72 Best Long Hairstyles for Black Hair

A little bit of spunk and style is all you need to give your black hair a trendy makeover.

Reviewed by Megan Senner, Licensed Hairstylist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons)  • 

If your hair is naturally black and is now long enough to be rolled up in a bun, long hairstyles for black hair are what you need to explore now. Long hair might make you feel overwhelmed, but before you think of tying it up in a bun, here are some hairdos specially created for you. Keep scrolling for some interesting options!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Regular trims are necessary for the maintenance and health of your long hair. They are also essential for giving the hairstyle a tidy and attractive appearance.
  • Prevent frizz by deep conditioning your hair and using oils to moisturize them before styling.
  • Avoid braiding or tying your long black hair too tightly because it can pull on the scalp and increase the chance of hair breakage, scalp rashes, and hair loss.
  • Apply a heat protectant to each section before using any heat styling too on your natural black hair. This prevents heat damage.

1. Long Bob

Long-Bob
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You know that the bob will never betray you, right? So, glam up your off-shoulder tops and dresses with this simple yet glamorous long bob.

2. Waterfall Braid And Flower Bun

Waterfall-Braid-And-Flower-Bun
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Finding interesting hairstyles for wedding guests can be very difficult. Opt for this intricate and elegant hairstyle that will make you the most stylish and chic wedding guest at the event!

3. Braided Ponytail

Braided-Ponytail
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Ponytails can be fashionable when done properly and with style. Be it office, college, or brunch with friends, a braided ponytail will elevate your daily looks. The best part is this chic hairstyle pairs well with casuals and formals.

4. Half-Up Crown Braid

Half-Up-Crown-Braid
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Do you love braids but also want to keep your hair down? This trendy half-up crown braid offers the best of both worlds. This pretty and versatile hairstyle is suitable for wavy, straight, and curly hair. With a little practice and patience, you can recreate this style in a matter of minutes.

5. Bohemian Braids

Bohemian-Braids
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Thinking about how to look trendy yet free-spirited in your everyday life? A pair of jeans and a t-shirt paired with a bandana and bohemian braids is the answer to your crisis.

6. Double French Braids

Double-French-Braids
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Straight hair and French braids are like a match made in heaven. Style the outfit of your choice with elegant double French braids.

7. Crown Braided Bun

Crown-Braided-Bun
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Crown braids are suitable for every face shape and look fabulous when done properly. Stand out in the crowd with this stunning crown-braided bun.

8. Reverse Braided Bun

Reverse-Braided-Bun
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Too confused about how to style your hair for prom? We’ve got you covered! Pair this edgy and elegant hairstyle with your beautiful gown and you will surely turn heads at prom.

9. Side Dutch Braid

Side-Dutch-Braid
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With a little effort and patience, you can recreate this beautiful side Dutch braid for the biggest party of the year or a fancy day at office!

10. Fishtail Braid

Fishtail-Braid
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Make a simple fishtail braid in a few minutes and enjoy a fun carnival night with your loved ones. A hairstyle that pairs well with ethnic and western looks!

11. Wavy Long Hair with Front Bangs:

Wavy long black hair with front bangs
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Long hair is the best way to show it off. Natural waves can be displayed with open hair and glam up the style with front bangs.

12. Loose Curls:

Black hair with loose curls
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These loose curls will look funky and stylish on long hair. A backless dress can just sex up the affair!

13. Sleek & Straight:

Sleek and straight long black hair
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Sleek & Straight is one of the most common hairstyles for African American women with long hair. Straight hair, keeps them healthy, eat well and protect it with a hair mask. The shine it exudes is unbeatable. Secure it with hairspray to prevent flyaways.

14. Tied Up with Messy Curls:

Long black hair tied up with messy curls
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Tie up all the curls behind. Keep some in the front. Neat yet tender!

15. Small Perms:

Black hair with small perms
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Perm the long locks and then open them to bloom.

16. Big Loose Curls:

Black hair with big, loose curls
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Bigger curls or those ringlets can be oh so alluring. Sexiness ups the style.

17. Sleek & Layers:

Black hair with sleek and layers
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Sleek hair, yes and if you layer them, wow still wow.

18. Curls & Tops Bangs:

Black hair with curls and top bangs
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Here come one of the best hairstyles for long black hair. Curls and bangs go together. The bangs in the front not too heavy complement the curls on the side.

19. Dew & Mess:

Long black hair with dew and mess hairdo
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Looks like morning dew rested on the tresses and the mess thus created oomph’s the vogue.

20. Messy Curls:

Long black hair with messy curls
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Messy curls are one of the best black long weave hairstyles for a Saturday night out with girlfriends!

21. Single Long Pony:

Long black hair with a single long pony
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The school girl pony can be so chic for the long locks.

22. Specky Bun:

Long black hair with a specky bun
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The bespectacled girl can be sexy with a big messy bun. Who want to be all tight and smooth?

23. Simple Ponytail:

Long black hair with a simple ponytail
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Tie up the long locks in a simple pony. Make sure the hair is entangled.

24. Cool & Cute:

Long black hair cool and cute
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Open the hair put a small flower and you are cute and cool at the same time!

