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.

20 MUST-TRY HAIRSTYLES FOR 2024

Ready to refresh your look for the new year? We’re excited to showcase the hottest hairstyles for 2024. Keep scrolling to discover the most stunning trends of the year!

THE WOLF CUT

The wolf cut is the must-try hairstyle of the moment! Combining elements of the mullet and shaggy cuts, this trend revives the iconic 1970s rock look with longer hair at the back and shorter layers at the sides. With its roots in the hippie and bohemian vibes of the shaggy cut, the wolf cut is incredibly versatile and suits a wide range of people. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish have already embraced this bold new look, making it a hot trend for 2024.

THE MODERN RACHEL CUT

The iconic haircut sported by Jennifer Aniston in the ’90s sitcom Friends is making a major comeback! This style features shoulder-length hair with layers cut at varying lengths, creating a rounded, face-framing effect. To achieve this stunning look, consider using a volumizing shampoo to keep your hair light and fluffy, and apply a hair oil or serum for added texture. With a bit of practice, you can master this classic cut at home and enjoy its timeless appeal.

LONG, SLEEK STRANDS

Sleek, long hair has long been a symbol of femininity and elegance. In the 1920s, it was associated with sophistication and mystery, embodying a classic sense of grace. By the 1960s, however, long hair took on a rebellious edge, becoming a statement of unconventional self-expression and freedom. While sleek hair remains a timeless choice, it’s fascinating to see how its meaning has evolved over the decades.

MID-LENGTH CURLY SHAG

The iconic haircut sported by Jennifer Aniston in the ’90s sitcom Friends is making a major comeback! This style features shoulder-length hair with layers cut at varying lengths, creating a rounded, face-framing effect. To achieve this stunning look, consider using a volumizing shampoo to keep your hair light and fluffy, and apply a hair oil or serum for added texture. With a bit of practice, you can master this classic cut at home and enjoy its timeless appeal.

MID-LENGTH CUT

The mid-length cut is an ideal choice for those who want a balance between short and long hair. It’s particularly flattering for thicker hair, offering a natural, effortless look. This versatile style is perfect for the spring season, allowing for a range of styles from beachy waves to sleek updos. With the right styling products, you can easily switch up your look without making a drastic change. If you’re seeking a fresh update that’s both manageable and stylish, the mid-length cut is worth considering.

FUNKY PIXIE

The funky pixie hairstyle is a contemporary twist on the classic pixie cut, featuring shorter layers on top with longer, choppy layers around the sides and back. This cut is often styled to have a textured, messy finish, giving it a fun and playful vibe.

To achieve this look, start with a short, layered haircut. Use products like pomade, wax, or clay to define and separate the layers, creating the desired texture. For added volume and movement, you can also use a hair dryer and a round brush. The result is a modern, edgy style that’s both stylish and easy to maintain.

SLICKED BACK STRANDS

The slicked-back hairstyle is a timeless and elegant choice, especially for women with long hair. It offers a polished alternative to the traditional ponytail, perfect for those who want a chic, updo without the usual fuss. This style exudes sophistication and sexiness, giving you a salon-fresh look. Its popularity on Pinterest and Instagram reflects its growing appeal, making it a favorite among women looking for a sleek and stylish finish.

DIMENSIONAL PIXIE BOB

The pixie bob is a chic, short hairstyle that combines the sleekness of a bob with the edgy appeal of a pixie cut. Typically shorter at the back and featuring longer bangs, it can range from ear-length to chin-length. Adding dimensional highlights can enhance the movement and depth of this cut around the face. Ideal for those seeking both texture and volume, the pixie bob’s versatility and ease of styling make it a timeless choice that never goes out of fashion.

BLUNT COLLARBONE CUT

The blunt collarbone cut is a popular hairstyle for those looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish look. It features a sharp, angled line, not shorter in the back or longer, that runs along the collarbone and can be customized to fit any face shape.

With its versatility, the blunt collarbone cut is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re headed to a casual brunch or an evening event, this look will have you looking on-trend and ready to take on the day.

CLASSIC LOB

A classic lob is a haircut that falls between the chin and collarbone. It is a versatile haircut that can be styled in a variety of ways, including straight, wavy, or curly. To achieve a classic lob hairstyle, start by having your hair cut into a blunt or slightly graduated bob. You can then style your hair as desired, using products such as mousse, gel, or serum to add definition and hold.

BIG CHOP

The big chop is a bold and trendy hairstyle featuring a dramatic, choppy cut. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cut off all your hair; instead, it involves a significant change that can be tailored to your personal style. Communicate with your stylist to choose a pixie cut that complements your face shape.

