Short hair is not always the easiest to handle as it can be both a blessing and a pain to style. This becomes even more apparent on short locks. However, there are plenty of short hairstyles for black women, and we will show you the best of them!
Discover the cutest, coolest black womens short haircuts – especially ones that will naturally enhance your look.
From buzz cuts to pixie cuts to bobs and everything in between, take a look at some of the best short black hairstyles and get inspired by all of them!
1. Short Bob Hairstyles for Black Women
Bobs are one of the classiest and most adaptable short hair styles for black women. There are options ranging from short bob to long and inverted ones. So many that we dedicated an entire article to bob hairstyles for black women. For this particular case, we just love the long-side bangs that come as a bonus.
2. Undercut Hairstyle for African American Women
There are many pixie hairstyles for black women to pick from, so the first one we’ll present is this tousled pixie with a sharp undercut. Also, it helps add an edge to an already daring look and will make for a very sleek appearance.
3. Short Black Pixie Hairstyles
Our journey through the world of pixie haircuts continues with this layered and slightly longer pixie haircut crafted especially for black women. This short hairstyle strikes a perfect balance between audacious and sophisticated, as its versatility allows it to be effortlessly adapted for elegant and special occasions. Notably, it ranks among the top choices for straight hairstyles among black women as well!
4. Curly Pixie Cuts
To accentuate natural curls even on short hair, go for a longer pixie cut and skip any straighteners. So, make sure to leave the bangs long so they will curl gracefully to the side.
5. Short Hairstyles for Black Women with Thick Hair
In addition to traditional bobs, the long bob is all the rage among short to medium-length haircuts. Also, a long bob will help give to the hair no matter its texture. Depending on the occasion, consider curling the tips for a more elegant look – perfect for special events!
6. Short Straight Black Hairstyles
While there are many short haircut styles for curly hair, you might sometimes want to fully straighten yours from time to time. So go for a hairstyle that will look good with both straight and curly hair.
Also, to add some extra spice, consider dyeing it too. Cold shades of blonde hair or straight-up gray can look fantastic on a straight black bob.
7. Pixie Haircuts with Shaved Designs
Many pixie hairstyles designed for black women often incorporate creative texture variations. However, you can also experiment with the overall design by introducing an undercut into the mix. To take it a step further, consider incorporating shaved lines and other intricate designs into the undercut for an even more unique and bold look.
8. Long Bobs with Looser Curls
Use any of these cute short haircuts for black women to show off your curls, and do it with pride! One of the best ways to do so is with an inverted bob that will fall beautifully into places – especially with loosely curly hair.
9. Sexy Short Black Hairstyles
Keri Hilson always inspires us with her fabulous short hairstyle. In this particular case, we will be focusing on this two-toned pixie haircut with long bangs – these were sexily styled to the side, while the opposing side faded down.
10. Sleek Pixie Haircut
This slicked-back, straight, and short pixie will look excellent on everyone but especially so on women with round faces. Not only does it complement the face shape, but also the cheekbones and the facial structure, in general. So, it is more than appropriate for elegant and casual events alike too.
11. Short Curly Haircut for Black Women
Even the shortest of hairstyles will look amazing on naturally curly hair. Just take a look at these corkscrew curls and how well they look styled in this flat-top-inspired cut. So, consider dyeing the hair on top too, to further accentuate those ringlets.
12. Long and Curly Tapered Cuts
Tapered haircuts are also an extremely popular option among short hairstyles for black women. This curly taper, for example, is styled in a mohawk-like manner and features shaved sides that further accentuate the curls.
13. TWAs
A TWA or teeny weeny afro will delight the heart of any African American lady looking for short hairstyles with curls for black hair. Also, the hair will simply glow with natural beauty, especially if it is kept well moisturized and properly cared for.
14. Very Short Hairstyle – Almost a Buzz Cut
Many brave gals choose to skip medium cuts for black women and go directly for the BC (or the Big Chop). So, this is an excellent way to style that super short hair after the cut. Notice the beautifully executed outline that brings dynamism by adding extra shape to the hairline.