25. Curly Bangs:

Long black hair with curly bangs
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Try this hairstyle with your long tresses! It would look super curly and cute.

26. Slant Braid & Long Hair:

Long black hair with a slant braid
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A braid that begins from the side of the temple and goes to the other side across the hair!

[ Read: Home Remedies For Hair Growth That Work Wonders ]

27. Long Lower Braid:

Black hair with long lower braid
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A braid tied really low can be super cool. Put it in front or let it be at the back.

28. Geisha Curls:

Long black hair with geisha curls
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Style the bun like a Geisha! Sassy and attractive!

29. J-bun Style:

Long black hair in a j-bun
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A tiny knot like a bun, while the rest of the hair is free. Unconventional yet trendy!

30. Jagged & Bouncy:

Long hair jagged and bouncy
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The layers are jagged or yeah cut zigzag, but give the bounce and fall!

31. Heavy Bang and a Side Pony Tail:

Long hair in a heavy bang and a side ponytail
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Put those bangs in front and set a pony to the side. Casual and free!

32. Outcast Hair:

Long black hair with frizz and curls
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Frizz, curls altogether at the back give a different and unique feel. Try them! Expert hair stylist Megan Senner, who has worked with the likes of 30 Seconds To Mars, offers some advice for thin-haired folks. She says, “If you have thin hair you can achieve this hairstyle with the help of clip-in hair extensions.”

33. Zuzanna Hairstyle:

Zuzanna hairstyle on your long black hair
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A half tied up hairstyle with hair open. Formal and casual!

34. Traditional Braid:

Long black hair in a traditional braid
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The long manes are always well tamed by a braid. Tame the mane and see the magic.

Alex Gaboury, a YouTuber, styled her long hair into traditional braids with a twist. She created loose and large braids and secured them with a hairclip instead of a hair elastic. She pulled out some loose strands at the front for a lifted look. In her vlog, she said, “I love this. Although it is simple, I think adding a braid to secure it makes it so special (i).”

35. Fermaglio Antico:

Long black hair in Fermaglio Antico hairstyle
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A small J-bun in the back tied style is good for both classic and formal occasions.

36. Golden Rocked Hair:

Long black hair with golden bred locks
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Gold bred locks always turn out hot. If you can pull the style wear it.

37. Hot & Blonde:

Hot and blonde long hair
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The blonde shade bun if you really like it!

38. Red and Cute:

Red and cute long hair
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Dab the black red and sport the cute style.

39. Red & Sexy:

Red and sexy long hair
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Go red with wavy touch and be sexy and classic.

40. Red & Dark:

Red and dark long hair
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The dark imaginations become red with style, and wow so attractive.

41. Curly Bun:

Long black hair in a curly bun
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The curls hair and be pulled back rolled up in a bun.  Extra tender!

42. Goose & Loose:

Long black hair goose and loose
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A headband to glamorize the loose bun! Make it star studded.

43. Half Up & Half Down:

Long black hair in a half up and half down hairstyle
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Wear a tiara or just hold the style with pins. This style suits everyone.

44. Pony Wave:

Long black hair with a pony wave
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Tie up the waves into a pony. Simple yet cool!

45. Pony Braid:

Long black hair in a pony braid
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Braid the pony, you create the style!

46. Bubbly Pony:

Long hair with a bubbly pony
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Rapunzel styles get up for long locks. Beautiful and so Disney!

47. Faux Bob:

Wrap your hair up and make people think you cut the hair. Faux bob yes, retro and fresh YES!

48. French Braid:

French braid hairstyle for long hair
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The braids are the best for the long manes .Tame or leave it messy they are bound to stand out. Braids are best friend of long hair.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Greeks and Africans are often credited as the first to use this hair styling technique almost 6000 years ago.

49. Fish Braids:

Fish braid hairstyle for long hair
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Tacky yet interesting, it’s awesome! Braid in the fishy style.

50. Crown Braid:

Crown braid hairstyle for long hair
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Braid the crown around the bun and yes it looks hot. Pass off as royalty and be a stunner.

51. Box Braids:

Box braids hairstyle for long hair
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Braid all the strands of your head and get those wonderful sequences.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Box braids originated in South Africa and are popular among the African diaspora (Africans outside of the African continent). These can be dated back to 3500 B.C.

52. Box Knot bun:

Box knot bun hairstyle for long hair
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Bun up the strands and yes you going to love it. The high knot bun is fun and classic.

53. Bouncy Blowouts:

Bouncy blowouts hairstyle for long hair
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Kate Middleton’s awesome blowout layers are just beautiful. Bouncy and elegant!

54. Layers with Slight Bend:

Layers with a slight bend hairstyle for long hair
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The layer with a slight curl at the edges is just superb.

55. Uneven Bounces:

Uneven bounces hairstyle for long hair
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The edges are bouncy but yet uneven. The uneven rims can further play up the bounces.

56. Undone Waves:

Undone waves hairstyle for long hair
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When you back comb, the waves or just don’t fidget with the already set up mess, that’s the result you get.

