Black men have naturally thick and kinky hair and this is perhaps their biggest advantage when it comes to haircuts and hairstyles as this type of hair is very easy to work with.
There are many options that black men can choose for their mane ranging from the traditional lengths to other more creative ideas.
However, even with the many haircuts available around it’s not always easy to choose a style especially if you are used to wearing simple long or short hairstyles. And so this list of 110 hairstyles for black men will be very useful for anyone looking to add some twist to their hair.
Black Men’s Hairstyles: Things to Consider
This article outlines popular black men’s hairstyles and what to consider before you decide on one.
Clean Shave
Although technically not a hairstyle so much as a lack of hair, the clean shave is a classic expression of confidence.
Some might say that the clean shave is the easy way out in terms of hairstyles for black men. However, it requires the right head shape and skincare to pull off effectively. A clean shave hairstyle will complement those with an oval head shape and prominent brow line.
If doing it yourself, be aware that men with coarse hair are prone to razor bumps after a clean shave. Always shave with the grain, never against it. Also, have a decent skincare routine in place to keep the skin on top of your head looking fresh and presentable.
Line Up
The line up is one of the easiest black men hairstyles to maintain. Keeping it short and to the point, the lineup doesn’t focus so much on the hair shape rather than the cut of the hairline. It keeps your natural hairline in check with straight edges cut using clippers and a razor.
Unless you’re skilled with clippers and have a few different mirrors handy, you’ll need to be seeing a barber for the lineup. This hairstyle requires more frequent visits to the barber than others do, typically around 1-2 times every two weeks or so.
One of the line-up’s main benefits is that it can complement many different faces and head shapes. Your barber can customize your hairline depending on what looks best on you.
Taper Fade
The taper fade is probably one of the most versatile haircuts for black men. There are many ways to style it based on the texture of your hair, your face shape, ears, and head shape.
Essentially, all taper fades start with a fade just above the ears. You can either go for a bald fade or keep it short. However, a bald fade will usually look better on those with thicker and longer hair, as the contrast is what makes the low taper stand out.
Your barber will have done a million low taper fades. Be specific with how short you want the sides and top. Otherwise, they might just take the clippers and run with what they think looks best.
Cornrows
Cornrows, otherwise known as canerows or boxer braids, can be intimidating for the uninitiated. Don’t worry, though. Cornrows are easier than you think to maintain.
Cornrows are one of many hairstyles that can be done at home or by your barber or hair braider. To get the best look possible, you should have thick hair and a medium to the low hairline. If you have a high or receding hairline, cornrows can accentuate your forehead, taking the focus off your hairstyle.
Make sure that whoever is braiding your hair doesn’t wind them too tight. Otherwise, you might end up with scalp tension headaches or hair loss.
# 1 Natural Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are one of the most popular styles for black people, and this is rightfully so since this style works particularly well with their hair.
With dreadlocks, all you need is to let your mane grow naturally and use some wax to form the locks. This hairstyle goes well with a long beard, but you can still look nice with a clean shaved face.
# 2 The Defined Wave Cut
The defined wave cut is a hairstyle that black men wear for a formal look. In this cut, the hair is closely shaved but not as close as a buzz cut.
The mane is also uniform in size throughout the head, and a small amount of pomade is applied on the locks for styling. A boar bristle brush is then used to brush the hair to achieve the style.
# 3 Close Shave and a Beard
Some black men prefer to have more attention on their beard than on their head. The best way to achieve this is by closely shaving your head and leaving a neat beard on your face.
However, the head should still get a nice close shave but make sure you do not make it bald as this may ruin the look.
# 4 Curly Natural Afro
Nothing beats natural hair for black men. Those with naturally curly hair should consider this style as it will make them stand out from the crowd.
A natural curly afro is easy to wear by letting your hair grow to a decent length then style it into an afro. Some products may be used on the curls and to make the hair shinier.
# 5 Clean Short Haircut
If you are an African-American who likes to keep things simple, then the clean short haircut is the style for you.
In this cut, the top section is closely shaved with the back and sides clipped with the Clippers on level zero. A short well-kept beard is also left around the chin area to complete the look.