15. Halle Berry Short Black Hairstyles Inspiration
Halle Berry is another celebrity that proved more than once the versatility of short hairstyles for black women and outlined their beauty. So, here she is with her famous layered pixie cut with short and choppy bangs.
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16. Subtle Asymmetrical Bobs
To continue our list of celebrities who look outstanding with short hairstyles, our attention turns to Zoë Saldana. Also, the esteemed Star Trek actress rocked an elegant asymmetrical bob. Also, this look can easily become bolder by making the asymmetry more pronounced.
17. Curly Black Womens Short Haircuts
It might not look like it at first glance, but this is a curly stacked bob, and a beautiful one at that as it points all attention to the afro-textured hair texture. So, this side part hairstyle for short hair gorgeously outlines the face – without getting in the way either. It’s also a natural volume boost too!
18. Dreadlocks on Short to Medium Hair
We’re used to seeing dreadlocks hairstyles on tresses that are at least shoulder-length. However, that doesn’t mean locals can’t be worn on short or medium short hair. They will, of course, have to be made on longer locks, but can then be cut in a bob-like shape complete with side-swept bangs.
19. Short Natural Haircuts for Black Women
Lupita Nyong’o is yet another A-list celebrity who owns super short hairstyles for black women and never shied away from wearing them in movies and real life alike. Also, she proudly sports her hair naturally and extremely short and is a source of inspiration for short-cut styles for women.
20. Shaved and Colored Pixie Haircuts
Rihanna is easily one of the queens of hairstyles as she’s easily sported dozens of cuts and styles throughout the years. Here she is with one of her edgiest haircuts: a cherry red pixie with long bangs and shaved sides. So, this is easily one of the coolest short funky colored hairstyles out there!
21. Curly Angled Bobs
To show just how much of a style chameleon she truly is, Rihanna also sported sweet and feminine short haircuts over time. This is one of the best short curly bob hairstyles for black hair as it beautifully accentuates the face shape and the hair texture alike.
22. Colored Short Curly Haircuts for Black Women
Just because it is short doesn’t mean it can’t be colored. Take this dark orange and curly haircut as an example of what short dyed hair can look like. Also, the shade works exceptionally well on dark skin tones as would shades of red or blonde. Even unconventional colors can look stunning.
23. Natural Curly Black Womens Short Haircuts
Slightly longer short hair like the one above (that verges on medium-length) opens up the door to more styling options. For example, it makes it easier to dye just specific sections of the hair – like the tips. Blonde, in general, will contrast with black hair and help add definition to those curls.
24. Short Ombre Hairstyle
As with dreadlocks, ombre is more common among medium-length or long hairstyles. However, ombre hair looks just as magnificent on super short locks. So, take this natural haircut as an example of the visually stunning look of this blue and black contrast.
25. Pin Up Short Black Hairstyles
This hairstyle goes to prove just how practical and adaptable short haircuts are. So, take the popular pixie haircut with long bangs and style the bangs back and voluminous to recreate this radiant pin-up-like hairstyle!
26. Short Hairstyles for Black Women
As it is now easy to tell, there are several ways to personalize a short haircut, and this is one of the edgiest ones. So, it starts from a neat and well-kept short and wavy haircut but then breaks from the fold thanks to the shaved top of the ear and head portions.
27. Short Natural Curly Black Hairstyles
Brown hair with blonde highlights looks astounding in general, and even more so on curly afro hair. Experiment with different shades of blonde on those curls to make them even more eye-catching than they already are!
28. Forest Green Color on Short Hair
You won’t see this hair color everywhere, but it looks oh so stunning on darker skin tones. So, this rich forest green complements the soft skin tone, while the choppy bob with straight bangs outlines the face beautifully.
29. Two Tone Pixie Cut
Black and platinum blonde look brilliant together – as this photo goes to show. This flawless balayage is an exceptional way to style what would have otherwise been a simple pixie haircut with long bangs.
30. Short Weave Hairstyles for Black Women
Ladies looking for a protective style will love looking at our list of weave hairstyles. So, we’ll give you a sneak peek and draw attention to this gorgeously dyed long bob. Also, it is a purple ombre but blue ombre or any other color will look just as good!
