Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Jessica Reid
Looking for some simple yet stylish natural hairstyles to rock for college? Then you’ve come to the right post.
College life is busy, and finding time to style your natural hair can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—there are plenty of simple yet stylish natural hairstyles that are perfect for black women in college.
Whether you’re rushing to class, studying late, or just need a quick look that still turns heads, these hairstyles below are designed to save you time without sacrificing style.
Quick Note: These beautiful natural hairstyles are provided by the most amazing natural hair creators on Instagram: Daelle (Instagram @itsdaelle), Joy Moses (Instagram @joy__soma), Amanda Jacob (Instagram @mandy_jacobz), Alejandra (Instagram @sayalejandra) and Kalere (Instagram @hearhairr).
1) Fro-Hawk
A great natural hairstyle you could wear is a frohawk. A frohawk is a bold and stylish choice that celebrates natural hair while showing off your unique personality. It’s low-maintenance, so you can focus on class and still look fly. Plus, it’s versatile—you can rock it anywhere from the library to a night out with friends.
How I would recreate this look:
To achieve this look, divide your hair into three equal parts. Then apply edge control to the edges of each part and brush your hair together with a hair tie to create three even puffs (a high, medium, and low puff). Finish the look off by applying more edge control to your edges to give your hair a sleek and polished finish.
2) Triplet Bun Hawk with a Twisted Bang
Equally beautiful and simple to do are these (I’m calling it lol) triplet bun hawk with a twisted bang. It’s giving a whole moment, perfect for flexing your creativity and natural hair. It’s also giving fun and fierce, with the buns adding a playful touch while the twisted bang keeps it sleek. It’s ideal for handling a busy college day and turning heads effortlessly.
How I would recreate this look:
Like the first style above, divide your hair into three equal parts. Leave just a square inch of your hair in the front out to create the twisted bang.
Then apply edge control to the edges of each third part and brush your hair together with a hair tie to create three even buns (a high, medium, and low puff). Twist the front bang with two strands and then finish the look off by applying more edge control to your edges to give your hair a sleek and polished finish.
3) Partial Updo with Twin Buns
A partial updo with twin buns is such a cute and practical style for college. It’s easy to pull off, keeps your hair out of your face during classes, and gives off a playful yet polished look. It’s that perfect balance of fun and functional, so you can stay on top of your game while looking effortlessly stylish.
How I would recreate this look:
Part the first 1/3 of your hair in the front and reserve for your twin buns. Leave the last two-thirds of your hair out.
Divide the first 1/3 of your hair into two equal parts and tie them with a hair tie to create two twin buns. Finish the style off with some edge control. To add another pretty layer to this style, leave a quarter inch of your sideburns out and moisturize the hair to create a pretty coil.
4) Medium-High Bun with Bangs
A medium-high bun with bangs is a whole mood—chill, cute, and confident. It’s super easy to do, keeps most of your hair out of the way, and the bangs add that extra flair. Perfect for going from class to brunch without missing a beat.
How I would recreate this look:
Reserve a few square inches of the front of your hair for two even bangs. Then apply some gel to the edges of the rest of your crown and gather everything into a tight sleek medium-high bun. Moisturize your bangs with some curl souffle or curly cream to keep your curls defined and from puffing up.
5) Twist Out
A twist out is the ultimate go-to for a fresh, natural look. It’s effortlessly beautiful, with the curls giving you that perfect bounce and definition. Plus, it’s easy to maintain, so you can slay all day without spending hours on your hair.
How I would recreate this look:
First, wash your hair and make sure it is nice and damp. Divide your hair into four parts and generously apply moisturizer and/or curling cream to each part of your hair to prevent your curly from drying and frizzing up.
Next, part your hair in the direction you want your fro’s front bang to fall. Then, take small sections, apply more curling cream until each strand is fully coated, and twist your hair using two or three strands, depending on your preference, until your entire head is evenly twisted.
6) Classy and Chic Low Bun
Possibly one of my favorite looks on here is this classy and chic low bun! It’s the perfect style for an interview, a career day, or a professional day at school, and is the definition of effortless elegance. Plus it’s super easy to do and keeps your hair neat and polished.
How I would recreate this look:
Part the front of your crown to create a small middle part, allowing the front of your hair to fall evenly on both sides. Generously apply gel to your edges and the sides of your hair. Then, brush your hair back into a low, tight bun. Apply gel to your baby hairs, and using a small brush, style them into soft waves along the sides.
7) Partial Updo with a Side Plait
The next natural hairstyle that you could do is a partial updo with a side plait. It keeps your hair out of the way while letting you show off your natural texture. The side plait also adds a cute detail that takes the style up a notch, perfect for going from class to a night out without missing a beat.
Steps I would take to recreate this look:
Starting just above your ears, part your hair in half and leave the bottom section down. Secure the bottom part with a hair tie to keep it out of the way while you work on the top.
