Summer is here, and the beach is calling! It’s time to pull out your favorite swimsuit (or maybe grab a new one), schedule that bikini wax, stock up on essentials like sunscreen, and perhaps treat yourself to a manicure. But don’t forget about your hair! No beach trip is complete without the perfect hairstyle to complement your sun-kissed glow. Whether you’re headed to Turks and Caicos, Cancun, California, or Florida—whether it’s a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a fun trip with friends—you’ll want a stylish look for lounging or swimming in the waves.
When planning your beach hair, it’s important to consider factors like drying time, water retention, and sun protection that you might not think about on a typical day. To simplify things, we’ve rounded up the most stunning beach hairstyles for Black women and included some tips for keeping your hair looking fabulous.
CROCHET HAIR
Add some Black girl magic to your beach look with crochet braids. This style has surged in popularity recently and is an excellent choice for beach vacations for several reasons. Firstly, it requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and effort. Crochet braids are also versatile, allowing you to either replicate your natural hair texture or experiment with a bold new look. The longevity of your crochet style depends on the type of crochet hair you choose.
ACCESSORIZE
Accessories can be your best allies on vacation. Straw hats complement any hairstyle while providing essential UV protection for both your hair and skin. Bucket hats, silk scarves, and head wraps are also excellent choices for keeping your hair stylish and protected. Get inspired for your next beach getaway with these accessory ideas.
ROCKING NATURAL HAIR
Embracing your natural hair at the beach can be a bit more demanding, but when paired with a sun-kissed glow, it’s a perfect match. It’s an ideal choice for a day at the beach or a long, sun-drenched weekend. If you plan to swim, whether in the ocean or a pool, keeping your natural hair out allows you to thoroughly wash and condition your scalp and curls without additional hair getting in the way. Plus, natural hair is lighter and dries faster than protective styles. At night, you can simply gather it into a pineapple or braid it into two big, messy cornrows to keep it stretched.
STRAIGHTBACKS
Opt for this classic, low-maintenance protective style for your next beach getaway. Straightbacks are ideal for relaxed beach vacations and can last up to two months with proper care, including moisturizing your scalp, hydrating the hair shaft, and sleeping with a silk scarf. You can even enhance your all-back cornrows with beads, gems, or jewels for an extra touch of style. Plus, straightbacks are quicker to install compared to other protective styles, and you might even be able to do them yourself. How will you style your straightbacks for the beach?
FULANI
Embrace your inner goddess with Fulani braids on the beach. Also known as tribal braids, this intricate and distinctive style is perfect for those laid-back beach days. With low-maintenance care, you can easily enhance your look by adding embellishments like beads, jewels, or shells.
TWISTS WITH ADDED HAIR
For a protective twist style that adds length, consider Marley, Senegalese, Havana, or even passion twists. Marley and Havana twists are particularly great because their kinkier texture offers some leeway for frizz. In humid climates, if your natural hair starts to frizz, these styles will help keep it less noticeable—a total win!
TWO STRAND TWISTS
Vacations can get pricey, so opting for a natural protective style can help you save some cash. Twisting your own hair is a great option, and you can even rock a twist-out once you take them down. Twists shield your natural hair from the elements you’ll face at the beach—like wind, humidity, sand, and sun. Plus, they offer versatility, allowing you to style them into a cute bun, ponytail, or half-up-half-down look, with the option to add beads or jewels for extra flair.
CONCLUSION
There are numerous stunning beach hairstyles that cater to the unique beauty of Black women. Keep in mind that the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Experiment with different styles and find the ones that resonate with your personal style and preferences.
25 ATTRACTIVE NATURAL BRAIDS IN THE FRONT OF NATURAL HAIR
Natural hair is a canvas for endless creativity, and braids are a powerful tool to express that. Framing your face with stunning braids adds instant style and versatility to your look, making them perfect for natural hair styles easy to achieve. Whether you’re searching for a bold statement or a touch of delicate detail, this guide explores 25 captivating braid styles designed specifically to grace the front of your natural hair, empowering you to embrace your unique beauty.