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31. Long Bobs with Dark Roots
We’ve shown you ombre and balayage, now prepare to admire shadow roots! What had us all calling the salon before is now a hair coloring trend on its own. But this is such a pretty example of how well natural roots can blend with a light brown dye. And we’re loving the vintage curls too!
32. Short Bob Hairstyles for Black Women Over 40
Women over the age of 40 will look glamorous with this spectacular bob. The haircut itself is kept simple and classy but the coloring job makes all the difference! So, the chich ombre goes from dark brown to pink tips with some blond shades in between for a smoother transition.
33. Double Puffs Styles
Hair styling does not always have to be so serious. Take these double puffs as an example of a funky and funny way to style shorter hair. So, they serve as a super cute hairstyle and they add a youthful touch to the general look.
34. Purple Short Wavy Hairstyles for Black Women
Take short wavy hair to a whole new level simply by dyeing it a new color. From natural shades to pastel colors, there are so many choices, but in this case, we recommend going for bold colors! Blue or pink or green will look great, and so will magenta haircolor!
35. Chestnut Pixie Haircuts
In contrast, ladies that prefer a more natural hair color palette should look into the many different and pretty earth-tone hair hues. Chestnut, for example, looks gorgeous against darker skin and brown or hazel eyes.
36. Cornrows to Long Bobs
We’ve talked about many other black hairstyles, but we couldn’t pass over braids and the many styles to wear them. Learn how to braid cornrows and then style them to flow into a classy inverted bob. Opt for a side part of a straight down the middle hairline – they will look perfect nonetheless!
37. Short Braided Hair Styles for Black Women
A complex hairstyle such as these micro braids on short hair takes a while to make – think more than 2 or 3 hours rather than several minutes – but the results will be well worth it! It is a pixie cut with long bangs, but one that is constructed exclusively out of micro braids – teeny tiny ones, at that.
38. Short to Medium Hairstyles for Black Women
Any short to a medium-length black haircut will look amazing if styled in box braids – we hold in it our Top 5 prettiest braid styles options. Box braids will make for an exquisite hairstyle even when worn simply and in the natural hair color.
39. Shoulder Length Havana Twists
Do not confuse the Havana twists with the flat twist. They are both protective hairstyles for natural hair, but the Havana twists are thicker and fuller and made out of just two strands. In this case, they were made on shoulder-length tresses but will look just as good on shorter hair too.
40. Short Mohawk for Black Women
Not quite ready to hit the razor for a real mohawk? Well, rest assured because it can be recreated and reimagined through a braided mohawk based on cornrows! Simply braid the hair from the bottom and sides up, and leave the top curls on the top part natural and free.
41. Sisterlocks Bobs
Another one of the bob- black short hairstyles that go beyond curly, wavy, or straight hair is those based on sisterlocks. This African American short hairstyle is charming and works well no matter the face shape.
42. Updo Hairstyles for Black Women with Short Hair
Another way to get a faux hawk that’s very much on point is by tightly combing and fixing the hair up. Make sure you have plenty of product on hand to get those sleek sides. Let your curls bounce freely on top.
43. Bantu Knots Black Short Hairstyles
Bantu knots are one of the most versatile short hairstyles for black women. They can be worn as a pretty African hairstyle, or used as a technique to get well-contoured curls.
44. Short Crochet Hairstyle
Crochet braids are all the rage these days, and it is easy to understand why! No matter if the hair is long or short, crochet braids are a fantastic way to style those natural locks. Here is an example of crochet braids on very short hair!
45. Big and Beautiful Afros
Never hesitate to rock short hair or even medium one in an afro! This hairstyle works both when your natural hair is very short and when it gets longer. Enjoy the abundance of volume you’ll undoubtedly have the whole time.
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46. Bandana Hairstyles for Short Curly Hair
Hair accessories always come in handy when you want to play around with different hairstyles. A simple bandana can bring a bit of urban edge to any short curly updo. Bonus tip: wear lipstick the sample color of the bandana.
47. Short Blonde Hairstyles for Black Women
This radiant shade of caramel blonde goes magnificently well with a warm chocolate milk skin tone. The two shades go hand in hand brilliantly, while the funky haircut contributes to an effortlessly cool style.
