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18 BEST WEDDING HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN 

Planning your wedding day hairstyle can feel like a military operation. From preparing your hair to finding the perfect stylist, and incorporating veils and accessories, there’s a lot to think about. This is especially true for Black brides, as Black British bridal hair specialists haven’t received the recognition they deserve, and many bridal guides primarily focus on Caucasian hair types. This article is dedicated to you! We’ve put together a list of 18 stunning hairstyles for Black brides to help you shine on your special day. Ready to get inspired? Keep reading!

CHOOSING THE BEST BLACK BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES

First, think about your hair texture—whether it’s natural, relaxed, or styled in a protective way like braids or twists. Each texture provides unique styling options, from sleek updos to voluminous curls.

Next, take your face shape and features into account to identify which styles will best enhance your look.

Consider the theme and formality of your wedding as well. Elegant updos or sophisticated, sleek styles may suit a formal affair, while loose curls or braided styles may be more fitting for a relaxed or bohemian celebration. Don’t forget to match your hairstyle with your wedding dress and accessories to ensure a cohesive bridal look.

Finally, it’s wise to schedule a trial session with your hairstylist to experiment with different styles and find the one that makes you feel the most beautiful and confident on your big day.

WEDDING HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

BRAIDS WITH A MEGA BOW

Secure various-sized braids at the nape of your neck with a large, luxurious bow—the more opulent the material, the better! Lace, silk, and velvet are all excellent choices. Now that your hairstyle is taken care of, what about your nails? Don’t miss our roundup of stunning wedding nail ideas that go beyond just nude shades!

MINI TWISTS

That sounds like a stylish choice! Mini twists paired with ‘Mrs’ earrings definitely create a chic and modern bridal look. This combination adds a playful yet elegant touch to the overall aesthetic. Are you planning a specific hairstyle or outfit to complement this vibe?

HIGH VOLUME HAIR WITH A VEIL

That’s a fantastic tip! Pinning the veil below your chosen hairstyle allows both elements to shine. Whether you choose an updo or short curls, this approach adds elegance and showcases your hair beautifully. Additionally, it creates a lovely flow and can enhance your overall bridal look. Do you have any specific styles in mind?

LAYERED CURLS WITH A COMB

That’s a great idea! Layered curls can add a lot of volume and movement to your hair. Clipping one side up with a dramatic hair accessory not only adds flair but also creates an asymmetrical look that can be very striking. It’s a perfect way to balance elegance with a touch of drama. Have you thought about what kind of accessory you’d like to use?

GHANA BRAIDS WITH LOOSE CURLS

That sounds like a stunning and modern hairstyle! Chunky twin braids combined with tiny cornrows can create a unique look, especially with the ends left free and curly. Keeping edge control gel and a tiny bristle brush handy is smart; it helps achieve that polished finish, especially for braids or tight updos. This approach not only keeps your hairstyle neat but also adds a stylish touch. Are you considering this for a wedding or another special occasion?

LOCS WITH TRINKETS

Jourdan Dunn’s faux locs are indeed a stunning choice! Incorporating trinkets or hair accessories can elevate the look and give it a unique, glamorous touch, much like her Met Gala appearance. Are there specific trinkets you have in mind to channel that vibe?

SOFT UPDO WITH SILK FLOWERS

That’s a lovely idea! Silk flowers cascading from a soft updo bring a romantic and ethereal touch, perfect for a spring wedding. They add a whimsical element without the worry of wilting, allowing you to enjoy your special day without concern. This style beautifully combines elegance with a natural feel. Have you thought about color schemes or specific types of flowers to use?

LOW BUN WITH OVERSIZED CLIP

That sounds fabulous! A giant clip can add a bold statement to a curly low bun, making it both stylish and sophisticated. Placing the accessory at the back not only highlights the bun but also adds an element of surprise to your hairstyle. Are you considering any particular colors or designs for the clip?

