Hairstyles for black kids are as diverse as their culture, ranging from updos to braids for girls and short crops to lengthy curls for boys. Depending on the kids’ lifestyle and preferences, various alternatives exist.
Here are the basics and some tips for choosing the best hairdo for your children, as recommended by Brooklyn-based hairdresser Marcia Gittens.
💡 Key Things to Know First
- These styles promote healthier and more manageable hair for youngsters.
- The disadvantage may become apparent after realizing they don’t like how it looks or works for them.
- Have a detailed consultation with an expert. Show the stylist a picture of a hairstyle they like to wear.
- Ask if the cut and style will look great on your child and if there’s a care routine you can follow.
- Keep the kid’s face shape in mind while deciding on a haircut.
For more hair ideas, check out these images of cute and trendy hairstyles for black kids!
#1: Beyoncé Lemonade Braids
In past years, this style was called “around the way girl braids,” but in more recent times, they are called “Beyoncé lemonade braids.” My favorite thing about this look is that it’s perfect on short hair or long hair. It all depends on preference.
For this look, I used Pamper Me April Haircare Products. I started with an all-natural hair growth oil to soften the hair. I then greased her scalp to maintain a healthy scalp. I used a rat tail comb for straight parts. Before I begin each braid, I add repair edge control for a neater braid. When I’m done with braiding, I make a pattern with the beads and add them to each braid using a bead wand. I secure the beads with rubber bands. To finish, I sprayed with an oil sheen and a holding spray with shine. You can maintain such awesome hairstyles for little black girls by tying the braids down with a satin scarf at night.
#2: Cute Stitch Braids Style
When getting a cute stitch braids style for black kids, the design options seem endless. One popular style for little girls is to create two large buns or pigtails with her hair. Ask for colorful beads or elastics to jazz it up. Stitch braids are a stylish option. But they also protect your child’s natural hair from damage and breakage. As with any protective style, it’s important to maintain the braids. Make sure not to leave them in for too long to avoid any potential harm.
#3: Unique Braided Design
Children are the most optimal clients when crafting a unique braided design. This is a great style choice for children because of the different vibrant colors and accessories kids love to wear. If you need help with something special, seek a professional braider. They specialize in children’s hair and do well with freestyle design work.
#4: Natural Cornrows with Twist Extensions
Natural cornrow hairstyles for black kids are trending. These eye-catching styles involve two-strand twist extensions braided from the scalp. They’re in an intricate pattern of small rows down the entire head. Twisted black girl hair styles last longer than many natural hairstyles when the upkeep is maintained regularly. With proper maintenance, natural cornrows with twists help protect kids’ curls.
#5: Cornrow Braids
Black power prevails with a distinguished set of cornrows. For little black girls, hairstyles that are braided keep their black hair healthy with the purpose of keeping them looking good. These are the ultimate hairstyles black girls will love!
#6: Adorable Braids with Braided Bangs
Check out these adorable braids with braided bangs for black kids! I’ve found that it’s a great way to keep hair neat while still having fun. It’s also very flattering, so you can be sure your daughter will look her best. Getting the style done will take a little while – just an hour or two should do the trick. To ensure your daughter’s hair looks perfect, don’t hesitate to contact your stylist if you get stuck on any part of the process.
#7: High Bun
An easy option for your busy kiddo is a high bun. Whether they are running around the playground or it’s picture day at school, high buns are a cute and efficient option. These black hairstyles for kids keep their hair out of the face without spending too much time styling!
#8: Protective Brick Braids
For kids, protective brick braids are a great option because it doesn’t take long to braid, and there’s no braid hair added. “Brick,” stemming from the brick lay pattern, is advice I provide when determining style choices because it leaves no hard lines of demarcation. Don’t forget to pick up cute barrette accessories for such black toddler hairstyles.
#9: Sleek High Bun with Accessories
Consider a sleek high bun with accessories if you have a highly active little one. Keeping the little girls cute and classy, a bun is a great way to keep their hair neatly styled and out of the way. One of the best and cutest ways to add to the look is by adding hair accessories like beads or tiaras.
#10: Very Cute Top Knot with Beads
I’ve found that hairstyles for black kids can be a great way to express creativity and individuality. A very cute top knot with beads is one example of this, as it’s eye-catching. To achieve this black girl hairstyle, gather her hair into a high ponytail and then twist it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins or an elastic band, then add colorful beads around her bun’s base for extra flair! Remember to ask your stylist for product recommendations for your daughter.
