50 Most Captivating African American Short Hairstyles

There were times when we believed that short hairstyles did not offer us much freedom and variety. Today we are impressed at how versatile short hairstyles can be, especially those stunning styles for African American women, whose hair is naturally thick and dense. Some girls simply start blooming with short hairstyles, while longer hair makes them ordinary. If you haven’t found your perfect short hairstyle yet or seek for new variations, if you do not know how to style your short hair for the coming party so that it looks chic, here is an abundant source of inspiration in pictures.

To wear short hair in the previous century was rather a sign of manliness. Today female short hairstyles look very feminine and sexy. Practically every woman at least once dares to try a chin length or shorter haircut.

The Gist of Short Hairstyles

A beautiful short hairstyle begins from the correct choice of a short haircut, optimal for you personally. Note that short haircuts tend to highlight the shape of your face and your facial features, especially the eyes. That’s why it wouldn’t be appropriate to claim that short hairstyles suit everyone. However, if you can boast of beautiful healthy skin and oval face, you will be a goddess with literally any short hairstyle, starting from an extremely short pixie to a chin-length bob. At the same time, if you believe you have something to conceal, you should be more exacting about the choice of the right short haircut.

In case your face shape is not as perfect as you’d like, you can still correct it even with a short hairstyle. Round faces will benefit from hairstyles with volume on top and thinned sides. Oblong faces, on the contrary, require volume on the sides (waves work very good) and long bangs, blunt cut or slanting.

#1: Hairstyle with Red Balayage Bangs

The classiest short hairstyles for black women involve a combination of pronounced texture and statement color. These black choppy layers, teased and combed to the front burst out into mahogany bangs for a chic hairstyle that doesn’t need length or curls to be feminine and voguish.

#2: Classy Tapered Short Hairstyle

This excellent cut with bangs and tapered nape really shifts the focus towards the models eyes and cheekbones. Not only is it extremely practical and easy to maintain, but it is also more versatile than you would imagine. You can change your look by swapping between hair colors, which is one of the year’s biggest trends. The beautiful lady in this image is sporting a lovely hue similar to Marsala – the trendiest color of the year. We love it!

#3: Extra Short Natural Cut With Shaved Part

Taking care of natural hair can be tricky if you have thick curls. Keeping things short and sweet makes the cut much easier to maintain. Simple additions like a shaved side part and defined curls give personality to the teeny-weeny Afro so it won’t feel so boyish.

Instagram / @stepthebarber

#4: Short Glossy Side-Parted Bob

African-American hairstyles look especially sleek when the hair is relaxed. It’s important to hydrate the hair with oils, however, if you do choose to chemically treat it. This not only gives it that super shiny finish, but also prevents damage.

Instagram / @chrissycutzncolorz

#5: Pixie Bob With Indigo and Purple Accents

One perk of natural locks is that they’re usually healthy and strong enough to handle coloring. Shades of purple make for an interesting mix, especially when contrasted with black hair. If you’re looking to strengthen your hair but also change up your style, it’s best to choose between dying and chemically straightening to give your tresses a break.

Instagram / @artistry4gg

#6: White Pixie for African-American Ladies

Platinum locks standout beautifully against deep and rich skin tones. Making such a bold color choice for short hair is a chic way to tone down the total look. Adding some curls will break up the haircut with texture, giving it depth.

Instagram / @jamaledmonds

#7: Asymmetrical Pixie Haircut

Some simple African American short haircuts manage to make dapper styles. Color and styling can really do wonders. This medium brown hue matches the color of the girl’s eyes and makes her complexion brighter. The effortless side- and front combed short locks draw attention to the beautiful facial features. The beauty of your hairstyle should never overpower your own beauty.

Instagram/ @hairbychantellen

#8: African American Curly Purple Pixie

Dark purple hair color looks interesting on black women, especially if it’s a short hairstyle. Purple in this case is not as expected as different shades of red, so you can count on a fresh look even if you go for your usual curly pixie cut.

