How to Choose the Right And Hairstyle for You
A and hairstyle suits almost anyone, but the variation makes the difference. Here is how I pick the right one in the chair.
By face shape
- Round face: Vertical movement matters — keep the top a little taller or layered to elongate the face.
- Oval face: Almost any variation works on you. Pick by hair type and the time you can spend styling.
- Square face: Soften the jaw with face-framing layers or a wispy fringe; avoid hard one-length edges.
- Heart face: Add width at the chin — chin-length lobs and side-swept fringes balance a wider forehead.
- Long face: Keep the silhouette wider than it is tall — fuller sides, less height, ear-to-chin layering.
By hair type
- Fine or thin hair: Texture is your friend. Ask for point-cut layering and air-dry with a volumizing mousse.
- Thick or coarse: Get internal layering to remove weight, otherwise the and hairstyle reads heavy by day three.
- Curly or coily (3A–4C): Cut dry on a defined curl — wet hair stretches and you will lose 20% of the silhouette when it dries.
- Straight or wavy: Most variations work cleanly. Pick by face shape and lifestyle, not behavior.
- Fine + oily scalp: Wash with a clarifying shampoo every third wash; use cool-water rinses to keep the cuticle flat.
By lifestyle
- Low maintenance: Pick the longest version of the and hairstyle you can — it forgives 6–8 weeks between visits.
- Office / corporate: Smooth blow-dry, light styling product, neutralized volume.
- Gym + everyday: Air-dry friendly variations; use a leave-in and a satin pillowcase to protect the shape.
- Event / photo day: Pin out the and hairstyle into a half-up or fastened look — keeps it photogenic for hours.
1
French-Braided Hair for Black Girls
About this look — The French-Braided Hair for Black Girls weaves the length into plaits — the tension of each pass determines how long the braid holds.
- Best face shape
- Any face; braids sit against the scalp regardless of shape.
- What to tell your barber
- Book a braid specialist and specify the pattern (box, knotless, feed-in, or cornrow) and end method (sealed with hot water or hair-tucked).
- Maintenance
- 4–8 week install cycle; a satin bonnet or pillowcase overnight extends the life.
- Style at home
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair.
- Section evenly and braid.
- Seal ends with a small hair tie or clip.
2
Braids and Ponytails
About this look — The Braids and Ponytails gathers all the length up and secures it — done well, it holds through a workday or event without touch-ups.
- Best face shape
- Any face; the finish is defined by loose pieces around the face rather than the bulk of the style.
- What to tell your barber
- Not a cutting appointment; book a styling lesson so you learn the exact pin placement for this shape.
- Maintenance
- N/A. This is a style, not a cut — refresh cut every 8–10 weeks.
- Style at home
- Start on second-day hair for grip.
- Tie into a low pony or twist.
- Pin the ends into the shape you want with 3–4 bobby pins.
3
Goddess Braid
About this look — The Goddess Braid divides the hair into rows or sections and interlaces them into the chosen braid pattern.
- Best face shape
- Any — braids are a style choice, not a face-shape decision.
- What to tell your barber
- For protective styles, book a braid specialist; ask for the specific pattern and end technique (rubber-band or tuck).
- Maintenance
- 4–8 week install cycle; a satin bonnet or pillowcase overnight extends the life.
- Style at home
- Moisturize the scalp with a lightweight oil.
- Section carefully with a rat-tail comb.
- Braid with even tension and secure the ends.
4
Textured Bangs
About this look — The Textured Bangs adds a fringe across the forehead — blunt, wispy, curtained, or micro depending on the shape.
- Best face shape
- Oval, long, heart — bangs shorten a long face and soften a strong forehead.
- What to tell your barber
- Ask for the exact fringe style (blunt / wispy / curtain / micro) and where you want it to sit on your brow.
- Maintenance
- 3–4 weeks for the fringe alone; the rest of the cut can go 8+ weeks.
- Style at home
- Wet the fringe with a spray bottle if it's second-day.
- Blow-dry side to side, then finish straight.
- Set with a light-hold spray if humid.
5
Black Chunky Twists
About this look — The Black Chunky Twists sections the hair into plaits — the pattern depends on the braid style (three-strand, French, Dutch, cornrow).
- Best face shape
- Any face; braids sit against the scalp regardless of shape.
- What to tell your barber
- For protective work, ask for the specific braid technique and how you want the ends finished — rubber-banded, sealed, or tucked.
