19 Chic Short Hairstyles for Black Women

Let’s be real: There’s just something about short black hair that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re obsessed with your natural texture or prefer to rock sleek strands, the right cropped hairstyle can elevate your entire beauty look. And while it’s easy to think that fabulous hair looks are few and far between, we’re here to tell you that there is no shortage of short hairstyles for Black women. From afros to pixie cuts to bobs (and more!), the possibilities are endless for black girls with short hair. Intrigued? Keep reading for 19 black haircuts and hairstyles for short hair. 

1. RAZOR CUT

If your short strands are looking a little on the dull side, consider bringing them back to life with the help of a razor cut. Known as one of the trendiest short haircuts for Black women, this cut keeps your strands nice and short at varying lengths, typically with the sides and back at a shorter length than the top for added volume. If you’re not too shy to play with hair color, you can take the cut up a notch with a gorgeous honey blonde shade. The perfect match for dark complexions, this blonde hue will create a beautiful contrast.

2. POMPADOUR

Want to play with height and angles? You may want to give the popular pompadour style a try. A stylish option for short black hair, this haircut highlights your length at the top while keeping the sides short. To style, use a touch of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, on your strands to play up your texture a bit. Head on over to our article, How to Style a Quiff Haircut, for a step-by-step tutorial.

3. WAVY FAUX HAWK

If you consider yourself to be a risk-taker, look no further than the wavy faux hawk. A great way to make your texture the star of the show with a rocker-inspired aesthetic, this look will take your hair game to the next level. Simply apply a small amount of hair mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once dry, slick a dime-sized amount of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, onto the sides of your hair and brush upward. Fluff your texture in the middle, and you’re all set.

4. MOHAWK

Can’t get enough of the rocker look? A real mohawk will fall right in line. Rather than faking it, consider embracing it! Featuring shaved sides with a longer, spiky length at the center, this hairstyle is all about turning heads. To style the cut, add a small amount of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Extreme Style Gel to your length and shape your strands upward to create chic spikes. You can also ask your stylist to shave your sides higher or lower, depending on how much hair you’d like to be left to play with.

5. WAVES WITH AN UNDERCUT

Short haircuts with undercuts are seriously in style, with this wavy variation leading the pack. This look adds shaved detailing to the front or back of your mane for a bold statement. An edgy hairstyle that can be seen on A-list celebrities and all over your social media feed, it’s no surprise that this look is reigning supreme.

6. BUZZED SIDE-SWEPT PIXIE

Love hairstyles that frame your face and call attention to your stunning features? A buzzed side-swept pixie should top the list of your favorite short haircuts for Black women. Featuring long side-swept bangs that blend into bob-length strands on one side, while the other side is buzzed short, this look plays with a contrast of lengths for the ultimate must-have style. An excellent pick for those working with round-shaped faces, this haircut will help keep things balanced.

7. BUZZ CUT

Searching for a low maintenance haircut that doesn’t skimp on style and won’t leave you spending too much time in front of the mirror? All hail the buzz cut! This super short ‘do keeps things simple and stylish without having to worry about using hair styling tools. In other words, it’s the perfect no-fuss style for minimalists.

8. SHORT TWISTS

Have your strands started growing out after your previous short cut? If so, now is a great time to experiment with short twists. Short twists add just the right amount of definition to textured hair for a look that won’t go unnoticed. To style, section your strands into inch-wide sections. Apply a touch of hair gel to each section and create a two-strand twist. Repeat until you have a mane full of short twists.

9. TAPERED PIN CURLS

If you’re searching for short curly hairstyles for Black hair, it’s time we introduce you to tapered pin curls. Not only does this style allow you to rock a gorgeous set of curls, but you also don’t have to worry about using any heat! That’s right, this hairstyle is all about giving your strands a break from heat styling. We also love that this look keeps your length short at the back to prevent any tangling or matting.

Start by parting your damp hair into sections that are about an inch in size. Take the end of one of the sections, tuck it around two fingers, and roll up until you reach the roots. Secure with a bobby pin. Continue until your length is full of pin curls. Cover your hair with a silk scarf and let the curls sit overnight. Once dry, remove your scarf and the pins. Fluff your strands and finish up with a touch of hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume, to keep your fresh curls intact.

10. SIDE-PART TAPER WITH CURLS

A super-stylish way to frame your face, a side-part taper adds a precise touch to your look for a neat and clean-cut appearance. Add a luscious set of curls into the mix, and this haircut will make a statement all on its own.

11. MESSY PIXIE

Tired of spending too much time in the morning styling your strands? The messy pixie will become your saving grace. While this hairstyle is messy, it’s totally stylish, making it perfect for day and night. All you need is a touch of hair mousse or volume spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray, to emphasize your texture.

12. PIXIE WITH BANGS

For a cool way to upgrade your classic pixie style, try a pixie with bangs. This look keeps your strands short while allowing you to frame your face with bangs. You can also use the dip-dye trend to color your bangs for a colorful accent.

13. NATURAL CURLS

One short black hairstyle that will never go out of style is natural curls. A timeless hairstyle that embraces natural hair, this look will help make your texture shine. Best of all, this style takes little to no time to pull together. Start by washing your hair with a moisturizing hair care system like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. Top it off with a touch of mousse on damp hair to enhance your texture. Scrunch your strands, let your hair air dry, and voila!

14. TWA WITH A SHAVED DESIGN

Ah, the beloved TWA! One of the most coveted short black hairstyles, the TWA (teenie weenie afro), is a great way to flaunt your true texture without putting too much work into your mane. Paired with a shaved design, this cut has an edgy touch for those who can’t resist stepping outside of the box.

15. CURLY AFRO

If you’re running out of ways to style your curly mane, it may be time to switch things up with a curly afro. A smart way to have all eyes on you, a curly afro helps to add shape and movement to your mane for a fresh style. This is a great option for those who are transitioning to natural hair or if you want to shave off a few inches.

16. CHIN-LENGTH BOB

Calling all sleek hairstyle lovers! The chin-length bob is just what you need. This look helps to keep your strands nice and smooth for a chic look. And since bob hairstyles are always on-trend, your look will never go out of style. To get the look, you’ll want to wash and condition your hair with a frizz-free hair care system like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Hair EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner. Once complete, spritz a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, onto your strands.

Next, you’ll want to blow dry your hair to prep for your flat iron. When your strands are dry, straighten your hair using small sections. Finish up by misting with a shine spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, to seal the deal.

17. LAYERED BOB

Layered haircuts more your style? Then we need to turn your attention to the layered bob! A variation of the classic style, this look allows you to flaunt different lengths to complement the shape of your face. With added body and movement, this style will become one of your favorite short haircuts for Black women.

18. CHOPPY CROP CUT WITH BANGS

Crop cuts are always a style win, and when you add choppy layers and bangs, things only get better. A fabulous option for individuals who want to boost texture without having to rely on hair styling products, this haircut also comes in handy if you’re working with thin hair.

19. SHORT BLUNT CUT WITH CURLS

For those who favor a haircut without any layers, a short blunt cut with curls is right up your alley. This style takes simple styling to new heights with an even cut that’s precise and stylish. To style, scrunch a healthy amount of mousse through your strands and let them air dry. Once dry, fluff up your hair, and you’ll be as good as gold.

Next: The 30 Best Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair