Finding natural hairstyles for ladies that actually look great, and not like something you settled for, can be tough. Some styles are cute but not practical. Others are protective, but bland AF. Some look amazing on your fave influencer but flop when you try them.
Well, this list is for when you want it all: beauty, ease, range, and that satisfying feeling of seeing your reflection and stopping because you just can’t help yourself.
Whether you’re in your twist season, plotting your next braid appointment, or just need a fresh reason to open your bonnet in the morning, I’ve rounded up 25 natural hairstyles for ladies that do the trick. From buns with flair to braids with bangs, here’s what to try next.
1. Flat Twist Cornrows Into a Double Bun
Twists braided flat to the back and wrapped into two buns. A protective natural hairstyle for ladies that mixes structure with a bit of flair.
Best for: Oval, heart, or round faces.
Pairs well with: Chunky earrings, high-neck tops, or glasses.
Style tip: Lay your edges with a gentle, non-flaky gel for a clean finish, and fluff out the buns for added volume and drama.
2. Bantu Bob Braids
Short box braids that end in mini bantu knots. The natural hairstyle is giving retro and bold.
Best for: Square, oval, and heart-shaped faces
Pairs well with: Bold lipstick, minimalist jewelry, or off-shoulder tops
Style tip: Moisturize your scalp regularly between the parted sections to keep it healthy and flake-free, especially around the knots.
3. Flat Twist With a Side-Part
Like cornrows but softer. Everything is tucked in nicely.
Best for: Round, oval, and heart-shaped faces
Pairs well with: Statement studs, natural makeup, or structured blazers
Style tip: For extra definition, set the twists overnight with a light curl cream or twisting butter, and unravel for a soft twist-out when you’re ready to switch it up.
4. Swirl Cornrows
This natural hairstyle is like your regular cornrows with a twist: a line or two can have swirls.
Best for: Oval, heart, and diamond-shaped faces
Pairs well with: Backless tops, bold eyeliner, or chunky hoops
Style tip: Keep the swirls neat and long-lasting by wrapping your hair with a satin scarf every night and applying light oil along the parts.
5. Bald Cornrows
Like regular cornrows, but weave around your scalp in almost flowerlike or heart shapes.
Best for: Oval, long, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Bold makeup looks, layered necklaces, or structured collars for an edgy, high-fashion finish.
Style tip: Because the style leaves your scalp exposed, apply sunscreen or scalp oil with SPF if you’ll be out in the sun frequently.
ALSO READ: 40 Braid Hairstyles for Ladies That Are Trending in Nigeria Right Now
6. Bedazzled Bun
Like your regular sleek bun, but with gems, cuffs, or glitter added.
Best for: Round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Glam outfits, soft glam makeup, or strapless dresses.
Style tip: Use hair cuffs, crystal pins, or rhinestone strings to decorate your bun, and secure it with bobby pins so the gems stay in place all day (or night).
7. High Pigtail Locs
Two high pigtails made from parted locs, sitting right on top like they have attitude.
Best for: Oval, square, and round faces.
Pairs well with: Graphic liner, crop tops, or cargo pants.
Style tip: Wrap the base of each pigtail with a few strands of locs or decorative string for extra flair and to hide any hair ties.
8. Bantu Knots
It’s sectioned, twisted, and wrapped into small knots all over the head.
Best for: Oval, heart, and diamond face shapes.
Pairs well with: Off-shoulder tops, chunky jewelry, or bold eye makeup.
Style tip: To reduce frizz and extend the style, twist on damp, stretched hair and cover with a satin bonnet at night.
9. Boho Fulani Twist
Twists with a Fulani pattern, straight back braids with a few braided to the side.
Best for: Oval, heart, and long faces.
Pairs well with: Flowy dresses, layered beads, or cowrie accessories.
Style tip: Leave a few curly strands loose at the front or ends for that signature boho vibe, and refresh the curls with mousse to keep them bouncy.
ALSO READ: 30 Classy Dinner Gown Styles That’ll Turn Heads Every Time
10. Fulani Braids With Bangs
Fulani braids with bangs. A mix of traditional with a bit of edge.
Best for: Long, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Statement earrings, minimal makeup, or tube tops.
Style tip: Use edge control to blend your natural hairline into the braided bangs for a seamless finish, and accessorize with beads or cowries for extra flair.
11. Mini twists
You can’t talk about natural hairstyles without mentioning this. Small two-strand twists done all over.
Best for: Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Soft glam makeup, casual fits, or dainty jewelry.
Style tip: Do them on stretched hair for more length and definition, and retwist the edges every few days to keep them looking fresh.
12. Sectioned Puff with Zig-Zag Parts
It’s like puff puff but with style. Natural hairstyles like this look like a crown.
Best for: Round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Bright blush, fun prints, or crop tops.
Style tip: Use a rat-tail comb for clean zigzag lines and fluff out each puff for maximum volume. Gel the roots to keep everything sleek and in place.
