Shaved Sides Hairstyle for Black Women
The shaved sides hairstyle for Black women is bold, edgy, and versatile. It combines confidence with style while highlighting natural hair texture.
Unlike uniform haircuts, shaved sides create striking contrast and allow for creative styling on top, making it perfect for casual, professional, or glam looks.
1. Classic Shaved Side with Curls
Why it’s different: Unlike fully shaved cuts, curls on top soften the look and add volume, balancing boldness with femininity.
How it’s created: Hair is shaved close on one or both sides, leaving the top natural curls styled high or to the side.
Where it comes from: Rooted in Afro-textured styling, this style became popular in urban fashion and Black hair culture.
2. Side Shave with Braids
Why it’s different: Unlike plain shaved sides, braids add texture, dimension, and cultural significance.
How it’s created: Hair is shaved on one side while the other side or top is braided into cornrows, box braids, or twists.
Where it comes from: Inspired by traditional African braiding techniques, now combined with modern edgy fashion.
3. Mohawk with Shaved Sides
Why it’s different: Unlike subtle side shaves, this style uses dramatic height on top for a statement-making look.
How it’s created: Sides are shaved completely while the central strip of hair is left long and styled upward or curly.
Where it comes from: Inspired by punk and alternative styles, adapted to Black hair textures for bold urban aesthetics.
4. Shaved Sides with Color
Why it’s different: Unlike natural tones, vibrant or contrasting colors on the shaved side add personality and flair.
How it’s created: Hair is shaved on the sides and dyed bold shades while the top remains natural or differently colored.
Where it comes from: Popularized by K-pop and Afro-fusion street style, color contrasts modernize the classic shaved look.
5. Low Fade with Shaved Sides
Why it’s different: Unlike high shaves, a low fade creates a subtle gradient that blends shaved sides into longer hair elegantly.
How it’s created: Hair is clipped gradually from the bottom up, keeping top length for styling while blending into the shaved sides.
Where it comes from: Low fades originated in barber culture and have been embraced worldwide as a stylish, versatile cut.
Conclusion
The shaved sides hairstyle for Black women is daring, versatile, and modern. From curly tops and braids to mohawks, color accents, or fades, each variation offers individuality and style. Rooted in cultural heritage and contemporary fashion, this hairstyle empowers women to showcase confidence and creativity.