These 25 Afro hairstyle inspo shots will have you rockin' your natural hair immediately
There's just something about Afro hairstyles… It must be the way coils wrap around each other, or their versatility, perhaps it's the the fact that there are 1001 ways Afro hair can be manipulated to give you the most artistic and sophisticated looks — or how it almost defies gravity. It goes without saying that Afro hairstyles are pretty elite.
Black women have always found a way to embrace their natural hair texture, however, society hasn't always made them feel welcomed enough to do so. For that reason, Afro hair has a strong attachment to political statements, or messagings that challenge the status quo.
The styles that are gentle on your hair but still keep you looking cute.
Black women’s hair textures range from the loosest of curls to the coiliest of coils but much like the severed history western society has with racism, hair discrimination has made conversations around how Black women should style their hair nuanced. However, there is nothing nuanced or political about how hair grows out of a person’s scalp. Afro hair naturally grows upwards and outwards instead of straight down – so what?
So it’s always refreshing seeing Black women rocking their curls in their most natural state. In the public eye, high profile black women are using their platforms to celebrate their natural hair. Lupita Nyong'o made history when she became the second black African woman to win an Oscar – she accepted her award while wearing her pretty Afro embellished with a simple gold band.
Solange Knowles has embraced experimenting too – dying her 'fro an icy blonde or lacing her hair with flowers for her wedding day. Tracee Ellis Ross regularly rocks her glorious natural texture. She even created her own haircare line, Pattern – a range dedicated to curly and coily hair types. Then there are all the young Black Hollywood icons which at any given chance remind us of the beauty in proudly rocking your fro’ like Amandla Stenberg and Keke Palmer.
Curly girls assemble, this is your ultimate hair guide.
When things involve minimal manipulation this also allows hair to grow healthier. Although a heavily divisive topic, many hair experts and trichologists see better results with hair growth when the hair is left alone. In fact, Eleanor Richardson, who is a consultant trichologist at the Fulham Scalp & Hair Clinic warns us against the dangers of choosing braiding: “The most common damage that we end up seeing in the clinic is traction. So that's a pulling force that's been applied, because of a very tight style. Maybe due to very chunky braids, extensions, or weave-in and styles that have been there for a while as well.”
As much as we are team do-whatever-you-want with your hair because that is your business, be it protective styles, texturisers etc, ultimately your God-given natural hair will never go out of style.
One thing about Black women though, is that we want to switch up our hair at any given moment. Sometimes, all we need is a little inspo. Over on the 'gram, it's a ripe hunting ground to discover some stunning inspiration.
Looking for inspo on how to style your Afro? We've delved into the archives to curate the best afro hair inspiration, hairstyles and colourways, so here's our round-up of the most iconic Afro hairstyles that are bound to inspire you to rock your fro at any hair length.
Brushed out fro'
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Sometimes, less is more. Brush out the fro' post braiding for extra definition and a wavy, shiny and textured finish. Make sure your ends are trimmed for the illusion of extra volume, and healthier looking hair.
Crystal fro'
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This platinum blonde radiates good energy through its coils. It's givin' girl who has her chakras all aligned. It's a brushed out finish that is perfectly complimented with gentle accents of bouncy and more defined curls.
The Black Power fro’
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This is that irresistible classic big bold fro’ which is the definition of voluminous hair. To give the illusion of extra volume be sure to brush the hair outwards in all directions so to gently stretch and fill up a wider surface area.
The superlight's fro
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The secret here is to focus on volume, not definition. Use the crown of your head as the centre parting, and pull the hairs out from it, so to create almost a full fro' fringe effect. Brush out some of the root for extra volume. Adding highlights also create a lift and definition to the finished look.
Blonde crown
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There is nothing we don’t love about this look. The sunflower blonde is different and complements medium to dark complexions. The fulani inspired braid at the front creates a crown-like effect that frames the face well, and moves hair away from it very slightly so you can still rock the coils and have some intriguing detailing in the waved-cornrows design.
The frolights
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Upgrade your curls with some highlights and loosely part them so that they fall from the crown of your head all around it. The blonde highlights can give the illusion of a fuller fro' with lots of dimension.
Absolute Edges
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When shrinkage can be seen as problem, see it as a blessing. The picture above speaks for itself. It looks chic yet effortless and deserves all the glory.
The free spirit
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The power the hair that grows out of your scalp has… Just use an Afro comb to alleviate any knots that could have formed overnight and you're ready to take on the day.
Afro Top Knot
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The Afro top knot or donut bun is one that must not be underestimated. Slick the hair at the root using a hair gel, oil balm of some sort and let the curls thrive at the top.
The pixie
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All Black women can rock a pixie Afro. The most universal look of all. It complements many different face shapes and it's oh-so-easy to style.
The V cut
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Cutting your fro' in a ‘V’ shape by making it longer at the front and shorter at the back is a really beautiful way of playing with flattering shapes to style your Afro in a modern way.
The fro' fringe
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Let your coils fall to the front of your face to create sort of a full fringe and comb them outwards to perfectly frame your face.
The Barbie fro'
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Are you all Barbie'd out yet? Don't worry, nor are we. Hence why even pink Afros deserve a moment of spotlight. If you leave the roots dark, it will create a more seamless and natural, yet playful finish.
The mocha fro'
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This mocha coloured fro' is the true definition of ‘I woke up like this’ and it looks TF good.
The afraux ponytail
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Want to wear an Afro but do something a little different? Why not slick it into a ponytail (you can always use extra textured extensions for this step) and wrap them with gold string for an elevated look, leaving out the ends to create this faux Afro ponytail.
Strawberry short-fro'
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All Afro red heads assemble. In this look, the curls are perfectly coiled and intertwined around each other for maximum volume and maximum definition. The most comfortable look to wear which flaunts your auburn, 3c/4a curls and full-bodied hair simultaneously.
The half n' half Fro'
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Now this is one cool AF, edgy way of rockin' your fro'. All you need to do is lift the colour on half of your hair, and dye it grey (or any other colour you fancy) and you got yourself an epic half n' half, Cruella inspired hair do.
The curl-coil fusion
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This brushed out Afro is everything. The blonde highlights effortlessly add dimension, volume and length to the curls instantly.
Double XL curly fro'
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Sometimes more really is more, and this double XL curly fro has put a good case for it.
The leaning tower of fro'
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Although this look is easier achieved with faux locs as seen on Lupita, it can be done by using those hair donuts and string or hair ties.
The loosely parted fro'
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This brushed out braid out gives the Afro a different type of curl. More of a gentle messy wave that looks bold, effortless and fun.
The XXL fro'
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In this case, more is definitely more. With a slick down middle part for the front part of the crown of the head, clipped back to showcase a XXL Afro that frames the face perfectly. This is the big hair energy we want to be on.
The Chaka fro'
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This Rih Rih fro' reminds us of Chaka Khan, from the red undertones to the messy and rugged ends. It screams superstar.
Deep side parting coils
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Who said deep side partings were out? Here is a great way to add volume and bounce to your fro', regardless of the width and shape of your curl pattern.
Defined fro'
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Have a mix of curls in your fro'? Embrace them all by letting them flow freely. Use a good leave-in conditioner and a shine cream for extra curl definition and a sparkling sheen.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Features Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
