Looking for fresh ways to style your natural hair? I’ve gathered 61 afro hair styles men can try right now. Your curls deserve better than being hidden or ignored.
This guide shows you exactly how to work with your texture, not against it. I’ll walk you through short crops, medium fades, long styles, braids, and edgy cuts.
You’ll find practical tips for maintenance and product recommendations that actually work. Just real advice from someone who understands the struggle of finding the right look.
Let’s find your next hairstyle.
Why Afro Hairstyles Are Perfect for Men
Your natural texture is a strength, not something to fix. Afro hair offers options that straight hair simply can’t match.
The curls create volume and shape without products or heat. Protective styles reduce daily manipulation, which means less breakage and healthier growth over time.
Afros make an impression. They frame your face naturally and give you character.
From boardrooms to basketball courts, these styles adapt to your lifestyle. The versatility is unmatched.
One haircut can transform into multiple looks depending on how you shape it.
61 Afro Hair Styles For Men
Your complete guide to mastering natural texture with styles ranging from classic short cuts to bold faded designs.
Short Afro Hairstyles
- Classic Short Afro: Uniform length all around creates a clean, rounded silhouette. Works perfectly for professional settings and casual occasions alike.
- Buzz Cut with Afro Texture: Extremely short but keeps your natural curl pattern visible. Shows off your face structure while keeping maintenance to bare minimum.
- Afro with Low Fade: Gradual fade on sides keeps volume on top. The subtle transition adds polish without being too dramatic.
- Mini Afro with Tapered Sides: Short on sides, fuller on top. Creates a flattering proportion that suits most head shapes.
- Close Crop Afro: Tight curls sit close to the scalp. Perfect for men who want texture without the commitment.
- High Top Fade: Classic 90s style with dramatic height contrast. Rectangular shape adds vertical length to your overall look.
- Short Afro with Line-Up: Sharp edges frame your hairline. The crisp lines give instant refinement to any outfit.
- Short Twists: Finger-width twists add texture and protect hair. Can last up to two weeks with proper nighttime care.
- Textured Crop: Slightly longer on top with natural curl definition. Style it forward or messy depending on the occasion.
- Short Afro with Beard: Connects hair to facial hair for complete look. Creates a cohesive frame that enhances masculine features.
- Mini Tapered Afro: Gradual shortening from crown to neckline. The smooth transition looks polished from every angle.
- Short Afro Mohawk: Shaved or faded sides with textured strip down the middle. Shows you’re not afraid to stand out in a crowd.
- Tapered Afro with Curls: More volume on top gradually reduces toward sides. The natural gradient creates movement and dimension throughout.
- Afro French Crop: Textured fringe with shorter back and sides. The forward styling adds youthful energy to your appearance.
- Two-Strand Twists with Fade: Protective twists combined with clean fade. Keeps your hair healthy while maintaining sharp, defined edges.
- High Top Afro: More height than classic short version. Commands attention while celebrating your natural volume completely.
- Curly Afro with Line-Up: Medium length with precise edge work. The defined perimeter keeps your style looking intentional daily.
- Afro Puff: Hair pulled back and secured at crown. Takes seconds to create but looks thoughtfully styled.
- Medium Afro with Side Part: Defined part adds structure. The asymmetry introduces visual interest without going extreme.
- Textured Medium Afro: Natural curls at their full glory. This length perfectly showcases your curl pattern’s unique character.
- Medium Afro with Beard: Fuller hair balanced with facial hair. The combination draws eyes to your best features naturally.
- Afro Fade with Waves: Brushed curl pattern with faded sides. Regular brushing creates a smooth texture that catches light beautifully.
- Medium Afro Mohawk: More dramatic than short version. The increased length amplifies the contrast for maximum impact.
- Afro with Subtle Highlights: Color accents catch light in curls. Caramel or honey tones complement most skin tones well.
- Flowing Long Afro: Full natural volume in all directions. The unrestricted growth celebrates your hair in its most natural state.
- Long Dreadlocks: Mature locs that hang freely. Each loc develops its own character and tells your story.
- Afro Ponytail: Hair gathered at back or top. Keep your hair secure while showing off your length when needed.
- Long Afro with Layers: Cut at different lengths for movement. The varied lengths prevent a triangular silhouette from forming.
- Colored Long Afro: Full color or highlights throughout length. Blonde, red, or burgundy shades transform your entire presence.
- Long Curly Afro: Maximum curl definition at extended length. The spirals create incredible texture that moves with you.
- Long Afro with Beard: Long hair and beard combo. Both elements balance each other for striking overall appearance.
- Long Freeform Locs: Locs that form naturally without manipulation. No two locs look identical in this authentic style.
- Layered Afro with Highlights: Combines cutting technique with color. Multiple dimensions make your hair appear even fuller.
- Twisted Long Afro: Long sections twisted for protection. Reduces daily styling time while promoting healthy growth.
- Long Afro Mohawk: Shaved sides with long textured center. The dramatic silhouette turns heads wherever you go.
