Natural hair is expressive, beautiful, and full of personality, just like teenagers. Whether your teen has coily, curly, kinky, or wavy hair, there’s a natural hairstyle out there to match their vibe, mood, and lifestyle. The best part? Natural hairstyles for teens can be stylish and easy to maintain, allowing them to showcase their creativity without the need for constant heat or chemical styling.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 natural hairstyle ideas that are perfect for teens. From protective styles to quick everyday looks, these designs are trendy, low-maintenance, and help keep natural hair healthy and happy.
1. High puff
A high puff is one of the easiest and most iconic natural hairstyles for teens. It gathers all the hair at the crown, letting curls or coils form a voluminous puff.
Why teens love it:
It’s quick, stylish, and works well with most hair types, especially type 3 and 4 curls. Add a colorful headband or scrunchie to make it pop.
Styling tip:
Use a soft bristle brush and edge control for sleek sides.
2. Two-Strand Twists
Two-strand twists are a go-to protective style that also doubles as a style you can wear out.
Why teens love it:
They’re versatile and can be worn down, in buns, ponytails, or half-up styles. They’re also perfect for low-manipulation weeks.
Styling tip:
Apply a curl cream or twist butter to damp hair for better hold and definition.
3. Mini Afro Puffs
Why settle for one puff when you can rock two? Mini afro puffs are a fun and playful style that’s perfect for school, weekend outings, or dance practice.
Why teens love it:
It’s youthful, fresh, and takes just minutes to create.
Styling tip:
Part hair down the middle and secure each section with an elastic band. Fluff the puffs for volume.
4. Wash-and-Go
For teens who love to wear their curls out, a wash-and-go is the ultimate natural style.
Why teens love it:
It shows off natural curl patterns and gives a fresh, full look.
Styling tip:
Use a curl-defining gel or cream on soaking wet hair and dry with a diffuser or air dry for best results.
5. Flat Twists with a Puff
Box braids are a classic protective style, and adding beads gives them a youthful and trendy flair.
Why teens love it:
It gives a creative edge while keeping hair off the face. Great for gym days or busy schedules.
Styling tip:
Part small sections in the front, flat twist them back, and gather the rest into a puff.
6. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are bold, artistic, and a great way to protect hair. Teens can wear them as a style or unravel them later for a beautiful curly set.
Why teens love it:
They’re unique, cultural, and perfect for making a statement.
Styling tip:
Section hair into even parts, twist each section, and coil it into a knot. Secure with bobby pins or small elastics.
7. Box Braids with Beads
Box braids are a classic protective style, and adding beads gives them a youthful and trendy flair.
Why teens love it:
They can be styled in countless ways—buns, ponytails, half-up styles—and the beads let them personalize their look.
Styling tip:
Use colorful or wooden beads and secure them with rubber bands at the ends.
8. Cornrows into a Bun
Cornrows braided toward the back and gathered into a bun make for a neat, stylish hairstyle perfect for school or special events.
Why teens love it:
It’s polished, long-lasting, and ideal for busy weeks.
Styling tip:
Use edge control for sleek baby hairs and accessorize with cuffs or clips.
9. Frohawk
A frohawk is a cool, edgy take on a mohawk using your natural curls.
Why teens love it:
It’s fierce and fashion-forward—perfect for expressing personality and style.
Styling tip:
Use small elastics or bobby pins to pull the sides up and let the curls form a “hawk” down the center.
10. Head Wrap Styles
For a chic and protective option, teens can style their natural hair with head wraps or scarves.
Why teens love it:
It adds color and flair while protecting hair from the elements. Perfect for bad hair days or when transitioning styles.
Styling tip:
Wrap hair in a puff, bun, or twists before tying on a head wrap. Match it with an outfit for a bold look.
11. Twist-Out
Twist-outs offer defined curls with lots of volume. After wearing two-strand twists for a couple of days, unravel them for this stylish result.
Why teens love it:
It gives great definition while adding texture and body to the hair.
Styling tip:
Use oil on fingers when unraveling to reduce frizz and boost shine.
12. Side Braided Curls
Add a braid or two to one side of the head while leaving the rest of the curls loose and defined.
Why teens love it:
It’s half edgy, half glam—great for teens who want to stand out.
Styling tip:
Part one side and create small cornrows or flat twists. Let the remaining curls fall naturally.
13. Low Puff with Laid Edges
The low puff is sleek and elegant, making it a great option for school dances or dressier events.
Why teens love it:
It’s polished without needing heat styling.
Styling tip:
Use gel or edge control to slick the hair back, secure into a puff at the nape, and define the edges with a toothbrush or edge brush.
4. Halo Braid
Also known as a crown braid, this style wraps around the head and looks regal and elegant.
Why teens love it:
It’s beautiful for special occasions like prom, pictures, or holidays.
Styling tip:
Braid around the perimeter of the head and pin the ends neatly. Use accessories like flowers or gold cuffs for extra glam.
15. Natural Ponytail with Braided Front
A high or mid ponytail becomes way more stylish when paired with a few braided details in the front.
Why teens love it:
It adds a creative twist to a basic ponytail, making it fun and fashionable.
Styling tip:
Add two to four small braids or cornrows at the front before gathering the rest into a ponytail.
Maintenance Tips for Teen Natural Hairstyles
Keeping natural hair healthy and looking great is all about the right care routine. Here are a few essential tips for teens:
- Moisturize regularly: Use leave-in conditioner or hair milk to keep strands hydrated.
- Protect at night: Sleep with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to reduce friction.
- Detangle gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers when detangling damp hair.
- Avoid too-tight styles: Especially with braids or puffs to prevent tension and breakage.
- Wash weekly or biweekly: Depending on scalp and product buildup, cleansing the hair regularly keeps it fresh and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Natural hairstyles for teens offer endless possibilities—from playful puffs and twist-outs to bold bantu knots and protective box braids. The key is finding styles that match their personality, lifestyle, and hair type while encouraging them to embrace and love their natural texture.
These 15 hairstyles are not just trendy—they’re age-appropriate, low-maintenance, and great for promoting healthy hair. Whether your teen is headed to school, a party, or just hanging with friends, there’s a natural hairstyle here that will make them feel confident and beautiful.
