Hair is an important aspect of most people’s identity. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, the way you style your hair can say a lot about you as a person. When it comes to exciting and fashionable styles, African hairstyles have long been the litmus test as to what is what’s hot and what’s not. This should come as no surprise as this enormous continent has such a broad range of rich and varied cultures that six options might seem inadequate! Nevertheless, this post has to come to an end at some point, and six different styles are more than enough to get you started in the vibrant world of African hairstyles. 

Braids Of Any Description

The most common African hairdo style tends to involve braids, and for a good reason. There are so many variations to choose from that you might never need to unbraid your hair! These can range from the more conventional box braids, consisting of a box-like braid, to almost any other style you can imagine. For example, you can have long and flowing crochet braids; you can tie them up into space buns or go down the cornrow route ( you can even make them into a bob or a French braid). With almost unlimited choices to contemplate, the world is your oyster!

Braid-Out

The braid-out is a kind of continuation of the braided style, except that you will have unbraided your hair. Herein lies the true beauty of braids, the fact that you not only have numerous options to choose from when braided, but the same is true as soon as you unbraid and let your beautiful hair free! Your hair will puff up, and you will be free to arrange it any way that you see fit. If your follicles are naturally predisposed towards fluffiness, you could opt for a fluffy Afro. On the other hand, if you happen to have extremely voluminous hair, you can tie it with a top knot and keep things free and easy but also manageable!

Big Puff

Instead of fighting your hair, you should embrace the innate beauty within you. With something like the big puff, you can allow your hair to do what it does best. However, you must be careful as this style takes some management to keep it from getting out of control. You will need to keep your hair moisturized and look after it so that it puffs up in a controlled manner.

Bantu Knots

The Bantu knot is a protective style that resembles an afro or crown of loose, twisted hair. In order to create Bantu Knots, small sections of hair are separated by a band, usually an elastic one. This hairstyle is not for the fainthearted, but once you have achieved the look, you will look and feel unstoppable. Moreover, this hairstyle is coming back into fashion and is suitable for formal and informal occasions.

Curly Half-Updo

This style is relaxed and, to be honest, a bit hipster. However, don’t let that moniker turn you off because you will look fantastic if you can pull it off. All it involves is letting your natural curls free and tying them up into an updo. It looks incredible, and when paired with the right outfit, you will look utterly irresistible.

Frohawk

The Frohawk is a perfect choice for the strong, independent women out there. It blends a ferocious look with an intensely feminine aesthetic, making you look exactly how you feel. It is essentially a cross between a mohawk and an Afro, but don’t let that peculiar mixture turn you away. If you have the charisma to flaunt this style, you will get many compliments.

What Makes African Hairstyles So Unique?

Africa is a continent with numerous cultures and traditions. Many tribes have various ways of styling their hair, which is a large part of their culture. It is the most popular way to express yourself. African hairstyles can be classified into two major groups:

1. Protective Styles: African women wear these styles to protect their hair from harsh environmental conditions like direct sunlight and humidity. They also wear them for cultural reasons. 
2. Natural Styles: Hairstyles that do not require any heat manipulation or chemical treatment to the natural hair texture. 

African hairstyles are unique because they are not only about a way of dressing hair; it’s a way of life. African hair is often styled in a more complex manner than other cultures. For example, women who have their hair braided tightly may have several hair extensions braided into the braid. Whatever you choose should suit not only your fashion sense but what you feel inside.