Hairstyles for Short Natural Hair 2024: 38 Cute Simple Cornrow Quick Braided Ideas

Short natural hair continues to be a powerful statement of beauty and individuality in 2024. With its versatility and unique textures, it offers endless possibilities for styling. This article explores 38 trendy hairstyles for short natural hair that are not only fashionable but also easy to maintain and style. Whether you’re looking for cute everyday looks or stunning wedding hairstyles, these ideas will inspire you to embrace your natural beauty.

Simple Cornrow Braids

Cornrow braids are a timeless protective style that works wonderfully on short natural hair. This style involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in neat, straight lines, creating a sleek and tidy appearance. Simple cornrows are perfect for both casual and formal occasions, making them a versatile choice. They suit all face shapes and highlight your natural features beautifully, particularly enhancing darker eye colors with their bold lines.

To create simple cornrow braids, you’ll need a fine-tooth comb, hair clips, and a good moisturizing gel or cream to keep the hair hydrated and smooth. Start by parting the hair into sections, then braid each section close to the scalp, securing the ends with small hair bands. Maintain this style by wrapping your hair in a satin scarf at night and applying a light oil to the scalp to keep it nourished.

Cute TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)

The Teeny Weeny Afro, or TWA, is a cute and bold hairstyle that celebrates natural hair texture. This style is characterized by its short length, making it easy to manage and perfect for a fresh, modern look. It’s ideal for round and oval face shapes and brings out the vibrancy in eye colors ranging from brown to hazel. The TWA is a fantastic choice for everyday wear, as well as for more formal events where a simple yet chic look is desired.

To achieve a TWA, ensure your hair is clean and well-moisturized. Define your curls using a curl-enhancing cream or gel. Regular trims are essential to keep the shape, and using a leave-in conditioner will help maintain the softness and health of your hair.

Quick Braided Updo

A quick braided updo is a stylish and easy hairstyle that adds an elegant touch to short natural hair. This look involves braiding sections of the hair upwards towards the crown, creating a voluminous updo that is both sophisticated and practical. It’s perfect for special occasions like weddings or formal events and suits heart-shaped and oval faces beautifully, enhancing eye colors such as blue and green.

To create this updo, start by sectioning the hair and braiding each part towards the center of your head. Secure the braids with bobby pins and use a holding spray to keep everything in place. This style can be maintained by gently wrapping your hair at night and using a hydrating mist in the morning to refresh the look.

Simple Finger Coils

Finger coils are a fantastic way to define your natural curls without the use of gel. This style involves coiling small sections of hair around your finger to create uniform, bouncy curls. It’s a simple yet effective method that works well for short natural hair, especially for those with 4c hair. Finger coils are great for casual outings and give a youthful, playful look, suiting all face shapes and bringing out the depth in darker eye colors.

To achieve finger coils, you’ll need a good curl cream or styling custard. Start with damp, detangled hair, and take small sections to wrap around your finger until the curl forms. Allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser. Maintain the coils by sleeping on a satin pillowcase and refreshing the curls with a water-based spray in the morning.

Packing Gel Styles

Packing gel styles are perfect for those looking to create sleek and defined looks with short natural hair. These styles involve using packing gel to smooth the hair into various shapes and designs, such as sleek ponytails or smooth buns. They are ideal for professional settings or elegant events, suiting all face shapes and adding a polished finish that enhances any eye color.

To create packing gel styles, you’ll need a strong-hold gel, a fine-tooth comb, and hair clips. Apply the gel to your hair and use the comb to smooth it into the desired shape, securing it with clips or bands. Maintain this style by covering your hair at night to prevent frizz and reapplying gel as needed to keep the look fresh.

Twist-Outs

Twist-outs are a popular protective style that adds definition and volume to short natural hair. This style involves twisting small sections of hair, allowing them to set, and then unraveling them to reveal beautifully defined curls. Twist-outs are perfect for casual and semi-formal occasions, suiting all face shapes and bringing out the brightness in eye colors like amber and green.

To achieve a twist-out, start with damp, detangled hair and apply a twist cream or gel. Twist small sections of hair and let them dry completely before unraveling. Maintain this style by sleeping on a satin pillowcase and using a light oil to keep the curls moisturized and shiny.

Curly Frohawk

The curly frohawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that combines the volume of a fro with the sleekness of a mohawk. This style involves defining the curls and creating height in the center of the head while keeping the sides sleek and smooth. It’s a fantastic choice for parties and concerts, suiting square and heart-shaped faces and emphasizing eye colors like dark brown and hazel.

