44 Easy Natural Hairstyles You Can Create at Home

Reviewed by Sky Kim

Experimenting with your natural hair can be exciting but also quite daunting. While you may love a good wash-and-go or twist-out, you may also be looking for other easy hairstyles that you can try out at home. Luckily, lots of inspiration can be found on Instagram and TikTok. One day you can find yourself wearing a long drawstring pony and another day you could opt for a headwrap to cover your curls—the amount of different styles you can rock are endless.

If you're looking for a new natural hairstyle to try at home then read ahead for expert-approved tips and style suggestions.

Meet Our Expert

• Darrius Peace is a natural hair expert and the founder of Hayah Beauty (a salon based in Alabama).

• Yetty Bames is a hairstylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon, based in New York.

Solange's Wash-and-Go

The easiest natural hairstyle has to be the wash-and-go, because well, it’s just like the name suggests—you wash it and go about your day. The number of styling products you use are totally up to you. (Check out this handy wash-and-go guide if you need a bit more assistance.)

Tamera Mowry's Jumbo Topknot

If you like to keep your hair out your face, then a topknot might be right for you. To copy this style, make sure you smooth your roots and baby hairs down with a baby hair brush and edge styler before you create your large, luscious bun. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

Rihanna's High Ponytail

It can’t get much easier than a ponytail. “You can achieve this look by blow drying the hair and molding it down into your desired ponytail location with your edge control product,” says Peace. “Then, style or attach your ponytail. This option can last anywhere between one to two weeks by wrapping the hair with a scarf while sleeping.”

Blac Chyna's Bantu Knots

If you like trying styles that protect your hair while bringing you close to your African roots, then Bantu knots might be right for you. Just section your hair up and roll each part into a tight mini bun. Smooth down those baby hairs and you’re ready to go within minutes.

Sharon Alexie's Textured Twist-Outs

If you like to play around with texture, a twist-out is a great way to change it up. All you need to do is dampen your hair and apply a styling product or two if necessary before you then twist individual two-strand sections. When your hair fully dries, you can unravel the twists and reveal your elongated, gorgeous curls (or keep them somewhat twisted, as shown here). Air-drying will take a bit longer than if you used a hairdryer or diffuser.

Yara Shahidi's Braid-Out

Defined curls can also be achieved with a braid-out if that’s what you prefer. You can do the same process as the twist-out, but instead, section your hair off into three-strand braids. This can give varying results based on the size of the braids and your natural texture, but is consistently a strong way to bring out the best in your voluminous curls.

Fun, Bouncy Corkscrew Curls

If a roller-like corkscrew curl is more your style, you can achieve this with a set of Curlformers ($23). You know, those curled pieces of fabric that took the natural hair community by storm a few years ago? With Curlformers, you loop your dampened and product-loaded hair through the fabric (which can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour depending on your hair’s length, thickness and desired section size). You’ll need to wait until your hair is dry to see the final result, but it’s still a super easy process to do overall.

Ashley Moore's Mermaid Waves

Ashley Moore's dreamy, mermaid waves can be achieved with Mermade Hair's The Cutie? 0.9" Pro Waver ($79). First, divide your hair into small sections and spray each section with a heat protectant. Then use the waver to clamp your hair close to your roots, then continue the process down the length of your hair.

Iris Beilin's Short, Bouncy Waves

Straightening natural hair can be a lengthy process, but you can cheat your way there with a good old-fashioned roller set. Use large rollers on damp hair to get maximum stretch, and when your hair is dry, make sure to comb through a hydrating serum to seal your ends. If you have a hair dryer, you can achieve this look in as little as 30 minutes.

Janelle Monae's Pigtail Cornrows

As far as braiding goes, pigtail cornrows are one of the easiest natural hairstyles to achieve on your own. Unlike French braids, you need to make sure the crossing sections and the hairs you pick up along the way are going in an underhanded direction so your actual braids will pop off the head. For pigtails, the process can be done in 15 minutes or less if you’re an experienced braider.

Skai Jackson's Flat Twists

Whether braids are too hard to do, or you just prefer a two-stranded look, flat twists are your friend. Sweep them into a low-placed bun if you want an updo, or let them cascade down your back for princess vibes. If you make your twists pretty large, the process can be done in less than an hour.

Ciara's Messy Bun

What’s better than a regular bun? A messy one, of course. It should take less than a minute to do and maybe another minute if you like to style your baby hairs. Add a headband if you're looking for some added pizzazz.

Simone Bile's Bushy Pony

You can hack your way to a glam style with a drawstring ponytail. If you’ve never tried it before, slick your hair into a low bun and wrap the ponytail around it. You can get this done in a few minutes.

Zendaya's Curly Clip-Ins

If you want to amp up your natural hairstyle, just add a few curly clip-ins. Make sure you section the back of your hair strategically and apply your extensions as needed. When you’re done, comb your hair and clip-ins together for an effortlessly blended look.

