26 Stylish and Easy Natural Hairstyles for 2020

If you have textured, curly hair, chances are you’re constantly brainstorming the best natural hairstyles to try. Because let’s be honest—while your hair’s natural texture is seriously stunning, it can be a bit difficult to work with if you aren’t familiar with the right styling techniques. Lucky for you, there is a myriad of natural hairstyles for black women that can elevate your mane, and we’re here to fill you in on some of those. With the right hair styling products and a few tips and tricks, sporting cute, easy hairstyles for natural hair really can be a breeze! Below, we’re sharing 26 hairstyle options for natural black hair that will keep your mane stylish throughout 2020. Happy styling!

1. SPACE BUNS

Looking for an updo that reflects your fun personality? This is it! Simply create two equally-sized buns at the top of your head, and you’re all set! While space buns work on all hair types, they look particularly adorable with curly strands.

2. LOW TEXTURED BUN

Can’t resist a chic updo? You’ll love a low textured bun. This natural hairstyle helps to highlight your texture while giving you a polished and put-together look. Add an egg-sized amount of curl mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once your hair is fully dry, gather it into a low ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish the look with a misting of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray.

3. HALF-UP BUN

Can’t decide between wearing your textured strands up or down? Make things easy on yourself with a half-up bun style. A great way to show off your length while keeping your strands out of your face, it’s easy to see why this is a top pick among easy natural hairstyles. Start by splitting your strands into a top and bottom section, clipping the bottom half out of the way. Gather the top section and create a ponytail. Next, wrap the length of the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Use bobby pins to secure, then release the bottom half, fluff your strands, and you’re good to go!

4. HIGH BUN AND CURLY FRINGE

If you’re game for adding some pizazz to your mane, pair your natural texture with a high bun and a curly fringe. A nice change of pace for those looking to elevate their bun, this look will become your favorite in no time. Simply apply a dollop of curl mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once your hair is fully dry, clip your bangs out of the way. Gather your mane into a ponytail and wrap the length around its base to form a bun. Tie a scarf around your bun, creating a bow for a trendsetting touch. Release your bangs, fluff, and your look is complete.

5. BRAIDED BUN

Fancy a braided ‘do? It’s time to turn your attention to the braided bun. A chic alternative from the classic updo, we promise this hairstyle is easier than it looks! Follow our steps below to craft the perfect braided bun.

STEP #1: PART YOUR HAIR

Start by parting your hair from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section. Clip the bottom half out of the way. 

STEP #2: WEAVE YOUR BRAID

Split your hair into three equally-sized sections, weave until you reach the ends, and secure with a hair elastic. 

STEP #3: FORM YOUR BUN

Release the bottom section of your hair and gather your strands into a low ponytail. Wrap the length of your ponytail around its base to form a bun and secure with a hair elastic. Follow up by wrapping the length of the braid around your bun, securing into place with bobby pins.

6. TEXTURED CHIGNON

When it comes to cute hairstyles for natural hair, a chignon will definitely upgrade your mane. Equal parts versatile and sophisticated, this style helps to enhance your features for an ultra-feminine look you’ll love. For more on how to create this look, check out our tutorial, How to Master a Chignon Hairstyle in 5 Easy Steps.

7. HIGH PUFF

Want to add a bit of height to your hair? Look no further than a high puff hairstyle. The true epitome of a carefree style, you can pull this updo together in little to no time. Perfect for tightly coiled and curly hair textures, this look will make you fall in love with your mane all over again. Add a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to your roots and brush your strands toward the top of your head. Gather your mane in a high ponytail, secure with a hair tie, spritz on a bit of shine spray, and you’re done!

8. PINEAPPLE

Why not give your mane the best of both worlds with height and texture? Pineapple hairstyles work double-duty to keep your curls in place while adding plenty of style to your look. Best of all, you can craft this hairstyle in just a few minutes. All you need to do is gather your curly strands into a super-high ponytail, secure with a hair elastic, and position your strands so they fall forward—over your forehead. Fluff your curls and voila!

