A side shaved natural hairstyle is one of the boldest and most liberating ways to express your personal style while celebrating the beauty of textured hair. By removing hair from the sides, you create a dramatic contrast that draws all attention to the remaining coils, curls, or locs on top. It is an edgy, modern choice that simplifies your daily routine while making a powerful visual statement.
Below you will find twenty striking ways to wear a side shaved natural hairstyle, from classic mohawks to creative faux shaves using crochet techniques. Whether you are ready for the clippers or just exploring the idea, these looks will give you all the inspiration you need to take the leap.
Natural Hair Mohawk Shaved Sides
The natural hair mohawk, also known as the frohawk, involves shaving both sides and leaving a wide strip of curls running from the forehead to the nape. This style celebrates the natural height and volume of kinky textures in the most dramatic way possible.
You can customize the width of the mohawk to suit your face shape and preference. A firm-hold styling product keeps the center section upright and defined. This look is particularly striking on 4C hair, which holds its shape remarkably well without excessive products or pins.
Pin this for your fearless hair board. The frohawk is bold, empowering, and an iconic celebration of natural texture that always commands attention.
Side Shaved Natural Hair Locs
Locs are beautiful and symbolic, and a side shave gives them an entirely new personality. Whether you have sisterlocks, traditional locs, or faux locs, shaving one side creates a striking visual balance that lightens the load on your scalp while adding a modern, unconventional twist.
Sweeping your locs to one side perfectly showcases the shaved section and any designs you might have etched into it. This is an incredibly low-maintenance style that keeps the focus on the beautiful maturity and texture of your locs.
Save this for your locs styling board. The side shave adds edge and personality to locs at any stage of their journey.
Curly Pixie Shaved Sides Natural Hair
A curly pixie cut with shaved sides is playful, feminine, and undeniably chic. The curls on top provide a soft, romantic feel while the shaved sides keep the look grounded and modern. This hairstyle frames the face beautifully and draws attention straight to your features.
You can style the top curls with mousse for a light, airy feel or use a heavier cream for more definition and weight. This versatile cut looks great with both casual jeans and elegant evening outfits.
Pin this for your short natural hair inspo. The curly pixie with shaved sides proves that less hair can mean more style, more personality, and more confidence.
Bold Color Side Shaved Natural Hair
Why not pair your side shave with a splash of vibrant color for the ultimate statement? Whether you choose platinum blonde, deep burgundy, or electric blue, color transforms the entire vibe of a shaved natural hairstyle. You can color only the long top section or the shaved area itself for high contrast.
Temporary hair wax is a great option for experimenting without committing to permanent dye. The combination of a sharp shave and striking color ensures you will stand out in any crowd.
Save this for your creative hair board. Bold color plus a side shave is the ultimate form of hair self-expression.
Long Natural Hair Shaved Side
Long natural hair with a hidden shaved side offers a secret surprise that only reveals itself when you wear your hair up. When worn down, the shave is completely concealed, allowing for a more conservative look. Pulling your hair into a side ponytail or high bun reveals the edgy undercut underneath.
This versatility makes it a popular choice for professionals who want to express their personality outside of work without committing to a fully visible change. It also reduces weight on very long, heavy hair, making daily wear more comfortable.
Pin this for your versatile styling board. The hidden side shave gives you two distinct looks in one haircut and the freedom to choose which side of yourself to show on any given day.
Tapered Cut Shaved Design Natural Hair
Adding a geometric or curved design to the shaved area turns your hair into a canvas for artistic expression. Simple parallel lines, stars, or intricate floral patterns etched into the fade by a skilled barber create an entirely personalized look that is uniquely yours.
These designs look best when the hair is cut very short, allowing the scalp to provide clear contrast. It is a fantastic way to refresh a standard tapered cut without changing the overall length on top. Frequent touch-ups keep the design sharp and visible.
Save this for your custom haircut board. A shaved design adds a layer of artistry that transforms a standard cut into a wearable masterpiece.
Afro With Shaved Side Detail
The classic afro gets a modern update when you introduce a shaved side or a deep side-part shave. This variation breaks up the rounded silhouette of the traditional afro and adds a point of interest and asymmetry that feels fresh and contemporary.