Tessa Thompson's Double Braids With Slicked Edges

Braiding your hair doesn’t always mean you have to get cornrows. These pigtail braids are an easy and speedy style that you can achieve in minutes—though, if you’re braiding in extensions, it might take a little longer. “You can always opt to extend with any type of braiding hair that is a close match to your original texture,” says Peace. “A smoothing edge control product is ideal for creating a sleek look around the edges.”

Keke Palmer's XL Box Braids

Box braids can be a surprisingly quick and easy process if you’re sectioning your hair off in extra large sections. In less than an hour, you can walk out with a protective and chic look.

Marsai Martin's Curly Pineapple

The pineapple method is a classic, fuss-free style that can be done in about three seconds. Just throw your head forward and gather your hair with your hair tie for a voluminous high ponytail.

Storm Reid's Afro Puffs

Doubling up your buns of course means you’re doubling up the fun, especially when you finish it with perfectly placed edges. This style shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. We recommend using Bread Beauty Supply's Hair Gel: Long-Wear Curl Capturing Gloss ($26) to give your curls that wet look.

Esperanza Spalding's Brushed Out Curls

If you like a frizzier look, then brushing out your natural hair might be the right move for you. The volume you can achieve with this style looks great with a middle part. Peace suggests using a lightweight oil along with a shine-enhancing serum to finish the look.

Viola Davis' Faux Hawk

If you like to stand tall with an edgy 'do, you can always try a voluminous faux-hawk. Throw your hair up and towards the front, and use either hair pins or ties to capture that mohawk essence. It’ll only cost you a few minutes.

Issa Rae's Braided Faux Hawk

When a faux hawk isn’t edgy enough, throw in a few cornrows to polish off your baddie persona. If you have longer hair or feel like adding something extra, top off the braids with statement Bantu knots that look great up against curls.

Beyonce's Half-Up, Half-Down

Try your hand at a practical and romantic half-up half-down style next time you can't decide what to do with your hair. Simply secure the top half of your hair at the top or back of your head using elastics or pins, and feel free to leave a few face-framing pieces out for extra elegance.

Imaan Hammam's Sparkly Headband

Accessories make styling even easier because they do all the talking. Take this metallic headband for example—you place it on, and suddenly your curls look even more like the crown they are.

Joyjah Estrada's Banding Ponytail

Princess Jasmine might have been on to something when she was banding her long locks in Disney’s Aladdin. You can do the very same if you have a few rubber bands handy. The styling time is much quicker than it looks. “This is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down and can also be tied into a gorgeous formal bun,” says Peace.

Corinne Bailey Rae's Sideswept Statement Curls

Leaving your hair down is still one of the easiest options you can do. However, if you want to dress up your look a bit, sweep your hair to the side and keep part of it in place with pins or a large statement clip.

Yvonne Orji's Majestic Head Wrap

On days when your hair isn’t cooperating or you just don’t have time to spare, all you need is a nice head wrap. The wider the fabric, the better, so you don’t have to worry about taming flyaways. You’ll be done in no time.

Paint Wax Twists

Instead of going through the arduous and damaging process of coloring your hair, you can get the same effect with Hair Paint Wax. Add colorful streaks or switch up your whole head with this vibrant water-based product. Depending on what you're going for, the process can range between minutes or an hour.

Janelle Monae's Fishtail Braid

It’s not every day that you see a fishtail braid done on natural hair, but it’s totally achievable on stretched-out tresses. If you’re not sure how to do this intricate braid, check out our fishtail braid guide.

Gabrielle Union's Baby Hairs

Let your baby hairs steal the show. “Using a styling gel or edge control solution will help to create beautiful, polished edges that are sure to compliment any hairstyle,” says Peace.

Statement Clips

When one statement clip isn’t enough, add two more for a fab trifecta. These "Glam" rhinestone bobby pins from Kitsch drive the point home thrice over how chic your style is.

Cardi B's Visible Scrunchie

Embrace retro vibes by tying up your natural hair with a sporty scrunchie. Choose one in a color that pops—bonus points if it matches your outfit.

Rihanna's Short, Wet Curls

If you’re the type of person who likes super glossy hair, take a few minutes to apply a high-shine defining gel, hair gloss, and spray to your wash-and-go routine. After you apply a generous amount of product on your damp hair, you can either let it air dry or use a diffuser on a low setting for an ultra-shiny wet look.

Jada Pinkett Smith's Halo Braid

Maybe you want to look a little angelic for the day, and a halo braid can definitely deliver on that front, especially if you’re a cornrow master. The trick is to gather your natural hair into a single large braid that goes around the perimeter of your head. Depending on your skill level, you can be out the door within 15 minutes.