9. BOX BRAID TOP KNOT

If you’re currently rocking box braids, you already have a gorgeous style to work with. Take your natural hairstyle up a notch by throwing your box braids into a top knot! The braids will add texture and detail to this classic hairstyle. Not sure how to create a top knot? Here’s How to Do the Perfect Top Knot.

10. FRENCH BRAID

Braids are always on-trend, and a French braid can transition your look from day to night seamlessly. Even better, if you decide to unravel your braid, you’ll have defined curly strands to play with. It truly doesn’t get much better than that! Head on over to our article, Braiding Basics: How to French Braid Your Hair, to get the look.

11. HALF-UP TWIST

Want to add some ‘90s flair to your look? It’s time we put the half-up twist on your radar. Another easy natural hairstyle that we adore, this stylish ‘do pairs chic detailing and long lengths together. Here's  how to do it.

STEP #1: PART YOUR HAIR

Divide your hair into a top and bottom section. Clip the bottom half out of the way. Split the top section down the middle into two even parts, and clip one side out of the way.

STEP #2: CREATE OUR TWISTS

With the free section, twist your hair starting at your hairline and work your way backward until you reach the middle of your head, then secure with a bobby pin. Repeat with the other section.

STEP #3: LOCK IT IN

Release the bottom half of your hair and spritz a strong-hold hairspray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold over your twists to keep them in place.

12. TWIST OUT

Wavy hairstyles more your style? Then you may need to try your hand at the coveted twist out trend. This popular style is all about installing twists throughout your hair, letting them sit overnight, and unraveling in the a.m. to reveal a gorgeous wavy pattern. An excellent way to make your texture the star of the show, twist outs are easily one of the best cute hairstyles for natural hair. Check out our article, How to Do a Twist Out on Natural Hair, to bring this look to life.

13. TWIST WITH BEADS

Now that you have twists on the brain, why not give your strands a little extra oomph with beaded twists?  All you need is a touch of hair gel, a spray bottle with water, beads, and hair ties to pull the look together. Start by creating a two-inch-wide section, splitting it in half, and twisting your strands over and under each other. Once you reach the ends, loop your twist through a few beads and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat until you have a mane full of beaded twists.

14. SIDE-SWEPT TWIST

Let’s stay on the topic of twists for a little longer! A side-swept twist is a great choice if you’re looking to embrace a feminine and boho-chic style. We also dig that it beautifully frames your face. Start by brushing your hair to one side. Split your mane into two equal strands, starting at your hairline, and twist under and over. With each twist, add new hair as you go—similarly to how you would incorporate hair into a French braid. Once you reach the ends, secure with a hair tie.

15. SIDE FLAT TWIST WITH AFRO

Another one of our favorite cute natural hairstyles? A side flat twist with an afro! It’s a fabulous way to play with your texture while creating a woven headband out of your hair for a super trendy touch. We also love that you can achieve this style without having to step foot in the salon. To get the look, create a deep side part on one side of your head. Gather the parted section and split it into two parts and form a twist, making sure to add hair as you go. Once you reach the middle section of your head, secure the twist with bobby pins. Fluff your natural strands and top off the look with hairspray.

16. PINNED AFRO

On the hunt for a pinned-hairstyle? A pinned afro may be just what you need. Afros are a great way to let your natural texture shine, and a few accent hair pins can really elevate your look. Simply place two sparkly pins along the side of your head to make an ‘X’ shape. Follow up with a few more pins, working your way from your hairline to the nape of the neck. Spritz on some hairspray, and you’re all set!

17. SIDE PART AFRO

To take your afro hairstyle to the next level, why not pair one with a side part? A great choice for those who love to shape their afros, this small detail can easily give your hair height and definition all in one. Even better, you only need one styling product to get the job done.

STEP #1: CREATE A DEEP SIDE PART

Start by creating a deep side part on one side of your head.

