45+ African American Natural Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair 2021

If you have found yourself in a ‘hair rut’, picking the same looks over and over again, perhaps it’s about time that you gave your ‘do a new lease of life? Whether it’s something sassy you’re looking for, or something smart and sensible for the office, or even something a little flirty for that oh-so-special Friday night date, there’s a hairstyle to be found. But where will you find your inspiration? 

Maybe some of these will help … ?

One of the most amazing factors about these African American natural hairstyles for medium length hair is that they are so customisable, it’s not even funny. You could literally come up with a new hairstyle for each day of the week once you seriously started planning it out, ranging from brand new ‘dos to grown-out styles. Like this Rasta braid look, for example, which we’re obviously utterly obsessed with.

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If this is the first time for a brand new look, plan for it. If you’re making a big transition, such as opting for natural hair for the first time in a while, you will not just look different but you’ll also need to tailor your hair care regime to better suit your new ‘do. You may also need to be prepared for stages of work, especially, again, during a transitional phase. There are lots of styles to pick from, each with their own pros and cons, but the more you can plan for all eventualities, such as what will happen to your locks a few weeks or months down the line, the better prepared you can be.

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Leave your curls tightly sprung and fabulous for a summer-ready look that is begging to be shown off. We’re all here for that rusty/fall tone, too, a mix of coppery lights and darks. What do you think? Might you add this one to your wish list?

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There are so many different options open to you when you’re on the hunt for natural hair, from braids and cornrows to twists and Bantu knots. Is it time for you to try a style that you hadn’t already tried before? Pop some styles onto pieces of paper and pull one out of a hat? Alternatively, you could just keep scrolling down this list of fab hair inspiration and then make your decision.

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Add some intricate detailing and you can pile your locks up high and not worry about a thing. Flat twists are one of the easiest styles to learn at home, saving you the time and money of hair appointments all the time. Do you do your own hair or do you much prefer to be pampered at a salon? Answers in the comments below!

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Mix some corn rows with an Afro puff and you have a look that is every bit as fierce as you’d need it to be. It’s a really great way to wear your hair during the summer, when the last thing you’ll want is your hair tickling and annoying the back of your neck.

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We’re all here for these chunky Havana twists, a fabulous and thicc look for your next hair inspiration. Add some bling and throw some lip gloss on and you’re set right up for the rest of your day.

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If you were looking for something pretty in pink, this look might just be right up your street. We won’t lie: as far as African American natural hairstyles for medium length hair goes, this one has got to be one of our absolute favourites, and is it any wonder? Keeping those roots a darker shade helps with the grow out, and as long as you don’t go too crazy with the bleach, this look shouldn’t damage your hair too much.

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There’s something very relieving about wearing your hair relaxed and natural, and for many women, it’s a treat and something to be absolutely looked forward to. All the other styles that require lots of heat-straightening and chemical treating are not only costly and damaging to your hair, but they also take up a lot of time … Time that many of you don’t have, alongside busy working schedules, crazy family lives, and a social life to boot. It sure does sound like natural hair is the way forward, doesn’t it? Eliminating all of that hassle and fuss? Dreamy …

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Okay, so we mentioned colour briefly in the introduction, but what a fabulous colour this is! If you were thinking of injecting some shades of the rainbow in your life this year, this would definitely one way to go about it.

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The one thing that rings true about all of these African American natural hairstyles for medium length hair is that they are all truly beautiful in their own way. You could also mix and match different features from different looks too, picking one aspect from one and combining it with another aspect from another. You won’t know what works and what doesn’t until you try, and your hairstylist should tell you if they think you are doing something that you may later end up regretting. Not that you’d regret this beautiful twisted look, of course.

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While we’re on the subject of your hairstylist, you should most definitely listen to them. They know what’s best. Why do they know what’s best? Because that’s their job — that’s what they do for a living; day in, day out; every day. If they’re telling you to rethink an idea or alter it slightly, it might be worth you listening to what they have to say. They’re saying it for a reason after all.

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Can you have coloured hair when you’re also on the hunt for natural hair? Well, that’s certainly a question up for debate, and the answers you’ll receive will be very different from different women. It is thought that your hair is still natural, even though it might be coloured, as long as it has been coloured without the assistance of chemicals that could alter the actual texture of your hair. That settles it, then. We can absolutely recommend this gorgeous look to you, and why wouldn’t we?

