Short Hairstyles for Black Women to Inspire Your Next Big Chop

September 30, 2022

By: Jazmine A. Ortiz | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

We’re firm believers that cutting your hair has an effect on, well, everything. Not only does it change up your entire look, but it can also have unexpected benefits — like lots of confidence, an excessive amount of selfies and a refusal to rock long hair ever again. Short hair is a particularly stunning choice for Black women and is celebrated on the ’gram with pages like @thecutlife — devoted exclusively to short haircuts worn by Black women. To narrow things down for you, we’ve rounded up our favorite short hairstyles for Black women, all of which you’ll want to copy ASAP.

Fiery Waves

We can’t stop staring at this short haircut, done by LA-based hairstylist Malaika Frazier. The look, worn by Tanaya Henry, gives classic finger-waves a fresh spin thanks to the scene-stealing red hue.

Short, Relaxed Hair

Straightened short hair looks great with choppy, layered fringe. Call us obsessed, but we’re taking this look modeled by @napolinaoa to our next hair appointment.

Short Platinum Haircut

This short platinum haircut, styled by NYC-based hairstylist Daryce Willis is proof that curls and color are a perfect pair.

Bowl Cut

Bowl cuts are cool again, and we think the look below by @jastanae may have something to do with it.

Waves and Curls

This combination of waves and curls (created by hairstylist Tynisha Barnes) is particularly chic and a fun approach to a short look. We recommend using the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh and Reshape Leave-In Spray or the Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Perfecting Water Coco Mist to give dehydrated curls a boost in between styling.

Short Protective Hairstyle

Switch it up and try a short protective style — we love this braided look created by LA-based braider Tanasia. It’s a fun way to change things up without permanently cutting your hair.

Pincurls

Hairstylist Patrice Bowie takes finger-waves and curls to a new level with the look below, which is too cute for words.

Photo: @napolinaoa