BEST BRAIDS IN THE FRONT OF NATURAL HAIR
SCALP BRAIDS AND CORKSCREW WAVES
Try out the charming combination of half cornrows and half weave for a chic vacation look. Long wavy curls beautifully complement the front cornrows, adding to their allure. This stunning style is a hit on Instagram too. Simply divide your natural hair from ear to ear as with most hairstyles. Secure the front section with clips or ties, then braid the back section only. Finish by tucking the braid ends and applying hair extensions or a wig for added flair.
BOX BRAIDS — WITH A BANG
Box braids are a timeless protective style that can be adorned with bangs for a touch of youthful flair. This combination offers versatility, allowing you to style the bangs to frame your face or sweep them to the side for a touch of mystery.
ZIGZAG STRAIGHT BACK CORNROWS
Zigzag straight back cornrows with a heart on the side offer a unique and eye-catching twist on the classic cornrow style. The zigzag parting adds a touch of playful dimension, while the heart design incorporated near the temple injects a sweet and romantic touch. This combination is perfect for those who want a protective style that’s both stylish and full of personality.
BEAD IT UP
“Bead it Up” hair refers to a vibrant and eye-catching hairstyle that incorporates beads throughout the braids. These beads can be made from various materials like wood, metal, or plastic, and come in a vast array of colors and sizes.
Adding beads to your braids takes your hairstyle to the next level, offering endless possibilities for personalization and expression. Whether you choose to accentuate specific sections or weave them throughout your entire style, the beads add a touch of cultural flair, texture, and a playful element to your natural hair.
CORNROW BRAIDS IN THE FRONT HIGH CURLY PONYTAIL IN THE BACK
Cornrow braids in the front with a high curly ponytail in the back is a stunning and versatile hairstyle. The cornrows offer a protective style for your natural hair, while the high ponytail adds volume and drama. This combination is perfect for those who want a look that’s both stylish and practical. The curly ponytail can be styled with your natural hair or with extensions, allowing you to play with different textures and lengths. This hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, from a casual day out to a special event.
FLIP OVER BRAIDS
Don’t let the intricate design fool you – flip-over braids are the hottest new box braid style, not a geometry test! While the combination of cornrows, box braids, and optional curly pieces creates a mesmerizing pattern, you don’t need a mathematical mind to rock this look. However, be prepared to seek out a skilled braider, as the technique requires expertise to achieve the stunning, eye-catching result.
SCALP BRAIDS WITH HIGH PUFF
This cornrow braid hairstyle is a match made in Afro-heaven for black women, especially those with 4C hair. It celebrates the beauty of textured tresses, allowing you to showcase your cornrows in all their glory. For an extra touch of vibrancy, adorn your braids with beads and accessories, or incorporate colored hair extensions to add even more visual interest. This versatile style is surprisingly easy to achieve with human hair extensions, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a head-turning look that’s both protective and effortlessly chic.
BANTU KNOTS BRAIDS
Bantu knots braids offer a unique twist on the classic Bantu knot style. Instead of simply twisting the hair sections, intricate goddess cornrows are incorporated before forming the knots, resulting in a stunningly textured look. This fusion of braids and knots creates a protective hairstyle that’s both stylish and eye-catching, perfect for those who want to add a touch of personality to their natural hair.
CREATIVE CORNROW BRAIDS
While reminiscent of simplified lemonade braids, this style offers a unique twist. Instead of intricate cornrowing patterns, it features interlaced rows created by sectioning your natural hair from the center outwards. Braiding each section with hair extensions and incorporating gold cuffs during the process creates a stunning yet straightforward look. This style requires no long hair pieces or additional techniques, making it a beautiful and achievable option for those seeking a touch of elegance without the fuss.