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When you want something different than what your hairstylist would usually do for you, it will definitely work in your favour to take as many photos for inspiration with you to your appointment as possible. The more of an idea you can give your stylist, the higher the chances of you walking out of that salon with exactly the look you want. When you’re vague and a bit ‘generic’ with your terms, they are easily misunderstood or open to individual interpretation. Not that there’s anything enteric and vague about this fierce and fiery red look, of course.

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For those days when only straight hair will do, how about this straight n’ sleek look, bobbed to the shoulders and absolutely as fierce as you need it to be? Getting straight hair can be a real nightmare when you have afro/curly locks, and one of the best pieces of advice you’ll ever hear is that you should always start the straightening process from when you wash it, even using post-wash but pre-dry products that are designed for just your hair type + heat damage. 

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A look just like this one would be perfect for those hot, summer days, when the last thing you will want is your hair all around your face and heating things up even further. One of the most amazing things about all of these medium-length hairstyles for African-American hair is that they are entirely customisable. If you have hair that is slightly or longer than the style depicted in the image, you can easily find a way to mix it up and make it work.

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Looking for a little something special for a big event or occasion? How about this amazing look? All you’d need is the right sassy lip colour and you’d be good to sparkle the night away.

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This tucked-away look has been created using twists that incorporate the increasing thickness in with the design. A great look for one of those in between styles — when you’re in between growing out a shorter look to a longer one.

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Of course, you could always opt for the Bantu knot look, one that has become somewhat famously linked with fabulous women of colour, such as Janet Jackson. Wear with some kickass earrings and you’ve got a look that could easily see through an entire summer vacay.

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Fancy taking the volume a little higher? How about this full bodied twist-out, a fabulous fiery look that could be mixed up with a wide range of different shades and colours.

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And for those days when only kinky will do, these twists for medium hair length absolutely rock. A busy day at work? No problem, this hair keeps things professional and chic at the same time. Taking things to party-style when work finishes and the evening comes? You can still rock it! Throw on some big earrings and your boldest, brightest lipstick and dance the night away!

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Gorgeous spiral curls like these are just that — gorgeous — but they’re also nicely spiced up with some cute little twists and braids. This is a look that could just as easily be worn casual during the day as it could be jazzed up for a night or evening occasion.

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Sometimes, just sometimes, you need hair that is just as high as your goals in life. If you’re reaching for the stars, it’s only right that your ‘do does too, and this easy, natural look has got all of your bases covered.

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How bold are you feeling today? Bold enough to go big and blue? These big braids with additional blue tones have injected some serious new life into a look that might otherwise have seen like every other ‘do you’ve had before. The blue lipstick is optional, of course, but we totally think you should give it a try.

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Ya know, there’s something just so wonderful about red hair. It’s the rarest hair colour of them all, and the hardest one for so many people to achieve unnaturally. We’re absolutely living for this ravishingly red medium-length look, and we want to see a show of hands if you agree.

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For puffy days, how about flat twists with a top puff? It’s easy and simple, won’t take up too much time when you need to get ready for work in the morning, and will easily see you through a couple of days if you play your cards right. Natural hair done the right way if you’re asking for our personal opinion.

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Twists … they’re a great protective and natural look for African American hair, but we often just think of the little twists; the thinner ones. Larger twists, with more hair in each one, are so easy to do yourself in front of the mirror in the morning, once you’ve mastered the art of doing them, you’ll kick yourself for not having learned sooner. This look, for example, is super simple, super beautiful, and super fabulous. Multitasking like an absolute champ!

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We’ve been blown away by blue tones, and sent into overdrive with those fiery red tones, but what are your thoughts on these poppin’ purple crochet braids? Lighter at the ends, darker at the roots, perhaps it’s about time you started looking at what pretty purple hues could add to your life?

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Pop it all up high in two double buns and then use a baby toothbrush to smooth thing out and sort out those ends. The only thing your look needs after that is some killer hoops. How big is too big, anyway?

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You don’t need to crazy and colourful with your multi-toned hair. This look shows you how much of an impact just injecting a couple of extra subtle shade changes can have on your overall look. Natural, but with a twist. Just what we like to see!

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Okay, let’s get to the point: we all have days when our hair needs to scream sass even when we’re not feeling it. This half n’ half look sorts you out, allowing you to show off your favourite earrings and keep hair away from your face on hot summer days, while still allowing some of your natural length to show through.

