Styling short natural black hair starts with understanding your hair type. African American hair is incredibly diverse, with different curl patterns ranging from tight coils to loose waves. Knowing your curl pattern is essential because it influences how your hair reacts to products and styling techniques. Common curl patterns include:
Understanding Your Hair Type
The Importance of Knowing Your Curl Pattern
Type 3: Loose curls
Type 4A: Soft, defined coils
Type 4B: Tightly coiled with a “Z” shape
Type 4C: The tightest curls, often with minimal definition
Identifying your curl pattern will help you choose the right products and methods for styling your short natural hair.
Moisture is Key
Short natural black hair tends to be dry because the tight curls make it difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. Therefore, maintaining moisture is crucial. This can be achieved by incorporating a solid moisturizing routine that includes:
Leave-in conditioners: These provide a lasting source of moisture throughout the day.
Oils: Natural oils like coconut, jojoba, and argan oil help seal in moisture.
Creams: Styling creams add moisture while providing hold and definition to your curls.
Essential Tools and Products
Combs and Brushes
Using the right tools is vital for styling short natural black hair. Here are a few essential tools:
Wide-tooth comb: Ideal for detangling wet or dry hair without causing breakage.
Denman brush: Helps define curls and evenly distribute products.
Bristle brush: Perfect for smoothing edges and creating sleek looks.
Styling Products
The products you use will make a significant difference in the outcome of your style. Some must-have products include:
Curl-defining cream: Enhances your natural curl pattern and reduces frizz.
Edge control gel: Helps tame and style edges for a polished look.
Hair gel: Provides hold for various styles, from wash-and-gos to twist-outs.
Moisturizing mist: A great way to refresh your curls throughout the day.
SEE ALSO: How to Do Mini Twists on Short Natural Hair?
Popular Short Hairstyles
Wash and Go
The wash-and-go is a staple for anyone with short natural black hair. It’s a simple yet effective way to define your curls and showcase your natural texture.
Steps to Achieve a Wash and Go
Start with Clean Hair: Shampoo and condition your hair thoroughly. Use a moisturizing shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Apply Leave-in Conditioner: While your hair is still damp, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner to ensure your curls are well-moisturized.
Apply a Curl-Defining Product: Use a curl cream or gel to define your curls. Work the product through your hair with your fingers or a Denman brush.
Air Dry or Diffuse: Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser to speed up the drying process and add volume.
Twist-Out
A twist-out is a great way to achieve defined curls with a bit more elongation. It’s perfect for adding texture and volume to short natural black hair.
Steps to Achieve a Twist-Out
Start with Damp Hair: It’s easier to manipulate and style your hair when it’s slightly damp.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections. The smaller the sections, the more defined your twist-out will be.
Apply a Styling Cream: Apply a styling cream or butter to each section before twisting. This will help define the twist and reduce frizz.
Twist Each Section: Two-strand twist each section from root to tip. Ensure the twists are tight to achieve a more defined look.
Allow to Dry: Let your twists dry completely before unraveling them. You can air dry or sit under a hooded dryer to speed up the process.
Unravel and Fluff: Once your twists are dry, gently unravel them and fluff your roots for added volume.
Finger Coils
Finger coils are another fantastic way to style short natural black hair. This style is particularly good for Type 4 hair, as it helps define your natural curl pattern.
Steps to Achieve Finger Coils
Start with Clean Hair: Shampoo and condition your hair. Follow up with a leave-in conditioner for added moisture.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small, manageable sections.
Apply a Curl Cream or Gel: Apply a curl cream or gel to each section.
Create Coils: Using your fingers, twirl small sections of hair around until they form a coil. Repeat this process throughout your head.
Dry and Set: Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser to set the coils.
Frohawk
The frohawk is a bold and stylish option for those with short natural black hair. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or down.
Steps to Achieve a Frohawk
Start with Stretched Hair: The frohawk looks best on stretched hair, so consider blow-drying your hair or doing a twist-out beforehand.
Section the Sides: Part your hair from front to back on both sides, leaving a section in the middle for the frohawk.
Slick Down the Sides: Apply edge control gel to the sides of your hair and use a brush to slick them down. Secure with bobby pins or small hair ties.
Style the Middle Section: Fluff out the middle section to create the frohawk. You can leave it as is or define the curls using a curling cream or gel.
Tapered Cut
A tapered cut is a chic and low-maintenance style for short natural black hair. This style features longer hair on top and shorter sides, creating a striking contrast.
Maintaining a Tapered Cut
Regular Trims: To maintain the shape of your tapered cut, visit your barber or stylist regularly for trims.
Moisturize Daily: Keep your hair moisturized with leave-in conditioners and oils to prevent dryness.
Define Your Curls: Use a curl-defining cream or gel to enhance the curls on top, giving the style more texture and dimension.
Protective Styling Options
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are not only a protective style but also a way to achieve defined curls once the knots are unraveled.
Steps to Achieve Bantu Knots
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections.
Twist and Coil: Twist each section from the root and coil it around itself to form a knot. Secure with a bobby pin if needed.
Dry Completely: Allow your hair to dry completely before unraveling the knots.
Unravel for Curls: Once dry, gently unravel the knots for a curly look.
Cornrows
Cornrows are a classic protective style that can be worn in various patterns and designs.
Steps to Achieve Cornrows
Start with Clean, Detangled Hair: Make sure your hair is clean and free of tangles.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections based on the cornrow pattern you want.
Braid Close to the Scalp: Starting at the hairline, braid each section close to the scalp, adding hair as you go.
Secure the Ends: Once you reach the end of each braid, secure it with a small hair tie or braid it all the way to the tip.
Tips for Maintaining Short Natural Black Hair
Nighttime Care
Protecting your hair at night is essential to maintain your style and prevent breakage.
Use a Satin or Silk Scarf: Wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf to reduce friction and prevent frizz.
Pineapple Your Hair: For styles like the wash and go, gather your hair at the top of your head in a loose ponytail to preserve your curls overnight.
Regular Trims
Even with short hair, regular trims are necessary to keep your style looking fresh and to remove split ends.
Scalp Care
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Ensure you:
Moisturize Your Scalp: Use lightweight oils to keep your scalp hydrated.
Massage Your Scalp: Regular scalp massages stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.
Conclusion
Styling short natural black hair offers endless possibilities, from bold and edgy looks to soft and defined curls. The key to mastering these styles is understanding your hair type, using the right products, and employing proper techniques. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a wash-and-go or the intricacy of a twist-out, the right approach will ensure your hair looks its best every day. Embrace your natural texture, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, have fun with your short natural black hair!