48. Vintage Short Black Hairstyles for Black Women
Who thought about combining locs with a pompadour? This stunning lady, and how fabulous she looks! It is a clever way of keeping locs out of the way and also a great way to add some vintage hairstyle glam.
49. Pink and Blonde TWAs
Create a very pretty ombre by having platinum blonde roots transition into cotton candy pink tips. So, this combo will look simply gorgeous on a short, afro-textured haircut – a look fit for a magazine photoshoot!
50. Lavender Pixie Cuts
The last short haircut on this list is another pastel color: a subtle blueish lavender. When used on a short haircut just like this one, it transforms the pixie cut and gives it an almost fairy-like look (Tinkerbell, anyone?).
51. Cut Off Black Women Short Haircuts
The best way to describe this style would to call it super short, sassy, and stylish. Here she has styled her hair shaved around her natural hairline with a longer layer styled brushed down. You could always spike it up a bit for an edgier style.
52. Perfect Pixie Weave
Next up is a beautiful short hairstyle with a perfect pixie cut. She has kept the sideburns long and added in a textured fringe, and it looks amazing. This is a perfect short haircut for black women who want a low maintenance style.
53. Short Weave in Full Effect
Another way to go is to wear a short weave hairstyle. Here she kept it all natural with a black, short weave that looks amazing. You could always add in a new color and change it up with the seasons.
54. Big Chop Short Hair Styles for Black Women
Another way to go is to wear a short chop hairstyle for black women as she is wearing the photo above. She has also added in the perfect amount of waves and curls, which looks amazing.
55. Tapered Short Hair Styles for Black Women
If you are looking for a tapered hairstyle with so much class. Here she is wearing her natural hair that is tapered on the side and in the back. Keep it long enough for the hair on the top to be able to form a curl.
56. Curls and Waves
If you are looking for a short hairstyle for black women with waves and curls you can stop your search now because we have found you your next look. Keep the hair a few inches long, and style it just as she has done here, and you will love how you look.
57. Pixie with Long Bangs
Pixies with long bangs are always a good idea. Here she has styled her hair with wispy layers and a thick fringe. She also added light brown hair color to add a bit of texture, which looks amazing.
58. Short Mob Hair Cuts for Black Women
Up next is a super stylish short hairstyle for black women. This look is called a mob cut with bangs, and it keeps the hair even almost all the way around with an angled layer in the front. Do not forget to add in the bangs and keep it straight and you are all set.
59. Semi-cut Bowl Cut
Another way to have super stylish short hair is to try out this lovely look. In the photo above, she wears a semi-cut bowl cut with the sides shaved and the hair on the top a few inches long. Add in a side part, and you are all set.
60. Green Curly Pixie Cut
Looking to add some color to your style? Ever thought about going green? Well, here is your sign. She is wearing her hair shaved short around the sides with a natural brown tone, and on the top she added a neutral green hair color, and it looks fantastic.
61. Double Line Pixie
Next up is an edgy style with an undercut around the back and the sides. She has added two double lines into the undercut, which looks so cool. Leave the hair on the top wavy and natural, and you will love a fresh style.
62. Lady Mushroom Short Haircuts for Black Women
The mushroom cut is back from the 90s and is cooler than ever. Here she is wearing her stylish mushroom cut with a big thick layer and leaving the sideburns long. Be sure to keep the top layer thick and full to complete the mushroom style.
63. Dark Brown Short Hair
Among the most favored hair colors for black women is a rich dark brown hue. In this style, the sides are kept short, while the top layer extends a few inches in length. Embrace a slightly disheveled, curly texture, and you’ll have a fabulous look ready to go.
64. Thick Coarse Black Womens Short Haircuts
Moving on to another stunning short hairstyle tailored for black women with thick hair. Achieving this look involves instructing your hairstylist to maintain an even length all around, incorporate a subtle light brown shade, and delicately shave the edges to follow your natural hairline.
