Big hair energy is back—and it’s making no apologies.
2025 is not the year to play it safe. African-American hairstyles are serving bold textures, fearless shapes, and serious confidence. Whether you’re all about coils, braids, or cropped styles with attitude, the message is clear: do you, loudly.
Of course, not every look is still hitting. Some once-loved styles are quietly stepping aside, making room for fresh takes and modern flair. The world of Black hair never stands still—and you shouldn’t either.
Ready to find your next obsession? We’ve rounded up 14 hairstyles that are dominating this year, and 6 that are best left in the archives. Let’s turn the volume up.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are making a strong comeback in 2025. With their origins in African tribal traditions, these knots are not just a hairstyle but a statement of cultural pride.
The style is versatile, allowing for creative interpretations. Whether adorned with beads or left simple and chic, Bantu knots offer a striking look.
The knots are also protective, promoting hair health. Perfect for any occasion, this hairstyle is both practical and stylish, making it a favorite among trendsetters.
Fulani Braids
Fulani braids, recognized by their intricate patterns and decorative accessories, remain a trendy choice for 2025. Originating from the Fula people of West Africa, these braids are rich in cultural significance.
The style often includes central cornrows with hair extensions and beads, adding elegance and flair. Fulani braids are both protective and fashionable, ideal for maintaining hair health while showcasing individuality.
This hairstyle continues to captivate, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Afro Puffs
Afro puffs are a playful and youthful hairstyle that celebrates natural hair texture. In 2025, this style remains in vogue for its simplicity and charm.
Afro puffs are perfect for those seeking a quick and easy look that still makes a statement. This hairstyle is both practical and stylish, allowing for endless creativity.
Whether worn casually or accessorized for a more formal look, afro puffs are a timeless choice that embodies the spirit of fun and freedom.
Cornrows with Designs
Cornrows with designs continue to be a popular choice in 2025. Known for their versatility and artistic potential, these braids offer endless possibilities.
Cornrows can be styled in various patterns, from simple and sleek to elaborate and bold. This hairstyle is not only visually appealing but also protective, helping to maintain hair health.
Whether attending a formal event or enjoying a casual day out, cornrows with designs provide a unique and personalized look that stands out.
Short Natural Curls
Short natural curls are a chic and effortless style that continues to shine in 2025. Embracing natural hair texture, this look is both modern and timeless.
Short curls require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for those with busy lifestyles. This hairstyle enhances natural beauty and allows for versatility, whether styled with accessories or left simple.
Short natural curls express individuality and confidence, making them a beloved choice for women of all ages.
Goddess Locs
Goddess locs provide a regal and enchanting look that remains popular in 2025. This style, characterized by its wavy and textured appearance, adds a touch of elegance and mystique.
Goddess locs are both protective and stylish, offering a unique blend of beauty and practicality. They can be adorned with accessories like shells and beads for added flair.
Whether worn long or short, goddess locs exude confidence and grace, making them a timeless choice for those seeking a distinctive style.
Box Braids
Box braids are a perennial favorite that continues to be trendy in 2025. Known for their versatility and low maintenance, box braids offer endless styling options.
Whether worn long, medium, or short, they provide a chic and effortless look. Box braids are perfect for those seeking a protective style that allows for creativity and expression.
This hairstyle is suitable for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events, making it a go-to choice for many.
Twist Outs
Twist outs continue to captivate in 2025 with their natural and defined look. This hairstyle enhances the natural curl pattern, providing a soft and voluminous appearance.
Twist outs are versatile, allowing for various styling options, from casual to elegant. They are also a protective style, promoting hair health and reducing damage.
Perfect for those who embrace their natural texture, twist outs offer a beautiful way to showcase individuality and flair.
Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a bold and daring choice that remains in fashion in 2025. This short and chic hairstyle exudes confidence and sophistication.
Ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look, the pixie cut enhances facial features and allows for creative styling.
Whether textured or sleek, this hairstyle offers a fresh and modern vibe. The pixie cut is perfect for making a statement, reflecting a bold and adventurous spirit.
Tapered Fro
The tapered fro is a stylish and edgy look that continues to be popular in 2025. Celebrating natural hair texture, this hairstyle offers a modern twist on the classic afro.
The tapered cut provides a sleek and defined shape, enhancing the overall look. Suitable for both men and women, the tapered fro is versatile and easy to maintain.