- Maintenance
- Every 4–8 weeks between installs. Nightly satin scarf preserves the pattern.
- Style at home
- Detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb.
- Section using a rat-tail comb, keeping the parts clean.
- Braid to the ends and secure.
6
Girly Mohawk
About this look — The Girly Mohawk makes a bold statement — short at the sides with dramatic length either on top (mohawk) or at the back (mullet).
- Best face shape
- Oval, diamond — the shape works best when the face isn't too wide.
- What to tell your barber
- Ask for the specific shape and length by inches; bring a photo for reference.
- Maintenance
- Medium-high. Every 3–4 weeks for the sides; the top/back can grow.
- Style at home
- Blow-dry the top or back in the direction it's meant to sit.
- Apply a firm matte paste.
- Finish with strong-hold spray for the mohawk shape.
7
Pompadour Fun
About this look — The Pompadour Fun sweeps the length on top up and back into a rounded volume above the forehead — high-shine or matte depending on product.
- Best face shape
- Oval, heart, square — adds height that flatters most faces.
- What to tell your barber
- Ask for a Pompadour: 3–4 inches on top, tapered sides, top brushed up and back.
- Maintenance
- Medium. Every 4 weeks for the sides; the top can grow longer.
- Style at home
- Blow-dry the top up and back with a round brush.
- Apply pomade (shine or matte, your call) to hold the volume.
- Comb the shape and finish with a mist of hairspray.
8
Braids for Long Hair
About this look — The Braids for Long Hair sections the hair into plaits — the pattern depends on the braid style (three-strand, French, Dutch, cornrow).
- Best face shape
- Any face; braids sit against the scalp regardless of shape.
- What to tell your barber
- For protective styles, book a braid specialist; ask for the specific pattern and end technique (rubber-band or tuck).
- Maintenance
- Refresh every 4–8 weeks depending on braid type; nightly satin scarf.
- Style at home
- Moisturize the scalp with a lightweight oil.
- Section carefully with a rat-tail comb.
- Braid with even tension and secure the ends.
9
Natural-Looking Clip-Ins
About this look — The Natural-Looking Clip-Ins chosen for what a kid can actually wear all day — no styling required, grows out cleanly.
- Best face shape
- Any — every kid's face still growing; go for what suits the routine.
- What to tell your barber
- Ask for age-appropriate length, low upkeep, and a shape that survives playgrounds and pool days.
- Maintenance
- Every 6–8 weeks; sooner if there's a fringe.
- Style at home
- Wash with a tear-free shampoo.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb.
- Optional: a spritz of leave-in for detangling.
10
Side-Swept Ringlets
About this look — The Side-Swept Ringlets chosen for what a kid can actually wear all day — no styling required, grows out cleanly.
- Best face shape
- Any — every kid's face still growing; go for what suits the routine.
- What to tell your barber
- Ask for age-appropriate length, low upkeep, and a shape that survives playgrounds and pool days.
- Maintenance
- Every 6–8 weeks; sooner if there's a fringe.
- Style at home
- Wash with a tear-free shampoo.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb.
- Optional: a spritz of leave-in for detangling.
11
Side Bun from Twists
You may also use your best side bun from twists as an inspiration for your kids’ hairstyles. Kinky flat twists, for example, can be transformed into a side bun that suits both you and your toddler’s appearance. So why should the fun be all yours? Check to see whether your child feels the same way you do about it.
How to style it
- Prep with a texture spray for grip.
- Gather and pin the shape, leaving a few face-framing pieces.
- Lock it with a flexible-hold hairspray.
12
Wild Black Curls
About this look — The Wild Black Curls chosen for what a kid can actually wear all day — no styling required, grows out cleanly.
- Best face shape
- Any — every kid's face still growing; go for what suits the routine.
- What to tell your barber
- Ask for age-appropriate length, low upkeep, and a shape that survives playgrounds and pool days.
- Maintenance
- Every 6–8 weeks; sooner if there's a fringe.
- Style at home
- Wash with a tear-free shampoo.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb.
- Optional: a spritz of leave-in for detangling.
13
Half-Bun For Black Girls
About this look — The Half-Bun For Black Girls sweeps the length up and tucks it in place — the technique is about anchor points, not product.
- Best face shape
- Universally flattering — the face-framing tendrils are what tune the look to your face shape.
- What to tell your barber
- Not a cut; a 30-minute styling session teaches you the anchor points you'll use every time.