Lupita Nyongo's Braided Updo

You can also show off your braiding skills by cornrowing your hair and styling it into an elegant updo. If you already have your braids in, sweeping them up into a bun will take only a few seconds. However, if you’re starting from scratch, it can take you about 15 minutes or more to install your braids and style it properly.

Yara Shahidi's Soft, Messy Cornrows

Yara Shahidi's soft, messy cornrows is a modern twist on a classic hairstyle. To achieve this look, plait your hair into six even cornrows using curly braiding extensions to give length. Then pull some the curly extensions out of the braid to give it that soft, messy look.

Satin-Lined Caps

When the weather outside is frightful, you'll need a hat that can protect your natural hair from the harsh elements. We recommend Beautifully Warm's Satin Lined Beanie ($25) to keep your hair in tip-top shape while providing warmth.

Kelly Rowland's Sharp, Graduated Bob

Kelly Rowland doesn't miss a beat with this sharp, graduated bob that accentuates her gorgeous bone structure. This style can be achieved by parting the hair down the middle and flat ironing the hair in the direction of where it will lay. "Use a heat protectant and styling oil prior to flat ironing, and a style paste and comb afterwards to keep flyaways and hair in place," suggests Yetty Bames.

Keke Palmer's Kinky Wand Curls

Keke Palmer looks a glamorous, vixen with her side-parted kinky wand curls. To achieve this look, use a mini wand to curl your hair in small sections. This look can also be achieved without heat for those looking to minimize to their hair. "Simply flat twist your hair back and do bantu knots at the end of each twist and then it let dry overnight. When the hair is completely dry, unravel the twists softly and style," Bames says.

Bames suggests using a styling cream and styling oil before styling and then a styling oil spray after for shine and finish.

Beyonce's Bone Straight Blonde Extensions

Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour has been full of different eye-catching costumes and hairstyles. Her bone straight blonde extensions are equal parts sassy and classy. Bames recommends installing a frontal wig, parting the hair down the middle, sectioning the hair in four, and flat ironing the hair from the root to the ends in the direction of where the hair will lay.

Sanaa Lathans's Short Twist-Outs

Sanaa's short twist-outs are an easy protective hairstyle that can be achieved with two-strand twists. "The style should be done while the hair is moist with a styling cream, styling oil, and a mild gel. Then you should finger part your hair into mini sections, separate every section into two and twist firmly to the end," Bames says. " Lastly, tie your hair down and let your hair air-dry or sit under a dryer to dry. Then when your hair is dry, moisturize your hair with a styling oil and begin to untwist stylishly until the desired style is achieved."

Lori Harvey's Tousled Bob

This effortlessly sexy style can be achieved using a small or medium curling iron. Bames suggests starting the curls at the top with a curling iron and pin curling each curl with a clip while the hair is warm. Then when you're done creating the curls, you should spray a moveable holding spray and wait 5-10 for your curls to set. Finally, take your curls down and style them by softly pushing your hair forward and to the side.

Rihanna's Fulani Braids

Braids are always a good protective style to wear when you're looking for something equally eye-catching and low maintenance. Bames recommends parting and braiding the middle section of your hair in different directions going back. Then braiding the two corner sections of your hair back to front. We recommend using Rebundle's Braid Better in Jet ($45) to add length to your braids.

Coi Leray's Blue Curly Pixie

We convinced that Coi Leray can rock any hairstyle and this blue curly pixie might be her best yet. "This style can be achieved by first “wrapping and waving” clean and conditioned hair with a setting lotion and a small tooth comb. I would then use wrapping paper to secure the wrapped waves and set under the dryer," Bames says. "Next, I would use a mini flat iron to create the curls by starting at the shaft of the hair and pulling it through in a twist formation to create tight curls. When the curls are done, use your hands and a small tooth comb to style as desired.  I would use a styling oil, heat protectant, and moveable holding spray before styling and an oil spray and moveable holding spray to finish."

Quinta Brunson's High Textured Pony

We can't get over the high textured ponytail hairstyle that Quinta Brunson rocked on her way to the Christian Siriano's SS24 Fashion Show. Recreating, this style is simple. First, you'll have to style your hair into a sleek, compact bun and then you'll attach a drawstring ponytail into the base of your bun and pull the drawstring to secure it. We recommend using Ruka Hair's 22" Press'd Ponytail ($223) to achieve this look.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I twist short, natural hair?

To add some texture to your short 'do, you can twist your hair when it's slightly damp (but first add in your favorite styler of choice—mousse, gel, twisting butter), and twist your hair tightly. You can leave the twists in overnight and take them out in the morning.

Should I sleep with a bonnet if I have natural hair?

Sleeping with a bonnet is a great idea if you're natural. The satiny material can help protect your hair from the friction of the pillowcase. Alternatively, you can also sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase.

Up Next: 18 Easy Natural Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Summer

Read the original article on Byrdie.