prom hairstyles for dark hair

15 BEST MEDIUM-LENGTH HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

A mid-length hairstyle is the perfect choice for those who want a balanced, low-risk look. Despite being “mid-length,” these styles are far from dull. Their versatility offers a happy medium between the upkeep of a shorter bob and the commitment of extra-long hair. Mid-length cuts are both stylish and practical, making them an appealing option for many. Take a look at our top 15 mid-length hairstyles below!

SHOULDER LENGTH BOB

Kahlana Barfield Brown’s shoulder-length bob always gives me major hair envy. If you’re looking to recreate her waves, a curling wand is an easy go-to tool. One pro tip I picked up while straightening my own hair is to pin curl it at night after styling. This helps keep the waves intact and looking fresh the next day!

Asymmetrical Lob

The lob, or long bob, is a collarbone-grazing style that works beautifully for all curl types. To give it a more edgy, relaxed vibe, try parting your hair off-centre—this will add extra volume on one side and create a less “polished” finish.

Locs

Hair discrimination against Black women remains an issue in the workplace, particularly for those with locs. However, trailblazers like Ava DuVernay inspire us to embrace and celebrate the hairstyles that are unique to us, reminding us to wear them with pride.

Layered Curls  

If you’re lucky enough to have thick, bouncy curls, a layered cut might be perfect for you. This style is designed to create a softer, more rounded shape and is often done on dry curls to ensure the best result. To enhance your natural curls with added texture, a curling wand is your go-to tool for defining those layers even more.

Curly Puff with Fringe

Yara Shahidi always nails her look. If you’re not ready to wear all your curls down, a puff with fringe is the perfect compromise, offering a stylish way to showcase your curls without going all in.

Curly Fringe

Add a touch of allure to your curly hairstyle by incorporating a fringe. Whether you let a few curls fall softly over your forehead or sweep a fuller set forward, a fringe can instantly create the look of more volume and bounce, enhancing your overall style.

Bold Colored Wig

Regina Hall’s Met Gala look was a whole vibe. It wasn’t just the sleek middle part and silky texture that stood out—the pop of color added an unexpected twist. While achieving shades like pastel pink can be risky for dark roots due to the damage from bleaching, that doesn’t mean you can’t rock the look. A great wig and a boost of confidence are all you need to pull it off without compromising your curls.

Angled Lob

For a chic and sophisticated look, try an inverted lob. This style is cut slightly shorter in the back, allowing for a front that frames your face beautifully. It’s the perfect way to show off your wild locks while adding a touch of elegance to your overall look.

Faux Locs

Protective styles like faux locs offer a great way to switch up your look while giving your hair a much-needed break from daily styling. You can wear them as they are for a sleek, natural vibe, or add colorful hair accessories or highlights to make your locs stand out even more.

Straight Lob

The collarbone-grazing long bob is ideal for straight hair, particularly if your locks lack natural volume. As the ends hit your décolletage, they’ll create a natural flick. To style, use a round brush while blow-drying to curve the hair under your chin, or keep it sleek and straight. Tucking one side behind your ear adds an impression of texture and effortlessly enhances the overall look.

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots serve a dual purpose: they act as a protective style while also stretching coily hair. By twisting wet hair into bantu knots and allowing them to dry, you can achieve stunning beachy waves once you take them down. This technique not only protects your curls but also enhances their natural texture in a stylish way.

Textured Lob

Even the straightest hair can gain texture with the addition of layers. These layers help frame your face, accentuating features like your eyes and cheekbones. For extra volume and texture at the roots, try light backcombing and finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Hair Wraps

During my journey growing out my Big Chop, wraps became my go-to accessory. Not only did the printed fabrics enhance my wardrobe, but they also helped my hair grow by minimizing manipulation of my 4C coils. While learning to tie a wrap can be tricky, I recommend watching a few tutorials to find a method that suits you best. With a little practice, you’ll be able to style them effortlessly!

straight Side-Parting

A simple way to elevate your hairstyle is by opting for a side parting. Whether it’s your natural part or not, shifting your hair to one side creates a cool, edgier vibe. This is especially effective if you have more hair on one side; parting it on the thicker side can help create balance.

Side Swept Afro

If you’re searching for a style that’s perfect for a special occasion or want to highlight your cheekbones, Kia Marie’s side-swept fro is an excellent choice. This look beautifully frames the face and adds an elegant touch to any outfit, making it a standout option for any event.

CONCLUSION

The journey to finding the perfect hairstyle for natural hair is a personal one. It’s about discovering what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you opt for a classic look like the Afro or a trendy style like the locs, the key is to embrace your natural texture and experiment with different styles. So, go ahead and explore the 15 hairstyles we’ve presented in this article. With a little creativity and care, you can rock your natural hair with style and confidence.

15 CUTE AND FUN RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLES FOR 2024

Rubber band hairstyles are a fun and playful option, especially for summer when you want something cute and vibrant. The term ‘rubber band’ refers to small, colorful hair elastics that are thin yet strong, perfect for creating unique patterns and sections in your hair. These elastics can also add a stylish twist to simple looks like puffs or ponytails. Ready to explore 15 trendy rubber band hairstyles? Let’s dive in!

RUBBER BAND PIGTAILS HAIRSTYLE

Elevate your basic pigtails by incorporating rubber bands for a fun and versatile twist. This style easily transitions from school to the gym or even a weekend date. To achieve the look, secure the bands in diagonal sections, drawing attention to the start of your pigtails. The result is a polished Dutch braid-inspired effect—without the braids—that adds personality and flair to your hair. Pair the hairstyle with fresh, flawless makeup for a perfectly put-together look.

RUBBER BAND AND TWO BUNS HAIRSTYLE

Why settle for one bun when you can have two? Take your double buns or puffs to the next level by adding rubber bands for extra flair. This playful hairstyle is perfect for a festival or day party, giving off a fun and cheerful vibe. The rubber-band sections help keep your hair flat, making your buns stand out even more. To enhance the fun factor, swap out plain black or white elastics for colorful ones that add to the joyful look.

RUBBER BAND AND BUN HAIRSTYLE

Incorporating a rubber-band pattern into your bun is an easy way to add unique flair and showcase your personality. Whether you create the design on one side or throughout your hair, it adds a stylish and eye-catching contrast. For a formal event, keep it sleek and polished by using bands that match your hair color. On the other hand, opt for feminine hues like pink to create a playful and romantic vibe—perfect for date night.

HALF UP HALF DOWN RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are trending for good reason—they offer the elegance of a bun with the relaxed vibe of loose hair. Adding rubber bands can give this classic style a playful and unique twist without much extra effort. Using white or colorful elastics not only enhances the look but also draws attention to your face. This fun and flattering hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to school, brunch, or a picnic date.

COLORFUL RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE

Rubber band hairstyles naturally exude a playful and youthful vibe, so why not embrace it by opting for colorful elastics? Pastels, neons, and bright colors pop against dark hair, ensuring you’ll stand out in any crowd. To avoid looking too much like a ’90s throwback or playground style, be mindful not to overuse the bands. Balance the fun with a touch of glamour by choosing sophisticated makeup—think matte lipstick, a sun-kissed highlighter, and perfectly shaped brows for a polished finish.

RUBBER BAND UPDO HAIRSTYLE

Rubber bands can effortlessly elevate a simple updo, adding a touch of style and glamour. Try sectioning your hair into patterns at the front, sides, and back, then twist the rest—whether it’s your natural hair or extensions—into a sleek bun. The key is contrast: keep the bun itself simple so the rubber band sections can stand out and create visual interest. Even better, the rubber bands will naturally draw attention to your face and highlight accessories like a bold pair of earrings.

RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE WITH STRAIGHT HAIR

A timeless rubber band look is the bubble ponytail, perfect for naturally straight hair, weaves, or chemically relaxed hair. This style is both simple and adorable, making it easy to customize for anything from a daytime festival to a glamorous night out. Begin by creating a high ponytail, then place rubber bands—ideally matching your hair color—at regular intervals down its length. To achieve the signature ‘bubble’ effect, gently pull each section outward. It’s an effortless yet chic way to stand out.

RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE FOR CURLY HAIR

Rubber band hairstyles can still highlight your big, bouncy curls while adding a stylish touch. The contrast between the sleek rubber bands and your voluminous curls will grab attention and make you stand out. For a fun, festival-ready look, try combining a criss-cross rubber band pattern with your natural curls. This hairstyle brings a playful ’90s vibe and beautifully frames your face, ensuring your features remain the focal point, even with all that gorgeous volume.

RUBBER BAND NATURAL PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLE

Rubber band hairstyles look just as stunning with a curly natural ponytail as they do with a sleek, straight one. For a fun and playful vibe that can be dressed up for an evening event, try adding metal beads or rings over the rubber bands. For even more style, consider incorporating tribal braids—both in the ponytail itself and as face-framing accents. This adds an extra layer of sophistication while keeping the look bold and unique.

RUBBER BAND STRAIGHT PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLE

Rubber bands bring a playful and personal touch to any hairstyle. Why not pair a sleek, straight ponytail with a fun rubber band pattern for a striking contrast? This way, you get the best of both worlds! Have your stylist create a whimsical rubber band design—like a classic box or criss-cross pattern—at the front and crown of your head before braiding in extra-long extensions to complete the ponytail. If you’re short on time, you can also opt for a clip-in ponytail extension to streamline the styling process.

EASY RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE

Keep it effortlessly chic with a hairband-effect rubber band hairstyle. This feminine and beautiful style frames your face while being quick to achieve, making it a great option for various hair textures and curl patterns—as long as your hair is long enough. To create the hairband effect, start from the left and work your way to the right. Secure small sections of hair with a rubber band, twisting them into the next section and adding a band each time. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a stunning hairstyle that’s ready to be flaunted!

CRISS CROSS RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE

One of the most popular rubber band hairstyles is the criss-cross pattern, known for its eye-catching design and playful vibe—perfect for enhancing other styles like ponytails. To achieve this look, begin by sectioning either the front and crown or the sides of your hair into triangles or diamonds. Secure each section with a rubber band. Then, working from front to back, connect the sectioned hair diagonally in an overlapping criss-cross pattern. Once you’ve completed the design, finish off the style by securing your hair in a bun, ponytail, or puff for a fun and trendy look!

RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE FOR MEDIUM NATURAL HAIR

For medium natural hair, a sleek rubber band hairstyle is a fantastic choice. This style showcases your hair’s natural curl while providing a polished look with defined patterns created by the rubber bands at the front. Start by sectioning your hair into boxes or triangles, then braid or twist the sections together using the elastics. For an extra touch of glamour, add beads or rings to the bands. Finish off the look by spritzing an oil mist throughout the rest of your hair to enhance shine and create bouncy curls. This chic style is perfect for special occasions like homecoming, weddings, or prom.

RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE FOR LONG NATURAL HAIR

Rubber bands are an excellent way to infuse vibrant color into your hairstyle. If you have long natural hair that’s been braided—or if you’ve had long braids added—consider incorporating rubber bands for a fun ‘90s vibe. Position the elastics at various intervals along your braids, not just at the ends. To complete the look, add hair clips in equally bright colors for a cohesive style. Plus, since the rubber bands are easily removable, this versatile option allows you to refresh your braids and switch up your look for the day.

RUBBER BAND HAIRSTYLE FOR SHORT NATURAL HAIR

If you’ve recently undergone the big chop and are looking for ways to style your short natural hair, rubber bands are an excellent choice. They make a bold statement while adding a fun, eye-catching element to your look. Plus, rubber band hairstyles are quick and easy to create, so you won’t spend too much time styling. One standout option is the box pattern ‘hairband’ effect. Simply section the front of your hair as you would for box braids, leaving the rest of your hair loose. The result is a cute, pretty, and feminine style that’s perfect for any occasion!

CONCLUSION

Rubber bands are more than just hair accessories; they’re versatile tools that can transform your hairstyle from simple to stylish. With a little creativity and practice, you can create a variety of cute and fun hairstyles that will make you stand out. Whether you’re looking for something casual or something more formal, there’s a rubber band hairstyle out there for you. So, experiment, have fun, and let your imagination run wild!