Getting the best black men haircuts can be tricky. With so many cool black men’s hairstyles to choose from, with good haircuts for short, medium, and long hair, picking just one cut and style at the barbershop can be challenging. However, the top hairstyles for black men seem to incorporate a low, mid, or high fade haircut with some kind of fresh styling on top.
From short buzz cuts and waves to box haircuts and Afro-fade curls, black men’s hairstyles have never been more trendy than they are now. Black men can create their unique cuts and styles by combining taper fade and line designs on the sides with textured tops.
If you want to look clean and fresh in 2021, check out the latest cool black men’s short hairstyles, including short Afro style, flat top, short dreads, curly, and frohawk; combine all the above hairstyles with the fade haircut styles on the sides, and you will have one of the most popular hairstyles among all black men.
Best Hairstyles for Black Men With Short Hair
Drop Fade
Drop fades add extra personality to your hairstyle, creating a standout ‘arc’ effect when viewed from the side. The precise, curved line of a drop fade is a perfect match for naturally curly hair of any length. However, it looks particularly striking when paired with an Afro or twists. Add a line-up or shaved part for a fresh look.
High Top Fade
The classic high-top haircut is back in all its 90’s glory. Also known as the box cut or box fade, the high-top fade is a sharp and structured style perfect for those who want manageable but voluminous hair.
The style involves a fade down to the base of the neck, with short sides and about 3 inches of hair on top. The top section of the hair is cut into a rectangular shape that gives the box fade its name. Some go for longer hair on top, while others will prefer to keep it short and tight.
The way you style the flat top depends on your personal preference. For example, some black men prefer low or high top fades with parts or a temple fade with a hair design. Ultimately, the flat-top haircut is a classic for black guys, so ask your barber about this style next time you’re up for a haircut.
A high fade is the boldest and most striking of the classic fade types. Starting high on your head, above your temples, high fades create a crisp, calm, and masculine effect. They also make your face look longer, making them an excellent option for guys with round or square faces.
Pair your high fade with a flat top for a modern take on an ’80s classic. Alternatively, use a high fade to give shape to dreads or an Afro.
This is one of the best short hairstyles for black men, particularly young men. With virtually no or little work, this cut keeps hair very short and close to the neck (this area can also be buzzed or bald) while top length rises towards the head top. Great for men with curly or afro-textured hair, tapering usually starts at the ear and leads up a few inches according to your length requirements and texture
Medium Curls
If you desire to emphasize natural long curls, this is among the best hairstyles for black men as it requires easy care. Like any good style (exceptionally if you choose longer hair), trimming is unquestionably needed to make sure that hair stays healthy and ship-shape. By trimming frequently, you avoid frizzes, the potential for knots, and split ends. Ensure that you inform the stylist if you desire some layers and exactly how much hair you wish trimmed. You also should ensure that you visit a stylist who understands how to keep black hair healthy.
For those guys with looser curls, an undercut or fade with some more length on top could prove an interesting choice. Let your rings grow to a more extended size on top, and have them take on their style. The juxtaposition between the unrestrained medium-length curls and neat, faded sides makes for a unique look.
Also Read: Impressive All-Season Hairstyles for Men with Curly Hair
Buzz Cut
A buzz cut never goes out of style when it comes to hairstyles for black men. If you find yourself constantly on the run, then a buzz would probably suit your daily regimen. You need very little care in maintaining it daily, and you don’t need styling products unless your hair is a medium length. Simply put a dab of moisturizer and brush it.
Practical, minimalist, and very short: the buzz cut is the hairstyle of choice for many black men. The buzz cut is perfect for those who like to play sports and don’t like to deal with problematic hair.
If you’re going to work every day, the buzz cut looks sleek and neat all the time, with very little maintenance required. With your clippers, you can maintain this style and do it yourself regularly by simply shaving all over your head with the same guard size.
Another easy option for those who don’t want to worry about dealing with difficult hair. The buzz cut is the short, military-inspired hairstyle that is low-maintenance but high impact. As with any super-short haircut, the look will draw attention to your brow and make your face look more defined.
Wave
The wave is an awesome hairstyle but only be achieved with the benefit of thick hair. The style makes your hair a feature in its right. If you decide waves are for you, it’s best to see a barber beforehand. They will get your hair looking right before you start the wave process. The look will take a while to appear, and you will need a few products to get it going, most notably a wave brush. Speak to your barber for more advice on how to achieve this unique haircut.
For a haircut with lots of texture, consider this style that adds a wavy motion to curly hair. The mid fade on the side continues that waviness and unifies the cut.