The shaved detail provides a crisp boundary that makes the fluffy texture of the afro appear even softer and more voluminous by contrast. You can pick it out for maximum drama or keep it more compact for everyday wear.
Pin this for your afro styling board. Adding a shaved detail to an afro is a powerful way to honor your heritage while embracing modern trends.
Natural Hair Twist Out Shaved Side
A twist out paired with a side shave elevates a natural hair staple into something much more intentional and edgy. The defined patterns of the twist out look incredible next to a clean, well-maintained fade, creating a contrast of textures that is both artistic and organic.
You can sweep the curls over the shaved portion for a dramatic asymmetric look or keep them centered for symmetry. The twists help lock in moisture and products before being unraveled, making this both a style choice and a protective technique.
Save this for your textured styling board. The twist out plus side shave combination proves that natural styling techniques can be every bit as edgy as they are nurturing.
Side Shaved Crochet Hair Look
If you love the aesthetic of a side shave but are not ready to commit to the clippers, a faux shaved look using crochet techniques gives you the best of both worlds. By braiding one side of the hair flat and tight and installing crochet curls or locs on the other, you create a convincing shaved illusion without removing any hair.
This brilliant option lets you experiment with different textures and lengths while keeping a protective foundation underneath. You get the edgy look plus the peace of mind that your natural hair remains untouched.
Pin this for your commitment-free edgy styling board. The faux side shave is the perfect way to test drive the trend before taking the permanent plunge.
Natural Hair Puffs Shaved Sides
Natural hair puffs are already adorable, and adding shaved sides makes them look more grown-up and trendy. A single high puff or double puffs with the sides buzzed close creates a clean backdrop that makes the puffs appear even more voluminous and fluffy.
This is a perfect summer style that keeps you cool while looking absolutely cute. A silk scrunchie prevents breakage around the base of the puffs, and the shaved sides eliminate any flyaways or bulk around the ears.
Save this for your cute natural hair board. Puffs plus shaved sides is the combination that takes this classic style from sweet to seriously stylish.
Shaved Side Natural Hair Curls
The contrast between soft, bouncy curls and a sharp, clean-shaven side is visually stunning and incredibly flattering. Keeping the curls voluminous on top while fading the sides draws the eyes upward, lengthening the appearance of the face.
This style works exceptionally well for 3C and 4A hair types where the texture provides natural height and definition. A light-hold gel keeps the edges crisp while a curl-defining cream ensures each spiral stands out beautifully against the skin.
Pin this for your curl styling board. The shaved side makes your natural curls the undeniable star of the show.
Side Shaved Natural Hair Protective Style
A side shave can actually be a smart part of a healthy hair care regimen. By shaving the areas where traction alopecia is most likely to occur, like the temples and nape, you can protect delicate edges from the weight of heavy braids or extensions while keeping a stylish, edgy aesthetic.
The remaining hair can be safely tucked away in twists, braids, or other protective styles. The shaved areas are also much easier to cleanse and apply nourishing oils to, promoting better scalp health overall.
Save this for your hair health meets style board. A strategic side shave proves that edgy styling and protective care can absolutely go hand in hand.
Natural Hair Top Knot Shaved Sides
A high top knot combined with shaved sides creates a sleek, sophisticated profile that keeps all the focus on the bun at the crown. The shaved sides eliminate bulk around the ears and ensure a clean neckline, making this an excellent choice for showing off statement earrings and bold necklines.
You can use a donut bun maker for extra volume or keep the bun small and natural for a minimalist vibe. Either way, this style is the go-to for busy mornings when you need to look pulled-together fast.
Pin this for your practical-meets-chic styling board. The top knot with shaved sides is functional elegance at its very best.
Side Shaved Braids Natural Hair
Combining braids with a shaved side delivers a fierce, protective aesthetic that keeps your hair safe from environmental damage while making a bold fashion statement. Install box braids, knotless braids, or simple cornrows on the longer section while keeping the sides buzzed clean.
