50 On-Trend Hairstyles for Black Women Who Want to Go Short This Year

No matter what's going on in the world, hair doesn't have to be complicated. Enter low-maintenance short hairstyles for Black women, which can really help simplify your life (or at least your morning routine). For the natural girl with a TWA (teeny weeny afro), you can opt to get a low fade, twist-out or comb it into a classic 'fro. For the woman transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, you can rock a short braided hairstyles, hot press curly hair or cornrows. And for the woman with relaxer in her hair, you can sport a pixie cut, bob, fingerwave... the options are endless!

With so many great protective hairstyles to choose from, you may not be sure where to start. So we asked Sabrina Porsche, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist who has styled the heads of A-listers like Beyoncé, to weigh in on the hottest short hair trends for Black women of any age or face shape to try right now.

Actress Gabrielle Union shows off her short and sassy shaggy bob. The tapered back helps shape the face and makes this short hairstyle great for women with oval and heart-shaped faces.

Update your short black pixie with a single curl like singer Janelle Monáe. Shape the curl by using hair wax or your favorite edge control product.

Model Maria Borges is known for rocking her teeny weeny afro, and she switched it up with a short blowout look. So chic!

Short looks can be super versatile: Actress Tracee Ellis Ross knows a thing or two about easy, protective styles. Keep your braided bun sleek and edges laid without the mess by using an edge control product like her own Pattern Mini Strong Hold Gel.

SHOP EDGE CONTROL GEL

Actress Taraji P. Henson's short tousled tresses give off a romantic air. The bias cut helps to show off her highlights and draws attention to her collarbone.

Try flipping out...your hair that is! This sleek look is coming back and singer Saweetie shows us how it's done. The 70s are trending on runways, so it's no surprise that the "70s big hair flip out will be popular this year," Porsche says.

Actress Issa Rae's glam updo hairstyle has an extra touch of sparkle with gold embellishments. With or without the decorative beads, this Fulani braids look is both regal and fun.

SHOP BEADS

Short cuts and fades are getting a new look in 2022: Trendsetters "are becoming very brave and cutting off their hair and doing multi colors," Porsche shares. Opting for a wig versus cutting your real hair allows you to try out this bold look without committing to a big chop. Take it to the next level like model Amber Rose by having your pro add a fun design with clippers.

Have some fun with your TWA by pinning or braiding the sides into a cute fro-hawk like Issa Rae's.

Taraji P. Henson smiles as she shows off her easygoing chin-length bob with loose curls. Don't be afraid to separate the curls for added volume.

Actress Samira Wiley is showstopping in a tapered updo. Blow out your natural hair and twist it up to create a beautiful updo that allows the focus to be on your face.

Let your curls loose with this carefree hairstyle seen on actress Tessa Thompson. For more defined ringlets, part strands and twist small sections around a curling iron.

Actress Danielle Brooks adds sparkly barrettes to her finger waves for a red carpet-worthy natural hairstyle.

Pair your curls with intricate cornrows. Actress Regina King mixes it up by tightly braiding one side of her hair and leaving the rest to cascade in beautiful ringlets.

Issa Rae's tight curls create a full, fabulous frame for her face. Bangs of the same texture are the perfect finishing touch.

What goes with a stylish side bang? A smize of course! Actress Yara Shahidi illustrates the look on curly hair and we love it.

It's all about the angles! Actress Amandla Stenberg asymmetrically styles her short curly hair for a sophisticated look. Curls are here to stay for naturalistas, Porsche says. "For the curly/natural girls, focusing on the health of the hair will be a big deal this year!" she adds.

Actress Meagan Good served classic Hollywood glamour with cherry red lipstick and a short cut with waves of hair in the front. Her whimsical curls can be achieved by blending in clip-in extensions.

SHOP HAIR EXTENSIONS

The flip style also looks great on more cropped cuts, a la actress Amandla Stenberg. To style, "instead of blow-drying hair over a round brush, blow-dry it under to make the curl flip upward," Porsche says. If that is too difficult and you want an easier option, "you can also do this with a barrel curling iron by curling the ends upward," she notes. Finish your flip with a middle part.

Always on the go? Singer Kelly Rowland's sleek bob is a busy girl's dream, as it's so easy to maintain. Keep the part centered for a symmetrical, even look.

Janelle Monae's curled bob is all about super soft texture. This classic look can be achieved by twisting your natural hair into bantu knots overnight and letting them loose in the morning.

Rock out like Jada Pinkett Smith with this brown bob that has a mid-section elevated by bobby pins. Smooth out those baby hairs with a dab of hair mousse on a clean toothbrush.

