Hair is universal but different ethnicities have different hair types and struggles. Moreover, the same hairstyle does not suit everyone. So, I started wondering what type of hairstyle would suit a black man. Basically, because hairstyles for men are usually not given as much importance, especially when it comes to black men, this topic intrigued me.
Of course, ethnicity can’t decide what looks good on you as every human is unique and can’t get inside the same mold. But, black hair is hair types, textures, and historically connected styled to the African culture. Hair plays a major role in black culture; therefore, it is a very important part of their identity.
In this article, I will try to give as much information as I can about hairstyles for black guys so that if you are a black man or know a black man, hairstyling can be less complicated for you. It will also help you do your own research on this topic and educate you on the differences between different ethnicities and cultures. Hairstyling has a strong impact on a person’s vanity and gives them a confidence boost. At the end of the day, who doesn’t like looking good?
Hairstyles for black men’s hair
As we already discussed, black men have different hair textures, and types, so different hairstyles suit them. Moreover, a hairstyle should not only look good on you, but it should also make you comfortable, so finding your own style is very important. Some of the best and most recent hairstyles that are in nowadays are listed below:
- Short and crisp: This hairstyle is very low-maintenance
- Buzzcut and a line up: Very simple and cool hairstyle
- Burst fade Mohawk: It has short hair on the side and long hair on top
- The temple fade: It is one of the popular hairstyles among black men, especially with a nice beard
- Skin fade: The skin fade is on the side and twists on top
- Frohawk: It has short hair on the side with natural afro curls on top
- Waves with line up: Adding waves makes any hairstyle better
- Dreadlock: Looks very neat and attractive
Hairstyle for black men with long hair
Now, not everyone has the same length of hair. There are limitations when it comes to hair length, as people with long hair can’t do the hairstyles that require short hair and vice versa. Some of these hairstyles are:
- Dreadlocks: Very flattering for men and can be styled in many ways
- Braids: Sticking to classy patterns instead of over-complicated ones are easier and look great
- Twists: Much manlier than braids and keeps hair away from your forehead
- Half top knot: This is unique and creative while also being easy
- Box braids in a bun: Keeps the hair out of the way and is easy to do
- Natural hair: No fancy hairstyle, but keeping it natural can look very flattering when nicely conditioned
- Micro dreads: Very hard to do, especially on longer hair, but the end result is very neat and smooth
- Intricate cornrows: Takes a long time to be completed but can be unique and stylish
Hairstyles for black men with short hair
Just like hairstyles for long hair, there should be a guide for hairstyles for black men with short hair. A hairstyle can change your whole look; no wonder it is so important to get the perfect one. Some of the hairstyles that suit black men with short hair are:
- Short tapered afro: It can help you display your unique hair without it getting super long
- Short Mohawk: It softens the features immensely if you have a strong jawline and cheekbones
- Short crew cut: Very easy to maintain and looks great with a clear face
- Short twists: Many funkier options available nowadays, but the best are the round ones
- Low or high fade: This is great if you work as it is very simple and easy
- 360 waves: It takes about a month to achieve, but once done can look very smooth and retro
- Slicked back: Easy and puts focus on your face more than your hair
- Short braids: Creates a very polished look, especially with a buzz on the side of your head
New hairstyles for a black man
We all agree that classic hairstyles are great, and everyone knows that they will work but, experimenting with new hairstyles can make you feel unique. And who knows? It might suit you so much better than any old ones. Some of these styles are:
- Waves and a low fade: It requires a lot of texture and looks splendid with a beard.
- High bald fade cut: With a buzz and keeping the curls tight on top, this is easy and simple.
- Short hair with low taper fade: This cut makes your face look rounded and defines the forehead.
- Deeper waves: It is hard to maintain as it requires conditioner and regular combing but totally worth it.
- Short hair with burst fade: It is a very retro look and not complicated at all.
- Edge up with high or low fade: It can display the kinky curl texture and looks great with a beard.
- Sponge twists with a fade: It requires more length and with sponge twists at the top of the head—the most popular hairstyle for some years now.
- Hi-lo fade but with a solid line: The hi-lo fade is emphasized with a waving line and adds color as well.
How to grow your hair out for black men
Growing your hair out is a universal problem, but it can be much more complicated for black men. However, if you have proper means and technique, then it is much easier than it seems! It can be time-consuming, but the main part is to protect the hair from damage and breakage for it to grow successfully.
To prevent damage, you need to stop using harsh chemicals on hair. This means stop using products with sulfates and SLS. Moreover, you need to keep your hair hydrated as well as moisturized by using a conditioner. Other things include keeping it clean, trimming the ends regularly, taking care of the scalp, and maintaining a healthy diet by drinking a lot of water.
To grow an afro specifically, you need a lot of patience, dedication, and naturally curly hair. It requires you to constantly moisturize, staying away from heat and color, and using the right products and comb. One extra step that you need is to wrap your hair at night before sleeping.
Haircuts for black men with a receding hairline
As you grow old, your hairline recedes but not only that, if there is a lot of stress on the hair, it also causes it to recede. In contrast, just because you have a receding hairline doesn’t mean that you can’t still look good! Some hairstyles to help you with that problem are:
- Shaved head: If you have a beard with the shaved head, it can take the attention off of your head
- Buzzed burr: It embraces your receding hairline and is very easy to maintain as well
- Tapered butch cut: The hair is longer on top, and the length variation gives the illusion of a fuller head
- Short haircut with forehead line: It has a distinct line on the forehead but with very short hair
In conclusion, these are some of the hairstyles that may look great on black guys. Finding the perfect hairstyle is a process with lots of trials and errors. So, don’t lose hope if you think you still haven’t found your perfect hairstyle!