Many women with textured hair fret about their 'fro on big days, like proms or weddings, because they’re not always sure how to style their natural hair. But you absolutely do not have to wear extensions or straighten your hair to feel beautiful for special occasions — and don’t let anyone tell you anything different.
With natural hair, which comes in so many different shapes, colors, sizes, and textures, the style options are endless. Scroll on to see 45 stunning examples of the many glamorous things you can do with natural hair.
Braided Updo
Updos look even more gorgeous when braids are involved. Try out this elegant look for special occasions.
Tip: Keep a bunch of bobby pins nearby to hold your hair in place and some sort of styling gel or pomade to slick down your edges.
Sideswept Updo
A sexy side-swoop is the perfect way to show off your curls in an updo. Plus, it's a fun way to create bangs.
Tip: You'll also need bobby pins with this style to keep your bangs in place.
Crochet Braids
You should consider crochet braids if you're looking for a heat-protective style that'll allow you to play around with a ton of looks. You can rock crochet hair braided or loose. The cool, fluffy texture is what makes this 'do so fab.
Tip: For extra volume, try crochet twist-outs or bantu knots.
Crochet Curls
Achieve the big hair goals you've always wanted with crochet curls.
Tip: For long-lasting curls, rod your hair with curling rollers, spritz your hair with water, and sit underneath a hooded dryer.
'Frohawk
What's doper than a mohawk? A 'frohawk. It's a convenient and cute way to keep your curls out of the way.
Tip: Part the sides of your 'frohawk in zigzag sections to add a cool dimension to this style.
Flat Twists
If you're looking for a style that's faster to execute than braids, flat twists can be your go-to 'do. You can flat-twist your hair into whatever design you please.
Tip: To get flawless flat twists, part your hair into equal sections so your twists look uniform.
Wanded Curls
Soft waves are always a good idea.
Tip: Pay attention to the size of your wand, because that's what determines the style of your curls. Opt for a 1-inch wand if you're into smaller curls and a wider wand for bigger waves.
Rodded Curls
Who wouldn't want beautiful, bouncy curls? The best part about these is that they stay in good shape for days. All you have to do is wrap them around a curling rod, set your curls with a styling gel, and air-dry or sit underneath a hooded dryer.
Tip: When your curls start to get frizzy, use your fingers to separate each small, tight coil into bigger sections for looser curls. Use a wide-tooth comb at the root of your hair for more volume.
Braided Crown
Slay like the queen you are with a braided crown.
Tip: To elevate this style, add hair jewelry like cuffs or a headband.
High Ponytail
You're never too old to rock an afro puff.
Tip: A high ponytail is the perfect alternative when your bantu knots or twist-out curls are a few days old, but you still want to preserve the style.
Sleek Low Ponytail
Bad hair day? Don't sweat — just slick your edges down with a hard bristle brush and rock a low ponytail.
Tip: Tie your hair down with a silk scarf for five to 10 minutes to tame flyaways.
Low Bun
Low buns are so classy — plus, they're a great way to show off your jewelry and your makeup for special occasions.
Tip: Preserve the style overnight by tying your hair down with a silk scarf. You'll wake up with super-slick hair!
Messy Low Bun
Messy low buns are the best for letting flyaways roam free.
Tip: Twist or braid the front of your hair to amp up this style.
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Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point. Before joining MarieClaire.com, she held positions at Byrdie.com and Cosmopolitan.com.