- Long Afro with Side Swept Style: Length pushed to one side. Creates artistic shape that defies traditional expectations completely.
- Cornrows: Tight braids following scalp contours. The patterns can be simple straight lines or intricate designs.
- Flat Twists: Two-strand twists laid flat against head. Creates a softer appearance while offering the same protective benefits.
- Box Braids with Afro Texture: Individual braids throughout the head. Can be styled up, down, or in countless configurations.
- Two-Strand Twists: Simple twists using two sections. The uniform pattern looks neat and intentional without professional help.
- Braided Mohawk: Cornrows or braids forming mohawk shape. The raised center creates a dramatic profile from all angles.
- Feed-In Cornrows: Braids that start small and grow thicker. Less tension at roots means healthier hair long term.
- Twisted High Top: Twists concentrated on top with faded sides. The texture on top contrasts beautifully with smooth sides.
- Braided Afro with Fade: Braids on top portion with clean fade below. Combines protective styling with contemporary barbering techniques perfectly.
- Micro Twists: Very thin twists throughout. The delicate texture appears almost like natural loose curls.
- Afro Braided Ponytail: Braids gathered into ponytail. Perfect for keeping hair secure during sports or physical activity.
- Braided Tapered Sides: Cornrows on sides with textured top. The directional braiding guides eyes toward your best features.
- Jumbo Twists: Thick, chunky twists. The bold scale makes an immediate impression with minimal effort.
- Afro with High Fade: Dramatic fade starting high on sides. The stark transition emphasizes your natural volume on top dramatically.
- Fade with Shape-Up: Precise hairline edges with gradual fade. Every line demonstrates attention to detail and professional execution.
- Afro Mohawk: Central strip of texture with faded or shaved sides. The vertical emphasis adds height and draws attention immediately.
- Afro with Hard Part: Shaved line creates defined part. The surgical precision gives your style a sophisticated urban edge.
- Buzz Cut with Fade: Very short overall with gradual sides. Masculine simplicity that never goes out of fashion completely.
- Fade with Twists: Faded sides meet twisted top section. The textured top stands out even more against smooth sides.
- Afro Fade with Patterns: Designs shaved into fade area. Lightning bolts, waves, or geometric shapes showcase your creativity.
- Curly Afro with Undercut: Dramatic difference between long top and shaved sides. The disconnected sections create an intentionally modern aesthetic entirely.
- Edgy Afro with Lines: Multiple shaved lines add detail. Strategic placement can enhance your face shape and features.
- Short Afro Fade with Design: Patterns integrated into shorter hair. Works well for conservative environments that still allow personality.
- Tapered Afro Mohawk: Mohawk silhouette with gradual taper. Offers edgy style while maintaining professional appropriateness everywhere.
- Afro with Side Fade: Asymmetrical fade on one side only. The off-center approach breaks conventional symmetry rules successfully.
- Angular Afro Fade: Sharp geometric lines in fade. The angular architecture creates dynamic movement around your head.
Medium Afro Hairstyles
Long Afro Hairstyles
Braided & Twisted Afro Hairstyles
Faded & Edgy Afro Hairstyles
Tips for Maintaining Afro Hair Styles
Keep your natural texture healthy and looking sharp with these essential care habits that protect and nourish your curls.
- Use leave-in conditioner or hair cream every morning. I spray water mixed with oil before styling to keep curls hydrated and prevent breakage.
- Sleep with a satin or silk pillowcase or wear a durag. Cotton absorbs moisture and creates friction that damages your hair.
- Look for shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil in ingredients. Avoid sulfates and alcohols that strip natural oils from your curls.
- Visit your barber every two to four weeks to keep your shape fresh. Good barbers understand curl patterns and can adjust your style as it grows.
- Apply thick conditioner and sit under heat for 20 minutes weekly. Choose protective styles to let your hair rest between styling sessions.
Conclusion
I’ve worn my hair in at least a dozen of these styles over the years. Each one taught me something about working with my texture instead of fighting it.
Your curls are unique. Try different cuts and find what makes you feel confident. The right style changes how you see yourself in the mirror.
Which of these 61 afro hair styles men can rock speaks to you? Drop a comment below with your current style or the one you want to try next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I trim my afro?
Get a trim every 3-4 weeks to maintain shape and remove split ends. Your barber can adjust the schedule based on how fast your hair grows.
What products work best for afro hair?
Use leave-in conditioners, natural oils like coconut or jojoba, and creams with shea butter. Avoid products with sulfates, alcohols, or heavy silicones that strip natural oils.
Can I style my afro without heat?
Yes, and you should avoid heat when possible. Twist-outs, braid-outs, and finger coils create definition without damage while preserving your curl pattern.
How do I prevent my afro from shrinking?
Some shrinkage is natural and healthy for curly hair. Stretch your hair with braids overnight or use the banding method to reduce it.
What’s the best way to grow an afro longer?
Protect your ends with regular moisturizing and minimal manipulation. Use protective styles like twists or braids to reduce breakage and retain length over time.
