28 Classic Afro Hairstyles for Men: Embracing Natural Style
Get ready to journey through time as I explore the rich and diverse history of Classic Afro Hairstyles for Men.
These ICONIC, timeless styles have transcended generations, uniting people across the globe and embodying the essence of African culture, identity, and heritage.
From the bold, voluminous Afros of the 1960s to the intricate cornrows and artful fades of today, the classic Afro hairstyles for men have shaped not only personal expression but also the social and political landscape.
So, hold on tight as I embark on a hair-raising adventure, celebrating the CREATIVITY, resilience, and beauty of these evergreen Afro hairstyles that have left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and beyond.
Afro Hairstyles For Men To Pick From
High Top Afro Hairstyle
Offering a DISTINCTIVE look, the High Top Afro features a flat top and faded sides, making it an excellent option for individuals wanting to SHOWCASE their unique style.
Fading the hair on the sides and back, this haircut emphasizes the height of the afro, creating an eye-catching appearance.
A popular choice among many men with afro-textured hair, it provides a modern take on a classic afro hairstyle.
Flat Top Afro Hairstyle
Flat Top Afro is a timeless haircut that has been a favorite for many years.
Known for its squared-off top, this style requires skilled trimming and shaping to maintain its precision.
Sporting this haircut demonstrates CONFIDENCE and a strong fashion sense.
Regular upkeep is necessary to keep the flat top looking sharp, making it suitable for men who don’t mind a bit of maintenance.
Afro Mohawk
Fusing the rebellious Mohawk with the natural texture of afro hair, the Afro Mohawk creates a striking and edgy hairstyle.
This look involves shaving the sides of the head while leaving a strip of hair in the middle, creating a bold statement.
Perfect for gentlemen who want to stand out from the crowd, the Afro Mohawk demonstrates individuality and a DARING approach to personal style.
Textured Afro
Embracing the natural texture of afro hair, the Textured Afro involves adding layers and dimension to the hair to create a fuller appearance.
It is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance style that showcases their hair’s inherent beauty.
The textured look allows for versatility, as it can be easily styled in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences.
Afro Puff
Characterized by its fun and playful look, the Afro Puff is a popular afro hairstyle for men.
It involves pulling the hair into a high ponytail or bun, allowing the curls to puff out and form a voluminous shape.
A versatile style which is suitable for casual outings, formal events, or even athletic activities.
Bantu Knots Afro
Bantu Knots Afro is a culturally rich and artistic hairstyle that features small, coiled buns distributed evenly across the scalp.
This style not only showcases the wearer’s HERITAGE but also offers a protective aspect by minimizing hair breakage and damage.
Though the process of creating Bantu knots can be time-consuming, the stunning result is worth the effort.
Box Braids Afro
Box Braids Afro is a versatile and protective hairstyle that involves sectioning the hair into square or rectangular parts and braiding each section individually.
It is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance option while still looking fashionable.
The braids can be worn long or short, with various accessories, and even styled in different ways like buns or ponytails, adding a creative touch to the look.
Cornrowed Afro
Cornrowed Afro is a classic and intricate hairstyle that has been popular for decades. The hair is braided tightly against the scalp, creating a series of straight or curved rows.
This style is not only visually appealing but also serves as a protective measure for the hair, preventing damage from external factors.
Cornrows can be designed in various patterns and thicknesses, making them suitable for a wide range of personal styles and preferences.
Braided Afro
Combining the natural texture of afro hair with the elegance of braids, the Braided Afro is a sophisticated and stylish option.
Braided Afro allows for endless creativity, as the braids can be fashioned in different sizes, shapes, and patterns.
It is an excellent choice for men who want to showcase their artistic side while also enjoying a low-maintenance and protective hairstyle.
Tapered Afro
Tapered Afro is a modern and refined take on the traditional afro, with hair gradually decreasing in length from the top down to the sides and back.
It creates a clean, streamlined appearance that is suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Tapered Afro is an ideal choice for men who want a classic afro look with a touch of contemporary FLAIR.
Afro with Side Part
Adding a side part to an afro hairstyle brings a touch of sophistication and structure to the look.
Afro with Side Part is perfect for men who want to balance the volume of their afro with a well-defined parting line.
Very versatile style and can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions and personal tastes.
Short Afro Haircut
Short Afro is a low-maintenance and understated hairstyle that still showcases the natural texture of afro hair.
A perfect haircut for men who prefer a fuss-free haircut that requires minimal upkeep.
Short Afro is an ideal choice for men with busy schedules or who simply want a clean, simple look with a touch of CLASSIC charm.
Afro Fade
Afro Fade is a contemporary and stylish haircut that combines the volume of an afro with the sharpness of a fade.
The hair on the sides and back is gradually tapered, creating a seamless transition from the longer hair on top.
It is perfect for men who want a modern and edgy look that highlights their natural hair texture.
Curly Afro
Curly Afro is a hairstyle that embraces the natural curls and coils of afro-textured hair, highlighting their beauty and uniqueness.