# 6 Neat Wavy and Bearded
For black men keeping a beard, the mane has to be equally good to complement that beard that you worked hard to preserve. The neat wavy short strands is a good idea for this style, and it is also very simple to wear.
Just trim the top section of your head to medium length and make it wavy. You should then closely shave the sides and back.
# 7 Long Tapered Dreadlocks
With dreadlocks, you can look good without doing anything else on them but if you tapered the sides and style the dreadlocks creatively then you will look even more exquisite.
In this style, you should let the locks flow so as to display their long lengths. Taper the sides and back and pair it with big facial hair to finish the look.
# 8 Clippered Short with Center Parting
Black men look pleasant with short hair, and this is perhaps why most of them prefer keeping it short. In this style, the mane is clipped short and neat and then a stylish center parting is made using the clippers.
The parting line is curvy unlike in other styles, and this makes the cut unique. A medium-size and well-kept beard also adds to the gorgeousness of the style.
# 9 High Top Dreads
By pulling your dreadlock to the center and then holding it in what looks like a big man bun, will totally change how you look.
The dreads create a high and unique high top, and you should have the sides and back of the head slightly trimmed to make your high top more visible and neat.
# 10 Short Twists with Short Sides and Back
Short twists give a man a casual and somewhat shaggy but still a very stylish appearance.
The short twists should be left at the top section of the head while the sides and back should be closely shaved. The long neat beard is also a must-have to finish this look.
# 11 Box Braid Top Knot Undercut
This box braid style is fantastic for men who like their hair long. It’s a protective hairstyle requiring low maintenance – all you have to do is the intricate knot on top. Buzz the sides so there’s less hair to style.
# 12 Subtle Mohawk
Your hair is naturally great at standing all without product, so it’s well-suited to mohawk styles. With some gentle teasing or sponge curling this style springs to life.
# 13 Space Buns & Squared Hairline
Gender norms are changing and other people are defying them – so why not style your hair into a pair of puffy, chic space buns? The squared hairline adds masculinity back into the look.
# 14 Cropped Curls & Edge Designs
This is a number 1 haircut, nothing but stubbly little curls all over the head. However, some edgy Z shapes are buzzed into the hair to add a playful, cool element.
# 15 Gentle Raised Centerpiece
This is a minimalistic look that requires next to no styling. Most of the hair is buzzed short, letting a small center spot of hair stand out. Gently voluminous, and subtly stylish.
# 16 Short Curls & Skin Fade
This is a casual look that works for formal occasions too, and is relatively simple to maintain. Keep your hair short and flat across the top of your head with a high fade to skin. The skin fade makes the top hair look classier.
# 17 Tall Loose Curls
If you have looser curls, keep them long and neat and leave the sides much shorter. All eyes go to the hair on top as the gentle curls stand out and make you seem laid back and stylish.
# 18 Nearly Blad Fade
The fade here is subtle but adds texture. The hair on top is at about a number 2 cut with the hair on the sides a 1. It’s easy, works for all occasions but still looks fantastic.
# 19 Bejeweled Dreads
Dreadlocks are an easy, low-maintenance style that anyone can rock. Here several of them are decorated, adding interest to the already fashionable style.
# 20 Tall, Textured Soft Coils
Here the natural coarse curls stand tall, reaching gentle peaks. A lot of work clearly went into achieving this look, with many of the curls protruding in distinct groupings that frame the head wonderfully.
# 21 Curly Hair – Styled Frontwards
Black men with a naturally curly mane can get this exquisite look by trimming their hair to medium length and then styling it forward to cover a small part of their forehead.
To make sure that all the attention is in the top curly locks you should shave the sides and back and blend them in with your sideburns.
# 22 Short Curly Hair
The short curly hairstyle is not a preserve of men with naturally curly strands since any other man can get it if they use some hair products and styling to make their hair curly.
The short curly locks in this style are left at the top part of the head while the sides and back are closely trimmed.
# 23 Locks with a Twist
Besides from the fact that the locks in this hair are twisted the style also has a twist because it is quite unconventional.
