25 Short Hairstyles for Black Women That Are Easy to Maintain.
September 16, 2025 | by braidsmen.com

Short Hairstyles for Black Women
When it comes to embracing confidence and beauty, short hairstyles for black women continue to stand out as timeless and versatile. From bold and chic to soft and elegant, there’s a perfect short hairstyles for black women for every personality and age. Whether you’re drawn to natural short hairstyles for black women that highlight your texture, curly short hairstyles for black women that celebrate volume or even braided short hairstyles for black women for a creative twist, the options are endless.
Women of all ages are embracing the beauty of short hair, with trends like short hairstyles for black women over 50 and short hairstyles for black women over 60 showing how gracefully these looks can evolve. From nostalgic vibes like 90’s short hairstyles black women and 80s short hairstyles black women to modern takes such as short hairstyles black women 2025, every short hairstyles for black women tells a story of individuality and elegance.
Trends: Short Hairstyles for Black Women
1. Tapered Afro


A timeless choice, the tapered afro combines volume at the top with neatly shaped sides. It’s perfect short hairstyles for black women who love a natural yet sculpted look.
Suited to: oval and round faces
Best products: curl creams, hydrating oils
Styling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Maintenance level: low upkeep style
Vibe it gives: bold and confident
2. Pixie Cut


One of the most stylish short natural hairstyles, the pixie cut exudes elegance. With soft curls or sleek finishes, this short hairstyles for black women can be customized to reflect personality.
Suited to: heart shaped or oval faces
Best products: light styling gel, shine spray
Styling time: 5 to 10 minutes
Maintenance level: needs regular trims
Vibe it gives: chic and modern
3. Finger Waves


For women who love a throwback vibe, finger waves offer a glamorous 1920s inspired look. This short hairstyles for black women works beautifully on relaxed or naturally straightened hair.
Suited to: square or round faces
Best products: strong hold gel, edge brush
Styling time: 20 to 30 minutes
Maintenance level: medium upkeep
Vibe it gives: vintage and classy
4. Short Locs


Short locs are both versatile and expressive, making them a top choice in short hairstyles for black women. This short hairstyles for black women can be styled up, down or accessorized.
Suited to: all face shapes
Best products: locking cream, natural oils
Styling time: 15 to 20 minutes
Maintenance level: medium upkeep
Vibe it gives: versatile and authentic
5. Buzz Cut
Minimalist yet powerful, the buzz cut is the ultimate confidence statement. This low maintenance short hairstyles for black women allows facial features and skin tone to shine.
Suited to: strong jawlines, oval faces
Best products: scalp moisturizer, sunscreen
Styling time: under 5 minutes
Maintenance level: ultra low upkeep
Vibe it gives: fearless and edgy
6. Curly Mohawk


The curly mohawk blends edgy design with natural texture. With shaved or tapered sides and voluminous curls in the middle, it’s a bold fashion statement.
Suited to: oval or heart shaped faces
Best products: curl mousse, edge control
Styling time: 15 to 20 minutes
Maintenance level: medium upkeep
Vibe it gives: edgy and artistic
7. Bantu Knots


Bantu knots are not just protective but also stylish. They offer a traditional yet modern vibe, making them a favorite among short natural hairstyles for black women.
Suited to: all face shapes
Best products: twisting cream, hair butter
Styling time: 20 to 30 minutes
Maintenance level: protective and lasting
Vibe it gives: cultural and playful
8. TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)


A TWA is a classic, fresh start for many embracing natural hair. Short, defined curls frame the face beautifully while keeping styling simple.
Suited to: round and oval faces
Best products: curl enhancing gel, leave in conditioner
Styling time: 5 to 10 minutes
Maintenance level: very low upkeep
Vibe it gives: fresh and natural
9. Short Bob with Curls


A short bob with curls strikes the perfect balance between professional and stylish. It works well with natural textures or heat styled curls.
Suited to: oval and square faces
Best products: heat protectant, curl cream
Styling time: 15 to 25 minutes
Maintenance level: moderate upkeep
Vibe it gives: polished and versatile
10. Asymmetrical Cut


The asymmetrical cut adds dimension with one side slightly longer than the other. It’s chic, modern and a standout in short hairstyles for black women.
Suited to: heart shaped and angular faces
Best products: styling pomade, shine spray
Styling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Maintenance level: regular trims needed
Vibe it gives: stylish and daring
11. Flat Twist Out
Flat twist outs create gorgeous definition and texture, giving natural hair a structured yet bouncy look. It’s a protective short hairstyles for black women that doubles as chic.
Suited to: oval and round faces
Best products: twisting butter, curl defining gel
Styling time: 20 to 30 minutes
Maintenance level: medium upkeep
Vibe it gives: textured and playful
12. Faux Hawk with Curls


A faux hawk combines volume and edge without fully shaving the sides. It’s one of the most expressive short natural hairstyles for black women, perfect for statement looks.
Suited to: angular and oval faces
Best products: curl mousse, edge gel
Styling time: 15 to 20 minutes
Maintenance level: medium upkeep
Vibe it gives: bold and daring
13. Short Twists


Short two strand twists are stylish, protective and easy to maintain. These short hairstyles for black women also serve as a great base for twist outs.
Suited to: all face shapes
Best products: twisting cream, natural oil blend
Styling time: 30 to 40 minutes
Maintenance level: protective and lasting
Vibe it gives: neat and versatile
14. Cropped Cut with Designs
For a creative touch, many women add shaved patterns or designs to a cropped cut. This short hairstyles for black women merges artistry with hair styling.
Suited to: oval and angular faces
Best products: scalp oil, styling mousse
Styling time: under 10 minutes
Maintenance level: frequent barber visits
Vibe it gives: artistic and unique
15. Short Bob with Side Part
A short bob with a defined side part offers elegance and structure. It’s an ideal choice for both casual and professional settings.
Suited to: round and square faces
Best products: smoothing serum, light gel
Styling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Maintenance level: needs regular trims
Vibe it gives: sleek and polished
16. Side Swept Curls


