South Africa is a melting pot of beauty, and when it comes to hair, natural styles reign supreme.
Among the many stunning ways to rock natural hair, straight-back hairstyles are having a major moment.
From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the coastal shores of Cape Town, you’ll see these sleek and stylish looks everywhere. Why?
Because they’re incredibly versatile, flattering a range of face shapes and offering endless possibilities for creativity.
They’re often protective, minimizing manipulation and helping to retain length.
So, if you’re looking for a fresh, stylish, and practical way to rock your natural hair, here are the hottest straight-back with natural hair trends taking over South Africa.
1. Four Cornrow Braids
This style is perfect for those who like a clean and minimalist look.
This style involves braiding four sections of hair straight back from the hairline to the nape of the neck.
It’s a great option for showcasing your natural hair’s texture while keeping it neatly contained.
2. Cornrow Ponytail with Cuffs
Taking the classic cornrow to the next level, the cornrow ponytail with cuffs adds a touch of flair.
This style involves braiding your hair into cornrows that converge at the crown of your head, where they are gathered into a high or low ponytail.
The addition of cuffs, typically metallic or beaded, along the braids or at the base of the ponytail adds a decorative element, elevating the look.
3. Straight Back Braids with Bun
For a polished and sophisticated look, consider straight back braids with a bun.
This style combines the neatness of straight back braids with the elegance of a bun.
The braids can be cornrows, French braids, or even Dutch braids, all leading back to a bun at the crown, nape, or even off to the side.
4. Straight Back Stitch Braids
Straight back stitch braids are a more intricate take on cornrows.
They get their name from the “stitched” appearance created by the braiding technique, resulting in a tighter, more defined braid.
This style often incorporates extensions for added length and volume, creating a dramatic and eye-catching look.
5. Big Cornrow Braids
Unlike smaller, more intricate cornrows, these braids are thicker and more spaced out, creating a striking visual impact.
This style is quick to install compared to smaller braids, making it a great option for those short on time.
Big cornrows are also great for showcasing hair texture and can be accessorized with beads or cuffs for added personality.
6. Two Cornrow Braids
Two cornrow braids offer a simple yet chic look. This style involves dividing the hair into two sections and braiding each section straight back.
It’s a quick and easy style that’s perfect for everyday wear and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Two cornrows are also a great base for other styles, such as adding extensions or creating a braided updo.
7. Fishbone Braids
While not strictly “straight back” in the traditional sense, fishbone braids can be incorporated into straight back styles for a touch of elegance.
A fishbone braid, with its intricate woven pattern, adds a unique texture and visual interest.
You can create a single fishbone braid down the center of your head with smaller cornrows on the sides, or incorporate multiple fishbone braids into a more complex braided style.
8. Thin and Thick Braids
Combining thin and thick braids creates a dynamic and textured look.
This style involves braiding some sections of hair into thin cornrows and other sections into thicker cornrows, creating a visually interesting contrast.
This technique adds depth and dimension to the hairstyle, making it more eye-catching.
This style is perfect for those who want to add a bit of variety and visual interest to a classic straight back style.
9. Cornrow Braids Updo
Taking cornrows to the next level, a cornrow braids updo is a stylish and practical option.
This style involves braiding the hair into cornrows that are then styled into an updo, such as a bun, a high ponytail, or a more intricate woven design.
This style is perfect for special occasions or when you want to keep your hair completely off your face and neck.
It’s also a great protective style that minimizes manipulation and keeps your ends tucked away.
10. Medium French Braids
Medium French braids offer a classic and elegant take on straight back styles.
French braids involve incorporating hair into the braid as you go, creating a smooth and continuous braid that lies close to the scalp.
Medium French braids are a versatile option that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.
They are also a great way to manage longer hair and keep it neatly contained.
11. Five Cornrows on Natural Hair
Five cornrows offer a unique and balanced look. This style involves dividing the hair into five sections and braiding each section straight back.
This creates a visually interesting pattern and can be a great alternative to the more common four or six cornrow styles.
Five cornrows are also a versatile base for other styles, such as adding extensions or creating a braided updo.
12. Straight Up Cornrows for Natural Hair
Straight-up cornrows offer a clean and classic look that’s both stylish and practical.
This style involves braiding your hair in straight lines from your hairline towards the crown of your head, creating a sleek and uniform appearance.
Unlike cornrows that continue down the back of the head, these stop at the crown, often creating a base for other styles like high puffs, buns, or even allowing the unbraided hair to cascade down.
13. Ghana Braids in a Bun
Ghana braids, known for their thickness and gradually increasing size, create a beautiful and protective style.
The braids are typically cornrowed close to the scalp, gradually getting thicker as they extend towards the back of the head, then gathered into a bun at the crown, nape, or side.
This style is not only visually appealing but also helps to protect your natural hair from damage and breakage.
14. Four Large Ghana Braid Buns
Taking the Ghana braid concept further, four large Ghana braid buns create a bold and striking statement.
This style involves creating four thick Ghana braids that are then styled into individual buns, often arranged in a symmetrical pattern on the head.
This style is perfect for those who want a dramatic and eye-catching look that showcases the beauty of Ghana braids.
15. Chignon with Flat Twists
The chignon, a classic low bun, gets a modern twist (literally!) when paired with flat twists.
This style involves creating flat twists that lead back to a neatly styled chignon at the nape of the neck.
The flat twists add texture and visual interest to the style, while the chignon provides a polished and sophisticated finish.
16. French Braids and Twists Updo
Combining French braids and twists creates a beautifully textured and intricate updo.
This style often involves creating two French braids that meet at the back of the head, where the remaining hair is then twisted and styled into a bun or other updo.
The combination of the smooth French braids and the textured twists creates a visually appealing contrast.
17. Jumbo Twists with Low Buns Updo
Jumbo twists offer a quick and easy way to add volume and texture to your hair.
When styled into a low bun updo, they create a relaxed yet stylish look.
This style involves creating large, chunky twists throughout the hair and then gathering them into one or two low buns at the nape of the neck.
This style is perfect for those who want a quick and easy protective style that still looks chic and put-together.
18. Twisted Nape Rolled Bun
The twisted nape rolled bun is a simple yet elegant updo that’s perfect for showcasing natural hair.
This style involves twisting sections of hair at the nape of the neck and then rolling them into a neat bun.
This style is quick and easy to create and is a great option for those who want a sophisticated look without a lot of fuss.
19. Straight Back Braids with a Heart
Adding a heart design to straight back braids adds a touch of whimsy and personality.
This style involves braiding the hair in straight lines but incorporating a heart shape into the design, usually at the crown or back of the head.
This style is perfect for those who want to add a unique and playful element to their hairstyle.
20. Cornrows with Short Kinky Twists
Combining cornrows with short kinky twists creates a dynamic and textured look.
This style involves braiding sections of hair into cornrows, while the remaining hair is styled into short, kinky twists.
The contrast between the smooth cornrows and the textured twists creates a visually appealing and interesting style.
21. Six Braids to the Back
This style involves dividing the hair into six equal sections and braiding each section straight back.
This creates a neat and symmetrical look that is both practical and visually appealing.
This style is perfect for everyday wear and is a great way to manage longer hair.
22. Medium Feed-in Braids
Feed-in braids are created by gradually adding synthetic hair to the braid as you go, creating a seamless and natural-looking transition.
Medium feed-in braids are a great option for those who want to add length and volume to their hair without looking too bulky.
They can be styled in various ways, from wearing them down to creating updos or ponytails.