The long locks are left in the top section while the rest of the head is closely shaved. To finish the look, the locks are then pulled frontwards and tied together with a band.
# 24 Short and Shaggy
When a black man’s hair is left Shaggy, it looks like it has been twisted due to its texture.
This can be a style, and so all you have to do is to shave the sides and back and leave the front section short and shaggy. You should also shave your beard neatly to ensure that your hair is the center of attraction.
# 25 The Curly Man-bun
This is a unique hairstyle that every man with curly hair should try. With a medium or long curly locks, you can be able to pull this look by holding your hair at the center of your head into a big man bun.
You should then shave the sides and back closely to create a distinct line and to get rid of the short hairs that cannot be pulled into the bun.
# 26 Short and Simple
Sometimes all a black man has to do for an exquisite look is to cut his strands short and simple.
In this style, you do not even have to do any styling as your natural looks will do everything for you. Just reduce your hair to slightly less than one inch and you have yourself an amazing hairstyle.
# 17 Nappy With Some Color
A black man can add some spice to his short afro hair by giving it a color that goes well with their skin tone.
Brown and light brown are the most popular colors with black men but if you are not sure what to use you can consult with your hair stylist or barber for some advice.
# 28 Simple And Classic Dreads
There is some class in simplicity, and so you do not have to exaggerate things for your locks to look good. Holding a portion of your hair in a simple man bun and then letting the rest flow naturally will make you look classic.
If you keep a long beard, you can add some uniqueness to your style by twisting your beard into one or a couple of locks.
# 29 Nappy Pride
Short nappy hair looks particularly good on men with an oval, triangular or square shape. To make this style look perfect on you make sure to keep the hair as natural as possible and shave the sides and back.
However, you can use some products to make the short curls more detailed.
# 30 The Three Level Hair
This style starts with a neatly combed medium size afro strands. The medium size afro is then divided into three levels.
A side parting is used to separate the upper hair from the base hairs that should be shorter. The sides and back are then shaved closely to create a distinction between the base hair and the sides and back.
# 31 Perfect Flat Top
Only a black man can be able to pull this style correctly as it is almost impossible for it to look good on any other type of hair.
The medium size afro in this cut is given a beautiful trim, and then the top section is combed to create a neat and perfect flat top.
A line that stretches from the front part to the crown is then formed on the side to give a unique shape to the flat top. Sides and back should be closely shaved.
# 32 Afro Shape Up
All afros look the same, but you can make yours stand out by adopting a unique shape up.
The afro shape up is achieved using some tapering techniques whereby the sides are left short while the rest of the afro is cut in layers that blend in to create a high top.
# 33 The Crispy Line Up
This is a short style where the hair is given a crispy line up using a clipper. It works best on curly locks because it will be easier to create the crispy look but any black man can get it, and they will have to use some hair relaxers to make their hair crispy. A well-trimmed beard is an added advantage for this look.
# 34 Scruffy Long Hair
Scruffy is already an amazing hairstyle, and so if you have this sort of hair, you need not do anything more for a sharp look.
However, if you have medium or long hair, you can pull it together in a bun at the center of the head and push it forward to make it more visible.
# 35 Black Man’s Side Sweep
Black men can also look good in a side swept mane, but they have to do it in a slightly different way.
First the side sweeping should be partial, and there should also be a side parting to create some base hair that is necessary for this look. Pair this with nicely shaped facial hairs and you have yourself a hot hairstyle.
# 36 Baby Locks and Bearded
If you are not sure whether to keep dreads or not, you can try this style to see how you would look in them. This is a simple style that involves small dreads or what is more commonly known as baby locks and a fully grown beard.
In this style, the baby locks are left at the top part while the rest of the head is shaved short and blended in with full grown facial hairs.
# 37 The Curly/Wavy Long Hair
Black men with a long wavy or curly hair should flaunt it with pride because it does look not only good but is also easy to style.
The best way to show off this gorgeous hair is to bring everything forward and hold it in place with a band. Let the hairs cover one side of the face and wear them with pride.
# 38 Clean Close Cut
The clean, close cut is one of the most popular haircuts for men especially those that like to wear formal and more professional looks.
