A side shaved natural hairstyle is one of the boldest and most empowering choices you can make for your textured hair, blending edgy modern fashion with the rich beauty of natural coils and curls. By removing hair from one or both sides, you create a striking silhouette that draws attention upward and celebrates the gorgeous volume on top.
Whether you are ready for a full commitment with clippers or want to try a faux-shaved look first, these twenty side shaved natural hairstyle ideas offer endless inspiration for every comfort level and every personal style. Prepare to feel fearless.
Natural Hair Mohawk With Shaved Sides
The natural hair mohawk, often lovingly called a frohawk, is the ultimate expression of daring femininity. Both sides of the head are shaved while a wide strip of voluminous curls runs proudly from the forehead to the nape, creating a shape that is both fierce and beautifully soft at the center.
You can customize the width of the mohawk to suit your face shape and comfort level, making it as dramatic or as subtle as you prefer. A firm-hold styling product helps keep the center section upright and defined, especially on 4C textures that naturally hold their shape incredibly well.
This is a look that celebrates the natural height and volume of kinky hair textures in the most unapologetic way possible. It communicates confidence, creativity, and a willingness to stand out that is genuinely inspiring.
Side Shaved Natural Hair Locs
Locs are deeply symbolic and stunningly beautiful, and adding a shaved side gives them a whole new dimension of contemporary edge. Whether you have sisterlocks, traditional locs, or faux locs, the side shave creates a striking visual balance between the structured texture of the locs and the clean smoothness of the shaved area.
A side shave also lightens the load on your scalp, which can be tremendously helpful if your locs have grown quite long and heavy over the years. Many women style their locs by sweeping them to one side, which perfectly showcases the shaved section and any intricate designs etched into the fade.
This look is incredibly low-maintenance and keeps the focus on the beautiful maturity and texture of your locs while providing a modern, unconventional twist that feels fresh and exciting. It is a wonderful way to honor your loc journey while embracing something new.
Bold Color Side Shaved Natural Hair
Why stop at a shave when you can add a splash of vibrant color to take your side shaved natural hairstyle to its most exciting extreme? Whether you choose bright platinum blonde, deep burgundy, electric blue, or any other bold shade, color transforms the entire dynamic of the style into something truly unforgettable.
You might choose to color only the longer section on top for maximum contrast, or dye the shaved section for a high-impact, fashion-forward aesthetic. Temporary hair wax is a wonderful way to experiment with color without committing to permanent dyes that could affect your hair health.
The combination of a sharp, clean shave and a striking color ensures you will stand out in every crowd and every photo. This is for the creative, fearless woman who considers her hair one of her primary forms of self-expression.
Undercut Tapered Natural Hair
The undercut taper is the ultimate solution for thick, high-density natural hair during warmer months when you want to reduce bulk without losing your gorgeous top volume. Hair is shaved at the nape and around the ears, gradually blending into longer coils at the crown for a seamless, sophisticated transition.
This style significantly reduces drying time and the amount of product needed for your styling routine, which saves both time and money. The top can be styled in countless ways, from a wash-and-go to a defined sponge rub or a sleek twist-out, depending on your mood.
It is a practical choice that highlights your bone structure beautifully and keeps your neck feeling refreshed throughout the day. The clean lines of the taper provide a stunning frame for the natural texture that sits above, creating a look that is both functional and fashion-forward.
Afro With Shaved Side Detail
The classic afro gets a thoroughly modern update when you introduce a shaved side or a deep side-part shave that breaks up the rounded silhouette with a sharp point of interest. This variation adds beautiful asymmetry to the traditional afro shape while celebrating the incredible volume and texture of natural hair.
You can pick out the afro to its full, glorious height for maximum drama or keep it slightly more compact for an everyday look that still turns heads. The shaved detail provides a crisp boundary that makes the fluffy texture of the hair appear even more soft and voluminous by contrast.
This is a powerful way to embrace your heritage and celebrate the beauty of natural hair volume while adding a contemporary element that keeps the style feeling current and fresh. It is bold, beautiful, and unmistakably you.
Shaved Side Natural Hair Finger Waves
Combining vintage finger waves with a modern side shave creates a look that is pure high-fashion artistry. Using a strong-hold gel, S-shaped waves are carefully molded on the longer section of hair while the other side is buzzed short, creating a beautiful interplay of smooth, sculpted texture against clean, bare skin.
This sophisticated style works best on shorter to medium hair lengths where the waves can be easily shaped and set into perfect, uniform patterns. The precision of the finger waves against the smooth shaved area creates a striking visual conversation between two very different textures.
Save this look for formal events, weddings, photoshoots, and any occasion where you want to make an unforgettable style statement. It exudes confidence, artistry, and a deep appreciation for the history and future of natural hairstyling.
Long Natural Hair With Shaved Side
Long natural hair with a hidden shaved side offers the ultimate in versatility, giving you two completely different looks in one hairstyle. When your hair is worn down, the shaved section is often completely concealed, allowing for a more conservative appearance that works in any professional setting.