65. Side Swept Volume Curly Hair
You can always try this next short hairstyle if you have an important event or if you just want to look your best. Here she is wearing her hair short hair swept over to the side with big curls added in. Be sure to keep the other side pressed down; you will look amazing.
66. Short Blonde Flowy Hairstyles for Black Women
Up next is a perfect short hairstyle for black women who want to go blonde. Here she has kept the sides short, and the top layer long, brushed over, and kept the roots dark. You could always throw in a few curls for a whole different vibe.
67. Short Bob Haircuts for Black Women
Next up is a short bob hairstyle for natural hair. To get this style keep your short hair parted in the middle with beautiful curls added evenly throughout. She has also added in a few pops of blonde here, and it looks amazing.
68. Black Roots with Pink Hair
Here is a beautiful bob hairstyle with bright pink color and dark roots. She styled it with a side part and kept it straight and sleek, which looks amazing. You could wear this look to a big event or just around town and always look amazing.
69. Old School Fingerwaves Short Hairstyle
Fingerwaves are a classic short hairstyle for black women. To get this style keep your hair curled and pressed town curled in a lovely finger wave style. You must invest in a hard-hold gel to get the most of this style.
70. Sunset Short for Black Women
Sunset hair is a colorful hairstyle that women have been wearing more often. Here she went with a orange hue with pops of blonde and red added in. Here is she wearing her sunset hair on a short bob, side part, and curled the ends out perfectly.
71. Dark Chocolate Short Hairstyles
Another pretty hairstyle would be this short look with chocolate brown hair color. She kept it right around chin length with a side part and bangs. She has curled the hair back and away from the face; it looks amazing and helps keep your hair out of her face.
72. Short Hair on Silver and Blonde
Blonde and silver hair tones always look good together. Here she kept the sides and back short and naturally black and the top layer is bright and brushed over to the side.
73. Textured Pixie Short Black Haircuts
Up next is a lovely look with a short textured cut. In the photo above she kept her hair natural, long, and brushed it over to the side. She kept it straight but it would look just as pretty with a few curls added in.
74. Silver Short Haircuts for Black Women
Silver hair is one of the hottest trends for black girls in 2022. Here she has styled her hair with thin and shaved sides and left the hair on the top long and swept over to the side.
75. Short Hair on Fat Girl
Another way to wear your short style is with this pretty spiked-up look. To get this style keep the sides shaved short and leave the hair on the top long curly, and spiked up just right. Be sure to keep those baby hairs pressed down, and you are all set.
76. Red Fire on Short Hair
Red and black are classic color combos that will never go out of style. To get this next style keep your hair short all over and leave the sides and back short and black. Then pick your favorite red hue and to the top middle section and you are going to look amazing.
77. Extra Short Cut for Curly Hair
Up next is a super short hairstyle for black women. Here she has kept the hair evenly trimmed all the way around with a thick side part added in. Curl the edges for a super sleek style.
78. Short Hairstyle with Design
You cannot go wrong with a short and edgy style like this next one. Here she has kept her style shaved short with an undercut and a short layer on the top. Then she added a zig-zagged design in and it looks amazing.
79. Tapered Curly Hair with Blue and Purple
One of the best ways to show off your creative side is to add your favorite colors in. Here she kept the sides short and natural and the top is where the party is at. She has added in spiral curls and a lovely blue and purple hue mixed in throughout.
80. Extra Short Curly Hair with Orange and Pink
If you need some color in your life, you could always add in these bright orange and pink hues. She has kept her hair the perfect layer all the way around, with a few curls added in and a great mix of orange and pink.
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
We’re wrapping things up by once again pointing out that there is a myriad of cute short hairstyles for black women for you to try out and look stunning while wearing them!
We recommend choosing a haircut and hairstyle that flatters your facial features. It brings out both your hair texture and your personality.
Also, remember: true style has no rules! And we’re also curious: which of these short black hairstyles is your favorite?
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Jenni Haward has been working as a hairstylist for almost 11 years. With that much experience, she was able to start her own business. It has been two years since she started and had made three salons in three different cities and is still growing. She is continuing to pursue the career hoping to impact more with her skills and knowledge.
Bridgett R Davis says
#2 is my favorite… very pretty… im gonna try it