The wave is a divisive style in the world of hair. Your barber will either love it or hate it, but getting the cut is up to you. You’ll need special tools and products to maintain this hairstyle, most notably a wave brush and thick hair.
Short & Sweet
A short cut never seems to go out of style, and it looks terrific on anyone wanting to look clean and neat simply. Low maintenance, you can merely apply moisturizer, brush (use a boar bristle) and get on with your day!
The short part line is a popular and surprisingly easy style to pull off. No matter how fast and thick your hair might be, ask your barber to shave in a rugged part line on either side of the head.
The part adds some disconnected asymmetry to the style, reflecting styles such as the side or disconnected undercut. Better yet, a long surgical part can even be one aspect of a fabulous hair design carved into your fade.
For guys who like a clean, minimalist look, a short hair fade is ideal. The short fade creates a similar look to a crew cut, buzz cut, or high-and-tight. A short fade works well with a masculine, military feel if you want a style that requires no further styling to look good. However, short fades need to be maintained more regularly than more extended fades to ensure they stay clean and sharp.
Box Fade
The iconic that symbolized the golden era of hip-hop, the box fade brings all kinds of nostalgia. The box fade is back, with some thanks to the style making a big comeback on NBA courts. You might know it as the hi-top or flat top. It is the style that combines sides that taper down to a short length with a sharply defined rectangular top. Yep, hence the name. Typically the hair is about 3-5 cm on the top, although the way you rock it depends on your style and what suits your head. For a less dramatic look, opt for a gradual taper on the sides with a shorter, tight top.
Clean Shave
It’s the easiest way out, sure, but it can look unique and fresh on the right head. Not just the killer solution for a receding hairline, a clean shave might just look amazing on your head. The look sends a bold message of confidence in your style. Keep in mind, if your hair is particularly coarse, you may be prone to razor bumps. Ideally, you should shave with wet hair, moisturizing shaving oil, and decent shaving cream to avoid bumps. And remember always to shave with the grain.
Are curious about hairstyle trends in 2021? Here’s something you might like.
Essential Hair Care Tips for Black Men
It’s not just about finding the right product. In these hair care tips for black guys, you will learn that maintaining strong and healthy hair has more to do with proper technique and eliminating product than actually finding some miracle cream that works as an all-in-one moisturizer and hair wax. Please feel free to give us some feedback or share any of your hair care tips for black guys.
Brushing & Combing
You want to grow your hair, but it takes so long, and it’s always so frizzy. Your problem is that you’re brushing or combing your hair when it’s wet (and at its most vulnerable). Only brush or comb when it’s dry, to avoid breaking or damaging your hair. You also shouldn’t be using a brush or comb for detangling purposes.
This will just put unnecessary strain on your hair. Instead, use oil for this purpose.
Brushes & Combs
You might not be using the right kind of tools for your hair. If your hair is short, it’s generally okay to use a standard comb for styling, but a brush is preferable. You need a wide-tooth comb or an afro comb for styling longer hair. Brushes can be used in both cases, but sparingly to avoid damaging the hair.
Soft brushes are used to flatten or control those stray hairs that might want to stick out, while stiff brushes are used to create more defined shapes in your hair.
Shampoo
The structure of African hair allows it to dry out a lot quicker than other hair types. If you are experiencing a flaky scalp, it’s most likely because you are shampooing too frequently (thus drying your scalp) or simply using the wrong shampoo. When buying shampoo, don’t be tricked into buying ‘black friendly product. Not all of them are that friendly. Check the label.
You want to avoid anything with sulfates, isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, or propylene glycol. These will all dry and irritate your scalp and hair. Go for something natural – a cream or oil-based product.
Moisture
You need to keep your scalp and hair moisturized. Several products can help with this. However, the thing to remember is that you want to stay as natural as possible. You also don’t want to clog the pores in your scalp, as this will cause your skin to break out, so oils need to be applied sparingly.
Rub the product over your fingertips, evenly distributing it before massaging it into your scalp. Don’t apply to your hair, as this will just make it greasy. Your scalp will naturally coat your hair with the oil. Coconut, almond seed, and olive oil are great for this purpose, though olive oil can be a bit fatty.
Jabu Stone, MPL, and Amla have great haircare ranges that combine natural oils with glycerin for improved health and shine in terms of store-bought products.
Styling Product
Generally speaking, waxes, gels, and pomades will cake and flake in your hair. You want to avoid anything that is petroleum or alcohol-based. You can, however, consider an alcohol-free hairspray or a dry styling oil.
Final Words
Black men have a unique set of hair, and if proper care is taken, they can be styled amazingly. These above-mentioned short hairstyles for black men can help you achieve unique looks! You can also improve the health of your hair with the tips mentioned above!