Side swept curls bring softness and elegance, adding volume to one side while keeping the look balanced and chic.
Suited to: heart shaped and oval faces
Best products: curl activator, holding spray
Styling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Maintenance level: moderate upkeep
Vibe it gives: feminine and graceful
17. Short Afro with Color


Adding vibrant color to a short afro; from honey blondes to bold reds makes the classic short hairstyles for black women pop with personality.
Suited to: all face shapes
Best products: color safe shampoo, deep conditioner
Styling time: 10 minutes daily
Maintenance level: color upkeep needed
Vibe it gives: playful and expressive
18. Finger Coils


Defined finger coils give natural curls a structured, springy look. They’re versatile enough to wear daily or for special occasions.
Suited to: round and oval faces
Best products: curl cream, light gel
Styling time: 30 to 40 minutes
Maintenance level: protective and lasting
Vibe it gives: youthful and vibrant
19. Short Bob with Bangs


This bob short hairstyles for black women frames the face with short bangs, adding a playful yet polished effect perfect for fashion forward looks.
Suited to: square and oval faces
Best products: heat protectant, smoothing serum
Styling time: 15 to 20 minutes
Maintenance level: regular trims required
Vibe it gives: stylish and modern
20. Brushed Out Curls


Big, brushed out curls bring drama and volume to short hair, turning natural texture into a bold statement style.
Suited to: oval and round faces
Best products: pick comb, volumizing spray
Styling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Maintenance level: medium upkeep
Vibe it gives: dramatic and confident
21. Short Box Braids


Short box braids are a timeless protective style that works perfectly at chin or shoulder length, offering both versatility and ease.
Suited to: all face shapes
Best products: braid spray, scalp oil
Styling time: 3 to 5 hours (install)
Maintenance level: protective and lasting
Vibe it gives: classic and versatile
Also Read: Box Braids Women
22. Cornrows into a Bob


Cornrows styled into a bob length bring together structure and elegance, making this look neat, protective and long lasting.
Suited to: oval and round faces
Best products: edge control, nourishing oil
Styling time: 2 to 4 hours (install)
Maintenance level: medium upkeep
Vibe it gives: sleek and polished
Also Read: Cornrow Braids for Women
23. Short Knotless Braids


Knotless braids at a short length provide a lighter, scalp friendly alternative to traditional box braids, while keeping a chic, natural flow.
Suited to: all face shapes
Best products: braid mousse, scalp refresher
Styling time: 3 to 5 hours (install)
Maintenance level: protective and light
Vibe it gives: effortless and natural
24. Short Goddess Braids


Goddess braids styled shorter offer a thicker, more defined braided look that’s regal, bold and protective all at once.
Suited to: oval and square faces
Best products: styling gel, braid sheen spray
Styling time: 2 to 3 hours (install)
Maintenance level: low upkeep
Vibe it gives: bold and regal
25. Braided Pixie


The braided pixie combines the chicness of a pixie cut with the creativity of braids, resulting in a stylish and modern protective look.
Suited to: heart shaped and oval faces
Best products: edge gel, lightweight oil
Styling time: 2 to 3 hours (install)
Maintenance level: protective and trendy
Vibe it gives: modern and creative
Final Thoughts
The beauty of short hairstyles black women wear is that they’re versatile, expressive and endlessly stylish. Whether you’re inspired by retro looks like 90’s short hairstyles black women and 80s short hairstyles black women or you’re leaning toward contemporary favorites such as pixie short hairstyles black women or quick short hairstyles black women, the choices are empowering and abundant.
From soft natural curly short hairstyles for black women to edgy very short hairstyles black women, these styles are all about embracing your unique crown. With so many creative twists; from medium short hairstyles black women to trendsetting looks like short hairstyles black women 2025; there’s never been a better time to redefine your beauty on your own terms.
FAQs: Short Hairstyles for Black Women
1. What face shape suits short hair?
Short hairstyles for black women generally suit oval, heart shaped and round faces. Oval faces can pull off almost any style, while heart shaped faces look great with volume on top. Round faces benefit from styles that add height and angles.
2. What is the pixie haircut?
A pixie haircut is a very short hairstyle, typically cropped close to the head, with slightly longer layers on top. It’s a popular choice among short hairstyles for black women for its chic, low maintenance look.
3. Which hairstyle is best for short hair?
The best style depends on hair texture, lifestyle and face shape. Some popular short hairstyles for black women include pixie cuts, tapered afros, finger waves and short bobs. Protective styles like short braids are also excellent choices.
4. Which haircut suits my face?
Choosing a haircut depends on your face shape and features. Oval faces suit most short hairstyles for black women, heart shaped faces look great with side swept styles and round faces benefit from height or angled cuts.
5. Does shorter hair look younger?
Yes, shorter hair can create a fresher, more youthful appearance. Many short hairstyles for black women like pixie cuts or cropped afros highlight facial features and give a lively, modern vibe.
6. How do I check if short hair suits me?
Start by analyzing your face shape and hair texture. You can also try virtual hairstyle apps or consult a stylist. Many short hairstyles for black women are versatile enough to adapt to different faces.
7. Does shorter hair make you look taller?
Short hair can create an illusion of height, especially styles with added volume on top. Short hairstyles for black women like tapered afros or textured pixies help elongate the neck and silhouette.
8. How to check face shape?
To check your face shape, measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jawline. Compare the measurements to determine if your face is oval, round, heart shaped, square or diamond shaped. This helps select short hairstyles for black women that complement your features.
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