13. Cornrows with Twist Extensions
Crownrows braided into the scalp, then fed into two two-strand twists.
Best for: Oval, heart, and diamond face shapes.
Pairs well with: Off-shoulder tops, bold brows, or layered necklaces.
Style tip: Use pre-stretched extensions for a neat finish, and dip the ends in hot water to seal and soften them for natural movement.
14. Passion Twists
Soft, springy twist made with curl extensions or just your hair.
Best for: Oval, heart, and round faces
Pairs well with: Glossy lips, boho dresses, or off-duty fits
Style tip: Use mousse regularly to tame frizz and keep the twists defined — and avoid over-manipulating them to preserve the curl pattern.
15. Flat Twist With Chunky Loose Twist
The front of this natural hairstyle is twisted flat to the scalp, while the back is left in thick, two-strand twists.
Best for: Round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Layered hoops, shoulder-baring tops, or bold brows.
Style tip: Twist on damp, detangled hair with a curl-defining cream for juicy, long-lasting definition. Separate the ends gently for extra fullness.
NEXT READ: 40 Braid Hairstyles for Ladies That Are Trending in Nigeria Right Now
16. ZigZag Cornrows
Corwnrows but zigzag. Can either have all patterns zigzag or not.
Best for: Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Statement sunglasses, high-neck outfits, or bold lip colors.
Style tip: Use a shine-enhancing gel or pomade to define the zigzag parts and keep the lines crisp throughout the wear.
17. Blow Out
A blowout is when natural hair is stretched, usually with heat or threading, to show off volume and length. It softens curls without fully straightening them. The result is a fluffy, full-bodied look that frames the face.
Best for: Oval, heart, and long faces. The stretched-out volume creates a soft halo effect that frames the face and highlights your features.
Pairs well with: Drop earrings, strapless or halter outfits, and clean, dewy makeup for a fresh, elevated look.
Style tip: Stretch your hair using heatless methods (like banding or threading) for a full, fluffy finish, then pick it out gently to shape the perfect silhouette.
18. Curly Mohawk Braids
Mohawk cornrows braided up, leaving the center out in defined curls.
Best for: Round, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Bold eyeliner, statement studs, or leather jackets.
Style tip: Blend in curly extensions that match your natural texture for a seamless mohawk, and fluff the curls gently to create height without frizz.
19. High Puff
This natural hairstyle is pulled up into a single high puff that brings all the drama. Think volume. Height. Energy.
Best for: Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. The lifted puff elongates the face and highlights bone structure, while sleek sides keep the look balanced.
Pairs well with: Large hoops, off-the-shoulder tops, or sleek sunglasses for a bold, confident finish.
Style tip: Slick your hair up with edge control or gel, and use a satin scarf for 10–15 minutes to set the base. Fluff out the puff with an afro pick for maximum volume.
20. Threaded updo
Hair wrapped in thread into a bun or crown.
Best for: Oval, heart, and long faces.
Pairs well with: Ankara prints, bold eye makeup, or cultural jewelry
Style tip: Use colourful African threading (like rubber thread or yarn) to add personality, and stretch your hair beforehand for a smoother finish.
ALSO READ: 20 Kampala Styles For Ladies Who Want to Make a Statement
21. Short Senegalese Twist In A Bob Style
Two-strand twists, cut to the chin or shoulder.
Best for: Oval, heart, and square faces
Pairs well with: Bold lipstick, structured blazers, or gold hoops.
Style tip: Seal the ends neatly with hot water, and trim the twists to an even length for that crisp, classic bob shape.
22. Retwisted Faux Locs Bun With Side Fringe
Freshly retwisted locs pulled into a bun with a few sides left out.
Best for: Oval, heart, and diamond face shapes.
Pairs well with: Dramatic lashes, off-shoulder tops, or statement earrings.
Style tip: Retwist the roots as needed to keep the base neat, and shape the fringe gently with your fingers or mousse for a soft, natural swoop.
23. Sleek Low puff
Like packing gel but better, this natural hairstyle is neatly brushed and slicked down using gel or edge control.
Best for: Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Pearl studs, turtlenecks, or soft glam makeup.
Style tip: Use a firm-hold gel and a soft-bristle brush to slick down your hair, and fluff the puff with an afro pick for extra volume and shape.
24. Natural Hair Two-Strand Twist Style
Thick, juicy twist done in large sections with clean square parting.
Best for: Round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Pairs well with: Clear lip gloss, bold brows, or simple gold hoops.
Style tip: Use a rat-tail comb for sharp parts, and twist with a defining cream to keep the chunky twists neat, juicy, and long-lasting.
25. Flat Twist to The Back
Hair twisted flat in straight rows, going back. Simple and neat.
Best for: Oval, heart, and long faces
Pairs well with: Stud earrings, bold eyeliner, or blazers.
Style tip: Twist on damp, stretched hair for a sleeker finish, and use a holding cream or gel for long-lasting definition and hold.
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