Pull your hair into a side ponytail or a high bun, however, and the bold shave is revealed in all its glory, transforming your look from understated to edgy in an instant. This dual personality makes it a popular choice for women who need professional versatility but want to express their bold side after hours.
It also reduces the weight of very long, heavy hair, making it more comfortable to wear daily. This hidden surprise element is what makes the long natural hair with shaved side one of the most clever and satisfying hairstyle choices you can make.
Curly Pixie With Shaved Sides Natural Hair
A curly pixie cut with shaved sides is a playful and feminine way to rock a shorter length that still has movement, personality, and undeniable charm. The curls on top provide a soft, romantic quality while the shaved sides keep the overall look grounded, modern, and clean.
This hairstyle is perfect for framing the face and drawing immediate attention to your eyes, cheekbones, and smile. You can style the top curls with a light mousse for an airy feel or use a heavier cream for more defined, structured coils depending on your mood and the occasion.
It is a chic choice that looks equally gorgeous with casual weekend outfits and formal evening ensembles. The curly pixie proves that short natural hair with shaved sides can be every bit as feminine and versatile as longer styles.
Natural Hair Top Knot With Shaved Sides
A high top knot combined with shaved sides creates a sleek, sophisticated profile that draws all attention upward to the crown where your beautiful natural texture lives. The shaved sides eliminate bulk and flyaways around the ears, ensuring that the focus remains entirely on the bun and your gorgeous facial features.
This is an excellent choice for showcasing statement earrings, a clear neckline, and the elegant shape of your head. You can use a donut bun maker for extra volume or keep the bun small and natural for a more minimalist approach.
It is a go-to style for busy mornings when you still want to look completely put-together with minimal effort. The combination of a sleek top knot and clean shaved sides creates a silhouette that is both modern and timeless.
Shaved Side Natural Hair Curls
The contrast between soft, bouncy curls and a sharp, clean-shaven side is one of the most visually striking combinations in natural hairstyling. Keeping the curls voluminous on top while fading the sides creates a shape that draws the eye upward, lengthening the appearance of the face beautifully.
This style works exceptionally well for 3C and 4A hair types where the natural texture provides incredible height and definition. A light-hold gel keeps the edges crisp while a curl-defining cream ensures each spiral stands out dramatically against the bare skin of the shaved section.
It is surprisingly easy to maintain with daily moisture and minimal product, making it a practical choice that delivers maximum visual impact. This is the style that proves natural curls and edgy cuts are a match made in hairstyling heaven.
Tapered Cut With Shaved Design Natural Hair
Adding a personalized design to the shaved area transforms your hairstyle into a wearable piece of art that is completely unique to you. Whether you choose geometric lines, a star pattern, or intricate floral motifs, a skilled barber can etch any design into the fade, creating a customized detail that expresses your personality.
These designs look best when the surrounding hair is cut very short, allowing the scalp to provide clear contrast against the dark hair for maximum visibility. It is a fantastic way to refresh a standard tapered cut without changing the overall length or style of the hair on top.
Keep in mind that shaved designs require frequent touch-ups to maintain their crisp, sharp appearance. But for those who love having a constantly evolving canvas on their head, the maintenance is absolutely worth the stunning, one-of-a-kind results.
Short Natural Hair With Shaved Side
Sometimes the most powerful statements come in the simplest packages, and a short natural hair style with a side shave is proof of that philosophy. This look is ideal for someone who has recently done the big chop or prefers a minimal daily routine that requires almost no morning styling time.
By shaving one side and keeping the rest in a short, cropped afro, you create an asymmetrical look that is incredibly flattering and versatile. A soft brush and some edge control smooth down the transition area for a seamless, polished finish that looks intentional from every angle.
This style emphasizes your eyes, cheekbones, and the beautiful shape of your face in a way that longer hair often hides. It transitions effortlessly from the office to a night out, making it a favorite for women who want maximum style with minimum fuss.
Coily Hair Faded Side Natural Style
Working with tightly coiled hair opens the door to some of the most architectural and structured looks in the entire natural hair community. A faded side paired with dense, defined coils on top creates a clean, modern silhouette that beautifully showcases the intricate texture of 4B and 4C hair types.
The fade can range from a skin fade for dramatic contrast to a shadow fade for a softer transition, depending on how bold you want the effect to be. Daily application of leave-in conditioner prevents the coils from becoming brittle and keeps them looking defined and healthy.
The sharp lines of the fade provide a stunning geometric frame for the soft, natural texture on top, creating a contrast that is both visually satisfying and deeply flattering. It is a style that celebrates natural texture with precision and pride.
Side Shaved Braids Natural Hair
Combining braids with a shaved side creates a fierce, protective style that keeps your hair safe from environmental damage while making an unmistakable fashion statement. Box braids, knotless braids, or cornrows on the longer section provide protection and versatility, while the buzzed sides keep everything looking clean and modern.