Whether worn casually or dressed up with accessories, this hairstyle embodies individuality and confidence.
Lemonade Braids
Lemonade braids, inspired by Beyoncé’s iconic style, remain a trendsetter in 2025. Known for their side-swept appearance and intricate patterns, these braids offer a bold and elegant look.
Lemonade braids are versatile, allowing for creative styling and personalization. Whether adorned with beads or left simple, they provide a striking and fashionable appearance.
Perfect for making a statement, lemonade braids continue to captivate with their unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are a versatile and popular choice in 2025, known for their ability to mimic natural hair textures. This style offers endless possibilities, from curly to straight and everything in between.
Crochet braids are both protective and stylish, promoting hair health while allowing for creativity and expression.
Perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet fashionable look, crochet braids provide a chic and effortless appearance.
This hairstyle is ideal for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events.
Fade with Designs
The fade with designs is a trendy and artistic choice for 2025. Known for its clean and sharp appearance, this hairstyle offers endless creativity.
The fade provides a sleek canvas for intricate designs, allowing for personal expression and uniqueness. Suitable for both men and women, this hairstyle is versatile and stylish.
Whether attending a formal event or enjoying a casual day out, the fade with designs offers a fresh and modern look that’s sure to turn heads.
Mohawk Braids
Mohawk braids are a bold and dramatic style that stays in vogue for 2025. Known for their distinctive and edgy appearance, these braids provide a fresh take on the traditional Mohawk.
The style allows for individuality and creativity, making it perfect for those seeking a unique look.
Whether worn with intricate patterns or simple lines, Mohawk braids offer a striking and fashionable appearance. This hairstyle is ideal for making a statement and showcasing personal flair.
Out: Finger Waves
Finger waves, once a glamorous staple, have seen a decline in 2025. Their smooth, sculpted appearance, reminiscent of old Hollywood, no longer aligns with the current trend of embracing natural textures and voluminous styles.
While they offer a sophisticated look, finger waves require meticulous styling and maintenance. As hairstyles lean towards effortless and textured appearances, the polished finish of finger waves feels less relevant.
Although they may still find a place for special occasions, finger waves are stepping out of the daily style choices for many.
Out: Relaxed Straight Hair
Relaxed straight hair, once a dominant style, is losing its appeal in 2025. The emphasis on natural beauty and texture takes precedence, making chemically straightened hair less desirable.
The maintenance and potential damage associated with relaxers contribute to the decline of this style. As more women embrace their natural curls and kinks, the demand for relaxed straight hair diminishes.
While it still holds a place for those preferring a sleek look, the trend is moving towards more organic and textured styles.
Out: Micro Braids
Micro braids, while once popular for their intricate detail, have fallen out of favor in 2025. The time-consuming process and potential damage to hair have led to a decline in their popularity.
As trends shift towards more voluminous and protective styles, micro braids seem less appealing. The focus is now on styles that promote hair health and allow for easier maintenance.
Although they offer a unique look, micro braids are stepping back as more women choose styles that combine fashion with practicality.
Out: Flat Twist Updos
Flat twist updos, while elegant and sophisticated, are seeing a decline in 2025. The structured and polished appearance of this style contrasts with the current trend of embracing natural and effortless looks.
As more women opt for styles that enhance natural texture and require less maintenance, flat twist updos feel less relevant.
While they remain an option for special occasions, they are not as prevalent in everyday styling choices. The focus is shifting towards styles that balance elegance with ease and practicality.
Out: Ultra Long Weaves
Ultra-long weaves, once a symbol of glamour and extravagance, are stepping out of the spotlight in 2025.
The maintenance and weight associated with these extensions make them less appealing as trends shift towards practicality and comfort.
As more women embrace lighter and more manageable styles, ultra-long weaves feel cumbersome and outdated.
While they may still appear in high-fashion settings, the everyday demand is waning. The focus is now on styles that offer beauty without the burden of excessive length.
Out: Waterfall Braids
Waterfall braids, known for their intricate and flowing patterns, have seen a decline in popularity in 2025.
The style’s complexity and the time required for styling do not align with the current trend of embracing simplicity and ease.
As more women opt for styles that celebrate natural textures and require minimal maintenance, waterfall braids are becoming less common.
While still admired for their beauty, they are not as prevalent in everyday style choices as more practical and effortless looks take precedence.