59 Afro Hairstyles for Men: The Ultimate Guide

1. Jude Bellingham’s Afro With High Top, Low Taper And Precise Hairline

Jude Bellingham is a rising star in football with a ton of potential on the field. Off the pitch, his hair deserves some recognition too. His signature high top, low taper fade with a precise hairline has become instantly recognisable and a common hairstyle reference to bring to your barber.

If you’re looking to channel your inner Bellingham, ask your barber to give you his signature high top fade with a clean, precise hairline. They’ll use scissors to neatly style the top, leaving just enough length for natural curl formation. To achieve Bellingham’s bounce, instruct them to sponge the top section in a circular motion – this brings out definition and movement without frizz.

How To Style:

• Keep your hair hydrated and clean. 
• Drying out your hair by washing it too often or using harsh shampoos can strip away your natural oils. Aim to shampoo just once a week or less. 
• For shampoo, avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This common ingredient is known to dry out hair. Instead, look for gentle formulas. For washing, work the shampoo into just your roots and let it rinse through to the ends.
• Before bed, seal in moisture with natural oils on the ends. Wearing a soft hair wrap or a loose durag while sleeping, along with a silk pillowcase, will protect your locks.

2. Jay-Z’s Freeform Dreadlocks With Congos

Jay-Z’s signature freeform dreadlocks have become as synonymous with his image as his rhymes. For a huge star like him, rocking a natural hair look with pride sends a great message of acceptance.

And while his signature dreadlocks with congos may require little maintenance now, it was a process for him to get to that point. The rap icon had to grow out his natural afro hair longer before the deadlocks could start forming, which serves as a reminder that hairstyle transformations like his cannot be rushed.

How To Style:

• Skip the combing and focus on your washing. 
• When shampooing, only cleanse the roots with a non-residue formula. Avoid scrubbing the ends where the dreads will form. Washing the roots weekly will allow the dreadlocks to develop naturally on clean hair over time. 
• It’s also a good idea to balance your scalp’s oil production. Too much oil can prevent the hair from locking together properly. Consider doing an occasional apple cider vinegar rinse to remove any product buildup. Mix the vinegar with baking soda and water for a natural cleansing treatment. Detailed recipes can be found online.
• If needed, sea salt spray can encourage the hair strands to form together and knot. Lightly mist your hair and let it dry. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards to prevent damage from too much salt.

3. Frank Ocean’s Buzz Cut Hairstyle on Afro Hair

Frank Ocean’s buzz cut has to be one of the sharpest we’ve seen in a while. The musician is known for experimenting with bold hairstyles and colours, but his cropped hairstyle will always top the rest. With tight, clean lines on the sides and back, Frank’s hair looks casual yet super stylish in its buzzed state. He proved it can work even for high-fashion events, sporting the buzz cut to the 2019 Met Gala.

A buzz cut as precise as Frank’s requires knowing your scalp, first and foremost. If it’s on the bumpier side, you may want to reconsider the buzz cut style. For the fade, request very short sides from your barber. They may use a zero guard clipper or even shave the area with a straight razor. This hairstyle also requires uniform length on top. It’s up to you whether you want the fade to end abruptly or transition more gradually. Frank’s blend is very gradual, which takes real barber skill to achieve nicely.

One thing to be aware of – you’ll need regular visits to your barber, around every two weeks, as this style grows out quickly. Stay on top of it to keep the cut fresh.

How To Style:

• While it may need a little touch up from your barber every once in a while, this style is largely self-maintaining. Simply wash and go – it’s perfect for those with tighter textured hair who want minimal fuss. 
• Whatever your hair type, opt for a moisturising shampoo to keep your scalp happy and hydrated. With a buzz cut, your scalp is out in the open. Keep it nourished to avoid flakes or dryness. 
• Invest in a lightweight hair and skin oil too. It can work wonders on any patches that feel dry. Don’t forget the SPF either.

4. Bruno Mars’ Long Afro Hairstyle

The long afro is Bruno Mars’s signature look and it always looks perfectly styled no matter the occasion. Whether he wears it loose and flowing or slicked back, Bruno’s hair is never a mess. The key to pulling off this cool hairstyle is making sure your hair stays healthy. Proper moisture and care means Bruno’s afro will always look its best, not a hair out of place. 

Getting your hair to this shape means seeking out a stylist who has experience working with Afro-Caribbean hair textures. These types require specialised techniques to achieve the right shape and minimise frizziness. It has to be cut into a rounded shape to bring out your curls’ natural bounce and movement.

How To Style:

• If you have tight, curly afro hair, it’s important to properly maintain and nourish it. 
• Tease your curls to add volume and shape. 
• Make sure to use a rich, moisturising conditioner after washing to treat your hair. 
• For styling products, look for formulas with natural oils and butters. Curl creams will help control frizz and keep your curls looking smooth and defined as they dry.