LOW SIDE PARTING WITH A BEJEWELLED CLIP

Absolutely! A simple hairstyle acts as a great backdrop for a statement clip. Whether it’s a sleek ponytail, a low bun, or straight hair, the contrast allows the clip to shine and become the focal point of your look. This balance between simplicity and a touch of glamour can create a stunning effect. Do you have a specific clip in mind that you’d like to use?

CHIGNON

A classic chignon is a timeless choice, especially if your wedding dress highlights the back! It elegantly showcases your neckline and any intricate details on your gown. Plus, it’s versatile enough to add accessories or keep it minimal. Have you thought about any specific embellishments to pair with the chignon?

BOX BRAIDS

Loosely secured box braids create a relaxed and effortlessly cool vibe, and you’re right—imperfection adds character to the style. By randomly clipping up sections, you can beautifully highlight your bone structure and showcase any statement jewelry you choose to wear. This approach adds an artistic touch and keeps the look fresh and dynamic. Are there particular pieces of jewelry you’re excited to feature with this style?

LOOSE CLIP WITH CURLS 

That’s excellent advice! Applying a curl cream or custard helps enhance and define your natural curl pattern, giving your hair a beautiful, bouncy look.  Adding a loose slide on one side and leaving tendrils free around your face creates a relaxed, effortlessly chic vibe. 

DYED CROP

That’s a smart approach! Dyeing short hair can definitely add dimension and make a bold statement, especially for a wedding. It’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your hairdresser to understand the implications, as coloring can affect texture and overall health.

LONG GHANA BRAIDS 

That sounds stunning! Long Ghana braids secured into larger plaits at the nape of the neck create a chic and elegant look while drawing attention to your earrings. This style not only showcases your accessories but also keeps your hair neat and stylish. It’s a great way to make a statement and allow your lobes to shine. Do you have a particular pair of earrings in mind that you’d love to wear with this hairstyle?

DELICATE CORNROWS

That’s a fantastic choice! Face-framing cornrows paired with a combed-out afro create a striking and dramatic look. The cornrows can beautifully accentuate your features while the afro adds volume and texture, making for a bold statement. This combination is perfect for showcasing your natural beauty and adding a touch of flair. Are you thinking about any specific styles or embellishments to complement this look?

VINTAGE BARRETTE

That sounds perfect for a vintage-inspired wedding! A pearl and enamel encrusted barrette adds a touch of elegance and can beautifully enhance your hairstyle. Placing it thoughtfully can create a stunning focal point, especially with side-swept curls. The contrast of delicate earrings with the vintage barrette adds a modern twist that keeps the look fresh and stylish. Have you chosen a specific hairstyle to pair with the barrette?

HALO BRAID

A halo braid is indeed a timeless choice for weddings! It adds a romantic and ethereal touch, making it perfect for the occasion. Pairing it with modern drop earrings creates a beautiful contrast that keeps the look fresh and contemporary. This combination strikes a lovely balance between classic elegance and modern flair. Are there specific drop earrings you’re considering to complement the halo braid?

CURLS AND BIRDS

That’s a creative idea! Swapping leaves for birds in your curly updo adds a whimsical and unique touch. Decorative birds can bring a playful elegance to the hairstyle, making it stand out beautifully. This choice is perfect for a nature-inspired or bohemian wedding theme. Are you thinking about using feathers, clips, or other types of bird-inspired accessories?

CONCLUSION

Choosing the perfect hairstyle for your wedding day is a crucial decision. It should complement your face shape, dress style, and personal style. For Black women, there’s a vast array of stunning hairstyles to choose from, ranging from classic updos to modern braids. Whether you opt for a sleek bun, elegant curls, or intricate braids, the key is to select a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, it’s your special day, so let your hairstyle reflect your unique personality.

