African American Male Hairstyles

Teenagers with African hair
Photo: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock
Q: I am a 16-year-old black male who has typical African hair. I was wondering if there are any other styles aside from the classic barber shop fade, taper, etc. because for the first time in my life, my mother is giving me permission to do whatever I want with it. Are there any concerns that I should be aware of if I say, relax my hair or anything of that nature?
 
A: First off, congratulations on this milestone! Having the freedom to choose your own hairstyle is definitely a significant moment in any young man's life, especially within African American families where hair often carries cultural and personal significance.
 
You're absolutely right to explore beyond the standard barber shop cuts. While fades and tapers have their place as classics for good reason, there's a whole world of styles that celebrate the versatility of African textured hair.
 
For natural styles, you might consider growing your hair out for options like twists, which can range from short finger-length twists to longer styles. Twists can be maintained for several weeks and offer a low-maintenance yet stylish look. Dreadlocks are another option if you're looking for a more committed style. Dreadlocks require patience during the starting phase but become easier to maintain as they mature.
 
Curl definition techniques are increasingly popular too. With the right products, you can enhance your natural curl pattern to create styles like a sponge twist or curl sponge look, which highlights your texture while keeping things neat. If you're interested in braided styles, consider box braids, cornrows, or even simple two-strand twists.
 
Regarding chemical treatments like relaxers: these permanently alter your hair texture by breaking down the protein bonds in your hair. While they can give you straighter styles, they come with significant considerations. Relaxed hair requires consistent maintenance and you'll need regular deep conditioning treatments, minimal heat styling, and touch-ups every 8-12 weeks as new growth appears. The chemicals can weaken your hair, potentially leading to breakage and damage.
 
Another option that's less permanent is a texturizer, which is essentially a milder relaxer that loosens your curl pattern rather than completely straightening it. This gives you more styling versatility while retaining some of your natural texture.
 
For any chemical service, I strongly recommend consulting with a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in African American hair, and not just any salon. An experienced professional can assess your specific hair type and condition to determine what processes would work best while minimizing damage.
 
I'd suggest taking some time to research before making any dramatic changes. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have countless examples of diverse black male hairstyles and maintenance routines. Save images of styles you like and consult with a professional stylist who can help determine what would work well with your specific hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle.
 
This is an exciting opportunity for self-expression! Take your time exploring options, and remember that healthy hair should always be the priority regardless of which style you choose.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Hair straightening
 
How to choose a good hair stylist