#11: Braided Ponytail
Q&A with style creator, Meagan Tayylor
Freelance Cosmetologist @ Hair For It in Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe this look?
This look is a braided Genie ponytail. What I love about this hairstyle for black girls are the gold band and the curls.
Any advice for someone considering it?
For these braided hairstyles for black girls, take your time when adding in the extensions and make sure it’s being braided into the correct desired spot in the middle of the head and not the side.
#12: Protective Box Braids
Q&A with style creator, Miéchelle Walker
Independent Stylist in Evanston, IL
How would you describe this look?
What she loves about the style for black kids is that you can add colorful strings and hair jewelry. It makes the box braids hairstyle for kids truly unique when you add your touches. What I love about the hairstyle is once her hair is braided, it’s low maintenance, and her natural hair is protected.
I oil her scalp consistently to promote healthy hair growth, and that’s it until it’s time to take her braids down. Her hair texture is a looser curl pattern, and I often braid her hair, but to make the styles last longer, I sometimes add braiding hair to reinforce all her curls remaining in the braids without getting frizzy.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Box braids hair styles for black girls work on all hair types because the braiding hair helps lock the hair in place. Brielle’s hair texture is a looser curl pattern, and I often braid her hair, but to make the styles last longer, I sometimes add braiding hair to reinforce all her curls remaining in the braids without getting frizzy. Before braiding, hair washing and deep conditioning are important. I let her hair air dry, but depending on the hair texture, you must blow dry the hair to straighten it out. After the hair is air dried, I oil her scalp with wild growth oil (having a healthy moisturized scalp is important) as I part it into boxes. For this style, I use the rubber-band method, where you section off squares of hair and put a rubber band to make ponytails all over and then braid braiding hair into each ponytail.
Such cute black girl hairstyles are great year-round. Great for all face shapes because you can style braids the same as any other hairstyle (a ponytail, braid your braids, 1/2 up-1/2 down, wear in a bun, etc.). Once your hair is braided, you are set for a few weeks. Just maintain the scalp’s moisturizing and sleep with a bonnet, scarf, or a satin pillowcase to protect the hair.
#13: Low Skin Fade Side Part Pomp
Q&A with style creator, Alexi Soward
Barber @ The Final Cut in Boca Raton, FL
How would you describe this look, and what is your favorite thing about it?
This haircut for black boys is a low skin fade side part pomp. What I like about this haircut is that with his texture hair, most barber stylists would not recommend it, but I thought it came out awesome.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
The products I recommend to produce this look would be a light water-based pomade, a hot air blow dry to the desired look, and a cold air blast to close the cuticle and distribute the product.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this haircut for any texture and face structure. You can go about this style in many ways to tailor it to your client’s face.
#14: Mohawk Fade
Q&A with style creator, Jonathan Scott
Barber @ Shave & Groove in Plainfield, NJ
How would you describe this look, and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this black boy’s cut as sleek and modern. My favorite things about it are the two dimensions. From the front view, it would appear as just a regular fade with medium-length hair on top. From the side view, it’s not just a fade but a burst fade, accenting the idea of a mohawk.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
To finish such cute hairstyles, black boys may use CLEAR ICE GEL to bring out the natural curls and to lay down the fade.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look isn’t for young or old. I would recommend this look for anyone with this type of short and curly or short and coily textured hair.
#15: Protective and Pretty
Q&A with style creator, Tiffany Milton
Protective Hairstyle Expert @ The Halcon Experience in Rock Hill, SC
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
The hairstyle for black kids featured below is a protective hairstyle. I love how you can have a different look and color while protecting your natural hair!
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
These little black girl hairstyles can be achieved on all hair textures, lengths, and colors. It’s low maintenance and can be worn for eight to ten weeks. For best results, I recommend going to a professional for proper installation and sleeping with a satin bonnet to maintain the style.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend these hairstyles for girls’ black hair and for those who are always on the go. It is perfect for someone that doesn’t have time to do their hair, plays sports, is going on vacation, someone transitioning to natural hair, and for all girls that dare to be different.
#16: Cute Bantu Knots
There is freedom in creating scalp patterns and accessorizing your mini top bantu knots. For a black little girl, hairstyles like this are extraordinary when added with a gold sheen in each knot.