CLAW CLIP IT UP
Claw-clipped braided hairstyles are taking TikTok by storm, and it’s easy to see why! This versatile trend combines the beauty of braids with the convenience and style of a trendy accessory. Simply choose your favorite claw clip and use it to secure your box braids into a chic bun or create a stylish half-up, half-down look. The possibilities are endless, and the best part? You can effortlessly match your claw clip to your outfit, making it a perfect way to add a touch of personality and flair.
CORNROW BRAIDS INTO HIGH LOOSE BUN
For those mornings when you want a gorgeous hairstyle without the fuss, look no further than the stunning combination of cornrow braids, a high loose bun, and a touch of beads. This style is perfect for 4C hair, as it allows you to embrace your natural texture while achieving a polished look. The cornrows offer protection, the high bun adds volume and style, and the beads provide a touch of personalization, all without requiring the intricate braiding techniques of other styles. This quick and easy hairstyle is a lifesaver for busy mornings and guarantees a head-turning look.
HALF UP BRAIDS
Feeling stuck in a hairstyle rut? Spice things up with a timeless classic: the half-up, half-down look. This versatile style works wonders with braided hair, allowing you to experiment with different options. Whether you gather half your braids into a chic top knot or opt for a playful, messy bun with loose curls, the half-up, half-down look is guaranteed to refresh your style and turn heads.
JUMBO CORNROWS
While jumbo cornrows might resemble dutch braids, they offer a distinct and eye-catching twist. Unlike dutch braids which result in two prominent braids, jumbo cornrows create multiple, thick braids that frame the face beautifully. These chunky braids not only save you precious styling and maintenance time but also offer a low-maintenance, effortless look that suits various occasions.
SIMPLE FULANI BRAIDS
Simple Fulani braids are a stylish and easy-to-create hairstyle that originates from the Fulani people of West Africa. These braids typically feature a central cornrow or braided line running from the front to the back of the head, with smaller cornrows or braids on either side. They often incorporate decorative elements such as beads, cowrie shells, or colorful thread for added flair. Fulani braids are versatile and can be adapted to suit different hair lengths and textures. This classic yet trendy hairstyle is popular for its cultural significance and eye-catching aesthetic, making it a favorite choice for many people seeking a chic and distinctive look.
ASYMMETRICAL LOB
The asymmetrical lob is a modern and stylish haircut that’s shorter in the back and longer in the front. “Lob” stands for “long bob.” This trendy hairstyle adds an edgy twist to the classic bob haircut, giving it a contemporary and dynamic look. The asymmetrical cut creates a flattering frame for the face, drawing attention to the features while providing a sense of movement and dimension. It’s a versatile style that can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair textures. Whether worn sleek and straight or with textured waves, the asymmetrical lob offers a chic and fashionable option for those looking to switch up their look with a touch of flair.
MESSY BUN
The messy bun reigns supreme as a timeless and universally flattering hairstyle. Its effortless charm lies in its relaxed and textured look, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you have long, flowing locks or shorter, layered hair, a messy bun can be easily achieved and styled to your preference. The beauty of the messy bun lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal effort and styling products, making it a go-to option for busy mornings or lazy days. This hairstyle boasts incredible versatility, allowing you to dress it up or down depending on your needs.
HALF CORNROWS HALF CURLS WITH BEADS
Half cornrows, half curls with beads is a hairstyle that consistently reigns supreme in the world of trendy looks. The captivating combination of intricate cornrow patterns framing the face seamlessly blends into long, flowing natural waves, creating a stunning visual contrast. Adding beads to the braids injects a touch of personality and flair, making the style even more eye-catching. For an extra touch of charm, the curls can be further styled into soft locs, adding a playful and joyful dimension to the overall look. This hairstyle is guaranteed to turn heads and garner appreciation for its unique blend of beauty and versatility.
JUMBO BRAID
For a simple yet impactful hairstyle, consider gathering your box braids into a single giant plait. Whether you choose a side-swept or a bundled-back look, this style offers two major benefits: Firstly, it instantly elevates your look with a touch of main-character energy. Secondly, it keeps your braids neatly tucked away from your face, making it perfect for days when you want to highlight your features without the distraction of loose strands.
