50 Short Hairstyles for Black Women: Splendid Ideas for You!

Black 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 out there, and we will be showing you the best of them!

Discover the cutest, coolest haircuts for black women that prefer sporting short hairstyles – especially ones that will naturally enhance your locks.

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From buzz cuts to pixies cuts to bobs and everything in between, take a look at some of the best black hairstyles and get inspired by all of them!

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1. Short Bob Hairstyles for Black Women

Bobs are one of the classiest and most adaptable short hairstyles for black women. There are options ranging from short bob to long and inverted ones. So many, in fact, that we dedicated an entire article to them. For this particular case, we just love the long side bangs that come as a bonus.

2. Undercut Hairstyles 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. It helps add edge to an already daring look and will make for a very sleek appearance.

3. Short Pixie Hairstyles for Black Women

We continue our collection of pixie haircut love with this layered and longer pixie haircut for black hair. This is both daring and elegant as depending on the styling, it can be worn even to more elegant and special occasions. It is also one of the best black straight hairstyles too!

4. Curly Pixie Cuts

To accentuate natural curls even on short hair, go for a longer pixie cut and skip any straighteners. 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. 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 Hairstyles for Black Women

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 or straight up gray can look fantastic on a straight black bob.

7. Pixie Haircuts with Shaved Designs

Most pixie hairstyles for black women will play around with the texture of the hair. However, you can also play around with the design itself and add an undercut to the mix. Then, step it up a notch and cut some shaved lines and other designs into it as well.

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 Hairstyles for Black Women

Keri Hilson always inspires us with her fabulous short hairstyles for black women. 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 was faded down.

10. Sleek Pixie Hairstyles for Short Hair Black Women

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. It is more than appropriate for elegant and casual events alike too.

11. Short Curly Hairstyles 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. 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. The hair will simply glow with natural beauty, especially if it is kept well moisturized and properly cared for.

14. Very Short Hairstyles – 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). 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 Hairstyles Inspiration

Halle Berry is another celebrity that proved more than once the versatility of short hairstyles for black women and outlined their beauty. 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. The esteemed Star Trek actress rocked an elegant bob that styled only slightly asymmetrically. This look can easily become bolder by making the asymmetry more pronounced.

17. Curly Short Hairstyles for Black Women

It might not look like it at first glance, but this is actually a curly stacked bob and a beautiful one at that as it points all attention to the afro-textured hair texture. 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 locs can’t be worn on short or medium to 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 Hairstyles 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. She proudly sports her hair natural 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. This is easily one of the coolest short funky coloured 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 and Styles

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. The shade works exceptionally well on dark skin tones as would shades of red or blonde. Even unconventional colors can look stunning.

23. Natural Short Curly Hairstyles for Black Women

Slightly longer short hair as 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 Hairstyles

As with dreadlocks, ombre is more common among medium-length or long hair styles. However, ombre hair looks just as magnificent on super short locks. Take this natural haircut as example of the visually stunning look of this blue and black contrast.

25. Pin Up Style Cuts

This hairstyle goes to prove just how practical and adaptable short cuts really are. 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 Cut Hairstyles for Black Women

As it is now easy to tell, there are several ways to personalize a short cut, and this is one of the edgiest ones. It starts off 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 Hairstyles for Black Women

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. 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. We’ll give you a sneak peek and draw attention to this gorgeously dyed long bob. 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 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 absolutely glamorous with this spectacular bob. The haircut itself is kept simple and classy but the coloring job makes all the difference! The chich ombre goes from a 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. 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 a bold color! Blue or pink or green will look great, and so will magenta!

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 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 Hairstyles for Black Women

A complex hairstyle such as these micro braids on short hair take 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 medium-length black haircut will look amazing if styled in box braids – we personally hold in it our Top 5 prettiest braid styles options. Box braids will make for an exquisite hairstyle even when worn simple 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 Hairstyles 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 short hairstyles for black women that go beyond curly, wavy, or straight hair are those based on sisterlocks. This African 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

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. Crochet Braid Black Short Hairstyles for Women

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 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 ever 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 glam to a hairstyle.

49. Pink and Blonde TWAs

Create a very pretty ombre by having platinum blonde roots transition into cotton candy pink tips. 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 as this one, it transforms the pixie cut and gives it an almost fairy-like look (Tinkerbell, anyone?).

So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?

We’re wrapping things up by once again pointing out that there are 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 and which 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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