People with black men hairstyles are known for being unable to be bought; their hair usually wants to do the opposite of what the person who owns it wants. However, this hair type isn’t very good at obedience. However, black guys can try out a lot of great haircuts. That’s because African hair can flatten out sharply and holds its shape better than any other hair type.
An important thing to remember about afro hair is to listen to it. It has quirks you should work with instead of against, just like any other hair type. But half the battle is already won once you understand what nature gave you.
If you’re having trouble with your follicles and haven’t
1. THE FLAT TOP
WHAT IS IT?
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the flat top was the favourite haircut for black guys. Spirit levels and hair clippers sold like crazy. Jamie Stevens, a famous hairstylist, says, “The flat top has hair on the sides of the head that tapers to the skin and works up to a flat top. Think Will Smith as The Fresh Prince, and you won’t miss it.”
At that time, the flat top was one of the most popular ways to style hair. It’s easy to cut to fit a modern man, though. “This style looks great on afro hair and is so eye-catching that I don’t see it ever losing its coolness in any way.”
HOW TO GET IT
You can’t wear a flat top if your hair isn’t the right type, no matter how classic it is. As an example? Simon Sears. “Having curly afro hair is the most important thing,” says Stevens. “Once you comb them out, those tight curls give the style its shape and definition.”
“Have your barber fade the sides and back while working your way up to the occipital bone, which is the saucer-shaped bone at the base of the skull.” After that, they should keep cutting the shape into your hair by hand. A flat-top comb spreads the hair out so that it stands on end. This makes the head look straight. The best way to finish is to cut the shape by hand.
STYLING GUIDE
This haircut isn’t for black guys who don’t get their hair cut often because hair doesn’t grow in straight lines. However, there are things you can do between cuts to keep this geometric style looking sharp.
It would help if you got an afro comb because it will help you style your hair better and give you more freedom when going through it. The teeth are long, after all. “A hair dryer might also come in handy if you need to shape the hair, and hairspray will keep it in place,” Stevens states.
2. THE BUZZ CUT
WHAT IS IT?
A buzz cut is easy for anyone to understand, even if they know little about men’s hair. Recruits like this all-over-shaved look because it’s easy to keep up. Nick Campbell, a barber at Ruffians Marylebone, says, “The buzz cut is a short military style that is usually cut to a grade 0 or skin on the sides of the head with just a little length on top.” This is the hair issue that requires the least amount of work.
HOW TO GET IT
It’s possible to do the buzz cut yourself, but if you want to get it right, you should get it done by a professional clipper user. You could get an essential crew cut from your barber. For curly hair, this means running the clipper along the length of the hair to get rid of the bulk and make it look neat. Campbell says, “A zero or balding clipper should be used on the sides, and then a “shape up,” which means outlining the shape of the hair with a cutthroat razor for a very sharp finish.”
STYLING GUIDE
People who have a buzz cut don’t have to worry about how to style it. Instead, they just have to keep their head looking its best, which you could call care. Campbell says, “The buzz cut is pretty easy to style, but it looks best with a matte finishing product wax or a low shine oil that you should brush through your hair or use an afro sponge to apply.” It’s pretty easy to keep a buzz cut looking super cool.
3. NATURAL AFRICA
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
In the 1970s, this was the most excellent haircut for black guys. There was a time when you didn’t have to be quiet either. Back then, afros moved away from the natural look and toward the circle style. The look is a lot more open these days. Stevens states, “A natural afro is all about working with your natural hair texture and using products to boost your curl to give your hair length all over without making it too uniform.” It doesn’t look like anything from Saturday Night Fever because Afro hair is long and rough.
WHAT TO DO TO GET IT
It can be hard to keep the length because afro hair breaks more often than other natural hair types. The natural afro haircut for black guys looks best on people whose hair can grow about two to three inches without much trouble. Stevens says the best length for hair is at least shoulder-length because it lets you style it in many ways. Lenny Kravitz best shows this style. His hair is excellent; it’s the right length and style for every occasion.
AND HOW TO USE IT
If you want the natural curl, it should look the most like the hair your mom gave you. “Use a product that makes curls stand out on damp hair to define and improve its natural texture.” “For a healthy shine, you could also try adding some moisturizing oil,” says Stevens.
The natural afro makes it easy to dry and style your hair because it looks best when messy. “If you want to style your afro, stay away from heat and let your curls take shape.” So, after putting on the product, let your hair dry. If your curl isn’t very tight, try pulling small pieces of wet hair to make it tighter.
4. SHAPE UP
WHAT DOES IT DO?
The shape-up is a quick haircut that still makes black guys look good. It lets them go from the shower to the street quickly. Stevens states, “This is a short, sharp-edged look that usually means straightening the hairline.” Being clipped at grade number 1 or 2 makes the shape-up’s crop very tight, so there isn’t much style to do. But cutting the hairline with care keeps the style from looking too plain.
