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54 Best Natural Hairstyles to Rock Right Now

Any of these gorgeous ideas can easily become your new everyday look.

By Danielle Gray and
natural hairstyles
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One of the most empowering parts of natural hair is how incredibly versatile it is. Braids, twist outs and updos are among some of the beautiful ways you can experiment with your stands. Apart from having fun with styles and even different colors, natural hair can also be worn in a variety of patterns regardless of length.

Whether you have short hair, medium hair or long hair, you can draw inspiration from this selection of the best natural hairstyles we've seen worn by your favorite celebrities. If you’re in the mood to create some art with your hair, you can opt for a more elaborate look or go for an easy and quick ‘do. There is also a great range of protective hairstyles to try, including box braids and cornrows.

No matter if you’re thinking of going for, we’ve got you covered. Some of these ideas can be done at home, while others will require a trip to the salon, but any of these gorgeous ideas can easily become your new everyday look.

1

Gray Moment

west hollywood, california   january 23 mara brock akil attends the grit before the gram awards at the west hollywood edition on january 23, 2020 in west hollywood, california photo by unique nicolegetty images
Unique Nicole//Getty Images

Going gray can be exciting. Mara Brock Akil, embraces her gray strands and curly locks with this textured low ponytail.

2

Full Fro

los angeles   july 16 singer diana ross poses for a portrait session on july 16, 1975 in los angeles california photo by harry langdongetty images
Harry Langdon//Getty Images

If you’re 1970s obsessed, or just interested in experimenting with the shape of an afro, then you can you can learn a thing or two from the icon herself Diana Ross. This perfectly shaped afro is achieved through combing out the curl and picking the hair at the root.

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3

Head Wrap

new york, ny   november 04  singer angélique kidjo attends change begins within a david lynch foundation benefit concert on november 4, 2015 in new york city  photo by bennett raglingetty images for david lynch foundation
Bennett Raglin//Getty Images

Headwraps have been a part of natural hair care for centuries. Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo is known for her patterned headscarves. The significance of headscarves even holds a lot of weight in the United States. According to, National Park Service, in Louisiana, many Creole women used the tignon cloths to create elaborate headscarves and wraps.

4

Sleek Bun

los angeles, california   september 19 yara shahidi attends the 73rd primetime emmy awards at la live on september 19, 2021 in los angeles, california photo by rich furygetty images
Rich Fury//Getty Images

A slicked back bun is one of the most popular natural hairstyles and is easy to achieve regardless of your hair styling skills. Yara Shahidi wears a gelled bun at the Emmy Awards.

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5

Platinum TWA

new york, ny   october 04  solange knowles attends the 2017 surface travel awards at hotel americano on october 4, 2017 in new york city  photo by andrew tothgetty images for surface media
Andrew Toth//Getty Images

Do blondes have more fun? We don’t know! But Solange’s platinum TWA (teeny weeny afro) is giving everyone a little bit of blonde ambition.

6

Red Tease

chaka khan, diamond awards festival, sportpaleis, antwerp, belgium, 06121986 photo by gie knaepsgetty images
Gie Knaeps//Getty Images

Chaka Khan is known for two things: her unique voice and voluminous hair. Chaka’s violet red hair, has become synonymous with the singer. This style is achieved by coloring the hair violet red and teasing out the curl.

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7

Silk Press

new york, ny   november 07  actress zendaya attends 13th annual cfdavogue fashion fund awards at spring studios on november 7, 2016 in new york city  photo by jamie mccarthywireimage
Jamie McCarthy//Getty Images

If you want to ditch the relaxer but wear sleek straight hair, then a silk press is the perfect alternative as this heat styling technique works for all curl patterns. Zendaya wears her bone straight style on the red carpet.

8

Pearls

new york, new york   september 13 alicia keys attends the 2021 met gala celebrating in america a lexicon of fashion at metropolitan museum of art on september 13, 2021 in new york city photo by kevin mazurmg21getty images for the met museumvogue
Kevin Mazur/MG21//Getty Images

Pearls don’t only go on your neckline! Alicia Keys applied adhesive pearls onto her hair for the Met Gala. A wonderful idea for a special event.

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9

High Top

bologna, italy   november 25  a model is seen during the mauro galzignato for kemon part of on hair show  exhibition held at bolognafiere exhibition centre on november 25, 2018 in bologna, italy  photo by rosdiana ciaravologetty images
Rosdiana Ciaravolo//Getty Images

Take your hair to new heights, literally, with a high top style. It will let your beautiful facial features shine.

10

Defined Curls

michelle obama   natural hair styles
Scott Olson//Getty Images

Let your natural texture radiate like former First Lady Michelle Obama. For ultra-defined ringlets, try using a gel for curly hair right when you get out of the shower.

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11

Wave Pattern Micro Braids

beyonce   natural hair styles
Albert L. Ortega//Getty Images

Micro braids take a bit of extra time, but for hair like Beyoncé, they're totally worth it. A wave pattern makes these braids look regal and unique.

12

Braids with a Headband

tiffany haddish   natural hair styles
Tommaso Boddi//Getty Images

This easy hairstyle can be worn in any situation. If you have box braids, throw them back with a headband to keep them out of your face. Try a plain black headband like Tiffany Haddish, or mix it up with a fun pattern.

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13

Side Swept Twist Out

taraji p henson natural hair styles
Noam Galai//Getty Images

Go for a curly and voluminous twist out for maximum impact. Sweep strands to one side like Taraji P. Henson to keep it cool.

14

Fluffy Afro

iman natural hair styles
David M. Benett//Getty Images

Iman is undoubtedly a fashion icon — but we should be talking about her hair, too. Channel her by keeping your hair natural and sporting it in an afro for an effortless effect.

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15

High Half Bun Braids

gabrielle union natural hair styles
Andrew Toth//Getty Images

Try this half-updo, seen on Gabrielle Union, for a fun twist on a casual style. To achieve this look, box braids are pulled up into a half bun, but the end of the braids are left out for a cascading face frame.

16

Side-Pinned Coils

issa rae natural hair styles
Michael Loccisano//Getty Images

This style looks chic and sophisticated — and bonus, it's easy to achieve. Let your natural texture shine through, styling in a deep side part, then pin back one side like Issa Rae.

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17

Long Pigtail Braids

janelle monae natural hair styles
Julien Hekimian//Getty Images

Impossibly long pigtail braids with embellishments are the height of cool. Part your hair straight down the middle like Janelle Monáe to keep them sleek.

18

Side Cornrows

keke palmer natural hair styles
Steven Ferdman//Getty Images

You don't have to braid cornrows straight back — take it from Keke Palmer. Mix up typical cornrows by braiding them toward either side. The result? Sleek, stylish strands.

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19

Braided Bangs

lupita nyong'o natural hair styles
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff//Getty Images

Long box braids will always be in style. Take them to the next level by adding shorter braided bangs, like Lupita N'yongo. These bangs add drama to any look, but to make them even more show-stopping, some carefully placed beads are always a good idea.

20

Side-Pinned Twist Out

kerry washington natural hair styles
Handout//Getty Images

Looking for an easy way to put a twist on long, voluminous curls? Take some inspiration from Kerry Washington by middle parting your hair, then pinning the top of each side down. This look is so versatile, you can dress it up or down.

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