety of styles like the jerry curls, waves, curls, cornrows,braids,locks, and other african-american styles would have made the gallery more acessible as well as different lengths.
Btw, where is Halle Berry?