WHAT TO DO TO GET IT
Shape-ups save time and are pretty much open to everyone, so if you have hair, you can get one. Stevens says, “The shape-up comes in so many different styles that it can work for almost any head of afro hair.” However, not every shape-up is the same. “To get the most out of this cut and give it some structure, ask your barber for a hard shape-up to make the edges of your hair stand out.”
HOW TO STYLE IT
The shape-up is supposed to be easy to take care of, but black men can make it look its best with a few intelligent styling moves. Stevens says you’ll need a good bristle brush and hair oil to pull this look off at home.
5. BRAIDS
WHAT IS IT?
Since the 1300s, people have worn braids in many different ways. Braids for guys have become popular again as a classic style that you should think about. Any style with plaits is called a braid. Cornrows, conversely, are braids that are done in a way that they can’t move. Stevens says, “Braids are a great choice for guys who want a striking look with little day-to-day maintenance. They are made up of organized rows of plaited hair.”
HOW TO GET IT
Fingers should be able to bend, and they shouldn’t be yours. Length is significant—less than two inches won’t do. “Being honest, getting someone who knows what they’re doing is the most important thing in this case.” “I think you should find a specialist because it’s a hard style to get right,” states Stevens. What kind of braids do you want? Tight knots, loose twists, or a mix of the two? Please bring a picture.
HOW TO DO IT
Because braids are intricate to implement, you must do everything possible to keep them there. Stevens says, “Use hair wax to lightly hold your braids and keep them looking neater for longer to keep them from fraying or generally looking untidy.” Dirt and lint won’t get caught in your hair if you wear a du-rag at night.
You’ll need to care for more than just your natural hair when you wear braids. You’ll also need to make sure your head stays healthy. “Your scalp is always on display and exposed to the elements, so taking care of it is important.” To lessen the harmful effects of the weather, put oil on your skin regularly. This will stop dandruff and keep it from drying out.
6. DREADS
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Dreadlocks are usually associated with the 1960s and 1970s. The song has been around for a long time, but most people think of Bob Marley when they hear it. If you have dreadlocks, your hair grows into tangled knots instead of braids. Braids, on the other hand, make hair into longer strands. Stevens states, “The hairstyle comprises tightly knotted or twisted hairs that come together over time to form dreadlocks.” But you can’t take out dreadlocks like you can with knots, so be ready to commit or cut them off.
HOW TO GET IT
Pros should only do dreads right because it’s not easy to make those twisted locks look even. Campbell says, “Get help from a professional if you have dreadlocks because there are many ways to get and keep the style you have wavy hair, twist and palm-roll it while adding gel, balm, or wax to help it stay together. This can help you make short or long dreadlocks. Many stores and teachers in the UK have the tools and know-how to help you get the best dreadlocks. This style will only work with hair at least two inches long. You can choose to keep your dreads short or let them grow out. Keep this in mind before you make an appointment.
HOW TO STYLE IT
Depending on how long they are, there are many ways to style your dreads once they’re in place. “Long dreadlocks look best worn half up and half down, loosely tied in the back, or even in a bun on top of the head.” It would help to be careful not to pull on the dreadlocks too much; as Campbell says, this can be bad for the hair.
If you want a shorter dread, you have more options. “Short dreadlocks can be worn plain or pulled into a loose bun. Some people shave the sides and back of their heads and leave their hair long on top. This is called an undercut. This is how most people wear their short dreadlocks.
7. THE SHORT AFRO WITH FADE
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
For black guys who want a variety of looks, the short afro fade is the best cut. Stevens states, “This style is modern and flexible because it draws from the classics.” “It’s a great cut that can be changed to fit your style and way of life.” You can change the length of this style by cutting the hair short and sharp on the sides. It looks good on everyone, like a short back and sides.
WHAT TO DO TO GET IT
It would help if you waited for your short black hair to grow out before trying the afro fade. It’s best to have some length on top of your hair for the fade to stand out. The fade can be very tight, though. You can get a sharp finish with a short, curved side and back fade and rough top. The sides and top should be about the same length for this style to look its best. The top should stay neater so the fade doesn’t stand out too much.
HOW TO DO IT
You need a wrinkled finish instead of a smooth one to give the short afro a more modern look with faded skin. Put some sea salt spray on your head and let it dry naturally, or use a hair dryer with a diffuser device to spread the spray through your hair. Stevens says, “Salt spray is a light product that adds texture and good hold—great for giving hair volume and defining curls.”
8. WHAT A HARD PARTING
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Now, Will. Maybe I’m the only one who wears their hair in a hard parting, but that was the popular style for guys in the 1980s. Because of its sharp lines, the style may seem like something only the A-list would wear at first, but more minor changes can be made without having a styling team on a speed call.
A hard split is a line that is cut through the hair. After a side part, this is the next level up. What makes it look defined is how deeply you shave it in. Steve Stevens says, “You can choose a neat part that looks good in the office or a deeper part that looks edgier.”
HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
The hard parting is something that most afro barbers will know how to do, but it will take more than a detailed description of angles and measurements to get this black man hairstyle just the way you want it. Before cutting in and shaping the hard part, Stevens says, “Your barber should ask you where you usually wear your parting.”
“There are a lot of different styles to choose from, so you have a lot of freedom. You could choose a neat, business-like look or go for something more showy, like Tupac’s famous “Juice” look. You can work with your barber to get your desired look. It would help if you had some models, like on your phone. Because you can wear this style in many different ways, bringing a sample of exactly what you want is always best.
HOW TO STYLE IT
Attention people who like complex parts: this is not an effortless style; you must work with those curves by hand. “You need a comb to separate the parts. Use oil to moisturize your hair, and add a little wax for a polished look. It will give your hair a subtle shine.” Stevens says, “If your hair is really out of control, give it a blast with a medium hold hairspray.”
HOW TO DO AFRICAN HAIR
Before you style your curly hair, you must know what you’re up against. Now, things get a little more complicated. Curls are usually dry. Michael Lendon, the advanced master creative director at Aveda, says it’s hard to get shiny hair without using products that give hair a lot of moisture. “The structure of the hair is not cylindrical like other hair types, which means it doesn’t reflect light well enough to shine.”Also, this hair type is soft and easy to break because it doesn’t have much wetness. So, guys, be careful.
You don’t have to do that to deal with curly hair. Each head is also different in many other ways. “Everyone has different hair textures; no two people have the same head of hair,” Lendon explains. Each curl is different in length, width, and how tight or open it is.
In other words, there are no hard and fast rules about how black men should wear their hair or have an afro. Good news: There are three main types of Afro-hair. This is the best way to style your hair. Look at a piece that hasn’t been touched by anything else and choose the one that works best for your hair.
WAVY AFRO HAIR
Wavy and afro hair has free curls that naturally form a “S” shape.
COILED AFRO HAIR
When afro hair is coiled, it curls into either open or tight curls that have a clear shape pattern that looks like a circle.
KINKY AFRO HAIR
There aren’t as many ‘Z’ shapes in kinky afro hair because the curls are tiny and tight.
WHAT NOT TO DO WITH YOUR AFRICAN HAIR
Afro and black man hair need much care and don’t move around as much as other hair types. They will be straightforward to keep in great shape if you do a few simple things daily.
DON’T OVER WASH
You’re mistaken if you think washing your curly hair daily is necessary. Shampooing will remove critical natural oils and make your hair even drier; for the healthiest hair, do it once a week at most.
ADD SOME DRY MOISTURE
Because afro hair tends to get dry, using a hydrating product daily is essential to keep it from breaking and giving it much-needed shine.
DON’T BRUSH AND BRUSH
Curly hair that is too much brushed will make you unhappy in the long run. If your hair is short, use a paddle brush to brush it gently. Use a wide-tooth comb if your hair is longer. Don’t do it if your black hair is wet or hard to brush.
CHOOSE A STYLE THAT DOES NOT NEED MUCH CARE
Guys who are black can get a crew cut, or a taper fade for a shorter haircut. These styles require less daily care because your barber will do most of the work to keep them looking good.
DON’T USE TOO MUCH HEAT
One of the fastest ways to damage hair that is wavy or has an afro is to blast it with heat. If you can, let your hair dry naturally. If you must hurry, use the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer.
DO READ WHAT’S IN THE PRODUCT
Check out oils like coconut, jojoba, or castor instead of products that leave your hair matte. These will make your hair shine, fight dandruff, and be less likely to break. Also, please don’t use anything on this hair type that has alcohol or sulfates in it.
WHAT IS THE BEST JOB FOR BLACK MEN’S HAIR?
For many guys, it takes a lot of tries to find the one that works best for their hair. More often than not, it’s hard to find the right products for curly hair to make it look its best. But if you know what products, tools, and methods you should have on hand, you can quickly fix hair problems.
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
First, ensure the fast moisture mode on your washing and drying game is turned on. It doesn’t matter what cut you want. You will need a shampoo and conditioner that are made to help dry hair to do this. It would help if you never skipped the conditioner. Alcohol and sulfates should not be used on your face. Instead, you should buy natural products that are oil or cream-based. You can use coconut, jojoba, shea butter, or castor oil.
TOOLS FOR STYLING
Being gentle with every strand of wavy hair is important because the most common problems are leaving it dry and breaking. Ensure you have a curly comb and a paddle brush for less damage. These are gentle on hair and help you style it in long and short ways. Also, get a dryer that has a setting for low heat. This way, the exceptionally high heat won’t damage your hair.
STYLING GOODS
The best tools for styling afro hair should keep it wet without making it heavy. Again, shea butter, jojoba, castor, and coconut oil are great options. You can use them on dry or wet hair, and they will add shine without making it heavy. Use a product made with water for longer hair that needs to stay put. It will keep your hair in place and shine without being dirty.