To create a curly frohawk, define your curls with a curl cream or gel and use a strong-hold gel to slick down the sides of your hair. Secure the sides with bobby pins or small bands. Maintain this style by refreshing the curls with a water-based spray and reapplying gel to the sides as needed.

Simple Wash and Go

The wash and go is a simple and easy hairstyle that celebrates the natural texture of your hair. This style involves washing your hair, applying a leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing product, and allowing your hair to air dry. It’s perfect for those with busy lifestyles, suiting all face shapes and bringing out the natural beauty of all eye colors.

To achieve a wash and go, start with clean, wet hair and apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly and let your hair air dry or use a diffuser. Maintain this style by refreshing your curls with a water-based spray and reapplying product as needed.

Wedding Updo with Twists

For a sophisticated and elegant look, a wedding updo with twists is an excellent choice. This style involves twisting sections of the hair and pinning them into an intricate updo. It’s perfect for weddings and other formal events, suiting oval and heart-shaped faces and enhancing the elegance of light eye colors like blue and gray.

To create this updo, twist small sections of your hair and secure them with bobby pins to form the updo. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. Maintain this style by covering your hair at night to prevent frizz and reapplying hairspray as needed to keep the look intact.

Quick Weaving Styles

Quick weaving styles are a convenient and versatile option for short natural hair. This style involves adding extensions to your natural hair to create various looks, such as bobs or pixie cuts. It’s perfect for those looking to change their look quickly, suiting all face shapes and eye colors.

To create a quick weaving style, you’ll need hair extensions, a weaving cap, and a strong adhesive. Attach the extensions to your hair using the cap and adhesive, and style as desired. Maintain this style by avoiding excessive heat and using a light oil to keep the hair looking shiny and healthy.

Natural Twist Updo

The natural twist updo is a sophisticated and elegant style perfect for special occasions like weddings or formal events. This hairstyle involves twisting sections of your natural hair and pinning them up to create a voluminous and intricate updo. It suits all face shapes and enhances eye colors like green and hazel, giving you a regal and polished appearance.

To achieve this look, start with clean, moisturized hair and twist small sections. Once all the twists are done, pin them up creatively using bobby pins to form the updo. Use a holding spray to keep everything in place, and maintain the style by wrapping your hair at night and refreshing it with a light mist in the morning.

Short Curly Bob

The short curly bob is a modern and chic hairstyle that emphasizes the natural curl pattern of your hair. This style is ideal for everyday wear and special events, giving you a fresh and youthful look. It works well with oval and round face shapes and brings out the brightness in brown and blue eyes.

To create this look, start with damp, detangled hair. Apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse and use a diffuser to dry your hair, ensuring the curls are well-defined. Regular trims are essential to maintain the bob shape, and using a leave-in conditioner will keep your curls hydrated and bouncy.

Afro Puff

The afro puff is a classic and easy-to-do hairstyle that highlights the natural texture of your hair. This style involves pulling your hair up into a high puff, creating a bold and fun look perfect for casual outings or parties. It suits all face shapes and complements any eye color, making it a versatile choice.

To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail using a wide band or scrunchie. Fluff out the puff to your desired volume and shape. Maintain this style by moisturizing your hair regularly and using a satin scarf at night to keep the puff intact.

Mohawk with Shaved Sides

The mohawk with shaved sides is an edgy and trendy hairstyle that makes a bold statement. This style involves shaving the sides of your head while leaving the center section long and curly. It’s perfect for those who want to showcase their unique style, suiting heart-shaped and square faces, and enhancing darker eye colors.

To achieve this look, visit a professional stylist to shave the sides of your head and shape the mohawk. Define the curls in the center using a curl cream or gel. Maintain this style by regularly shaving the sides and using a hydrating mist to keep the curls fresh and defined.

Halo Braid

The halo braid is a beautiful and elegant hairstyle that wraps around your head like a crown. This style is perfect for formal events, weddings, or any occasion where you want to feel like royalty. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces and enhances lighter eye colors such as blue and green.

To create this look, part your hair and start braiding from one side, wrapping around your head and securing the end with bobby pins. Use a light-hold spray to keep the braid in place. Maintain this style by wrapping your hair in a satin scarf at night and reapplying the spray as needed.

High Bun with Curly Bangs

The high bun with curly bangs combines the elegance of a bun with the playful texture of curly bangs. This style is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, suiting all face shapes and highlighting eye colors like brown and hazel.

To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high bun and leave out the front section to create curly bangs. Define the curls using a curl cream or gel, and secure the bun with hairpins. Maintain this style by refreshing the curls with a water-based spray and wrapping your hair at night.