5. Marcus Rashford’s Tapered Afro With Fade And Textured Curls

This Marcus Rashford hairstyle is such an upgrade from his early career looks. Gone are the high skin fades and in their place is a more relaxed, grown out afro taper. The messy curls are so much softer and have such a laidback vibe compared to the precise fades. 

If you want to achieve well-defined curls like Marcus’, a curl sponge is a great tool. Just scrunch your patterned hair with it while it’s still damp for enhanced texture. Also be sure to deep condition your afro regularly. Overnight hair masks and moisturising treatments will keep it healthy and protected.

As for the cut, tell your barber you want a taper and a low fade. They’ll use clippers on the top to create shape and texture, then soften it up with scissors for a natural look.

How To Style:

• Start with dry hair and break out your afro pick. Then apply an ample amount of pomade. This acts as the foundation of your curls’ formation.
• Take your trusty curl sponge and begin at the crown. Gently rub it in a clockwise motion all over your head for 1 to 5 minutes. This helps encourage your curls to form.
• Once your pattern is set, smooth any flyaways into place with a touch of your palms and a small amount of matte paste. Remember – you want hold but not stiffness. Less is more when it comes to defining your coils.

6. The Weeknd: Natural Circular Shaped Afro Hairstyle

There is no effortlessly cooler afro hairstyle lately than what The Weeknd is sporting. His current do has just the right retro vibe while embracing his hair in its brushed-out, natural shape.

To keep medium to long afros looking their best, it’s important to pamper your hair with quality treatments. Investing in a moisturising deep conditioner or hair mask can keep coils soft and defined. A leave-in product will also provide hydration between washes.

When visiting your barber, ask them to use clippers with an attachment to create a soft, rounded outline around your head. They may also use scissors to soften any harsh edges. Be sure they clean up the nape of your neck and behind your ears too.

While it looks effortless, maintaining the afro isn’t without effort. Returning to your barber every 4 weeks for a trim is a must to keep it looking full and fresh.

How To Style:

• For the perfect natural afro, start by combing your hair upwards and outwards with a hair pick. This will help maintain the shape of your curls. 
• Work in matte paste between your hands and scrunch it into your hair. Go slowly to add hold. Leave some texture for that laidback vibe The Weeknd is known for. 
• To keep your hair healthy, moisturise once a week with a conditioning treatment. Leave it in after washing to nourish your curls from root to tip. Taking good care of your hair is important to keep it looking full and defined without going overboard on product.

7. Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Afro French Crop With Low Fade

Barbie actor Kingsley Ben-Adir is flaunting one sharp hairstyle with his afro French crop and low fade. Even with his naturally coily hair, he pulls off that fringed, cropped look to perfection. 

This hairstyle requires regular trips to the barbershop to maintain its sharp look. It works particularly well for those with thicker, coarser hair types like afro, kinky or unruly textures since the close crop is easier to manage daily. With the hairline precisely lined up like a French crop (sometimes called a shape up), an unguarded blade is used to achieve a super clean, defined edge. 

How To Style:

• Use natural shampoos and conditioners made for textured hair types. Be sure to fully condition from root to tip to keep coils hydrated.
• Don’t forget to massage scalp oil onto your scalp regularly. Look for products high in vitamins and fatty acids like coconut, jojoba or avocado oil. This protects the scalp so new growth comes in strong.
• Only shampoo once a week max. Frequent washing can strip hair of its natural oils.
• For extra TLC, do a deep conditioning treatment weekly. Leave it on for a couple minutes under a plastic cap for deep hydration. Your coils will thank you!

8. Lenny Kravitz’s Long Chest-Length Dreadlocks

Lenny Kravitz’s long dreadlocks exude a level of cool confidence that we can all aspire to. With his effortless style, he rocks any hairstyle with ease. Whether it’s an iconic afro, intricate cornrows, or a fresh buzz cut – Lenny always manages to look his best. It’s clear that great hair is in his DNA!

If you’ve been thinking about replicating this hairstyle and are starting with shorter tresses, be sure to chat with your stylist about the best route for locing up. They can advise on techniques to get your locks going from this length. Also, get their tips on caring for your locks as they grow to prevent damage. 

Remember, it will take time, likely years, for your locs to reach chest length. Patience is key as your hair transitions – it may look a little messy at first. Once your locks have had about a year to “mature,” you can get them trimmed to maintain their shape. 

A good gauge for retwisting is when they’re ready for a refresh. Stick to no more than once a month, though some folks can go longer between – just depends on your growth rate. Maintaining those fledgling locks is a journey, but talking to experts can help you start it off right.

