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20 Short Natural Hairstyles That’ll Make You Want to Chop Your Hair ASAP

It’s time to hit the refresh button on your look.

Headshot of Ama KwartengBy Ama Kwarteng
Hair, Face, Afro, Hairstyle, Chin, Head, Eyebrow, Beauty, Black hair, Forehead,
@yarashahidi, @amandlasponsored//Instagram

Probably the biggest myth out there when it comes to natural hair? That if you cut it short, you’re going to be stuck rocking one hairstyle for the rest of your days. So. False. In reality, there are tons of different hairstyles you can wear on short natural hair that allow you to switch up your style every single day. Seriously, I’ve scrolled through Instagram to find all of them. So whether you’re stuck in a style rut, considering cutting your hair (do it!), or just wanting to switch up your look, check out this list of the 20 best short natural hairstyles.

1

This Buzz Cut for Short Natural Hair

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Down to really go all out and try a super-short look on your natural hair? Go with a buzz cut. It’s honestly such a pretty yet low-maintenance look. All you’ll need is a little hair gel to help slick down your hair.

2

These Soft Curls for Short Natural Hair

Let your curls live their best life with these soft waves. Just work a lightweight oil through your hair to help lock in moisture and add nongreasy shine.

3

This Curly Bob for Short Natural Hair

Yara Shahidi has been known to rock some major short natural hairstyles, and this curly bob is one of my personal faves. Rake a dollop of leave-in conditioner through your hair before you start styling—it’ll help keep it hydrated and smooth.

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4

This Fauxhawk for Short Natural Hair

If you’re not down to shave the sides of your head (ahem, me), fake your mohawk with this short natural hairstyle. Slick an edge-control gel along the sides of your head to make sure your look stays sleek.

5

These Double Puffs for Short Natural Hair

These two puffs are a simple short natural hairstyle that will never look outdated. Grab a rattail comb and some gel to help secure the look.

6

This Head Wrap for Short Natural Hair

This head wrap is the easiest accessory to wear with a short natural hairstyle. Pro tip for laying your edges: Brush your baby hairs forward, then add some gel onto a toothbrush, directing your edges toward your hairline in whatever shape you want.

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7

This Wash-and-Go Style for Short Natural Hair

Wearing your short natural hair in a wash-and-go style saves you major time in the a.m. since you don’t have to manipulate your natural curl pattern. Just don’t forget to use a hair gel to set your curls.

8

This Deep Side Part for Short Natural Hair

Flipping your hair into a deep side part gives short natural hair tons of volume. Always spritz on a leave-in conditioner mist before you start styling to add a boost of hydration to your hair.

9

This Perm Rod Look for Short Natural Hair

If you’re transitioning from relaxed hair, a perm rod set is a great short natural hairstyle to try. It blends your relaxed ends with your natural texture.

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10

This Tapered Fro for Short Natural Hair

This short natural hairstyle gives you major flexibility when it comes to styling your hair since the sides and back of the hair are usually cut shorter than the middle. If you really want to make your curls pop, add in a curl styler for definition and hold.

11

This Twist Out for Short Natural Hair

A twist out is also a short natural hairstyle you should def consider—it’s cute and simple, and it lasts for a couple of days. Just rake curl cream through your wet hair, section by section, and create two-strand twists. Wait until your hair is completely dry before you take out the twists.

12

This Dimensional Cut on Short Natural Hair

A geometric shape makes short natural hair look so effing cool. Just don’t forget to mist on some hairspray with moisturizing ingredients to keep your look in place.

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13

This Teeny-Weeny Afro for Short Natural Hair

Not into the idea of a buzz cut but still want to keep your hair pretty short? It’s time to try out a TWA (teeny-weeny Afro). It’s a short natural hairstyle that looks amazing on all curl patterns. Just make sure to keep your hair hydrated—a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week will do the job.

14

Colored Hair on Short Natural Hair

Don’t be afraid to rock a bold hair color if you have a short natural hairstyle. To keep your color fresh, make sure you’re washing with a sulfate-free shampoo (it’s gentler than conventional shampoos).

15

This Frohawk on Short Natural Hair

Instead of just shaving the sides of your hair, take your frohawk to new heights by having your stylist cut a cool design on your short natural hair. For everyday wear, work a curl-defining cream through your strands to make your frohawk really pop.

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16

This Braided Updo on Short Natural Hair

This braided look is proof that you can one hundred percent do fun updos on short natural hair. (Side note: It’s also an ideal style for transitioning hair.) To make your braids and curls look super shiny, mist on a smoothing serum for extra moisture.

17

These Finger Waves on Short Natural Hair

Finger waves are a cute and super-easy short natural hairstyle to try. Using a comb, styling mousse, and some gel, simply swipe your comb in an S shape to create waves.

18

This Low Ponytail on Short Natural Hair

A slick low pony should def be added to the short natural hairstyles rotation. To make sure your hair stays sleek, hit it with a conditioning heat-protectant spray to reduce frizz and flyaways.

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19

This Slick Puff on Short Natural Hair

This low-maintenance short natural hairstyle requires only a headband. Brush your hair up, slide a headband up to form a ponytail, then fluff your hair for some added volume.

20

These Bantu Knots on Short Natural Hair

Bantu knots are a short natural hairstyle that work for everyone—whether you’re transitioning or already fully natural. Divide your hair into small sections, then twist each section to form a little knot. Finish with holding spray to set the look.

Headshot of Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was previously the associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.
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