This style involves a closely cut uniform hair across the head that is combined with a thin strip of sideburns that matches the size of the hairs on the head.
# 39 High Top with Sharp Angles
The high top is a favorite style especially with men who have a smaller head as it makes this physical appearance less evident. This style can also look good on any other black man but requires a lot of work to wear and maintain it.
The high top is a well trimmed and combed afro that is shaped in an angular manner. The hair is then outlined with sharp angles especially on the forehead to finish the look.
# 40 Vintage Dreads
If you have medium or long dreads, you should try the vintage dreads looks. This is a simple look that involves clean cut sides and back with a few locks left at the top section. The locks should then be pulled together and tied with a band.
# 41 The Neat Hawk
People are used to having shaggy or complicated Mohawks or the faux hawk, but this nice cut for black men proves that you can still look great with a simple one.
In this style, the sides are shaved closely while a neat and well-combed hair is left to form what looks like a Mohawk.
# 42 Tapered Short Afro and Bearded
Tapering your short afro can breathe some much-needed life into a dull looking strands. Cutting the hairs in layers to blend in with the huge facial hairs create a look that can only be described as exquisite.
The best part about this style is that any black man can wear it regardless of their skin tone and face shape.
# 43 It’s All About The Curls
If you have a naturally curly hair, then let it grow as long as possible, and you can wear many different styles with it.
In this style, for example, a portion of the hair (the top hairs) are pulled into a bun while the rest of the hairs are left to flow past the shoulders. This is an incredible look that will leave people staring at you with envy everywhere you go.
# 44 Colored Dreadlocks
Adding some color to your natural dreadlocks may be all you need to get an interesting hairstyle.
However, you should do so creatively and avoid dazzling colors as they do not look good on locks. You should do it in moderation like applying color to a few sections to create a pattern.
# 45 All Dyed Up
Black men who are not afraid to experiment with new styles should try the all dyed up’ look by giving their hair and beard a bright color.
If you choose an exotic color like gray or a light shade of pink you can look great, but you would probably want to use a semi-permanent color in case you change your mind afterward.
# 46 Traditional Black Man’s Afro
The characteristic or traditional black man’s afro was a must have in the 70’s and 80’s to look trendy. However, the style still looks good even when worn in these modern times.
And it is also one of the simplest hairstyles for black men to wear as all you need is a long thick hair. Maintaining it might be quite tricky but with some nice afro hair products and a comb, you will do just fine.
# 47 Elegant Dreads
Dreads can also be worn for a formal look if styled correctly like in this hairstyle and then paired with a nice suit.
After some retouching with wax or any other quality product for dreads, the locks are then tied together to form a big bun and the edges tucked into the bun. The sides and back should also be cleanly shaved.
# 48 Punk Dreads Look
Any punk look cannot be complete without facial hairs and a unique hairstyle. In the punk dreads look the long locks are left at the top section of the head while the rest of the head is cleanly shaved.
The clean shave creates a disconnect between the dreads and the huge beard.
# 49 Flat Ironed and Side Swept
Flat ironed hair also makes for a good black man haircut if styled correctly. A good idea is to shave the back and sides to an almost bald level and then side sweep the longer top hair to one side of the head.
# 50 Partly Dyed
More conservative men that would like to have a different color on their head should wear this partly dyed style.
In this style, a patch of the hair (that is usually at the front section) is dyed a different color from the natural hair color. Although you can use any color, different shades of brown seem to work best for black hair.
# 51 The Blue Magic
Blue is one of the most commonly used hair colors, and this is because it has some brightening effect that can make any hair look good. For black men, it works particularly well with a flat top.
In this style, the uppermost part of the flat top hair is dyed blue while the level below is left black to create a unique color contrast.
# 52 Just Dreadlocks
Dreads offer the wearer a lot of versatility as they can be able to play around with the locks for an exquisite style.
An incredible style for men with locks can be achieved by weaving the front locks into a single braid that flows backward and leave the locks at the back of the head to flow freely on your back. Remember to keep a long beard because dreads always go well with a beard.
