21 Best Hairstyles and Haircuts for Black Men in 2020
Got FOMO in the hair department? Then these haircuts for black men will put an end to that!
Feeling uninspired, or just not sure where to start when it comes to cool, black men’s hairstyles? No need to fear the idea of heading to the barbers, as we’ve rounded up the most stylish hairstyles for black men, guaranteed to get you excited about your next appointment.
Below we’ve unearthed something for just about everybody, whether your hair is natural or relaxed, short, medium or long. So, if you’re considering a fresh new ‘do or just want an update, here are the best styles to have a look at before you take the plunge.
Afro With Groomed Beard
This timeless afro hairstyle is ideal for black guys who want to show off their full beards.
Side-Swept Dreads With a Drop Fade
The new fade taking over 2020? The drop fade, of course. As the name suggests, this type of fade drops low and sits behind the ear, making it super subtle.
Try pairing yours with some side-swept dreads, like this dapper gent has done, to really get the crowd talking.
Half-Up Black Men’s Hair
If your black hair falls on the longer side, this half-up look is perfect for you. It’ll do a great job of showing off your amazing length and also keep your style off your face.
Editor’s tip: To really make your natural hair pattern pop, try working in some of the TRESemmé Botanique Air Dry Curl Cream into your mane. It’ll help control frizz and give your hair serious definition.
Cornrows
Cornrow braids are arguably the OG black men’s hairstyle (and a fave amongst black athletes), so it’s no surprise they’re making a comeback in 2020.
Sharp Caesar Cut
If you’re looking for a black men’s hairstyle that’ll look put together 24-7, this modern Caesar cut is perfect for you.
Curly Hair Curtains
Hair curtains can work on black hair and this impressive hairstyle is here to prove that.
Short Freeform Dreads
When it comes to black men’s hairstyles, you can’t deny how popular dreadlocks are. For a fresh take on classic locs, try short freeform dreads and team them with your favourite fade style.
South of France
This South of France hairstyle was first made popular by Usher. And although it’s modelled on the classic punk-inspired mohawk, it’s really known as a “gentleman’s mohawk”, thanks to its subtle shape.
The haircut is almost undetectable from the front, but once turned to the side, you can identify it by its dapper four dimensional look and trademark burst fade. Credit: @ronny.ron
Twist-Out
Credit: Instagram.com/llcooldrae
Thought that twists and twist-outs were reserved for the ladies? Think again. Because twists are also a great protective hairstyle for black men.
Simply take an inch-wide section of hair (you can start anywhere), then divide this section into two and weave your two-strand twist. Continue this process with the rest of your mane – and that’s pretty much it!
The best part? When you’re tired of rocking your twists, you can undo them, revealing a great twist-out! Credit: @llcooldrae
The Afro
This is ultimate ‘do when it comes to black male hairstyles, obviously. No matter the size of your afro, celebrate your mane by rocking your natural hair texture.
This is pretty much a wake-up-and-go look, which has major bonus points, but when it comes to the colder months, you might want to consider a more protective style. Credit: @_pharaoh
Caesar Cut
Looking for short, dapper black hairstyles for men? The Caesar haircut exudes classic coolness, especially when teamed with a 360 wave. Although it takes a little time (and a lot of effort), once you’ve created your waves, you won’t regret it.
Still on the fence? Why not check out our comprehensive 360 wave guide on everything you need to know about the look? We’re sure you’ll be a convert in no time! Credit: @bj__williams
High Top Fade
Ready to throw it back to the days of The Fresh Prince? Then go for a hipster-approved high top fade. We, for one, are glad that this hairstyle has been revived and brought back from the hair archives.
Like the name suggests, it’s a high fade with a slightly longer top: a great style for black men as it allows them to really showcase their natural hair texture, while keeping the sides and back short and neat.
Tip: Just remember to keep the top soft, otherwise you risk looking like you’ve just stepped out of the ’90s! Credit: @altondeon
Buzzed Fade
Fade haircuts are great to add a subtle stylish edge to many looks, no matter the length of your hair. Combine a short afro and a sharp cut with clean, faded sides (or geometric patterns) for a contrast in textures. Or, for a more minimalist style, get a closely cropped cut with tapered sides to add a modern touch without going to extremes.
As one of the most versatile black hairstyles for men, fades can come in a range of options; from the classic mid and low fades, to higher ones that will give your cut a striking finish.
Dyed Hair
Want to transform your hairstyle without getting a new cut? Create a bolder look by adding some colour! Deep brown and red hues work really well with dark locks, as the combination produces a super attractive look, while vibrant, brighter shades can give your hair a really stunning finish.
Editor’s tip: Before you go for a new colour, you might want to consult professionals to get their recommendations. And remember that the colouring process can cause your locks to become more dry and brittle!
But fret not, as by using a wash a care set that is specifically formulated for coloured hair, like the TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Vibrance Protection Shampoo and Conditioner, you’ll help keep your dyed locks looking their best.
Classic Buzzcut
The buzz cut is one of the most popular black men’s hairstyles right now. Super versatile and low-maintenance, it works well for most face shapes and hair textures.
While you can create the cut yourself, it’s worth consulting your barber to find out what length you should go for, as you’ll still need to choose the one that’ll work best for your face and head shape.
Short Curly Hair
Depending on the natural texture of your hair, a curly hairstyle can be great for creating a cool look with lots of shape. And there is a wide range of curly black hairstyles for men you can choose from – from short afros to more intricate options that will help enhance your naturally thick locks.
For sharp and classic haircuts for black men, keep your hair closely cropped (about one inch or less all over) and create a side parting to produce a contemporary and polished effect (or you can simply leave it as it is).
Taper Fade With Waves
The fade is another one of the classic black men’s haircuts that shouldn’t be overlooked, as this cut has a lot of range and can be worked with a variety of lengths.
If a standard taper fade feels too safe, you might want to try a low or high fade. As for the scissor fade? It’s a great option for curly hair textures if you want a casual style that looks as effortless as it feels.
Medium Dreadlocks
One of the most well-known hairstyles for black men, this permanent ‘do takes time to create, but once your hair is ‘locked’, the styling options are endless.
Updos like the man bun and half-up styles are just some of the options you can easily achieve. See music mavens Lenny Kravitz, Future, and Wiz Khalifa for reference: they’re all dreadlock devotees!
Man Bun
The camps are still split on the man bun, but we can’t deny it’s a great option if you need an easy, protective style.
Not only does it keep your hair ends safe and sound, but it’s also acceptable for work and practical at the gym. Don’t worry if you don’t have shoulder-length hair, Zayn Malik is proof that you can do man buns with relatively short hair, too.
Bold and Bald
Time-poor and can’t spare a moment to style or groom your black hair? That’s okay, because the ‘no-hair’ look is one of the only black men’s hairstyles that requires zero maintenance.
It’s fuss-free and practical, not to mention it’s a great way to conceal thinning hair or male pattern baldness, while still effortlessly looking stylish – that makes it a win-win in our books.
High and Tight
Suitable for any face shape, the high and tight is one of the most stylish and flattering black male hairstyles. Often worn by those in the armed forces due to the fact that it requires minimal styling and maintenance, it’s a good choice of hairstyle if you’re strapped for time in the mornings.
Ask your barber to keep some length on top, but to fade out your hair either sides of your head. We promise, it’ll add a stylish touch to any standard fade.