Maria Borges made a huge statement by being the first model to rock natural hair during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Achieve this look by keeping your short afro well-moisturized.

If you have a loose curl pattern that grows upwards like actress Kiersey Clemons, try having your stylist cut the sides and back of your hair low for this beautiful look, which shows off your facial features.

Model Ebonee Davis is all smiles with hair styled in finger coils. Smart tip: The smaller the coils, the longer they last.

Danai Gurira knows how to rock a short natural hairstyle either casual or glam, as seen here, and is right on trend. "I think we will see even more people embracing their hair texture and wearing their hair in its natural state!" Porsche says. "More brands than ever are coming out with curly hair lines, so there are many products to choose from to improve overall health and curl definition."

Taraji P. Henson balances the volume up top by keeping the sides shorter. The gorgeous auburn shade also draws the eye upward.

If you are running short on time and still want an elegant look, wear your naturally curly hair up. Instead of using a hair tie, opt for gold string like Amandla Stenberg to add an elevated air.

Headband wigs work wonderfully on short hair. "Headband wigs are half wigs that come with headbands attached to them, for those days when you're between styles and need a go-to that's cute, quick and easy," Porsche explains. Installation is simple: "All you do is put your hair in a low ponytail (add baby hair/edges if you prefer) and pop the wig on," she says. The look is versatile, too. "The best part of the headband wig is being able to change out the headband of your choice!" Porsche adds. We love singer Estelle's turban style seen here.

Go back in time with this more formal pinned hairstyle worn by Tessa Thompson. Styled like the flapper dancers of the 1920s, slick one side of hair over to the opposite side of the head and secure with pins to achieve the look.

SHOP HAIR PINS

Danielle Brooks dons a milkmaid braid to create a playful yet chic crown-like look for her hair.

"The new big thing in the braid world are butterfly locs," says Porsche, who is known for her braided styles."These locs are similar to faux locs, but the difference is, instead of using straight braiding hair to wrap around the braid, you would use curly braiding hair and wrap them in a looser form to give the loc a more textured look." While singer Halle Bailey is sporting real locs here, butterfly locs have a similar curly vibe.

For a versatile style that works with any makeup, jewelry or outfit, try a timeless side-parted pixie cut like singer Jennifer Hudson's.

An elegant look that frames and flatters your bone structure in all the right spots, actress Kerry Washington's cute bob with bangs is especially great for heart-shaped faces.

Actress Lupita Nyong'o is always switching up her natural hairstyles. This close-cropped look can be achieved by twisting your curls in groups of strands and setting the style overnight with a silk scarf. Lightly fluff the next morning and voilà.

SHOP SILK SCARVES

Add texture to your bob by slightly teasing chunks of hair, mimicking the effortlessly chic look singer Beyoncé showed off.

Janelle Monae tops her pixie cut with an embellished gold headband, which complements her glowing skin.

Go retro-cute like Gabrielle Union with loose pin curls that look gorgeous with an elegant dress and a long set of lashes.

Show off your natural hair texture with a sweet short cut that has closely-cropped sides, like actress Samira Wiley.

Play up natural tendrils with actress Uzo Aduba's romantic all-on-top style that looks great with daring makeup and fun jewelry.

Danai Gurira gives a short haircut dimension and a bit of edge with a defined part.

To get this standout polished hairstyle worn by Danielle Brooks, ask your stylist to give you an asymmetrical angled bob with swoop bangs.

Feeling adventurous? Try out supermodel Tyra Banks' shimmery pixie by asking your stylist for multiple shades of gold and light brown highlights.

If you love showing off your cosmetics skills, a closely-cropped style with short bangs like Rihanna's keeps your morning hair routine to a minimum while highlighting your lovely eye makeup and lipstick.

Feeling bold? Try out a short cut that looks great with a touch of volume on top and a pretty side part, as seen on singer Janet Jackson.

Go spiky yet simple with actress Halle Berry's iconic highlighted pixie cut. Whether you wear it smooth or muss it up with a bit of wax, this hairstyle is super versatile.

When in doubt, go for curls. Actress Sanaa Lathan dons romantic ringlets as bangs while slicking the rest of her hair into an updo.

For a foolproof glam look, pair your natural curls with winged eyeliner and a satin burgundy lip color like singer Solange.

Type 4C hair doesn't need definition to look great and Danai Gurira is living proof. She rocked her kinky curly afro with a deep side part.

Rihanna's iconic angled bob prompted millions of women to head to the salon for her cool asymmetrical style. It's still a great option if you want a sexy cut that can be styled several different ways.