Faux Hawk

The faux hawk is a stylish and daring hairstyle that mimics the look of a mohawk without the commitment of shaving the sides. This style involves slicking the sides of your hair and creating volume in the center. It’s ideal for parties or nights out, suiting all face shapes and enhancing darker eye colors.

To create this look, use a strong-hold gel to slick down the sides of your hair and tease the center section to add volume. Secure the style with bobby pins and a holding spray. Maintain this style by reapplying gel as needed and using a satin scarf at night.

Twisted Crown

The twisted crown is a regal and elegant hairstyle that involves twisting sections of hair around your head to form a crown. This style is perfect for weddings, proms, or any formal event, suiting oval and heart-shaped faces, and bringing out the depth in darker eye colors.

To achieve this look, part your hair and twist small sections, wrapping them around your head and securing with bobby pins. Use a light-hold spray to keep the twists in place. Maintain this style by covering your hair at night and reapplying the spray as needed.

Short Box Braids

Short box braids are a stylish and low-maintenance option for those with short natural hair. This style involves braiding small sections of hair into neat, boxy plaits, creating a versatile and chic look. It’s perfect for everyday wear, suiting all face shapes and enhancing eye colors like brown and hazel.

To achieve this look, part your hair into small sections and braid each section down to the ends. Secure with small elastics and maintain the style by moisturizing your scalp regularly and wrapping your hair at night.

Pineapple Updo

The pineapple updo is a fun and playful hairstyle that involves piling your curls on top of your head like a pineapple. This style is perfect for casual outings or relaxed days, suiting all face shapes and bringing out the vibrancy in eye colors like green and blue.

To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail and fluff out the curls to create a voluminous updo. Secure with a scrunchie and maintain the style by using a satin scarf at night and refreshing the curls with a water-based spray in the morning.

Flat Twist Out

The flat twist out is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that works wonderfully on short natural hair. This style involves twisting sections of hair flat against the scalp and then unraveling them to create defined curls. It’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions, suiting all face shapes and enhancing eye colors like brown and hazel.

To achieve this look, start with damp, detangled hair. Apply a twist cream or gel and twist small sections flat against your scalp. Allow the twists to dry completely before gently unraveling them. Maintain this style by sleeping on a satin pillowcase and using a light oil to keep the curls moisturized and shiny.

Curly Top with Tapered Sides

The curly top with tapered sides is a trendy and chic hairstyle that emphasizes the natural texture of your curls while keeping the sides short and neat. This style is perfect for a modern, professional look and suits all face shapes, bringing out the brightness in blue and green eyes.

To create this look, visit a professional stylist to taper the sides and back of your hair, leaving the top longer. Define the curls on top using a curl-enhancing cream or gel. Maintain this style by getting regular trims and using a leave-in conditioner to keep the curls hydrated and bouncy.

Side Parted Fro

The side-parted fro is a classic and stylish way to wear your natural hair. This style involves creating a deep side part and letting your natural curls take center stage. It’s perfect for everyday wear or more formal events, suiting all face shapes and enhancing the depth of darker eye colors.

To achieve this look, start with clean, detangled hair. Create a deep side part and use a curl cream or gel to define your curls. Maintain this style by refreshing your curls with a water-based spray and using a satin scarf at night to keep the part in place.

Protective Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a protective and visually striking hairstyle that works beautifully on short natural hair. This style involves sectioning the hair and twisting each section into a small knot. It’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions, suiting all face shapes and bringing out the vibrancy in eye colors like amber and green.

To achieve this look, start with damp, detangled hair. Apply a twist cream or gel and twist small sections of hair into knots, securing them with bobby pins if needed. Allow the knots to dry completely. Maintain this style by wrapping your hair at night and using a light oil to keep the knots moisturized and shiny.

Short Marley Twists

Short Marley twists are a protective and stylish option for those with short natural hair. This style involves twisting extensions into your natural hair to create thick, rope-like twists. It’s perfect for everyday wear and special events, suiting all face shapes and enhancing the depth of darker eye colors.

To achieve this look, part your hair into small sections and twist Marley hair extensions into each section. Secure the ends with small elastics and maintain the style by moisturizing your scalp regularly and wrapping your hair at night.

Exploring different hairstyles for short natural hair can be a fun and empowering experience. Whether you prefer simple cornrows or a sophisticated wedding updo, there’s a style that suits your needs and preferences. We hope these ideas inspire you to try something new and embrace the beauty of your natural hair. Share your favorite styles and tips in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!