This style is suitable for men who want a more defined and textured look compared to the traditional afro.
Curly Afro can be styled with various hair products to enhance the curls, making it a versatile and appealing option.
Dreadlocked Afro
Dreadlocked Afro is a hairstyle that combines the distinct look of dreadlocks with the volume and shape of an afro.
It involves sectioning the hair into strands and allowing them to form into natural locks over time.
Dreadlocked Afro is a low-maintenance and durable hairstyle that showcases the wearer’s INDIVIDUALITY and commitment to their personal style.
Afro with Twist-Outs
Afro with Twist-Outs is a hairstyle that features well-defined twists throughout the hair, creating a textured and voluminous appearance.
Achieved by sectioning the hair and twisting each section before allowing it to set and dry.
Once the twists are unraveled, the hair forms a pattern of curls and waves that add depth and dimension to the afro.
This technique is an excellent way to enhance the natural beauty of afro-textured hair.
Afro with Bangs
Adding bangs to an afro hairstyle introduces a fresh and modern twist.
Afro with Bangs features a section of hair styled to fall over the forehead, creating a playful and stylish look.
It is suitable for men who want to add an element of softness and individuality to their afro, making it a CREATIVE and versatile option.
Afro with Shaved Sides
Afro with Shaved Sides is a bold and edgy hairstyle that combines the volume of an afro with the sharpness of a shaved undercut.
A perfect style for men who want to make a statement with their hair while maintaining a clean and structured appearance.
Afro with Shaved Sides is a unique and eye-catching choice that highlights the wearer’s daring sense of style.
Asymmetrical Afro
Asymmetrical Afro is an unconventional and artistic hairstyle that features an uneven distribution of hair length and volume, creating a visually intriguing look.
Very perfect for men who want to showcase their creativity and individuality through their hair.
Asymmetrical Afro requires a skilled hand to maintain its shape and balance, making it suitable for gentlemen who enjoy regular grooming sessions.
Afro with a Pompadour
Combining the elegance of a pompadour with the texture of afro hair, the Afro with a Pompadour is a sophisticated and stylish choice.
It involves shaping the hair on top into a voluminous, swept-back wave while keeping the sides and back short and neat.
Afro with a Pompadour is an excellent option for men who want to channel a VINTAGE vibe while embracing their natural hair.
Frohawk Haircut
Frohawk is a daring and contemporary hairstyle that merges the afro with the boldness of a mohawk.
Featuring a strip of hair running down the center of the head, with the sides either shaved or closely trimmed.
Frohawk is perfect for men who want to make a statement with their hair and showcase their unique sense of style.
Afro with Finger Coils
Afro with Finger Coils is a stylish and textured hairstyle that adds definition and structure to afro hair.
Achieved by sectioning the hair and using the fingers to create small, tight coils throughout. The result is a well-defined and voluminous afro that showcases the natural beauty of afro-textured hair.
This hairstyle is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance yet visually appealing look.
Two-Strand Twist Afro
Two-Strand Twist Afro is a versatile and fashionable hairstyle that involves twisting two sections of hair together to create a rope-like appearance.
An excellent option for men who want to add texture and dimension to their afro while also protecting their hair from damage.
Two-Strand Twist Afro can be worn in various lengths and thicknesses, making it suitable for a wide range of personal styles and preferences.
Afro with a Headband Haircut
Afro with a Headband is a casual and laid-back hairstyle that adds a touch of sporty style to the traditional afro.
This look is achieved by wearing a headband or bandana around the head, pushing the hair back and keeping it in place.
Afro with a Headband is perfect for men who want a simple and fuss-free style that still showcases their natural hair.
Afro Bubble Ponytail
Afro Bubble Ponytail is a playful and stylish hairstyle that features a series of voluminous loops or “bubbles” created by sectioning the hair into a high ponytail.
This look is perfect for men who want to add some fun and creativity to their afro while keeping their hair neatly pulled back.
It is a unique and eye-catching choice that demonstrates the wearer’s sense of ADVENTURE and personal style.
Afro with a Quiff
Combining the classic quiff with the texture of afro hair, the Afro with a Quiff is a sophisticated and modern hairstyle.
It involves shaping the hair on top into a voluminous, swept-up wave, while keeping the sides and back short and neat.
An excellent option for men who want to embrace a RETRO vibe while showcasing their natural hair.
Afro with Faux Locs
A versatile and protective hairstyle that involves incorporating synthetic or natural hair extensions to create the appearance of dreadlocks.
Perfect for men who want to experiment with the look of dreadlocks without committing to the long-term maintenance and care associated with real locs.
Afro with Faux Locs can be worn in various lengths, thicknesses, and styles, making it suitable for a wide range of personal tastes and preferences.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Afro Style
Nurturing your afro hairstyle can be a gratifying experience. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a stunning and healthy look.
Whether you’re sporting afro hairstyles for men or women, these tips will help you maintain a beautiful mane.