#9: Short Bob with Bangs

More and more women are proving that short is the new sexy. The courage of embracing one’s femininity through a masculine short haircut is an undeniable sign of self-confidence. The model in the photo is sporting quite a powerful look: a modern take on the basin-cut bob. The hair strands embrace and define her cheekbones, while the uneven fringe accentuates the eyes. To achieve this look you simply apply hair products on towel-dried hair and style it with a soft paddle brush while blow-drying.

#10: Disconnected Side-Part Hairstyle

Short black hairstyles with accents and edgy twists are no less popular than simple classic styles. You can go for a long colored bang, a dramatic side sweep, undercut, carved designs or… all of them in one style!

#11: Curly Tapered Cut for Natural Hair

African-American haircuts offer fun ways to incorporate curls and texture. These springy coils are so voluminous. The tapered cut tames the mane so that there’s just enough fullness.

Instagram / @vanitybydanit

#12: Prim and Proper Side-Parted Pixie Bob

This haircut embodies the perfect balance of sophisticated and sweet. Straight tresses teamed with a deep side part are always a classy choice. The short length dials up the cute appeal even more.

Instagram / @artistry4gg

#13: Curly Piecey Pixie With Flyaways

Embrace your flyaways. Sometimes imperfections are actually what perfect your hairstyle. In this instance, the flyaways ground the look so that it doesn’t appear too polished. It has cool and casual lived-in vibes.

Instagram / @hairbylatise

#14: Sleek Stacked Black Pixie Bob

African-American short hairstyles are gorgeous when they’re styled with layers throughout. The layers give movement to the haircut. The texture also brings dimension to sleek tresses, because sometimes depth can be lost in a jet-black coif.

Instagram / @oluchizelda

#15: Textured Pixie Cut

As much as we love beautiful long locks and edgy hairstyles, simplicity often manages to create the most sophisticated look. In addition to this, black short haircuts are usually more attractive than long ones. Just take a look at this gorgeous simple pixie cut that does nothing more than enhances the model’s natural beauty. The best thing about the short pixie cut is the fact that it requires little to none maintenance. Simply ruffle it up a bit in the morning for a casual look, or add some hair product for a sleek appearance.

#16: Extra Short Natural Hairstyle

Extra short natural hairstyles look very charming and moving. It’s almost like baby’s hair that nevertheless, doesn’t look childish. Yes, hair grows out quickly and you will need an update soon, but that’s the fascination of black short hairstyles like this one.

#17: Women’s Shaved Cut With Shaved Line

Sleek edges and an even sleeker shaved design on the side of the head make this super-short cut edgy and modern. You don’t have to have curls and long locks to look and feel feminine. This crop doesn’t use either of those, but it’s certainly still sexy.

Instagram / @stepthebarber

#18: Feminine Curly Black Pixie Cut

Sleek and laid baby hairs really pull a hairstyle together, emphasizing its allure. This look is also a nice contrast to the volume of big curls. Balance is really important in short, curlycuts, because that’s what makes them flattering, especially for round faces.

Instagram / @artistry4gg

#19: Tapered Pixie With Long Jagged Bangs

Short haircuts African-American women with round faces rock the best have asymmetrical lines. This pixie cut with bangs emphasizes the jawline, which creates a slimming effect. The extra volume of the style also balances out a fuller face.

Instagram / @thastylist18

#20: Women’s Undercut With Shaved Lines

Pixies are a longtime classic. The thing with classics, however, is that they can easily start to feel boring without the right styling. Adding an undercut and cool etched lines will instantly inject some personality into your short hair.

Instagram / @crazyaboutangel

#21: Beautiful Short Black Curls

You know that sought-after mix between effortless and put together? Yeah, well this is it. These curls are just the right combination of natural and all done up — not too loose and not too stiff. The hairstyle is as cute as can be with a slight retro touch.

Instagram / @najahliketheriver

#22: Bold Long Top Shaved Sides Hairstyle for Women

Even if all you have are a few inches to work with, don’t think your options are limited. Play around with warm tones to create some depth. If you want something super daring, shaved sides with a long top are always a jaw-dropper.

Instagram / @carlcampbellsalon

#23: African-American Cute Curly Pixie

Short African-American hairstyles with a lot of curls are always full of sass and femininity. The big and spiraling coils bring the pixie cut to the twenty-first century, giving it a contemporary edge. Curls are one of the many ways to personalize your short cut.