STEP #2: CLIP YOUR HAIR

Place a hair clip on each side of the part to keep your hair in place.

STEP #3: SPRAY YOUR STRANDS

Mist a strong-hold spray evenly over your mane and let everything sit for about 10 minutes. Once time is up, remove the clips, and enjoy your side-parted afro!

18. CORNROWS

Interested in growing out your natural strands? A gorgeous set of cornrows will do the trick. Start by gathering a one-inch section of hair starting at your hairline, then split the section into three even pieces. Braid your hair using an underhanded method, and add more hair to each strand as you continue to braid. Think of it as the opposite of creating a French braid, which utilized an overhand technique! Braid backward so that the cornrow weaves over your scalp, and once you reach your neck, continue braiding normally down the length of your hair (no longer adding new pieces) before securing with a clear elastic. Repeat this process until you have a full head of cornrows.

19. WASH AND GO

Calling all minimalist hairstyle lovers! The wash and go look may be your perfect match. A great way to rock your natural curl pattern, this style is all about keeping things simple. It also works wonders to protect your hair from breakage and dryness. What’s not to love? Head on over to our article, 19 Wash-and-Go Hairstyles for Low Maintenance Hair, to transform your strands.

20. TEXTURED PONYTAIL

For days when you’re pressed for time, the textured ponytail will be your saving grace—it only takes a few minutes to pull together! Apply a dime-sized amount of hair gel to your mane, brush your hair toward the back of your head, and secure with a hair elastic. Hello, style!

21. HALF-UP PONYTAIL

In the spirit of flaunting your texture and framing your stunning face, the half-up ponytail won’t disappoint. Iconic and trendy, this look will never go out of style. Here’s how to do it.

STEP #1: DIVIDE YOUR MANE

Split your hair into a top and bottom section.  Clip the bottom half out of the way.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Smooth the top section into a ponytail, securing with a hair elastic.  

STEP #3: SET YOUR LOOK

Release the bottom half of your hair and tease your texture with a rattail comb. Apply a touch of hairspray, and you’re ready to roll!

22. DOUBLE TEXTURED PONYTAIL

What’s better than one ponytail? Two! Enter the double textured ponytail. Perfect for almost all lengths and textures, you’ll be able to spice up your strands with little to no effort. To get the look, part your hair down the middle and clip one side out of the way. Apply a touch of hair gel to your roots, brush your hair toward the side, and create your ponytail. Repeat on the other side, making sure that both ponytails are aligned with each other. Mist your mane with a bit of hairspray, and you’re primed to take an Instagram selfie!

23. NATURAL CURLS

In the mood for a sophisticated and elegant natural hairstyle? Natural curls are a great place to start! With little to no styling products needed, all you have to do is add a small amount of curl mousse to get the look. Start by washing your strands with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. Follow up with an egg-sized amount of mousse, scrunch your strands, and let them dry on their own. As a result, you’ll have soft and bouncy curls!

24. TAPERED CURLS

If curls are definitely your go-to style, consider switching things up with tapered detailing. A fabulous choice for short lengths, tapered curls add shape and structure to your mane for a polished look. Like other minimalist styles, all you need is curl mousse to create this hairstyle. Use an egg-sized amount of mousse, scrunch evenly throughout your strands, and let air dry.

25. FAUX HAWK

Dare to be bold with your natural hairstyle? With a faux hawk, you won’t miss a beat. This rocker-inspired ‘do offers the perfect amount of edge and sass, and it won’t go unnoticed. Starting on one side, apply a small amount of hair gel to the sides of your mane. Brush your hair toward the middle of your head and secure with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side.

26. BANTU KNOTS

Bantu knots are the gift that keeps on giving! Not only can this unique style last for days at a time, but once you unravel your strands, you’ll also have voluminous curls to play with. To get the look, part your hair into an inch-wide section, then roll and twist the hair so that it winds on top of itself to create a mini knot. Once you get to the end of the rolled section, tuck it under the knot and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat all over your mane.

Next: Your Natural Hair Care Routine