Add colored extensions to the braided portion for extra flair and personality. The shaved section provides a cool breeze to the scalp, which is a genuine comfort benefit for active individuals, and the overall look is low-maintenance with just a silk scarf and occasional oiling.
Save this for your protective braiding board. Braids plus a side shave is the ultimate combination of practical care and fearless style.
Short Natural Hair Shaved Side
Sometimes less really is more. A short cropped afro with one shaved side creates an asymmetrical, flattering look that is incredibly easy to maintain and style. Whether you have just done the big chop or simply prefer minimal daily effort, this style delivers a neat, polished appearance.
A soft brush and some edge control smooth down the transition area for a seamless finish. This look emphasizes your eyes and cheekbones, making it a favorite for those who want their features, not their hair, to take center stage.
Pin this for your minimalist natural hair board. The short shaved side look is proof that confidence is the best styling product of all.
Natural Hair High Top Shaved Side
The high top fade is a classic silhouette that has seen a massive resurgence, and it looks absolutely incredible on natural hair. The top is kept long and vertical while the sides are shaved down to the skin, creating a bold, geometric shape that celebrates the structural beauty of 4C coils.
Keep the top flat for a traditional flat top aesthetic or let the curls remain rounded for a more organic, modern feel. This style is nostalgic, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in black hair culture.
Save this for your cultural hair inspiration board. The high top fade is a statement of identity and pride that never goes out of style.
Coily Hair Faded Side Natural Style
Working with tightly coiled hair allows for some of the most architectural and structured looks in the natural hair community. A faded side paired with dense coils on top creates a clean, sharp-lined silhouette that is increasingly popular across all genders.
The fade can be a skin fade for maximum contrast or a shadow fade for a softer transition. Daily application of leave-in conditioner prevents the coils from becoming brittle. The sharp lines of the fade provide a wonderful frame for the soft texture of the crown.
Pin this for your structured natural hair board. The coily fade is architecture meets artistry in the best possible way.
Shaved Side Natural Hair Finger Waves
Combining vintage finger waves with a modern shaved side creates a high-fashion look that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. Strong-hold gel shapes S-shaped waves on the longer section while the other side is buzzed short, creating a beautiful interplay of smooth, sculpted texture against bare skin.
This sophisticated style is perfect for formal events, weddings, or editorial photoshoots. It works best on shorter to medium hair lengths where the waves can be easily molded and set into position.
Save this for your formal natural hair board. Finger waves with a shaved side is red-carpet elegance with an undeniable edge.
Undercut Tapered Natural Hair
An undercut tapered cut is the ultimate solution for thick, high-density hair during warmer months. The hair at the nape and around the ears is shaved and gradually blended into longer coils on the crown, creating a sophisticated silhouette that looks professional and trendy.
This style significantly reduces drying time and product usage while highlighting your bone structure and keeping your neck cool. Style the top as a wash-and-go or use a sponge rub for extra texture and definition.
Pin this for your practical natural hair board. The undercut taper is where smart hair management meets effortless style.
Side Shaved Natural Hair Buzz Cut
The buzz cut with a longer side part is the ultimate low-maintenance hairstyle for anyone who wants to strip everything back to the basics. This look is entirely about the shape of your head and the health of your scalp, requiring nothing more than a bit of oil for shine.
Many people find this look incredibly empowering because it removes the security blanket of long hair and forces confidence from within. You can play with different lengths from a total skin shave to a slightly longer velvet texture that still shows off your curl pattern.
Save this for your bold transformation board. The buzz cut is the most fearless statement on this list and one of the most freeing hairstyle choices you can make.
Final Thoughts
A side shaved natural hairstyle is a celebration of individuality, confidence, and the incredible beauty of textured hair. Whether you prefer the softness of long curls cascading over a hidden undercut or the bold geometry of a high top fade, these styles offer practical benefits alongside undeniable visual impact.
Regular maintenance at the barber, a healthy scalp care routine, and the willingness to experiment with designs, colors, and textures will help you find the perfect shaved style that represents your truest self. Save your favorites and get ready to make a statement that is impossible to ignore.