# 53 All Pinked Out
To get in touch with your feminine side, you can dye a shortly cut hair all pink.
Pink is an attractive color that can brighten up your looks but make sure you know what this color represents because just like most other colors it has a formal and informal meaning associated with it.
# 54 The Messy Bun
Top hair buns do not always have to be neat for a perfect look as you can pull a unique style with a messy bun.
This style does not require the use of any products or for you to get a cut as all you need to do is pull your natural hair together into a bun. Once the bun is in place, you should make the hairs in the bun messy.
# 55 White Braids and a Shaggy Top
This black men’s hairstyle is not for shy men who do not like to draw attention because when you wear it, everyone will be staring at you.
In this style, the hair is dyed white then the back hairs are weaved into a couple of braids while the front is left shaggy. You can also dye your facial hairs white to complete an all white look.
# 56 The Unkempt Long Hair
Contrary to what most men think you do not have to comb back your long hair or hold it in a bun to look good.
Leaving the hair unkempt can still make a good style. However, try to push it to one side of your head with your fingers for a trendy messy hairstyle.
# 57 Dyed Top
The top part of the hair is not only the most visible but also what most people use to judge the quality of a hairstyle.
Dying the top in a bright color such as white will make your hair look good regardless of the haircut type underneath.
# 58 Curly Faux With Side Designs
This faux hawk inspired haircut is ideal for young black men who are not afraid to experiment with their locks.
It involves a curly hair that is shaved like a faux hawk then given a design on the sides. The design can be anything you want ranging from an impression of a basketball player to other more complicated patterns.
# 59 Short Combed, Side Parted, and Side Designs
If you do not like the faux hawk inspired style or if your hair is not curly then you can wear this style.
It starts with a neatly combed hair that is given a side part to create a base hair. The sides are then shaved short and given some designs or patterns to complete the look.
# 60 The Dyed High Top
It’s amazing how some people come up with very creative hairstyles. This style is an example of creativity at its best because besides from looking unique it goes perfectly well with black men skin tones.
The top part of the hair is the center of attraction, and it is given a good height then dyed with a bright color. Sides and back are then closely shaved to make sure that all attention remains on the top hairs.
# 61 Geometric Cut
This cut involves a clean short hair but what makes it even more interesting is that it utilizes sharp lines and geometric shapes to give the cut stunning results.
The shapes in the forehead and those that flow with the facial hairs are simply astonishing and with this cut, you will never be out of style.
# 62 Cropped Short Wavy Hair
Wavy hair looks best when cropped short and it is also functional this way as you will be more comfortable with it especially in the summer.
Although you can add designs to this style living it simple and short or paring it with well kept facial hairs will work just fine.
# 63 The Artsy Cut
Black men haircuts do not have to be unpretentious to look good as the artsy cut proves this beyond any doubt.
In this cut, the sides and back are not cut very short, but there is a reduction in size as you move from the top hairs towards the sides and back. The dividers or hair patterns used to separate the two levels of hair are also necessary for the style.
# 64 Medium Size Afro
The medium afro is a style that can be seen on men who are trying to keep a long afro or those who are not yet sure of what to do with their medium length hair.
A medium size afro does not cover the forehead when combed, and so this is the best way to know that your hair is medium. This afro size is also easier to maintain than a fully grown afro locks.
# 65 The Wonder Locks
Wonder locks are simple fully grown dreadlock (beyond the shoulder length). These types of locks look more mature, and they normally have a bigger diameter when compared to other locks.
There is no shortcut to getting these dreadlocks because you have to be patient and persevere for a couple of years as you grow the locks.
# 66 Long Kinky Curly Hairs
Those that thought kinky curly hair only looked on women will change their mind when they see a man with long hair wearing this style.
With this type of hair, you only need to use some quality hair product on the hair to give it some firmness and shine and then you let it flow in its natural locks.
# 67 Short Dreads with a Punch
There are so many things you can do with your short locks or shaggy hair, but the simplest of them all is what will look best on your hair.
In this style, all that is done is cleanly shaving the sides and back while short strands are left on the top part of the head. You should also shave your facial hairs for a cleaner look.
