One of the most empowering parts of natural hair is how incredibly versatile it is. Braids, twist outs and updos are among some of the beautiful ways you can experiment with your stands. Apart from having fun with styles and even different colors, natural hair can also be worn in a variety of patterns regardless of length.
Whether you have short hair, medium hair or long hair, you can draw inspiration from this selection of the best natural hairstyles we've seen worn by your favorite celebrities. If you’re in the mood to create some art with your hair, you can opt for a more elaborate look or go for an easy and quick ‘do. There is also a great range of protective hairstyles to try, including box braids and cornrows.
No matter if you’re thinking of going for, we’ve got you covered. Some of these ideas can be done at home, while others will require a trip to the salon, but any of these gorgeous ideas can easily become your new everyday look.
Unique NicoleGetty Images
1 of 54
Gray Moment
Going gray can be exciting. Mara Brock Akil, embraces her gray strands and curly locks with this textured low ponytail.
Harry LangdonGetty Images
2 of 54
Full Fro
If you’re 1970s obsessed, or just interested in experimenting with the shape of an afro, then you can you can learn a thing or two from the icon herself Diana Ross. This perfectly shaped afro is achieved through combing out the curl and picking the hair at the root.
Bennett RaglinGetty Images
3 of 54
Head Wrap
Headwraps have been a part of natural hair care for centuries. Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo is known for her patterned headscarves. The significance of headscarves even holds a lot of weight in the United States. According to, National Park Service, in Louisiana, many Creole women used the tignon cloths to create elaborate headscarves and wraps.
Rich FuryGetty Images
4 of 54
Sleek Bun
A slicked back bun is one of the most popular natural hairstyles and is easy to achieve regardless of your hair styling skills. Yara Shahidi wears a gelled bun at the Emmy Awards.
Andrew TothGetty Images
5 of 54
Platinum TWA
Do blondes have more fun? We don’t know! But Solange’s platinum TWA (teeny weeny afro) is giving everyone a little bit of blonde ambition.
Gie KnaepsGetty Images
6 of 54
Red Tease
Chaka Khan is known for two things: her unique voice and voluminous hair. Chaka’s violet red hair, has become synonymous with the singer. This style is achieved by coloring the hair violet red and teasing out the curl.
Jamie McCarthyGetty Images
7 of 54
Silk Press
If you want to ditch the relaxer but wear sleek straight hair, then a silk press is the perfect alternative as this heat styling technique works for all curl patterns. Zendaya wears her bone straight style on the red carpet.
Kevin Mazur/MG21Getty Images
8 of 54
Pearls
Pearls don’t only go on your neckline! Alicia Keys applied adhesive pearls onto her hair for the Met Gala. A wonderful idea for a special event.
Rosdiana CiaravoloGetty Images
9 of 54
High Top
Take your hair to new heights, literally, with a high top style. It will let your beautiful facial features shine.
Scott OlsonGetty Images
10 of 54
Defined Curls
Let your natural texture radiate like former First Lady Michelle Obama. For ultra-defined ringlets, try using a gel for curly hair right when you get out of the shower.
Albert L. OrtegaGetty Images
11 of 54
Wave Pattern Micro Braids
Micro braids take a bit of extra time, but for hair like Beyoncé, they're totally worth it. A wave pattern makes these braids look regal and unique.
Tommaso BoddiGetty Images
12 of 54
Braids with a Headband
This easy hairstyle can be worn in any situation. If you have box braids, throw them back with a headband to keep them out of your face. Try a plain black headband like Tiffany Haddish, or mix it up with a fun pattern.
Noam GalaiGetty Images
13 of 54
Side Swept Twist Out
Go for a curly and voluminous twist out for maximum impact. Sweep strands to one side like Taraji P. Henson to keep it cool.
David M. BenettGetty Images
14 of 54
Fluffy Afro
Iman is undoubtedly a fashion icon — but we should be talking about her hair, too. Channel her by keeping your hair natural and sporting it in an afro for an effortless effect.