Instagram / @khimandi

#24: Short Undercut With Textured Top

A contrast in textures is guaranteed to give your haircut effortless style. To help your hairdo last, make sure to wrap it in a silk or satin scarf at night. This will keep the undercut smooth and in place.

Instagram / @cutz_up

#25: Blonde Pixie With Black Roots

Constantly touching up roots, especially with shorter hair, is a pain. So just let your roots grow out. As long as your hair looks styled, the deep color against the platinum blonde is totally on-trend. Plus, the shadow roots paired with curled ends make the hair seem fuller.

Instagram / @khimandi

#26: Soft and Flowy African American Bob

The classic bob is a favorite for black women. Whether you get a weave or have your hair straightened doesn’t matter. All that really matters is the shape. This bob is so successful because of its rounded shape and soft, flowy layers.

Instagram / @angieshairsalon

#27: Tapered Cut With Longer Top and FaceFraming

Tapering always elevates short hairstyles for African-American women. The tapering of a pixie keeps the haircut from feeling either too overwhelming or too underwhelming. A bevy of curls is perfectly complemented by short and sleek waves around the sides of the head.

Instagram / @khimandi

#28: Choppy Textured Pixie for Thick Hair

Thick and choppy layers help make the hair look fuller, even if you have short tresses. Sprays and gels will help to hold the style in place and accentuate the volume even further. Just because you don’t have back-skimming locks doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your hair’s body.

Instagram / @patricbradley

#29: Choppy Tapered White-Blonde Pixie

There’s something so chic about a straight pixie cut. Add choppy layers and platinum blonde to the mix to bring a contemporary edge to the hairstyle. The bright-white hue is simply stunning, and your hair won’t need much styling to show it off.

Instagram / @hairbyuno

#30: Short Curly Black Cut

Short haircuts for African-American women, like the iconic finger waves of the 1920s, have been longtime favorites. The hairstyle pictured below takes that classic flapper look and modernizes it. The twenty-first century interpretation is still just as chic and beautiful, but feels fresher.

Instagram / @jayslay17

#31: Cute Blonde Pixie Cut

The best short hairstyles for black women are edgy and bold. Bright colors like gold or red pair so well with warm-toned skin. To recreate this look, have your stylist straighten your hair, but not too much, so it retains some of its natural wavy texture.

Instagram / @khimandi

#32: Textured Pixie for Black Hair

In search of the perfect pixie? You don’t have to look anymore. This iteration is everything a pixie should be: cute, classy, simple, and full of life. The razored layers give tons of movement to the hair, while the overall shape is very flattering. Can’t go wrong with this one!

Instagram / @hairbiz1

#33: Bob with Short Peekaboo Layers

Yes, you’ve heard of peekaboo highlights before, but have you ever seen peekaboo layers? Don’t think so. This hairstyle is nothing short of amazing. Think of this as mermaid hair in a much shorter version. The layered, textured cut makes the colors really shine.

Instagram / @stylebycre

#34: Classy Pixie Cut

Short black hair is here to stay. This pixie cut is sassy and sexy. To recreate the look, go for super short bangs, straight hair around the hairline, and cute curls on top. The face is on display with this cut, so have fun with bold lips and brows.

Instagram / @360_hairstudio

#35: Wavy Pixie for Thick Hair

A solid black color, thick, wavy texture and a short length make for a style that may seem discreet at first sight, but it is classy and doesn’t distract from your beautiful face, especially if you have big eyes and such a brilliant smile.

#36: Full and Bouncy Bob

For black short haircuts that are totally on trend, try a bright balayage. The gold hues mixed with dark brown and black hair are super sexy and very now. Of course, a bob with tons of body and volume never hurts either. This really is the definition of bombshell hair.

Instagram / @haircolorkilla

#37: Super Short Chocolate Waves

Here’s a way to keep your pixie cut from looking like everyone else’s: keep the hair just a little bit longer than usual at the side burns and the nape. The grown-out hair contrasts really well with ripple waves, so that the style comes off edgy instead of formal.