1. Wash and Condition Regularly
Cleanliness is crucial for a healthy afro style. I recommend washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo at least once a week.
It will help to remove dirt, sweat, and product buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Conditioning is equally important for maintaining softness and preventing breakage. Always use a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
2. Detangle Gently
Afro hair is prone to tangling, which can lead to BREAKAGE if not addressed carefully. I advise using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work through your hair.
Start at the ends and slowly work your way up to the roots. Remember, patience is key – never rush this process.
3. Moisturize and Seal
Afro hair often requires additional MOISTURE to stay healthy. Invest in a high-quality leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to provide the needed hydration.
I like to apply my moisturizer of choice to damp hair, then seal in the moisture with an oil or butter. This locks in hydration and helps to prevent dryness.
4. Protect Your Hair at Night
Sleeping on a cotton PILLOWCASE can cause friction and absorb moisture from your hair.
I suggest using a satin or silk pillowcase to minimize damage while you sleep.
Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf or bonnet. This simple step can make a big difference in the overall health of your afro.
5. Trim Regularly
Even with the best care, afro hair can develop split ends over time. I recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your ends healthy and promote growth.
Regular trims can also help your afro maintain its desired shape.
6. Limit Heat and Chemical Treatments
Excessive heat and chemical treatments can lead to damaged, unhealthy hair.
You can try avoiding these treatments whenever possible, and opting for heat-free styling techniques like twists, braids, or Bantu knots.
If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant and use the lowest heat setting possible.
7. Embrace Your Unique Texture
Every afro is different, and it’s important to find what works best for your hair. Learn to love your unique texture and experiment with various styles, products, and techniques.
Remember, a healthy afro starts with a positive attitude towards your hair.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a stunning and healthy afro style.
Consistency is key, so make sure to stick to your routine and enjoy the journey of embracing your natural hair.
Conclusion
Afro hairstyles for men have not only withstood the test of time but have also continued to evolve and inspire generations.
These iconic styles, which include the traditional Afro, high-top fade, cornrows, and dreadlocks, serve as powerful symbols of cultural identity, self-expression, and pride for the African diaspora.
Embracing and experimenting with these classic hairstyles is not only a celebration of one’s heritage but also a testament to their versatility.
FAQs
How do I keep my afro from getting flat?
To maintain your afro hairstyle for men and prevent it from flattening, you need to adopt a few simple routines.
First, avoid sleeping on your hair without a satin or silk pillowcase, as these materials can help reduce friction.
Second, consider using a hair pick or wide-toothed comb to gently lift and fluff your hair every morning.
Finally, regular moisturizing is essential, so apply a light, nourishing oil or leave-in conditioner daily. By following these steps, you’ll be able to preserve the volume and shape of your afro.
What stops afro hair from growing?
Several factors can inhibit the growth of afro hair. One common issue is breakage, which may be caused by excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, or lack of moisture.
Additionally, improper hair care techniques, such as rough detangling or using the wrong products, can also contribute to hair damage.
Moreover, a poor diet and stress can affect hair growth negatively.
To counter these problems, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, gentle hair care practices, and choosing appropriate products for your afro hairstyles for men.
How long does it take to grow an afro?
The time it takes to grow an afro varies depending on factors like your hair’s natural growth rate, genetics, and the health of your hair.
On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, which means it can take around six months to a year to grow a full afro.
However, this timeline may vary for each person.
To maximize your hair growth potential, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and adopt a hair care routine that promotes strong, well-nourished hair.
How to grow an afro in 2 weeks?
While it’s unrealistic to expect a full afro in just two weeks, there are some steps you can take to encourage faster hair growth during this period.
First, maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support hair growth. Second, stimulate blood flow to your scalp by gently massaging it daily.
Additionally, avoid tight hairstyles and excessive heat styling, as they can cause hair breakage.
Lastly, keep your hair moisturized and well-conditioned to minimize damage and breakage, helping you achieve your desired afro hairstyles for men more quickly.
Does trimming an afro make it grow faster?
While trimming your afro doesn’t directly affect the growth rate, it can help you maintain healthier hair.
Regular trims remove split ends and damaged hair, which can prevent further breakage and promote the overall health of your hair.
Consequently, healthier hair is less prone to breakage, which can give the illusion of faster growth.
Ideally, you should trim your afro every 6-8 weeks to maintain its shape and ensure your hair remains strong and healthy.
References:
The afro is a hair style created by combing out natural growth of afro-textured hair, or specifically styled with chemical curling products by individuals with naturally curly or straight hair. source
African-American hair or Black hair refers to Afro-textured hair types, textures, and styles that are linked to African-American culture, often drawing inspiration from African hair culture. source
Khamis Maiouf is a professional barber who graduated from Hinckley College in England with a degree in hairdressing. He has also won several barbering contests and successfully operated a barbershop for the last two decades. As a skilled hair stylist for 20 years, his goal is to teach others how to achieve a beautiful appearance through their hairstyles.
