The black hairstyle mohawk is one of the most striking and versatile looks you can choose.
It’s all about contrast and texture, creating a bold strip of hair down the center while the sides are clipped, tapered, or shaved.
Perfect for Afro-textured hair, it works with curls, twists, braids, or locs, letting you go for a subtle lift or a dramatic statement depending on your mood and style.
READ ALSO: Short Curly Haircuts for Women & More
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What the Mohawk Looks Like on Black Hair
At its most classic, the sides of the head are shaved or faded, leaving a strip of longer hair down the middle that can be styled upright or let grow into soft coils.
A fohawk (faux hawk) keeps the sides short rather than shaved and styles the top hair to form a central crest — a good starting point if you want the vibe without committing fully to shaved sides.
Frohawks keep natural afro texture up the center with tapered or clipped sides, giving a strong profile without losing the core volume.
Women and men alike wear variations with braids, twists, locs, or curls forming the central strip, which can be decorated with beads or patterns for extra style.
Popular Variations of the Black Hairstyle Mohawk You’ll See
• Mohawk fade — the sides and back gradually taper down to very short or shaved, while the top stays longer.
• Curly Mohawk — emphasizes natural curl or coil texture in the center strip.
• Braided Mohawk — cornrows, box braids or twists run up the middle, creating structure and length.
• Bantu Knot or decorated Mohawk — the center hair can be put into knots or adorned with hair jewelry for a cultural, creative style.
Black Hairstyle Mohawk Styling and Upkeep
To shape the Mohawk, barbers often use clippers for fades or shaved sides and shears for length and texture on the top. On natural hair, creams or gels help define curls and keep edges sleek, while brushes and picks can lift coils for more volume.
Some people choose extensions or braids to add height or length in the center.
Why Mohawk Black Hairstyles Are So Popular
This style highlights natural hair texture and works with a wide range of lengths and curl patterns.
It’s versatile: from sleek and refined to bold and edgy, it can reflect individual personality and style.
Whether worn with tight coils, twists, braids, or locs, it’s a statement look that celebrates Black hair’s natural form and adaptability.
Mohawk Hairstyles With Curls
Curly mohawk hairstyles for Black women are bold, expressive, and versatile.
They take advantage of natural curl and coil textures to create dramatic height and shape along the center of the head, while the sides can be shaved, tapered, braided, or styled in softer ways depending on the look you want.
Black Hair Styles: How Curly Mohawk Black Female Hairstyles Work
A traditional mohawk for natural hair isn’t always about shaving both sides completely.
Many versions use tapered sides or braids to frame and highlight the curly ridge running down the center.
Some styles keep the sides shorter or slicked down, while others incorporate intricate patterns or fades for added edge.
Short Mohawk Fade Black Female
Photo Credits: CocoDidThat, Steve_Dread_Locs, Hairstyle Camp, Hairdo Hairstyle, Sunika, The Grace, Hair Adviser, @MorganMagicWork, ApoHair, HOHO Dreads, ThirstyRoots, Blush, @korrynj/ instagram, Joanna Kinuthia