Black Mens Haircut Styles

Black men's hair styles may at first seem bland and unimaginative, but there are actually many hair variations available for personal expression and individuality that take into account the specific needs of African-American men. A man can choose the right style by considering both his lifestyle and personality.
Types of 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:

1. 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. Many business men and serious athletes choose this style because it requires little maintenance to look sharp.
2. 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. Men who prefer a low-maintenance look that still offers the chance for artistic expression may consider this.
3. Dreadlocks: This long style is often 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.
4. 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. Cornrows can be short or long.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 360 Waves: The 360 wave, also known as "waves" or "360's" are a popular hair pattern worn by many African American males. The hair is styled so it appears there are patterns of rings around the head, however no cutting or shaving is required. Instead a consistent regime of brushing and moisturizing is done to the hair until the waves begin to appear.

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 many 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. Baxter of California carries an entire line of hair care products designed specifically to strengthen and nourish men's hair. The company's nutrient rich daily conditioner and protein enriched shampoo can both help give hair the strength it needs to withstand styling and ultimately prevent hair loss. Aveda also has an all natural line of men's hair care products that are perfect for African American men. These products have no harsh chemicals or additives that tend to damage brittle African American hair.

With short styles, men should also consider using a leave-in conditioner with UV protectant and sunscreen properties to help protect the scalp from sunburn and skin damage. Products like Alterna's Summer Hair RX Leave in Conditioner are made for both men and women and provide conditioning nutrients for the hair as well as protection from the sun. Additionally, this product is created with hemp, which is naturally beneficial to African American hair.
Celebrity Styles

Numerous African-American male celebrities have helped to make certain black hair styles popular. NBA basketball player Allen Iverson has spent years sporting different cornrow designs and has embraced the style as his signature look. Another celebrity to make the cornrow look popular is rapper Ludacris,who has been known for the trend since his first album launched in 2000.

Another rapper to influence hair trends with African-American males is Kanye West. The artist has been shaving his head for most of his career in the spotlight, and helping to bring back the trend of shaving designs and even words into the hair. The shaved looks that West has had on some of his performances and appearances have become popular requests at many barber shops around the country.

Singer Lenny Kravitz has also made many hair styles popular. When the rocker first came on to the music scene he was known for his signature dread locs, and helped make the trend more popular among other artists and fans alike. Years later, Kravitz became known for his longer, natural looking Afros, which were a more tamed down version of the hair style, and something an average male could wear on a daily basis.

Black men's hair styles can be as individualized and unique as the men sporting them. From long styles to short buzzes, there is an option suitable for every personal preference and lifestyle need.