57. Curls Volume:

Style your long hair with thick curls
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The gorgeous bunch at one end, wavy and curly! The whole volume set you up.

58. Retro Waves:

Retro waves hairstyle for long hair
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The 60’s touch in the waves you decide to wear, just spices up the flair.

59. Side Bangs Long wave:

Side bangs long wave hairstyle for long hair
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The long waves are complemented with side bangs. Make them long or short.

60. Double Braid Headband:

Double braid headband hairstyle for long hair
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Make double braids across the crown, merge it with a longer braid down or pack it in a bun.

61. Single Braid Headband:

Single braid headband hairstyle for long hair
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The Single Braid head band when you have remarkable thick hair. Neat and tight just hold you high in authority.

62. Messy Bun:

Messy bun hairstyle for long hair
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The messed hair pulled back tight or loose.

63. Poofy Waves:

Poofy waves hairstyle for long hair
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Puff up at the crown and let the waves flow.

64. Fringes and Layers:

Fringes and layers hairstyle for long hair
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Have fringes cut at the front and layers at the back. Sexy and punk!

65. Voluminous Up do:

Voluminous updo hairstyle for long hair
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The bun at the top boasts of your hair volume. Shock with style!

66. Fresh & Retro chic:

Fresh and retro-chic hairstyle for long hair
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Retro in taste, yet fresh to the core. Spice up by running your imagination wild and creative.

67. Curls & Bangs:

Curls and bangs for long hair
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The bangs along with curls, makes you go soft and tender. Yes sometimes younger.

68. Rolled Affair:

Rolled affair hairstyle for long hair
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Roll up the long hair and fuse it into the Pony. Cut the hair! Na..! Curled and twirled yes.

69. Spiral Pony:

Spiral pony hairstyle for long hair
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Do the spirals bind on the pony! Bronze Age style with modern tweak.

70.  Band the Locks:

Band the locks hairstyle for long hair
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Just put a simple hair band and leave the long locks open. A 90’s thing is back? Oh yes!

71. Long Box Braids:

Long box braids
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Need a look that is stylish yet causes minimum damage to your strands? These patterned box braids are perfect for you. They offer a chic and versatile look that not only enhances your natural beauty but also provides practical benefits. The intricate braiding technique serves as a protective style, minimizing hair damage and breakage that can often occur with daily manipulation of long hair. On hot summer days, you can tie up your locks and the parting pattern will still make heads turn!

72. Long Marley Twists:

Long Marley twists
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Embrace the rich cultural heritage associated with Marley twists, as they draw inspiration from traditional African hairstyles. Whether you are aiming for a bold style statement look or a more understated elegant vibe, this protective hairstyle for your long black hair is sure to elevate your style, boost your confidence, and keep your tresses looking fabulous.

Infographic: Top 10 Low-Maintenance Yet Classy Hairstyles For Black Hair

There are so many hairstyles to choose from if you have long hair. However, some days, all you want is a low-maintenance yet chic hairstyle to carry all day long. Don’t worry! For busy days, we have listed the top 10 classic hairstyles that are easy to rock when you want to go low-key in the following infographic. Scroll down to check them out!

top 10 low maintenance yet classy hairstyles for black hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Black long hair is a sign of healthy tresses and should be shown off. From buns to loose curls and waves, there are many long hairstyles to flaunt your long dark tresses. If you have type 4 hair (curly and coily), try the recommended black hairstyles for long hair, such as a weaved voluminous updo. And you can use any of these hairstyles for various occasions such as business meetings, casual outings, formal events, or parties. So, scroll up, pick out your top 10 favorite hairstyles from this list and try them out on your lovely dark locks. Also, you can accessorize your hairdo with decorative clips, pins, beads, and other hair accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can styling products and tools be used to enhance the appearance of long black hairstyles?

Styling products can help add texture, shine, and volume to flat and dull long black hair. Heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners can help you create a beautiful look for formal and casual occasions.

Are there any particular styles that are better suited for specific hair textures or face shapes?

Yes, sleek and straight hairstyles are easy to replicate on fine hair. They work best with oval and diamond face shapes. Those with a round face can opt for layers to add volume and dimension to their black hair.

How has the trend of long hairstyles for black hair evolved over time, and what are the latest trends in this style category?

Before the 1920s, women with black hair could only do buns with finger waves or pearled strands. Over time, women started with different hairstyles, styling tools, and techniques. Today, women with black hair opt for softer layers, shaggy hairdos, or bangs.

Key Takeaways

  • For healthy long hair, regular trims are essential. They not only maintain the health of your hair but also contribute to a tidy appearance.
  • Avoid braiding or tying your long black hair too tightly to prevent scalp pulling, hair breakage, scalp rashes, and hair loss.
  • Before using any heat styling tools on your natural black hair, apply a heat protectant to each section.
  • Opt for a reversed braided bun for an edgy and elegant choice, perfect for prom or formal occasions.
  • Try the side Dutch braids that offer beautiful and intricate styles suitable for special


Transform your look with a new style every day! Explore 7 fabulous hairstyles in this video and get ready to rock your locks!

Personal Experience: Source

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