# 68 Cornrows
If you want to let your scalp get some healthy sun, and you have medium or long hair, you should try cornrows.
Cornrows look good on some men and not so good on others. Men with an extended forehead may not look very nice with cornrows as it makes their forehead more visible.
# 69 The Angular Flat Top
The angular flat top hairstyle is a perfect cut that will create what looks like a military cap on your head. This style works well for thick hair as it is easier to style and it will also hold better.
Although it might look simple once it is finished, only a skilled barber can be able to give you a good angular flat top cut.
# 70 The Curly Experience
Your already attractive curly strands can be taken a notch higher with this simple style. For this hairdo, you should pull your hair together and tie it in a bun on one side of the head.
Try to leave it as natural as possible without applying any products as it looks best like this.
# 71 A Gentleman’s Afro
Gentlemen or men who consider themselves in this category have a way of twisting any style into something entirely new.
In this cut, a simple short afro is transformed into a perfect cut that any black man can wear to a formal occasion or for a professional look.
The neatly combed afro is left at the top part of the hair while the sides are gradually reduced to create an everyday look that any man looking for an interesting hairstyle should try.
# 72 Popcorn Twist
Popcorn twists are pretty easy to make on your hair provided you know how to go about it. It might take a couple of minutes because the hair is short, but the results are worth the wait.
To make the style more visible, you can closely shave the sides and back of the head. This style also requires minimal maintenance, and so it is a good idea for men who do not like spending a lot of time on their mane.
# 73 Naturally Kinky Afro
Some people may call this style unkempt locks other may call it a medium size afro while others think it is a naturally kinky afro. Regardless of how you call it the fact remains – it is a cool hairstyle for black men.
It is a simple style that can be worn by men with a naturally kinky and medium size hair. For this style, all you need to do is to style the top hairs frontwards, the side hair to the side and the back hairs backward.
# 74 Short Plain Afro
A short and un-styled afro will give you a unique African man look. When it comes to hairstyling simplicity is also beautiful, and so this style will also make you look attractive.
This look is also impeccable, and so it can be worn as a formal haircut for black men.
# 75 The Spunky Top Hair
A spunky top hair lets you show some attitude and confidence in your looks. The top hair in this cut is made to take a circular shape that is unique. It should be cut to look like it is protruding from the head to give a bold and dope look.
# 76 Angles Perfection
Most cuts have an angle, but this one takes things to a whole new level with some nicely done and perfect angle.
The short, clipped hair is enhanced using precise angles on the hairline and the facial hairs. To spice up things more, a curvy line is also made in the top section of the head.
# 77 Double Line Side Parting
Side parting hair is a popular trend with men’s haircut, but this style introduces a whole new way to do hair parting on a cut.
Instead of one line, this cut uses two lines that create three distinct hair levels and instead of moving vertically the two lines cut across the head diagonally and meet just behind the ear.
# 78 Scissor Cut Short Hair
A pair of scissors in the right pair of hands can do magic on your hair. Scissor cut hair has a distinct look that cannot be replicated even by the best machines.
Pair this haircut with nice scissor trimmed facial hairs and you have yourself an eye-catching look.
# 79 The Elegance Gel
The gel is the fastest selling product for men’s hair, and this is not by chance since it always adds a punch to any hair.
A simple cut like this faux hawk inspired design is transformed with the application of a small amount of gel to the curly hair left in the middle section of the head.
However, you should be careful not to use excess gel in any hairstyle as it can ruin the look.
# 80 The Classic Razor Cut
Black men can also look good in some cuts that are worn by other races if they wear them correctly. A good example of this is the razor cut style with the sides shaved very close to the scalp.
However, it may be necessary to relax the hair for black men who do not have naturally soft hair to make it easy to style after the cut.
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The options for black men’s hair are unlimited because with a little creativity you can wear any style you can think of and look good in it. However, it is important to consider your hair type, face shape and also personal preferences before you choose any hairstyle.
Always remember that even if you look good, you will not be comfortable if you do not feel good in the hairstyle you are wearing. And with the many hairstyles for black men available, you should take the time to choose the best or try a couple of them.