30 BEST SHAGGY HAIRCUTS FOR WOMEN

Today, it’s rare to see women choosing one-length hairstyles. Shag haircuts, on the other hand, offer a more modern, edgy, and defined look while being easy to maintain. These cuts are incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor them to your personal style, hair texture, and lifestyle. With options ranging from tousled layers and face-framing bangs to fun, choppy ends, there’s a shag for everyone. Get inspired for your next bold hair transformation and embrace the carefree, effortlessly cool vibes of this trendy cut.

Straight Shag With Bangs

Who says a shag has to be, well, shaggy? Heidi Klum’s sleek shag proves it can be polished and edgy, with a full fringe that skims right above her eyes for a bold, modern look.

Center-Parted Long Curly Shag

Iman’s luscious locks flow gracefully past her décolletage, made even more striking with a touch of shine spray for added brilliance.

Disheveled Shag with Bangs

A shoulder-length layered haircut gets an instant refresh with the addition of babylights. These delicate caramel highlights are created using a fine coloring technique designed to replicate the natural sun-kissed look your hair achieves after sun exposure.

Long Shag with Flipped Tips

A long shag haircut that feathers down the back and flips out around the neckline and shoulders is a perfect choice for showcasing wavy hair. The two-tone color enhances the defined layers, adding depth and dimension to this chic, effortless style.

Voluminous Curly Shag

Tracee Ellis Ross’s hair is pure va-va-voom, with her bold curls taking center stage in this stunning afro-meets-shag combo. To keep those curls defined and frizz-free, be sure to invest in a high-quality moisturizer and finishing product.

Medium Curly Shag With Bangs

Zendaya is known for being a hair chameleon, but one of our favorite looks on her is this curly shag. It’s full of volume, with thick bangs that frame her face beautifully. Subtle chestnut highlights accentuate the shorter layers near the front, adding depth and dimension. “I’ve seen some amazing curly hair shags that are very soft and wispy,” says Bennett.

Bob with Messy Front Layers

A shaggy sliced bob is the perfect blend of a traditional bob and a shag cut, making it ideal for women with super-fine hair. Blonde highlights on a light brown base add depth and richness, giving limp or overworked hair a much-needed boost of dimension and texture.

Natural Shag

Logan Browning’s long curly style may not be a classic shag, but the short layers throughout give it a choppy, slightly A-frame shape that channels the essence of a shag haircut. This twist on the traditional style adds dimension and movement to her curls.

Shag with Long Bangs

Elevate the classic mid-length shag by adding layered ash blonde highlights. This technique works especially well on thin to medium-textured hair, as thick hair can appear bulky with too many layers. For a sassy, chic vibe, style it with soft waves.

Sleek Haircut with Shaggy Ends

Elongate your neckline by styling your medium-length straight hair to gently dip inward toward your collarbone. The intentionally razored shaggy ends add texture and a touch of whimsy to your cut, creating a playful yet sophisticated look.

Modern Shag

If you’re seeking a modern twist on the shag cut without the traditional bangs, look to Jasmine Tookes for inspiration. She styles her medium-length hair with soft bends and tucks it behind her ear for a chic and effortless look.

Step Haircut

Medium to long feathered cuts offer plenty of bounce and body, thanks to the razor technique used to create fine-textured layers. Feminine and flattering, these styles look stunning when tousled, allowing their natural fluffiness and movement to shine through.

Shaggy Pixie

Joan Smalls teaches us how to rock a shaggy pixie with flair. Her side-swept bangs are piecey and textured, adding a retro, mod vibe to the overall look. This style perfectly balances edge and elegance.

Ombré Shag

Complete with dramatic curtain bangs, this whimsical cut truly shines with a complementary color job. The ombré effect transitions smoothly from the client’s natural brunette at the roots to a soft beige blonde at the tips, making it easy to grow out while maintaining a stylish appearance.

Medium Cut with Jagged Waves

Free spirits will absolutely adore the grungy haircut. By chopping into mid-length hair and incorporating some boho flicks, you can effortlessly embrace a fresh new look. This cut can be styled by hand, allowing you to create fun waves in seconds for a carefree vibe.