Next, section off the first quarter of the top half of your hair for your side plaits. Tie the remaining top hair into a messy bun to keep it out of the way; you’ll redo the bun later.
Part the first quarter of your hair again in the direction you want your side plait to go, and braid it down in a cornrow style. Repeat this with the second section, so you have two side plaits with braided ends.
Now, untie your messy bun, apply styling gel for a polished, sleek look, and brush your hair to remove any lumps. Gather your hair, including the two plaits, into a partial bun at the middle of your crown, leaving some curls out to show off your coils.
Finally, add curling cream to the lower half of your hair to make your curls pop.
8) Two Jumbo Twist w/Low Buns and Twin Twisted Bangs
This natural hairstyle is so fun and beautiful! It’s easy to style, keeps your hair neat, and the twin twisted bangs add that extra flair. Perfect for staying cute and confident while handling everything college throws your way.
How I would recreate this look:
Part your hair down the middle and secure one half with a hair tie to keep it out of the way. Starting from the middle of your head, section off about an inch and a half of hair for a bang (you’ll do this on the other side too).
Next, twist the rest of this section in a cornrow style, stopping just below your ear. Gather the remaining untwisted hair and tie everything into a cute kinky bun. Repeat the process on the other side, leaving the front section out for a bang.
Now, take the two front sections and twist them down to create twin side bangs. Finish by applying edge control to your hairline for a sleek, polished look.
9) Jumbo Twists (Cornrow style)
I just LOVE these jumbo twists and it totally works for school. They’re super easy to maintain, last through busy college days, and look stunning. It’s that go-to style when you want to keep it simple yet make a statement.
How I would recreate this look:
Start by generously applying curling cream or leave-in conditioner to your fro, making sure it’s perfectly detangled before you begin styling. Then, part your hair into at least four to six even sections and twist each one down in a cornrow style until you have jumbo twists hanging at the ends.
Finish with edge control on your baby hairs for a polished look.
10) Messy Bun
Don’t sleep on this messy bun!! A messy bun is effortlessly chic and perfect for those busy college days. It’s quick to style, keeps your hair out of your face, and still looks stylish. Whether you’re rushing to class or chilling with friends, it’s that easy go-to that always delivers.
Tip: I’d recommend recreating this style with a day-old twist out, so your messy bun is full of defined curls.
11) Twists with Beads
If you have really thick hair that are at least shoulder length, then this natural hairstyle is for you!! Twists with beads are a perfect mix of fun and style. They’re easy to do, protect your hair, and the beads add a cute, personalized touch. It’s that go-to look when you want to keep it low-maintenance but still stand out on campus.
How I would recreate this look:
Start by generously applying curling cream or leave-in conditioner to your fro, making sure it’s perfectly detangled before you begin styling. Then, part your hair into 12 even sections, six on each side of your head and twist each one down in a cornrow style until you have twists hanging at the ends.
Then add six clear beads and one accent bead to the ends of each your twists. Finish with edge control on your baby hairs for a polished look.
12) Blowout Twist Out
I’m obsessing over this blowout twist because it’s such a sophisticated and versatile look. It’s the ultimate balance of volume and definition, giving your hair that big, bold look with minimal effort. It’s also perfect for showing off your the length of your natural hair and keeps you looking fab all day.
You could wear it to school, to a party, on a date, and to an interview. I just love it!
How I would recreate this look:
After washing your hair, blow dry it until your fro is completely dry. Apply hair oil to your hair and scalp to ensure it’s well-moisturized. Next, part your hair into four to six even sections and twist each section in a cornrow style.
If your ends are uneven, you can wrap them with small curly rods for a more polished look.
The next morning, carefully unravel your twists, and use your fingers to separate the curls until you achieve your desired volume.
13) High Puff with Headwrap
Last but not least, if you’re crunched for time, I recommend this high puff with a headwrap. It is both stylish and super easy to pull off. In addition, it keeps your hair off your neck and the headwrap adds a pop of personality to your look. Perfect for when you need to look put-together in a flash while handling your college hustle.
Recreate this look:
I have to admit that I’m not super familiar with how to add the headwrap and a video tutorial is the best way to demonstrate how its done. So in lieu of written directions, here is the how-to video link from the creator herself:
Conclusion:
Navigating college life while rocking a natural hairstyle doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the styles outlined in this post, you can keep your hair looking fresh and fabulous without spending hours on your routine.
From the bold frohawk to the chic high puff with a headwrap, these looks offer a range of options that are both stylish and practical.
Whether you’re in need of a low-maintenance style that turns heads or a polished look for professional settings, these hairstyles are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy college schedule. Embrace your natural beauty with these easy-to-create styles that will have you slaying every day, from the classroom to social events.
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