This haircut is increasingly popular among women looking to make a powerful statement with their hair. It represents a dramatic shift from long to short hair and can be both liberating and empowering, offering a fresh and stylish new look.

SHORT CURLY AFRO

The short curly afro is a standout hairstyle that has recently gained significant popularity. Ideal for those seeking a bold new look or simply wanting to inject some fun and flair into their style, this haircut is perfect for making a statement.

Often considered attractive and sexy due to its rarity and the emphasis on natural texture, the short curly afro draws attention and highlights the uniqueness of your curls. It’s a dynamic choice that sets you apart and celebrates the beauty of natural hair.

STRAWBERRY HIGHLIGHTS

Strawberry highlights have been a popular choice for decades, offering a fresh alternative to traditional highlights and lowlights. These highlights can complement any hair color but are especially striking on light blonde, light brown, and dark brown hair. To achieve this look, typically, a lighter shade of your natural hair color is used for the highlights, while a darker shade is applied for the lowlights. This technique creates a beautiful, sun-kissed effect with rich, multidimensional tones.

TEXTURE ON TOP

Adding texture to a haircut can enhance volume and movement, making it easier to style. Jada Pinkett Smith is known for her stylish and varied haircuts, often featuring textured styles and creative updos that keep the hair off her face. She’s not shy about experimenting with different looks, showcasing a wide range of textured hairstyles. If you’re adding texture with heat styling tools, don’t forget to use heat protectant products to keep your hair healthy.

EDGY UNDERCUT

The edgy undercut is a bold hairstyle characterized by shaved sides and the back of the head, with the top remaining between 3 to 5 inches long. While it can be worn by both men and women, it tends to be more popular among men. Celebrities like Justin Bieber and Scarlett Johansson have helped popularize this look.

Originally known as a “French crop,” this haircut has historical roots dating back to the 19th century, when it was embraced by French aristocrats as a statement of independence from the monarchy. Its enduring appeal continues to make it a striking and fashionable choice today.

FLIPPED-OUT BOB

The Flipped-Out Bob is a trendy hairstyle where the hair is flipped out or back for a playful, dynamic look. This effect can be achieved using a hair dryer and a round brush, or with hot rollers or a curling iron. The bob can range in length from chin-length to just above the shoulders, and the flip’s prominence can be adjusted based on your preference. This style offers a modern twist on the classic bob and pairs well with various makeup and clothing styles, making it a versatile choice for a fresh, stylish appearance.

BEACH WAVES

The beach waves hairstyle embodies a relaxed, carefree vibe, mimicking the natural waves you’d get from a day at the beach. To achieve this look, you can either let your hair air dry after washing or use styling products like sea salt spray or mousse to add texture and volume. Remember, the goal is to keep the waves loose and effortless, so don’t stress about making them perfect. Embrace the natural, tousled look for a chic and laid-back finish.

TWO-TIER INVERTED BOB

The two-tier inverted bob is a modern, sassy haircut that can be customized to complement any face shape. It offers a stylish update without requiring a dramatic change in hair length. This cut features shorter layers in the back, with longer, tapered layers framing the face. The result is a chic, flattering look that combines sophistication with a touch of flair.

BOBS WITH CENTER PARTS

Bobs with center parts gained iconic status in the 1950s, thanks to Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. This classic hairstyle involves parting the hair down the center and pulling it into two ponytails on either side, which are then braided together to form a braid crown. While this look can be achieved with any hair type, it’s particularly stunning on those with straight or wavy hair, offering a timeless and elegant finish.

WISPY BANGS

Wispy bangs are a fantastic way to refresh your hairstyle without a trip to the salon. They’re easy to create at home with just a few supplies. According to Alex Brown, a Chicago-based hairstylist, “Wispy bangs can add amazing softness and movement to long, thick hair.” Whether you want a subtle change or a more dramatic look, wispy bangs are an ideal option. With a few simple tools and products, you can achieve beautifully soft and lasting bangs that elevate your overall style.

ANGLED BOB

An angled bob is a chic and versatile haircut characterized by shorter hair in the back that gradually lengthens towards the front. This creates a distinctive, angled silhouette that can be tailored to different face shapes and hair textures. The style can be worn with or without bangs, allowing for customization based on personal preferences. Overall, the angled bob offers a stylish, adaptable look that can be adjusted to complement your unique style.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the hottest hairstyles for 2024 offer a blend of timeless elegance and modern edge. From the chic angled bob and playful funky pixie to the sleek, sophisticated slicked-back look and the bold, textured beach waves, there’s a style to suit every taste and occasion. The resurgence of classic cuts like the flipped-out bob and short curly afro highlights the versatility and creativity in today’s hair trends. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic change or a subtle update, these trends provide ample inspiration to refresh your look and embrace your unique style.