’70s Shag

The secret to achieving a ’70s-inspired shag haircut, as seen on Lady Gaga, is to keep styling minimal. Steer clear of gels that can make your hair stiff; instead, use styling creams with medium hold for a more natural, effortless look.

Short And Sleek Shag

While most shag haircuts are often associated with wavy or curly hair, this ultra-smooth style demonstrates that those with straight hair can also rock a shag. The sleek finish adds a modern twist to the classic cut, showcasing its versatility.

Long Shag With Soft Waves

Longer hair can still be beautifully shaped, as seen with actress Natasha Lyonne. Her dyed red locks strike a perfect balance between shaggy and elegant, showcasing the versatility of longer-length hairstyles.

Clavi-Cut with Curtain Bangs

Frame your face and enhance your look with soft curtain bangs. Layering thick hair not only adds a whimsical touch but also makes styling much easier, giving your hair movement and shape.

Undercut Long Shag

For a bold, statement-making look, a shag haircut with a side shave is the way to go. Take inspiration from Jennifer Hudson and ask your stylist for an undercut. To style the rest of your hair, use a texture spray to create a tousled, defined finish.

Wavy Midi Shag with Side Bangs

Naturally wavy hair and a mid-length shag are the perfect pairing. Enhance your waves and define the wispy ends with a lightweight mousse for a soft, textured look. If you have a diamond-shaped face, try styling your shaggy bangs to one side to balance your features.

Lob Shag

Alexa Chung is the ultimate poster child for the lob shag, so it’s no surprise her effortlessly wavy lob has become an iconic look. Her style perfectly blends chic and casual, making it a standout choice.

Haircut with Thin Feathered Layers

A silver-blonde, shoulder-length shag with feathered ends is a true nod to the 1970s, when this style was a favorite among housewives and busy women. The tousled, choppy crown adds texture, while the longer, sleek layers that graze the shoulders create the illusion of added length and volume, making it an ideal choice for women with fine hair.

Shag With Baby Bangs

If you’re up for the maintenance, baby bangs are a great addition to a shag haircut, as Emma Watson demonstrates. Be prepared to visit the salon every four to six weeks to maintain the short length and keep the look fresh.

Textured Shullet

For a celebrity-inspired haircut reminiscent of Heather Locklear, an ash-blonde layered cut like this one is perfect. Ideal for women with thick, straight hair, the cut can be styled with a middle or off-center part. The slicing technique tames volume and keeps the hair looking sleek and polished.

Blown Out Shag

While a shag is usually all about texture, Rihanna’s blown-out shag in buttery blonde brings a fresh and sleek twist to the style, giving us all the feels with its smooth, voluminous finish.

Feathered Face-Framing Cut

Your shag will look vibrant and shiny with long layers in the back that subtly flip up at the ends. Wispy bangs frame the face, while copper highlights provide a glossy sheen. This medium-length haircut is versatile too, easily pulled back into a ponytail while maintaining visual interest around the face.

Wavy Shag With Soft Fringe

There’s a compelling argument for Lily Collins being the ultimate queen of fringe. In this look, her wispy, choppy bangs beautifully complement a loosely waved shag, creating a effortlessly chic style.

Platinum Shag

This blonde shag features blunt ends that graze just above the shoulders, while soft layers throughout the cut introduce texture and movement, giving the style a modern edge.

Wet Look Shag

We’re loving Ashley Graham’s wet-look bob, which showcases an asymmetrical design due to the unique parting of her hair. This stylish take adds an edgy twist to the classic bob, creating a striking and contemporary look.

CONCLUSION

In the realm of hairstyles, shaggy cuts offer a unique blend of edgy and chic. They’re versatile, flattering, and can suit a wide range of hair types and textures. The key to a great shaggy cut is finding a stylist who understands your hair and can tailor the style to your specific needs. With the right care and styling, a shaggy haircut can be a fun, fashionable, and low-maintenance choice.