Hair styles for African American teens can be sophisticated, fun and flattering. There are plenty of options for teens who love to stay on trend and experiment with their hair to change up their look
Braided Hair Styles
There are a several popular African American hair braiding styles that look great on teens. These styles let the hair to rest from everyday styling while allowing for maximum length retention.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are a versatile style. They are similar to a traditional box braid in that they are individual braids with extensions added. The main difference is that the partings for micro braids are much smaller. Styles for micro braids include a single ponytail, a French braid, or pigtails. Since much hair is left unbraided with micros, another option to wear the hair down, especially if curly extensions have been chosen.
Cornrows
Those who choose to wear cornrows can pick fun designs and partings, along with hair accessories to complement the completed look. Synthetic hair can be added to the braids for length. The ends of the hair can be rolled using sponge rollers and dipped in hot water to achieve curls, or the ends can be tucked away in a neat bun.
Goddess Braid
A Goddess braid is a very elegant updo style. It involves making one big cornrowed braid around the crown of the head, typically using extra braiding hair. The big braid is then secured with multiple bobby pins to keep the hair in place. This style is ideal for prom or weddings.
Fishtail Braid
Wearing a fishtail braid is a fun protective style to wear to keep the ends of the hair protected. Teenagers with long hair can easily pull this look off. Those with shorter hair can use extensions.
Natural Hair Styles
Braid outs and afros are carefree styles for teens who choose to wear their hair natural.
Braid Out
A braid out involves parting and braiding the hair into cornrows, or large single braids while the hair is dry, damp or wet. It is best to use some type of holding agent like gel, mousse, or setting lotion while braiding the hair so the texture from the braid is locked in. The longer the braids are kept in, the better and more defined the braid out will be. The hair is usually left braided overnight and taken down the next morning.
Afro
The afro is the easiest style to achieve for African American men with natural hair. Since no one hair texture is the same, no two afros will look alike. Some guys may have a very loose curl pattern, while others have a very tight and kinky curl. Maintaining an afro is simple. All that is needed is to wash and condition the hair routinely and apply a leave-in moisturizer. The afro should be trimmed every six weeks to maintain its shape and to prevent split ends.
Relaxed Styles
Many teens will receive a relaxer to manage the hair, and as a result there are more styles they are able to wear with ease. With a help of a relaxer, teens won't have to apply heat to the hair as often, and their styles stay sleek and straight for longer. Some of the most popular relaxed styles include a bob and crimps.
Classic Bob
Wearing a bob is one of the simplest haircuts to maintain for black teens. After leaving the salon, nighttime maintenance will require teens with this type of cut to wrap the hair. Touching up the hair at home is easy since they can either flat iron the hair, or do a blowout with a ceramic round brush to maintain the roundness of the bob.
Crimps
Crimps are an exciting way to spice up relaxed hair. Crimps look really beautiful on hair that has grown to shoulder length and longer. This involves using a hot tool called a crimping iron, on the strands of the hair to create waves. This style can last for up to two weeks.
Many Options
African American hair is very versatile and resilient so there are many ways for teens to wear their hair. All they have to do is choose an option which coincides with their personal style and everyday life that they feel comfortable wearing.