- Maintenance
- The cut underneath still needs a refresh every 8–10 weeks — updos hide bad ends only so long.
- Style at home
- Skip washing for 24 hours before styling.
- Twist the length back into a low bun.
- Anchor with 3–4 bobby pins and mist with flexible hairspray.
14
Braided Top Knot For Black Girls
About this look — The Braided Top Knot For Black Girls plaits the hair according to the chosen pattern (three-strand, French, Dutch, cornrow) with consistent tension.
- Best face shape
- Any face; braids sit against the scalp regardless of shape.
- What to tell your barber
- Book a braid specialist and specify the pattern (box, knotless, feed-in, or cornrow) and end method (sealed with hot water or hair-tucked).
- Maintenance
- Refresh every 4–8 weeks depending on braid type; nightly satin scarf.
- Style at home
- Detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb.
- Section using a rat-tail comb, keeping the parts clean.
- Braid to the ends and secure.
15
High-Bun Hair
About this look — The High-Bun Hair collects the hair off the neck and secures with pins or a hair tie, keeping the perimeter clean.
- Best face shape
- Universally flattering — the face-framing tendrils are what tune the look to your face shape.
- What to tell your barber
- Not a cut; a 30-minute styling session teaches you the anchor points you'll use every time.
- Maintenance
- The cut underneath still needs a refresh every 8–10 weeks — updos hide bad ends only so long.
- Style at home
- Start on second-day hair for grip.
- Tie into a low pony or twist.
- Pin the ends into the shape you want with 3–4 bobby pins.
16
Natural Side-Pony with a Bow
About this look — The Natural Side-Pony with a Bow gathers all the length up and secures it — done well, it holds through a workday or event without touch-ups.
- Best face shape
- Any — updos frame the face rather than fight it.
- What to tell your barber
- Not a cut — but ask your stylist to teach you the pin-and-tuck method for the specific updo shape you want.
- Maintenance
- N/A. This is a style, not a cut — refresh cut every 8–10 weeks.
- Style at home
- Start on second-day hair for grip.
- Tie into a low pony or twist.
- Pin the ends into the shape you want with 3–4 bobby pins.
17
Loose Waves
About this look — The Loose Waves chosen for what a kid can actually wear all day — no styling required, grows out cleanly.
- Best face shape
- Any — every kid's face still growing; go for what suits the routine.
- What to tell your barber
- Ask for age-appropriate length, low upkeep, and a shape that survives playgrounds and pool days.
- Maintenance
- Every 6–8 weeks; sooner if there's a fringe.
- Style at home
- Wash with a tear-free shampoo.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb.
- Optional: a spritz of leave-in for detangling.
18
Twisted Black Pigtails
About this look — The Twisted Black Pigtails sections the hair into plaits — the pattern depends on the braid style (three-strand, French, Dutch, cornrow).
- Best face shape
- Any — braids are a style choice, not a face-shape decision.
- What to tell your barber
- For protective styles, book a braid specialist; ask for the specific pattern and end technique (rubber-band or tuck).
- Maintenance
- 4–8 week install cycle; a satin bonnet or pillowcase overnight extends the life.
- Style at home
- Moisturize the scalp with a lightweight oil.
- Section carefully with a rat-tail comb.
- Braid with even tension and secure the ends.
19
Half-Bun Hair for Black Girls
About this look — The Half-Bun Hair for Black Girls sweeps the length up and tucks it in place — the technique is about anchor points, not product.
- Best face shape
- Any — updos frame the face rather than fight it.
- What to tell your barber
- This is a style, not a cut — ask a stylist to walk you through the pin plan on your own hair once.
- Maintenance
- N/A. This is a style, not a cut — refresh cut every 8–10 weeks.
- Style at home
- Prep with a texture spray on dry hair.
- Section, twist, and pin into your chosen shape.
- Finish with a flexible-hold spray.
20
Black Criss-Cross Updo
About this look — The Black Criss-Cross Updo collects the hair off the neck and secures with pins or a hair tie, keeping the perimeter clean.
- Best face shape
- Any face; the finish is defined by loose pieces around the face rather than the bulk of the style.
- What to tell your barber
- This is a style, not a cut — ask a stylist to walk you through the pin plan on your own hair once.
- Maintenance
- Style-only. The underlying cut still needs a trim every 8–10 weeks.
- Style at home
- Start on second-day hair for grip.
- Tie into a low pony or twist.
- Pin the ends into the shape you want with 3–4 bobby pins.