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18 Short Natural Hairstyles to Try Right Now

From big chops to finger waves, there are tons of options for every texture.

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Mike Marsland

There's something about the start of the new season (oh, hey spring!) that has us itching for a change. Maybe it's the warmer weather, but it just feels like the right time to get a fresh new cut. All it takes is a quick scroll through Instagram to find your hair inspiration.

Hit the refresh button on your look than by saying sayonara to dull, lifeless strands with these 18 deceptively simple short natural hairstyles that'll liven up your look, whether it's a Big Chop, just a few inches off your ends, or a somewhere in between.

1

Accented Cornrows

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Who said cornrows have to be basic? Not us. Spice up this easy to achieve protective style with unexpected accents from your local beauty supply store — or raid the art & crafts section for even more creativity.

2

Wrap Star

Twist-out turn out not so hot? Fret not, a cute fabric wrap is the perfect solve for those days you aren't 100% feeling your style — or prolonging wash day a little longer.

3

Baby Bun with Baby Hairs

Take you bun from blah to BOOM by taking a few extra minutes to lay those baby hairs down.

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4

Retro Side Pompadour

What's old is new again, and even more glam. This finger-wave, pompadour combo oozes sex-appeal, but is also pretty easy to achieve. It's cool enough for the office, but fancy enough for say, a wedding too.

5

Pastel Buzzcut

When it comes to haircuts, you can subtly trim off a few inches, or start fresh with a clean shave. Buzzcuts are super low-maintenance and help you cut down time from your usual hour-long hair routine. Bonus points for test-driving a pop of color.

6

Flat-Twist Chignon

Hit the refresh button on your two-day-old twist-outs by pulling them back into a low, chignon-inspired bun.

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7

Finger Waves

Yes, finger waves can be done on natural hair, too! Using a comb, styling mousse and a whole lot of gel, swipe your comb in an "S" shape to create waves.

8

Curly Faux-Hawk

Get the edgy look of a mohawk without altering your current style. Grab your bobby pins and have at it!

9

Electric Caesar

Go bright — or go home. Punch up a closely cropped cut with electric shade, like lime green, to make your short cut pop out.

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10

Short Tapered Cut

Tapered cuts are perfect for the girl who wants short, low-maintenance hair that's also versatile. The sides and back of the hair are usually cut shorter than the middle, which allows you to shape the hair the way you desire. Fitness influencer Massy Arias opted for a side-part tapered cut with bouncy curls — alongside her cutie-pie daughter, Indi.

11

Flat Top

Consider this a chicer, edgier update to the classic flat top hairstyle. Instead of the sculpted look of the original, you can reach for a hair sponge to add some soft curls to the top of your crown.

12

Teeny Weeny Afro aka TWA

TWAs are tricky because they're not long enough for a twist-out or as low-maintenances as a buzzcut. Still, keeping your TWA moisturized is best way to care for your 'fro, whether you're a wash-and-go or curl sponge type of gal.

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13

Two Puffs

Two buns are a simple and cute look that never go out of style.

14

Finger Coils

Protective styling doesn't necessarily mean opting for braided styles or wigs—you can also protect your strands by doing low-maintenance finger coils. Finger coils are done by lathering conditioning products into the hair and twisting the hair around your finger until it forms a curl. This style can last for days, and you don't have to worry about re-doing them until your ready for your next 'do.

15

Frohawk Tapered Cut

Take your tapered haircut to the next level by shaving the sides down into a "frohawk" with a unique designed carved out on the sides.

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16

High Puff

This super low-maintenance style only requires one tool—a headband. After brushing your hair up, slide a headband up your hair shaft to form a ponytail (you can wrap the headband twice for extra support), then fluff and pull the hair for added volume.

17

Perm Rod Set

Despite the title, the style doesn't actually require a relaxer. Perm rod sets help you achieve soft, voluminous heat-less curls without the damage. The style can be done on dry or wet hair using curling creams or mousse and perm rods.

18

Flat Twist Updo

If you're transitioning, a braided updo is the perfect way to protect your new growth as your curls begin to grow in and your dead strands grow out.

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