12 Trendy Short Afro Hairstyles for 4C Hair You Need to Try

Short afro hairstyles for 4C hair are not only stylish but also celebrate the unique texture and versatility of natural curls. 4C hair, characterized by its tight coils and dense texture, can be shaped into various stunning looks that showcase its beauty. Whether you’re aiming for a chic, professional look or a bold, edgy style, there’s a short afro hairstyle that suits your personality and lifestyle. Here’s an in-depth look at 12 trendy short afro hairstyles for 4C hair.

Top 10 Short Afro Hairstyles 4c Hair

1. Tapered Afro

The tapered afro is a modern and stylish option for 4C hair. This hairstyle features shorter sides and back with a gradually longer top, creating a sleek and defined look. The contrast between the lengths highlights the natural curls on top, adding volume and dimension. The tapered afro is versatile, allowing you to play with different hair lengths and styles. You can keep it subtle with a mild taper or go bold with a more dramatic difference between the top and the sides. This style is also low-maintenance, requiring regular trims to maintain the shape while giving you the freedom to experiment with various curl patterns.

2. Afro Puff

The afro puff is a classic and timeless hairstyle for 4C hair. This style involves gathering the hair into a high or low puff, creating a voluminous and rounded shape. The afro puff is perfect for showcasing the natural texture of 4C hair while keeping it off your face and neck. It’s a quick and easy style that can be achieved with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy mornings. To add a unique twist, you can accessorize your puff with headbands, scarves, or decorative hairpins. The afro puff is not only stylish but also protective, reducing manipulation and helping to retain length.

3. Twist-Out Afro

A twist-out afro is a great way to define your curls while adding volume and texture. This style involves twisting small sections of damp hair and allowing them to dry before unraveling the twists. The result is a beautifully defined afro with elongated curls and a soft, bouncy look. A twist-out afro works well for various hair lengths and can be customized with different twist sizes to achieve your desired curl pattern. This style is versatile, allowing you to wear it as is or manipulate the curls into other styles, such as updos or half-up, half-down looks.

4. Wash-and-Go Afro

The wash-and-go afro is a carefree and natural hairstyle that highlights the true beauty of 4C hair. This style involves washing and conditioning your hair, applying a leave-in conditioner or styling cream, and letting your curls air dry or using a diffuser. The wash-and-go afro embraces the natural curl pattern of your hair, resulting in a soft and fluffy afro that requires minimal styling. This look is perfect for those who want to keep their hair routine simple and embrace their natural texture. To maintain the style, you can refresh your curls with a spray bottle of water and a leave-in conditioner throughout the week.

5. Frohawk

The frohawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that combines the classic afro with a mohawk-inspired shape. This style involves creating a strip of voluminous curls down the center of the head while keeping the sides shorter or tightly coiled. The frohawk is perfect for those who want to make a statement and showcase their unique style. It can be achieved with various techniques, such as braiding or twisting the sides or using bobby pins to secure the hair. The frohawk is a versatile look that can be worn for special occasions or as an everyday style, allowing you to express your creativity and individuality.

6. Flat Twists

Flat twists are a protective and stylish option for 4C hair. This hairstyle involves twisting small sections of hair close to the scalp, creating a flat and intricate pattern. Flat twists can be worn as is or unraveled to create a twist-out look with defined curls. This style is perfect for those who want to protect their hair while maintaining a polished and put-together appearance. Flat twists can be done in various patterns and directions, allowing you to customize the look to suit your preferences. They are also a great option for those transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, as they help to blend different textures.

7. Finger Coils

Finger coils are a beautiful way to define and enhance the natural curl pattern of 4C hair. This style involves wrapping small sections of damp hair around your finger to create tight, uniform coils. Finger coils are perfect for showcasing the unique texture of 4C hair and can last for several days with proper maintenance. This style is versatile, allowing you to create different looks by varying the size of the coils or combining them with other styles, such as updos or half-up, half-down looks. Finger coils are also a great way to add volume and dimension to your hair, giving you a fuller and more defined afro.

8. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a traditional and stylish option for 4C hair. This hairstyle involves sectioning the hair and twisting it into small knots close to the scalp. Bantu knots can be worn as is for a bold and edgy look or unraveled to create beautiful, defined curls. This style is perfect for those who want to protect their hair while adding a unique and eye-catching twist to their look. Bantu knots can be done in various sizes and patterns, allowing you to customize the style to suit your preferences. They are also a great option for those transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, as they help to blend different textures.

9. Fro Bangs

Fro bangs are a chic and modern way to update your short afro hairstyle. This style involves cutting the front section of your hair into bangs while keeping the rest of your afro voluminous and rounded. Fro bangs are perfect for framing your face and adding a unique twist to your look. This style can be customized with different bang lengths and shapes, allowing you to create a look that suits your face shape and personal style. Fro bangs are also versatile, allowing you to wear them straight or curly, depending on your mood and preferences. This style is perfect for those who want to add a fresh and youthful touch to their afro.

10. Fro Undercut

The fro undercut is a bold and modern hairstyle that combines the classic afro with a shaved or closely cropped undercut. This style involves keeping the top section of your hair voluminous and curly while shaving or cutting the sides and back short. The fro undercut is perfect for those who want to make a statement and showcase their unique style. This look can be customized with different undercut designs and patterns, allowing you to create a look that suits your personality and preferences. The fro undercut is also a great option for those who want to reduce the volume and bulk of their hair while still showcasing their natural curls.

11. TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)

The TWA, or teeny weeny afro, is a classic and timeless hairstyle for 4C hair. This style involves keeping the hair short and close to the scalp, creating a neat and defined look. The TWA is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance and easy-to-manage hairstyle that still showcases their natural texture. This style is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different hair accessories and styles, such as headbands, scarves, or decorative pins. The TWA is also a great option for those who are transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, as it helps to blend different textures and create a cohesive look.

12. Afro Taper Fade

The afro taper fade is a modern and stylish option for 4C hair. This style involves gradually tapering the hair from short to longer, creating a smooth and seamless transition between different lengths. The afro taper fade is perfect for those who want a clean and polished look that still showcases their natural curls. This style can be customized with different fade lengths and patterns, allowing you to create a look that suits your preferences. The afro taper fade is also a great option for those who want to reduce the volume and bulk of their hair while still maintaining a defined and stylish afro.

Conclusion

Short afro hairstyles for 4C hair offer a wide range of stylish and versatile options that celebrate the unique texture and beauty of natural curls. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance TWA or a bold and edgy frohawk, there’s a short afro hairstyle that suits your personality and lifestyle. Embrace your natural curls and experiment with different styles to find the perfect look for you.