How To Style:

• Before starting your dreadlocks journey, make sure your hair is in good condition. Be sure to regularly condition your hair and scalp. 
• There are several methods for starting dreads like palm rolling, twist and rip, and interlocking. Choose the method best suited for your hair type and desired look. You’ll find tons of tutorials on YouTube to help guide you.
• Divide your hair into small, even sections when getting started. Smaller sections will result in more individual dreads and a neater appearance overall. 
• For best results, use a residue-free shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your hair before locking. Let it air dry completely.
• Based on the method you select, work each section gently to encourage locking. This could mean twisting, rolling, or other techniques – just be careful not to cause breakage.  
• Consistent maintenance is key for healthy dreads. Palm roll regularly, separate any conjoined locks, and keep your scalp clean.
• Opt for dread-specific products that won’t leave heavy residue. Buildup can hinder the locking process.
• Remember that how long it takes to achieve your goal length varies based on hair type, growth rate, and upkeep. Regular care and patience are essential for long-lasting locs.

9. Jason Derulo’s Multi-Coloured Afro Mullet/Mowhawk

Jason Derulo is no stranger to unique hair styles. His latest look features a multi-colored afro mullet that is sure to turn heads. 

For those wanting to try a colorful cut themselves, proceed with caution. Dyeing dark hair an unnatural hue like blue or green requires bleaching first, which can damage strands over time. 

While experimenting is all in good fun, be prepared for fragile tresses that may need to be buzzed short eventually due to breakage and split ends. Have fun with vibrant colors, but take care of your hair health too.

If you want to rock the singer’s multicolored afro mullet look, be prepared to invest in serious hair maintenance. Jason has grown out his hair into a short afro shape on top, with the sides trimmed into a classic mullet silhouette. His stylist has also shaved intricate patterns into the sides. Even the front hairline gets a sharp line up. 

To achieve the bright blue shade with lime green highlights, expect a lengthy bleaching process. This lightens the hair so the colour can fully saturate the strands. Bleach stripping everything leaves hair super dry, so don’t forget the deep conditioning treatments. 

This isn’t a DIY dye job. The pros need to be involved to nail the blend of hues. Plus, the regrowth will need touching up every couple of weeks to keep everything looking fresh and seamless.

How To Style:

• Reach for shampoos and conditioners that are free of harsh sulfates. Aim to only wash 1 to 2 times per week. This helps protect the hair’s natural oils and slows fading of any colour treatments. 
• Massage a few drops of natural hair oil from roots to ends before bed. The oil forms a shield as you snooze, preserving moisture so your hair doesn’t look and feel dry.

10. Trevor Noah’s Cornrow Hairstyle

 It’s easy to see why Trevor Noah is well known for his signature cornrow hairstyle – the tight, precise braids are a great look for his afro hair texture. Cornrows take serious time and skill to get just right, especially on thick, coily hair, so the comedian’s patience surely paid off here. 

To achieve Trevor’s look, your hair needs to be around 7-8cm long. Your stylist will start by combing your hair with a wide tooth comb from the ends up towards the roots to eliminate any tangles. 

It’s important to wash and condition your hair beforehand too, as those cornrows will be in for a while. Properly cleansing and moisturizing your hair will give the braids a clean base to hold for 2-4 weeks, or even up to 6-8 weeks if you take good care of them. 

Be sure your hair is also conditioned, as the extra moisture will make it much easier for your stylist to work with. Then they’ll separate your hair into sections of equal size and get to braiding!

Trevor has about 10 braids total, combining small rows at the part lines with larger braids down the center of each section. But it’s imperative to discuss with your stylist how you want yours done.

How To Style:

• Cornrow braids may not need daily styling, but they do require proper care and nourishment. 
• Be sure to moisturise your scalp by applying natural oils like shea butter, castor oil or coconut oil between the braids. Your scalp health is important for healthy hair.
• It’s also important to protect your cornrows from excess moisture. Avoid getting them soaked in the rain or shower to keep them neat. Instead of shampoo, try a cleansing tonic or exfoliator that you can spray on. 
• Make scalp nourishment a part of your routine too. Massage coconut, almond or avocado oil directly into your scalp a few times a week. This helps soothe dryness or itchiness that can develop. Speaking of itchiness, dab some anti-itch oil onto problem areas using a clean cotton ball.
• For sleep, a durag is your best bet. Opt for a silk pillowcase too to keep your braids intact and frizz-free while you snooze.
• When undoing your cornrows, work carefully to avoid tugging or pulling. Deep condition and moisturise afterwards for healthy hair. Give your strands a break by wearing them down for a few days before rebraiding.