Instagram / @khimandi

#38: Classic Black Bowl Cut

The bowl cut is not recommended for round faces, but it really flatters an oval face showing off cheekbones and lips. The key to a bowl cut that is feminine and sexy is the bangs — they should be textured and layered instead of overly blunt. Search for portfolio pictures of stylists in your area and find someone who is a master at this cut.

Instagram / @ohdiane_hair

#39: Styled Finger Waves and Curls

If full-on glamour is your thing, then finger waves and curls are the way to go. Especially when done up in shades of burgundy and cherry, this hairstyle is fit for a diva. Of course, perfection is of the utmost importance, so don’t try this style if you can’t keep up with the required maintenance.

Instagram / @sorayahstyles

#40: Short Platinum Blonde Shag

The undercut is one of the best African American short hairstyles for women. With shaved hair on the sides and back and longer hair on top, this classic male cut gets a whole new life when done in a platinum color on females. Style the hair forward and boost the texture in the layers to give off a mysterious, sexy vibe.

Instagram / @salonchristol

#41: Blonde Balayage for Short Hair

Some African American women also want to check what it is to be a blonde. With a popular balayage highlighting technique you will be able to blend blonde with your natural color so that it doesn’t look awkward, quite the opposite – more natural than the solid color and much more sophisticated.

#42: Short and Sassy Look

The short and sassy black hairstyle was branded a while back. Since then, it has been a favorite with women, and hair-stylists are confident it will continue to be a trend-setter for years to come. The African American beauty in the image is wearing this playful haircut styled into spikes in the centre and shorter sleek sides. Hair stylists also recommend applying texturing cream and finishing everything off with hairspray in order to achieve the perfect fauxhawk look.

#43: Undercut for Natural Hair

Undercut is a hot trend not only for men. African American ladies can successfully pull off these gorgeous extra short looks with no sacrifice to their femininity. Try a two-tone hair color and maybe some carved designs to make your style even sharper.

#44: Short Curly Vintage Fauxhawk

When vintage and modern blend in one hairstyle so harmoniously, you get a fashion statement ‘do that turns around the perception of your whole look. This pastel pink/red fauxhawk is remarkable from every angle thanks to its stunning texture, flattering silhouette and unhackneyed, appealing color.

#45: Boyish Short Style with Balayage Highlights

One of our previous examples featured a simple black women short hairstyle. While we believe it’s extremely elegant, some might consider it a little too simple. Don’t worry! You can make the look more exciting by adding vividly colored highlights. Just take a look at these beautiful tangerine streaks!

#46: Textured Pixie for Natural Hair

The textured short haircut is a modern and fresh style that showcases one’s playful and independent nature. The center-piece of the cut is the Mohawk-like fringe. The sides are tapered and they blend practically seamlessly with the top. If you want to make a stronger impression with this hair style, you may consider dying the fringe in an unusual color.

#47: Ultra-Modern Cut and Color

We’re loving the combination of blonde and pastel for African American women. So chic! This version of the trend kicks things up a notch with all the right accessories: perfect brows, sparkly earrings, and a bold pink lip.

Instagram / @msklarie

#48: Golden Bronze Layers

African American hairstyles have a lot of freedom in terms of color. This hue is gorgeous against deep skin tones but would look out of place on anyone else. If you’ve never tried bright bronze before, now’s the time. To keep it classy, ask your stylist for slightly darker roots and lots of layers.

Instagram / @stylebycre

#49: Elegant African American Finger Waves

Finger waves are a favorite for African hairstyles. Short hair needs structure, otherwise it can get really boring really quick. With structured waves and curls like these, short hair becomes elegant and refined. Be prepared to get your hair done regularly, as finger waves are very difficult to do at home.

Instagram / @teasedstylingstudio

#50: Cool Platinum Bowl Cut

Cool-toned platinum hair is ultra-modern. Channel your inner diva with bright, silvery hair that’s cut to perfection. While not everyone can rock a bowl cut, it’s a style that most black girls can pull off with ease. Just be sure to keep the bangs long and the hair color on point.

Instagram / @msklarie

Well, that’s all for short hairstyles for now. We wonder what you have chosen for yourself.