Black hair is … Versatile! Yet, unlike the many styles we’re accustomed to seeing on black women, one style is most often expected on black men -- the Clean Shave … no hair, no muss, no fuss. Or to put it another way, Bald is Beautiful.

But times are changing. Today, black men’s hairstyles are proving that you don’t have to be bald to look your best. And black men’s hairstyles aren’t for black men only … textured hair isn’t exclusive to the African American community.

With that in mind, here of ten of the top styles being embraced by men with textured hair:

The Fade

It’s a little bit retro. It’s a little bit hip hop. The fade is volume on top and close-cropped fade on the sides. Whether box-shaped, curly or wavy, the Fade is style that adds height and personality to your look.

Butch Cut

Need a short haircut that’s also low maintenance? The Butch Cut may be for you. Following the contour of the head, this style is ideal for a conservative and sophisticated look.

Buzz Cut

Similar to the Butch Cut, the Buzz Cut keeps the hair cropped close, but lends itself to more adventurous personalization. Get edgy with a line up, which is straight lines or sharp angles cut along the natural hairline, or add a temple fade, which starts to fade at the temples to create a bit of contrast with the traditional Buzz Cut.

Ceasar Cut

Another short style that’s also low maintenance and has a classic flair is the Caesar Cut. Defined by keeping the hair the same length all around, the Caesar cut features short bangs in the front.

Cornrows

Cornrows are a cultural icon of black hair and until recently have been more prevalent as a style for women. Thankfully, black men are finally becoming more comfortable embracing their cultural heritage. Long or short, boxed or wavy, shoulder-length or in a man bun, cornrows are becoming much more accepted, particularly among younger men.

Dreadlocks

Popularized by the late great Bob Marley, dreadlocks have been a style that is particular to black men and remain a cultural stand-out with performers, such as Lenny Kravitz. These matted, rope-like strands can be worn in various lengths and thicknesses, but the longer they are, the more distinct.

The Afro

Before there was the Clean Shave, there was the Afro.

An iconic style popular in the ‘70s, the Afro has evolved for a new age. Whether geometric or worn as a ‘Frohawk’, the Afro is a style that endures.

The Pompadour

For that retro cool, nothing beats the Pompadour. Sophisticated, gentlemanly, sleek and stylish, the pompadour can be paired with faded sides and worn at different lengths to create your distinct and personal style.

Ringlets

For a look that adds softness and frames your face, Ringlets are the way to go. These tight curls are voluminous and can be worn at different lengths for best effect. Unlike the shorter hair styles, Ringlets can become dry and frizzy, so they require more maintenance than other styles. But if you’re looking to create that Wow Factor, Ringlets may be worth the effort. Or it’s close cousin may work for you instead …

Short Curls with a Temple Fade

For a style with impact that doesn’t require as much maintenance as Ringlets, another option is Short Curls with a Temple Fade. The style may not be as quite as dramatic, but it’s a great trade-off between maintenance and impact.

So, tired of shaving your head all the time? Feeling like it’s time to change up your look? Don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous. Try one of these styles … you may find that a new ‘do can go a long way toward upping your style!

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