Black Hairstyles for Soft Looks

Halle Berry wears a soft, short style at the 2011 Fifi Awards.

Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Black women seeking soft, feminine hairstyles can turn to several options to get a touch of sophisticated style. These pretty, layered haircuts are designed to frame your face, flatter your features, and draw attention away from flaws. A bold, blunt cut might fail to hide any of those problems. Whether you like to go natural or not, you can turn your tresses sweet and sexy with an appealing new style.

Super Short Styles

Short hairstyles rely on strategic volume to soften the shape of the strands. One option is a close-cropped back with long, straight asymmetrical bangs. Graduated layers at the crown will give the cut some height. A similar style will have side-swept bangs and longer, wavy sides that stop just above the ear. For another soft look, use short, feathered bangs at the front, and finger waves that sweep all across the back of your head.

Chin-Length Looks

Sometimes, softening up the shape of your hair can smooth out your style. Reinvent the classic bob by styling shorter layers that start at the cheekbones and curl toward the face. Top this off with side-swept asymmetrical bangs. For a naturally coiled look, cut your hair just above chin length and create layers that begin at brow level. Snip a few tendrils near the forehead for bangs, then part your hair on the side.

Medium-Length Love

Hair that is shoulder-length or a little longer needs volume to stay soft. Go for a rockin' ringlet look with soft, feathery bangs by keeping your graduated layers long. If you prefer to leave your forehead hair free, omit the bangs and part your hair on the side. For a straight style, get a curled-under asymmetrical cut that begins at chin level on the parted side, and ends at shoulder level on the side with bangs.

Long, Loose Locks

Long hair, no matter the type, can look limp when it's all one length. Take your style cues from long-haired celebrities and give your strands a little shape. Style straight or coiled hair with a side part and soft layers that start at the chin, or make deep waves in hair with a middle part and layers that start at shoulder-level. Another option is a cute corn row style, with a chic side part, no bangs, and layers that start at eye-level for a swept-back look.

Related Videos

 

References

 

Great Hair; Nick Arrojo and Jenny Acheson; 2008 Milady's Standard Cosmetology; Catherine M. Frangie, Arlene Alpert, Margrit Attenburg, and Diane Carol Bailey; 2007

Resources

 

Beautiful Black Hair; Shamboosie; 2002

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