Andrew TothGetty Images
15 of 54
High Half Bun Braids
Try this half-updo, seen on Gabrielle Union, for a fun twist on a casual style. To achieve this look, box braids are pulled up into a half bun, but the end of the braids are left out for a cascading face frame.
Michael LoccisanoGetty Images
16 of 54
Side-Pinned Coils
This style looks chic and sophisticated — and bonus, it's easy to achieve. Let your natural texture shine through, styling in a deep side part, then pin back one side like Issa Rae.
Julien HekimianGetty Images
17 of 54
Long Pigtail Braids
Impossibly long pigtail braids with embellishments are the height of cool. Part your hair straight down the middle like Janelle Monáe to keep them sleek.
Steven FerdmanGetty Images
18 of 54
Side Cornrows
You don't have to braid cornrows straight back — take it from Keke Palmer. Mix up typical cornrows by braiding them toward either side. The result? Sleek, stylish strands.
Bertrand Rindoff PetroffGetty Images
19 of 54
Braided Bangs
Long box braids will always be in style. Take them to the next level by adding shorter braided bangs, like Lupita N'yongo. These bangs add drama to any look, but to make them even more show-stopping, some carefully placed beads are always a good idea.
HandoutGetty Images
20 of 54
Side-Pinned Twist Out
Looking for an easy way to put a twist on long, voluminous curls? Take some inspiration from Kerry Washington by middle parting your hair, then pinning the top of each side down. This look is so versatile, you can dress it up or down.
Phillip FaraoneGetty Images
21 of 54
Oversized High Bun
One of the best things about box braids is that you can wear them in a million different ways. Channel Kelly Rowland by twisting them into a high bun.
Monica SchipperGetty Images
22 of 54
Mini Dreadlocks
If you think dreadlocks can't be dressed up, think again. Zoë Kravitz proves that dreadlocks are ultra-chic and feminine.
Roy RochlinGetty Images
23 of 54
Flipped Out Ends
Try straightening your natural hair and pulling it back into half-updo. To add a bit of volume, flip out the ends like Lupita N'yongo.
Jerritt ClarkGetty Images
24 of 54
Short Knots
Willow Smith keeps it simple with miniature knots. This style ensures that your eyes are the focus.
Steve GranitzGetty Images
25 of 54
Bun and Low Pony Combo
There are few people as glam as actress Regina King, so it's no surprise that she had an amazing partial updo at the Emmys. Her super-long braid was amped up with a ballerina half-bun on top.
Presley AnnGetty Images
26 of 54
Box Braid Top Knot
Actress Teyonah Parris made a statement at the Toronto Film Festival with her dramatic braided top knot. As much as you want to copy it ASAP, we recommend waiting up to a week after getting your braids to recreate this updo.
Taylor HillGetty Images
27 of 54
Fulani Braids
Actress Issa Rae's Met Gala hairstyle had an extra touch of sparkle with gold embellishments. With or without the decorative beads, this is both regal and fun.
Singer Alicia Keys's hairstyle has it all: a voluminous mohawk, braided ponytail, and cornrows on the side. Whether you're hitting the stage or just heading to the grocery store, this is a definite head-turner.
Getty Images
29 of 54
Playful Middle Part
Actress Tracee Ellis Ross's exuberant personality comes through in this full, shoulder-skimming style that saves the volume for the sides and stays low key on top. Keep spirals smooth and defined by applying a natural oil-based hair serum.
Victoria's Secret model Samile Bermannelli's tight curls have a sexy piecey-ness, including a couple of strands that tease the look of bangs without full fringe.
Katherine TinsleyDigital Editorial AssistantKatherine Tinsley is a pop culture and beauty-obsessed journalist who has worked with Live the Process, The Knockturnal and Dreamlette covering all things beauty, culture and lifestyle.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io