African hairstyles for boys allow them to embrace their cultural roots and display their unique sense of style. From short buzz cuts to intricate braided designs, there are many cool haircut ideas that black boys can try. When choosing cuts and styles, it’s important to consider your boy’s hair texture, length and face shape to find the most flattering look. In this article we talk about african hairstyles for boys.
Short Buzz Cuts
One of the most popular hairstyles for African American boys is the classic short buzz cut. This versatile style works well with all hair types and is easy to maintain. To achieve this look, simply cut the hair very close to the scalp using clippers with no guard or a #1 guard attachment. This leaves just a subtle layer of cropped hair on top. Buzz cuts are fresh, neat and suit boys of all ages. They also keep boys cool during hot weather. For added interest, you can fade the sides and back from the longer hair on top.
Shape Ups
Shape ups create a sharply defined hairline to emphasize your son’s handsome facial features. This edgy style features very short faded sides and geometric shapes or lines shaved into the temples. You can make the shape up design as simple or elaborate as you like to complement your boy’s personal style. Pair with a short afro or curly top for a stylish finish.
Twists
Twist hairstyles involve sectioning the hair into small strands then twisting and possibly braiding each one. Two-strand twists and flat twists are easy beginner styles to try. They show off the beautiful texture of African American hair. For short twists, style them going straight out from the head. Or, sweep longer twists to the side or back into a man bun. Adding accessories like beads or cowrie shells can make the look pop.
Cornrow Hairstyles
Intricately braided cornrow hairstyles allow African American boys to wear their culture proudly. Straight back cornrows are a classic choice to keep hair neat and out of the face. For a modern style, try cornrows with intricate geometric designs shaved into the sides. This creates a cool contrast between the straight lines of the cornrows and curved shapes of the carved design.
Faux Hawks
The faux hawk or frohawk is an edgy African American boys hairstyle that’s simple to create. It resembles a mohawk but without fully shaving the sides. To achieve this look, cut and fade the hair short on the sides, leaving the middle longer. Then, shape the longer top section into a spiky ridge running front to back. Use hair gel or pomade to sculpt the faux hawk shape and hold it firmly in place.
Dreadlocks
Allowing the hair to naturally loc into freeform dreadlocks is a deeply symbolic hairstyle in Rastafarian and African cultures. The locs express pride in black identity and heritage. To start dreadlocks, stop brushing, combing and cutting the hair to allow strands to tangle and mat together. With patience and proper care over several months, neat dreadlocks will form. These can then be styled up or left to hang loosely. Adding beads or gold clips accessorizes the look.
High Top Fade
The high top fade puts a modern spin on the classic afro. It pairs nicely cropped sides and back with a rounded mop of curls on top. To get this look, cut the hair progressively shorter as you work down from the crown. Taper the nape and sides smoothly from longer to shorter. Then shape the afro into a rounded puff, slightly flattened on top. This style has plenty of height and suits rectangular face shapes best.
Curls And Twists
Boys with tightly coiled or curly hair can embrace their natural texture with a curls and twists haircut. Even without using special products, African hair naturally springs into ringlets and coils when kept short. For this style, trim hair close to the head, under two inches long all over. Then allow the strands to contract into bouncy spirals. Shaving decorative parts into the sides adds some flair.
Caesar Cut
The Caesar haircut is a short, low-maintenance style suitable for school. It features a neat horizontal fringe across the forehead with subtly tapered sides and back. The length on top stays under two inches long for simple styling. You can brush the bangs forward to make them the focal point of this cute hairstyle. It’s versatile enough to work on straight, wavy or curly hair.
Braided Man Bun
African American boys can incorporate braided elements like cornrows to put a unique spin on the trendy man bun. Braid the top section of hair into tight cornrows going back from the hairline. Gather the remaining loose hair at the crown then secure into a top knot using a hair tie. Make sure to leave some ends sticking out for a casual touch. This practical protective style keeps hair controlled while allowing personality to shine through.
Choosing Hairstyles
When deciding which African American boys hairstyles to try, consider factors like hair length and thickness. Short cuts like fades and buzz cuts work best for very coarse or tightly curled hair. Boys with looser curls or waves can wear frohawks and high top fades. Longer styles like dreadlocks and braided buns flatter thick, voluminous hair that can hold the shape.
It also helps to select cuts suited to your son’s face shape. Boys with oval or heart shaped faces have more flexibility, as short and tall styles tend to complement their balanced features. For long narrow faces, curly afros with height and width offset the length nicely. Square faces appear softened by short bangs or side-swept fringe.
Experimenting with fun colors like blonde highlights or temporary bright red tints allows African American boys to find their signature style. Use styling products like moisturizing gels and mousse to boost definition of curls and coils. Finding the right barber experienced in cutting black hair is also key for achieving the best hairstyles.
With cultural pride and personal expression, African American boys can rock their locks in all kinds of cool ways. From short crops to long flowing dreadlocks, braided designs to curly fros, try out a variety of modern and traditional hairstyles. I sincerely hope you find this “african hairstyles for boys” article helpful.