Jelani Alladin: Short High Top Afro Hairstyle With Tapered Sides
Broadway star Jelani Alladin brings a modern freshness to the nostalgic high-top Afro hairstyle at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards.
Why We Love It:
Jelani Alladinโsย short high-top Afro with tapered sides is a total showstopper.
As the name suggests, a high-top (or hi-top) hairstyle is characterised by its height on top, which contrasts with super-short clipped back and sides.
This was a popular โ80s and โ90s haircut, but itโs beautifully timeless and versatile. You can experiment with different top lengths depending on your hair texture, as well as various levels of taper and fade.
Actor and Broadway performer Jelani โ who stars in acclaimed TV series Fellow Travelers with Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer โ also rocks a short boxed beard and line up, where the hairline is precision cut for that neat, sharp edge.
What To Ask Your Barber:
- For Jelani Alladinโs Afro hairstyle, ask for a high-top haircut with tapered sides โ your barber can advise on the best length and approach for your texture.
- Youโll want a line up (also known as a shape up or edge up) where the hairline is precision cut for that super sharp edge.
- Jelani has a short boxed beard โ a popular suits-all style for its neat trim and sideburns.
- Regular cuts will help to maintain your styleโs shape, so you might find yourself in the barberโs chair every two to three weeks or so.
Get The Look
- With a cut like Jelani Alladinโs short high-top style, itโs important to show your hair plenty of TLC.
- Try not to wash it more than once or twice a week; opt for moisturising, nourishing products like a sulphate-free shampoo, leave-in conditioner and hair mask.
- Use an Afro comb or pick to gently detangle and style your hair โ a wide-tooth one can help to avoid heavy pulling and tugging.
- Silk or satin pillowcases tend to be better than cotton ones for helping hair to retain moisture. You can also protect your style at night by wearing a head cover.
- Care for your scalp (as you would any other skin) with dedicated products like a scalp mask or oil.
- Consider protective styles, like braids or twists, every so often to give your hair a rest break.
