Hair Care

Best and Worst African-American Hairstyles

See which 'dos are best for your hair, and which celebrity hairstyles to stay away from

by Jane Chung

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African American celebrities are some of the biggest hair trendsetters -- from Rihanna's short, edgy style (that is forever evolving) to Tyra's long, sleek strands, these ladies are known for their signature styles. And while many women attempt to recreate their looks, they never truly succeed at pulling them off quite as well. Why is that anyway?

We think it is because we see celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey and Halle Berry rocking gorgeous hairstyles on the red carpet, but we never really learn how their hairstylists actually created them. Are the styles as easy as they look, or are there many more complicated steps to them?

We spoke to Tippi Shorter, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include the fabulous Alicia Keys and Lauren Hill, to find out. Here she weighs in on how to recreate these amazing African American hairstyles, and explains why certain styles work and why others should be avoided. Scope out the hairstyles in this photo gallery and make note of the looks you want to try. Then be sure to steer clear of the ones that might not flatter your face shape, or worse, damage your beautiful, but fragile hair -- eek!

SEE NEXT PAGE: Best: Jennifer Hudson

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Older comments

I love Eve's style choice. It makes a bold statement. The style is original. I don't say wear this to a formal occasion, but out on a hot summer day...You go Eve!!!

by tonitiaLiberty3 Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 06:10PM Report as inappropriate

I really liked Jennifer Hudson's hair. I took a picture of it so I can show my stylist to see if it would fit me. My hair is in a bob now and I like it because its quick and easy to style. I am all about my hair looking neat and having simple style that I can do myself at home. Even though Ashanti's hair was on the worst list, I thought it was very classy and elegant. Jada looked amazing!

by uniquefashionista Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 06:37PM Report as inappropriate

none of these are wearable day to day

by LittleBunny Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 05:54PM Report as inappropriate

These African -American hairstyle articles suck. 99% of these stars have weaves! Try doing an article for weave wearing.

by lilberry40 Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 04:41AM Report as inappropriate

this was awful! did they even have someone with natural texture in this article?

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 04:13PM Report as inappropriate

I'd agree with the Best's and worst's

by TBjunkie Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 12:44AM Report as inappropriate

I've always loved Halle Berry's hair at any length!

by powerwoman033 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 02:53PM Report as inappropriate

wow such an interesting article the women in the worst categories really deserved it except cassie i really love her hair like that she can work with it but the others their hair didnt flatter them

by Nicole2814 Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 09:58PM Report as inappropriate

This article could not help black women in any way. Washing your hair with shampoo every other day is the WORST advice you could give to a black woman. Our hair is dry and washing so frequent will make it brittle. Most natural females co-wash. Next time I advise doing research before trying to give advice.

by Ericamh Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 08:20PM Report as inappropriate

So, all the best and "sexiest" hairstyles for black women are the ones that look like white women's hair? Very few black women have hair textured like that. Not even a nice try.

by lsn2jah Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 12:14AM Report as inappropriate