Black Men's Hair Styles
From LoveToKnow Hair
Black men’s hair styles may at first seem bland and unimaginative, but there are actually many style variations available for personal expression and individuality that take into account the specific needs of African-American men.
About Black Hair
African-American hair is naturally very curly and the curls have the strength to last through many different styles. While this may be desirable for women’s styles, many men prefer short, discreet styles and tight curls may be a problem. Some men, on the other hand, embrace the natural vitality of their hair and proudly sport ethnic black styles that suit their personalities.
Types Black Men’s Hair Styles
There are many varieties of men’s hair styles that work well for African-American men, but the most popular styles include:
- Buzz Cuts: A very short style typically shorn with clippers, these are easy to manage looks that can be maintained in seconds. Because black hair is so curly, the buzz cuts are typically far shorter than for other ethnic groups in order to control the curl. The edges of the cut along the hair line may be sharply defined or left with a natural definition.
- Shaved Styles: A shaved style is longer than a buzz cut, and often features ridges, geometric patterns, or even words as part of the distinctive style, usually along the back of the head or neck. The sides of the hair style may be tapered to shorter lengths near the hair line or sideburns.
- Dreadlocks: This long style is favored by men with Jamaican or Caribbean backgrounds, and consists of thick twists or braids covering the head. The hair may be only as long as the collar, or it may extend to the waistline.
- Cornrows: This braided style keeps hair close to the scalp in medium-thick braids, unlike the micro braids preferred by women, which are longer and thinner. Cornrows are actually a type of small French braid.
- Afros: An afro or “fro” is a natural hair style where the hair stands out in a halo or puff around the head rather than being confined, straightened or trimmed. Some afros are only an inch or two long, while others may be several inches in length for very pronounced styles, such as were popular in the 1970s.
- Shaved Head: Many black men opt for shaving their heads completely to eliminate any hassle with confining curly hair. Shaves must be redone every few days to keep a neat, clean style.
Choosing the Best Style
The best hair style is one that is suitable for the individual’s face shape and hair care preferences. For example, a long, round afro may not be the ideal choice for an individual with a round face, because it will only accentuate that shape. At the same time, someone with a very narrow face may seem disproportionate if they choose a large afro. Furthermore, afros and cornrows require rigorous care to keep looking their best, while shaved styles, shaved heads, and buzz cuts need frequent trims to be stylish.
Styles can be adapted to different men’s preferences, however. A smaller afro could have tapered sides to better suit particular face shapes, and a buzz cut could have a longer top to help elongate a face and reduce the frequency of trims.
Caring for Black Men’s Hair Styles
Because most African-American men’s styles are very short, they require regular touch-ups at the barber shop or salon to keep looking their best. In between professional treatments, it is important to use moisturizing products, including ethnic formulas if available, because very curly hair can become brittle and damaged very easily, increasing the risk of hair loss. With such short styles, men should also consider using shampoo and conditioner with UV protectants and sunscreen properties to help protect the scalp from sunburn and skin damage.
Black men’s hair styles can be as individualized and unique as the man sporting them. From long styles to short buzzes, there is an option suitable for every personal preference and lifestyle need..
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Comments
Donnell - You'll want to be sure you're using a strong moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help control frizz in your hair from the humidity. Check out Best Moisturizer for Black Hair and Natural Hair Products for Blacks for some recommendations.
-- Contributed by: MayntzNic - If your hair is very thin, getting twists may mean pulling the hair much too tight which would cause damage and additional thinning. You should consult a stylist who is very experienced with African American hair and ask to see a portfolio of their work and get their recommendations for your hair style.
-- Contributed by: MayntzWhat products are recommended for use with Afro American males who reside in areas with extreeme humidity?
-- Contributed by: Donnell
This page has been accessed 183,388 times. This page was last modified 17:14, 22 October 2009.
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