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If you pop your hair into two ponytails, one on top of the other, it makes your hair look longer. Collectively, the two ‘tails look like one big ‘tail, and one with some length and oomph on its side. Whether you opt for faux braids and twists/braids or not, this look is simple and sweet for sure.

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This look isn’t simple and sweet, but it certainly screams sophistication and sass. Beyoncé herself would be a fan of this honey-toned look, compete with braids of multiple thicknesses. You’re missing a trick if you don’t pay attention to that back section of your head that is often overlooked when you just pile up high into a bun.

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There’s absolutely no shame in not being bothered to do your hair in the morning. For those days (and we all have them), scarves are going to be your number one aid. You can mix and match colours to allow your ‘do to work in with your outfit, but it doesn’t matter what’s going on with your hair underneath … No one can see it!

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On the days when you need to bring out your hot tamale side, this burgundy medium-length hair could be the answer to all of your problems. Featuring a natural, loose curl and some darker roots, it speaks sass on some serious levels. We’re living for this colour too, but do you agree?

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This is a great look for when you’re three or four days into a natural style, with a bit of colour thrown in for good measure. We are appreciating everything about those beautiful caramel peekaboo strands. For the days when you want big hair, but not TOO-big hair, half n’ half styles fit the bill.

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A style that absolutely screams elegance and grace, braids or locs are easily twisted around into styles that sit high on your head, giving you the opportunity to show off parts of you that you might not have considered before. If you have a neckl or collarbone region  that most women would be envious of, isn’t it about time you showed it off? Rather than covering it all up with long braids?

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Blue + space buns/half n’ half hair = a look that we can really get on board with, and we think many of you would agree the same. If you could pick any colour at all to replace this wonderful electric blue tone, what colour would you pick and why? Or would you pot for electric blue, just like you can see here?

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We mentioned faux bangs already, but we feel that they aren’t given enough credit. For women women, the addition of bangs can instantly make them look a few years younger. If we’re being honest, isn’t that what we all want? (I certainly do!)

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The Mohawk isn’t a new look as far as hairstyles go, but it does get revamped every now and again. It’s a pretty versatile hair look when you consider that many people once linked it to a punk/edge look and that alone. With the right fiery tone, a couple of small Bantu knots, and a sassy attitude, this look has got basically everything you’ll ever need.

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If you’re not feeling those fiery red tones, how about an atomic blonde look instead? You can’t really argue with these bright dreads; they’re cute, customisable, and certainly bring a sense of kickass to the occasion. We’re a little bit in love with them … What do you think?

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If you have beautiful braids already, why not make the best use of them and turn them into a braided pony? It’s a simple style, requiring just a band to keep them in check, and you could even liven thing sup with the addition of a coloured or patterned head scarf.

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The nineties are back and don’t we all just know it. We’re not complaining about that at all, of course; we love the 90’s. We also love these 90’s inspired space buns. A tad pulled out than usual, this natural look is cute for days about town.

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Scrape it all back and add some smoothing gel and you too could have a Fabulous Fauxhawk. It’s a look that we’ll never get tired of swooning over if we’re being honest.

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You can’t go wrong with a simple ponytail, no matter what type or length of hair that you have. Some gentle teasing and tousling will soon get all of your locks in place for this no muss, no fuss look.

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Are you a big fan of crochet braids? You’ll probably be a big fan of this next look then, and one that really took our offie by storm. A crochet style look, swept all over the side and smoothed down, and all without braids. We’re digging it. Are you?

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A balayage hair look is one that has been naturally blended, something beautifully achieved this dark-to-blonde look for African American hair. For those nights when you want to sparkle all-over just as much as your highlighter does on your face, this definitely ticks all the right boxes.

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If you’re on the hunt for a look that is cute n’ quirky, this double-bun natural look might just tick all the boxes for you. Easy and carefree, it’s a look that takes just moments to put together, but definitely pays off. You could even add accessories to help really jazz things up and add a bit of sparkle.

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There’s something very elegant about this natural look, relaxed and comfortable, but still sassy and sweet. If you’ve got length on your side and really feel like showing it off, this one might just make its way to your hair inspiration board. Those chilled curls are definitely perfect for any occasion, all year round.

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If you’re on the hunt for a look that is cute n’ quirky, this double-bun natural look might just tick all the boxes for you. Easy and carefree, it’s a look that takes just moments to put together, but definitely pays off. You could even add accessories to help really jazz things up and add a bit of sparkle.

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