#17: Curly Top Fade
Q&A with style creator, Que
Barber @ All In The Wrist Barbershop & Academy in Smyrna, DE
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is a curly top Fade. It’s a bald fade with the new generation twist to it. Aside from being my favorite go-to style, my favorite thing about this look is that it’s very playful! You can rock out with your curls at this length, or you can let your curls grow and transition into the “man bun” look, which is becoming increasingly popular by the day.
The part in his head was there to begin his transition into the man bun, separating his curls from the fade. Ultimately I love this look and encourage it to my clients looking for a new style!
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
I highly recommend Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Luster’s S-Curl, No Drip Curl Activator, and the Curl Sponge. I’d use the No Drip Curl Activator to stimulate the curls and come behind it with the Curl Enhancing Smoothie to lock in the moisturizers, define the curls and give them a nice shine. My clients love the smell of both products and sometimes want to buy the product from me on the spot! Last but not least, I’ll finish with the Curl Sponge. The Curl Sponge has become a must-have for all ages to achieve the “curly top” look.
Another great thing about these products is they are inexpensive. A little also goes a long way! You can find all of these products at your local beauty/barber supply store.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look to clients who are going for a change, especially those who may be going for the big chop and are looking for a new style. This would be the perfect cut!
Another great thing is that this black kid’s hair style and cut can be achieved with any hair texture! Whether you’re going back to school, starting a new job, or getting ready for a date, this hairstyle is the perfect way to introduce yourself without speaking.
#18: Fancy Braided Updo
A traditional black kids style celebrating a rich culture. The twisted braids in a bun take you back to your African roots.
#19: High Top Fade
Q&A with style creator, Miguel Quillens
Barber @ Unlimited Styles n Kutz in New Orleans, LA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This particular black boy’s style is known as a low blend high top fade. My favorite aspect of the cut is the rainbow part which complements the blend perfectly.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
I use Andis Fade to start it off and Oster Fast Feeders to smooth the blend. I finished with Andis Outliners to line him up.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This style fits perfectly on anyone, but it works better on kids as it gives all hair the illusion of silky curls.
#20: Line Up with 360 Waves
No to simple hairstyles, and transform your kinky curls into spellbinding waves! Maintaining that finesse may require constant brushing, moisturizing, and dragging.
#21: Braid and Twist
This is a braid and twist, a protective style for little black girls.
To maintain this style, wear a satin bonnet at night. One would also need to apply oil to the scalp and on the ends as needed. Additionally, smooth the edges with Edge Control.
Depending on home maintenance and hair type/texture, this style should typically last two weeks. To recreate this look, use a thick, creamy leave-in conditioner, oil, and Edge Control. If you prefer a lightweight leave-in conditioner, add curl cream or twisting butter.
I recommend this style for a child or an adult with dense, curly/coily natural hair. A working mom with little time to style her daughter’s hair daily or a working professional could appreciate this style. It works well for all face shapes.
#22: High Taper With Length
Q&A with style creator, Steve Darius
Barber @ Steve The Barber in Harlem, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a high taper on the sides and back. This particular client has a lot of length on top. Today’s youth like the length. It’s clean on the sides and back with length to style in many ways.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
There are a few products I would use to style that hairstyle. I would start with a pomade/wax or gel. With length, there is maintenance, so for some, product and heat could be applied for the desired style needed.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I’ve serviced all types of hair with this style. Products are key for each type of hair.
I recommend a round or square face with this hairstyle only because of the height, length, and body this hairstyle creates. It wouldn’t look quite as nice on a long or oval face.
The clients that request this trend most often are millennials, models, and soccer players.
#23: Carefree and Cute
Q&A with style creator, Breanna Goodwin
Professional Stylist @ Versus Salon in Virginia Beach, VA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This little black kid’s hairstyle is carefree and cute! My favorite part is that even though she has extensions, it’s still age appropriate. This style helped me change the way my client felt about herself without society’s perception or her changing.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
This look can be obtained with human hair extensions or synthetic hair extensions of your choice. In this case, I did a partial sew-in using synthetic hair. I attached the hair using a C-shaped needle and nylon thread.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This is a great get-up-and-go look! It is perfect for anyone with little time to spend on their hair. Almost anyone can wear it as a protective style, and it can be customized for any age, from children to adults.
#24: The Wave Cut
Q&A with style creator, Keila Olivencia
Licensed Master Barber @ MVP Barbershop in Worcester, MA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a very popular haircut in the urban culture called “the wave cut” or “waves.” Just like some women envy the curly hair look, many men envy the “wave” look because it is hard for most men to obtain if their hair is not the proper texture.