HALF-CORNROWS HALF-BRAIDS UPDO
The half-cornrows half-braids updo is a stylish and creative hairstyle that combines two different braiding techniques. In this hairstyle, the top section of the hair is styled into cornrows, while the bottom section is braided. This unique combination creates a striking contrast and adds visual interest to the hairdo. The cornrows can be arranged in various patterns, such as straight back or zigzag, while the braids at the bottom can be left loose or gathered into an updo. This versatile hairstyle is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, and it can be customized with accessories like beads or hair cuffs for added flair. Overall, the half-cornrows half-braids updo offers a trendy and eye-catching look that is sure to turn heads.
SKY HIGH PONYTAIL
The sky-high ponytail is a fun and trendy hairstyle where the hair is pulled up high on the head, creating a sleek and dramatic look. This style involves gathering all the hair together and securing it with an elastic band at the crown of the head, lifting the ponytail upward towards the sky. The key to achieving this hairstyle is to smooth out any bumps or lumps in the hair and use hairspray or gel to keep it sleek and polished. The sky-high ponytail adds height and volume to the hair, making it a bold and statement-making choice for any occasion. Whether worn casually or dressed up for a special event, this hairstyle is sure to make a striking impression.
SCALP CORNROWS WITH HIGH CURLY PONYTAIL
Check out this stylish combination of cornrow braids, a high curly ponytail, and two front side pieces! These adorable cornrow braids leading into a high ponytail are simple to create, even if you’re doing it yourself. You can opt to braid the ponytail itself, giving it a fun protective style, or leave some strands of hair loose on the sides for a playful touch. This look adds a youthful and pretty vibe to your overall appearance, perfect for any occasion!
CURLY PONYTAIL
LOW PONYTAIL FOR STITCH CORNROWS
The low ponytail for stitch cornrows is a stylish and practical hairstyle that combines the sleekness of stitch cornrows with the simplicity of a low ponytail. In this hairstyle, the hair is braided into neat and tight stitch cornrows close to the scalp. Once the cornrows are complete, the remaining hair is gathered and secured into a ponytail positioned low at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle is not only chic and trendy but also functional, keeping the hair out of the face and off the neck. It’s a versatile look that can be worn for various occasions, from casual outings to more formal events. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and can last for several days, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules.
SIDE PART BRAIDS
Side part braids are a stylish and easy-to-create hairstyle that adds flair to your look. In this hairstyle, the hair is parted on one side of the head, creating a distinct and asymmetrical appearance. From there, small sections of hair are braided neatly and tightly, either hanging freely or gathered into a ponytail or bun. Side part braids are versatile and can be customized to suit different hair lengths and textures. They are perfect for various occasions, from casual days out to special events, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your overall style. Plus, they are a practical choice for keeping hair out of your face while still looking fashionable.
CORNROWS IN DIFFERENT SIZES
Cornrows in different sizes offer a stylish and versatile way to braid your hair. With this hairstyle, you can mix and match various sizes of cornrows to create a unique and eye-catching look. Some cornrows can be thin and close together, while others can be thicker and spaced farther apart. This variation adds texture and visual interest to your hairdo, allowing you to express your individual style. Whether you prefer a simple and subtle appearance or a more bold and intricate design, cornrows in different sizes can be tailored to suit your preferences. This hairstyle is suitable for various occasions and can be adorned with beads, cuffs, or other accessories for added flair. Overall, cornrows in different sizes are a fun and creative way to showcase your personality through your hair.
CONCLUSION
With a diverse range of 25 stunning braids designed specifically to flatter the front of your natural hair, the possibilities for self-expression are endless. From intricate braids and goddess braids to playful half-up, half-down hairstyles and protective updos, these hairstyles offer the perfect combination of beauty, versatility, and practicality. Feel free to get creative with your hairstyle, as hair masks for curly hair and products are here to help enhance your look. So next time you’re looking for a new hairstyle, remember the transformative power of braids – the perfect accessory to showcase your natural beauty in a whole new light.
