Black hair is very diverse. There are so many different curl patterns, different levels of hair porosity, and thousands of hair products we use. Additionally, there are tons of different hairstyles that have been created that black girls are able to use all the time and make unique to themselves. Box braids, knotless braids, locs/butterfly locs/soft locs, natural afro/puffs, stitch braids, silk press, lace front wigs, sew ins, natural twists/passion twists/ spring twists, bantu knots, braid out/twist out/wash and gos, headwraps, buzzed, and finger waves are just some of the hundreds of different styles that black girls have.

​Out of these, here are our top 5. ​

bETTY'S top 5 

5. Silk Press

Silk presses are cute for straightening curly hair without the permanent effects of a relaxer, but they are really only for winter because your hair frizzes up any other time of the year.

4. Twist Outs 

Twist outs are my favorite way to wear my natural hair because they define and add volume without the use of heat or chemicals. The only issue is that your twist out from last week will not look the same as the twist out you have in this week.

3. Lace Fronts

Lace fronts are a versatile way to wear your hair in bobs, curly styles, or even a 30-inch bussdown middle part. The possibilities are actually endless, with the wigs having options like synthetic, which is cheaper, or human hair, which is better quality. The only cons to the lace fronts are the maintenance of the lace and the price to get the wigs installed, which can go up to $200, not even including the wig itself.

2. LOCS

Locs are so beautiful. And with the low-maintenance style, you can add accessories to them, style them in twists and barrel rolls, and they can also be worn for years. Other types of styles that mimic natural locs, like soft locs, are also so pretty.

1. Knotless braids

I absolutely love knotless braids. They are a dependable protective style; they add on less tension than traditional box braids; they can be done in various sizes such as jumbo, medium, small, and my personal favorite, smedium (a combination of medium and small). They can also have added twists such as curls on the braids, and there are many colors of braided hair to suit any person's desires.

Maya's TOP 5

5. sILK pRESS 

I always used to get silk presses when I was younger and thought they looked so pretty. I loved getting bouncy curls and just looking at how long my hair would be. The only issues I have with them are how easily they could get messed up and how scared I was of heat damage. If I didn’t have to worry about heat damage, I would definitely wear that style all the time. ​

4. LOCS

I love locs so much. I've always wanted to lock my own hair up just because of how pretty they look and how many accessories I could put on them. I tried out soft locs recently and absolutely loved how pretty they looked. The only thing is I'm way too indecisive to permanently have my hair locked up. ​

3. Knotless braids

Knotless braids were also my go-to when I was younger, especially when it was summertime. I absolutely love how many different things I can do with knotless braids. I love being able to add different colors and other accessories to my braids. I also like the different styles I could do and the different sizes I can get with them. The main thing that I kinda have an issue with braids is how long it takes to get them done and how long it takes for me to take them out. I just took my braids out the other day; it took me close to 7 hours! ​

2. Twist/ twist out ​

I love a good twist out, and in general, I love twists. They are so simple, easy to put in and easy to take out. They also give my hair nice and defined curls. The only small thing I have a problem with is that twist-outs never look the same after having it out for a week or so. ​

1.Natural Afro/Puffs ​

This is the style I go with all the time. I almost always have my hair in an afro or puff. I LOVE my hair in this style so much. It just looks so nice and my hair is just free to do whatever. The management of the style is so effortless, and it always ends up looking so full and pretty. ​
Hair is an essential component of identity, and for many Black girls, it is closely linked to their cultural background, sense of style, and self-esteem. Because Black hair has endured centuries-long discrimination, stigma, and cultural appropriation, many Black women feel ashamed of their natural hair. Nonetheless, a growing movement to accept and appreciate Black hair in all of its forms has emerged in recent years, which has allowed many Black females to feel proud and confident with their hair.

In conclusion, Black girls have access to a diverse range of hairstyles that allow them to express themselves creatively, connect with their cultural heritage, and celebrate their individuality. These hairstyles can range from traditional and culturally significant styles to modern, trendy styles that are popular across different communities.

Betty Rivers 

Maya Terry