I love the balance between the wavy texture and the crisp outline. It looks especially nice with a perfectly blended taper or fade.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
To obtain this look, it is important to first identify if the person has the proper hair texture and curl pattern. It is created mainly by cutting the hair with the growth pattern, also known as “cutting with the grain.”
Individuals often wear do-rags or wave caps at night to keep the hair in place. Brushing the hair with the hair pattern regularly helps maintain this look. Shea butter-based products such as Xotics Sweet Jamilla are excellent products to apply to the finished look.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Curly or wavy hair is the perfect hair texture for this look. This look is regular and casual, perfect for business and everyday people.
#25: Half Up Half Down Crochet
Q&A with style creator, Sophia
At Home Hair Stylist @ Naturally Sophia in Queens, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This style is a half-up half-down crochet look, with the front being braided up with crochet curling hair and the back flowing down. For young black girls, hairstyles that look so natural are a nice touch. They don’t have to worry about waking up every morning to restyle as they would their hair.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
For maintenance of this style, I recommend wearing a bonnet (a silk-like shower cap) when going to bed. From there, you should not have to do much.
If you begin to see some frizzy hairs, I recommend either a touch of a soft gel or a curling spray and working it through the curls. For the braids in the front, you can use edge control.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This is a very versatile look. Although this is a big style in the African American community, I would love to explore this style on any and every nationality as there is no specific “hair type” for this style. Also, this is not too “grown” for children or “kiddish” for adults.
#26: Old Fashioned Flat Top
Q&A with style creator, Jonathan Darling
Barber @ Jaydee’s Cuts in Las Vegas, NV
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is the old-fashioned flat top with a high fade on the side. My favorite thing about this haircut is that it’s not only one of the hardest cuts to achieve, but it symbolizes a lot coming from the African American culture, including fashion and music.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
Once you have achieved this haircut, I recommend the client buy a bottle of holding spray to hold the Afro in place throughout the day. Depending on your climate, you should buy a spray that works best in your weather.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is for those who love to be different and love the retro look. Many athletes, children, and icons wear their hair like this. No matter where you are, you will stand out positively. If you don’t maintain your hair after getting it cut, I don’t recommend this.
This style would be easy for people with really thick hair. It will stand up and hold in place with or without the holding spray. Anyone can wear this haircut, but can your barber pass the test?
#27: Braids & Twisted Bun
Q&A with style creator, Candice Forde
Hairstylist @ Hair Candy Salon in Parkville, MD
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is a braided style with a twisted bun. What I like about this style is that it is a protective style, meaning you do not have to do anything but spray a little braiding sheen to your hair and go on with your day.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
With cute hairstyles for black girls, I recommend using a foam wrap or mousse to keep the braids nice and neat, as well as a little oil or grease to keep the scalp hydrated. I also recommend a good edge control product to smooth your edges. I love EBIN New York Edge Tamer.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This is not just a kid style but is recommended for all ages. If your hair is thin, you may want to add extensions to give the style a fuller look. Although a person with an oval face can wear any hairstyle, this style is recommended for all face shapes.
#28: Modern Mohawk
Q&A with style creator, Mike Sales
Barber @ Mike and Bills Presidential Barbershop in Huntsville, AL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This black kid’s haircut is a style derived from the traditional mohawk. The cut has evolved, but the thing I like about this cut is seeing my client’s eyes light up after he’s been blessed with a cut.
What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?
There are various products out there, but I used Gorilla Snot Gel for this particular style.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This cut is for anyone with swagger from five years old and up. They are more than likely very outgoing. This cut is similar to the athlete Odell Beckham’s cut and style.
#29: Medium Box Braids for Kids
Q&A with style creator, Porsha Tena
Protective Hairstylist @ Belle Braiding Room in Houston, TX
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
Braids for kids can be tough if not appropriately managed. I love this box braids style because it is versatile with curls. Many of my clients love these medium braids hairstyles due to them being low-maintenance, which makes them a great option for kids.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
These box braids with curly ends are best with synthetic braiding hair. While braiding, it’s good to add a little Jam for a more uniform and clean finish.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Clients with busy lifestyles love these types of box braids hairstyles for kids. It can be styled beautifully for date night at a restaurant or pulled back for a business meeting, and it’s very popular with those who love to hit the gym!