You can experiment with different braid lengths, thicknesses, and even add colored extensions to the braided portion for extra visual excitement. The shaved section provides a cool breeze to the scalp, which is a major comfort benefit for active women.
This look is truly low-maintenance, requiring only a silk scarf at night and occasional oiling of the scalp. It is the perfect marriage of protective styling and edgy fashion that allows you to express boldness while taking excellent care of your natural hair.
Natural Hair Twist Out With Shaved Side
A twist out is a beloved staple in the natural hair community for creating defined, uniform curls without any heat, and pairing it with a side shave elevates the look into something much more intentional and fashion-forward. The defined patterns of the twist out look incredible next to a clean, well-maintained fade.
You can create a side-swept effect where the curls cascade over the shaved portion, or keep them centered for a more symmetrical feel. The twists help lock in moisture and styling products before they are unraveled, ensuring your curls are defined and long-lasting.
This style is versatile enough for any occasion and reliable enough for everyday wear. The combination of textured twist-out curls with the sharp edge of a side shave is effortlessly cool and always gets noticed.
Side Shaved Crochet Hair Look
If you love the aesthetic of a side shave but are not ready to commit the clippers to your natural hair, a faux-shaved crochet look is a brilliant alternative. By braiding the hair on one side very flat and tight, then installing crochet curls or locs on the other side, you create the visual effect of a shaved style without any permanent changes.
This approach allows you to experiment with different textures and lengths of synthetic or human crochet hair while keeping your natural hair completely protected underneath. You get to test-drive the side-shaved aesthetic risk-free before deciding whether to make it permanent.
It is a creative, protective solution that lets you stay on trend without any of the commitment anxiety. When you are ready for a change, simply remove the crochet hair and your natural hair underneath will be safe, healthy, and waiting for its next adventure.
Side Shaved Natural Hair Buzz Cut
For the ultimate in low-maintenance living, a full side shave paired with an ultra-short buzz cut on the remaining hair is the most liberating haircut you can choose. This look is entirely about the beautiful shape of your head, the health of your scalp, and the confidence that comes from stripping away any safety blankets.
It requires absolutely no daily styling beyond a light application of oil for shine and moisture. Many women find this look incredibly empowering because it forces the world to see you, not your hair, and the response is almost always one of admiration and respect.
You can play with different lengths of the buzz, from a total skin shave to a slightly longer velvet texture that still showcases your natural curl pattern. This is fearlessness in hairstyle form, and it is absolutely beautiful.
Natural Hair Puffs With Shaved Sides
Natural hair puffs are beloved for their adorable, youthful charm, and adding shaved sides transforms them from cute to genuinely fashion-forward. A single high puff or double puffs with clean-shaven sides and back create a look that is playful yet polished and perfect for warmer weather.
The shaved areas provide a clean backdrop that makes the puffs appear even more voluminous and fluffy by contrast. Using a silk scrunchie helps prevent breakage around the base of the puffs while keeping them looking perfectly round and bouncy.
This is a fun, easy summer style that keeps you cool while looking absolutely adorable. It is proof that side shaved natural hairstyles can be just as sweet and approachable as they are edgy and bold.
Natural Hair High Top With Shaved Side
The high top fade is a classic silhouette that has experienced a massive resurgence, and it looks absolutely spectacular on natural hair. The top is kept long and vertical while the sides are shaved down, creating a bold geometric shape that is instantly recognizable and deeply rooted in cultural history.
This style is particularly effective for 4C hair because the tight coils provide the structural integrity needed to stay upright and hold their impressive shape. You can keep the top flat for a traditional flat-top aesthetic or let the curls remain rounded for a more organic, natural feel.
It is a nostalgic yet forward-thinking choice that celebrates the beauty and versatility of black hair culture. The high top with shaved sides is a statement of pride, identity, and impeccable style all rolled into one iconic look.
Side Shaved Natural Hair Protective Style
A side shave can actually be a strategic part of a healthy hair care regimen, particularly for women who experience tension or thinning at the temples and nape from heavy braids or extensions. By shaving the areas where the most stress occurs, you can protect your delicate edges while wearing your remaining hair in protective twists or braids.
This practical approach allows you to maintain a stylish, edgy cut while the remaining hair is safely tucked away and growing stronger. It also makes it significantly easier to cleanse your scalp and apply nourishing oils to the areas that need them most.
It is a smart, health-first approach to edgy styling that prioritizes long-term hair health alongside short-term fashion impact. Sometimes the boldest choice is also the wisest one for your hair journey.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a side shaved natural hairstyle is a wonderful way to celebrate your unique beauty while embracing a bold, modern aesthetic that commands attention and respect. From soft curly pixies to dramatic high-top fades, there is a shaved style for every personality, every comfort level, and every definition of beauty.
The key to a great side shaved look is regular maintenance of the shaved section, a healthy scalp care routine, and the confidence to own your choice completely. Whether you start with a faux-shaved crochet look or go straight for the clippers, the journey toward edgy natural beauty is one you will never regret taking.
