💁♀️ 14 All Back Hairstyle Natural Hair
Alright, fam, let’s talk about that magical, effortlessly chic vibe that only an all-back natural hair moment can deliver. We’ve all been there: woke up, hair doing its own thing, and the clock is ticking. Or maybe you just want to show off your glorious face without a single curl trying to steal the spotlight. Good news: pulling it back isn’t just for lazy days. It’s an art, a statement, and frankly, a lifesaver. Get ready to elevate your game because we’re diving into 14 ways to rock that ‘all back’ look like the queen you are.
1. The Sleek Low Bun
Your secret weapon for looking put-together, even if you just rolled out of bed five minutes ago. This isn’t just a bun; it’s a declaration of sophistication.
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, smooth it down with a good dollop of edge control or gel, and twist into a tight bun. You can make it as small or as voluminous as your hair allows. It’s the ultimate “I mean business” look without actually doing much business.
Pro tip: Use a soft bristle brush to really lay those edges down. A little water on your brush first helps distribute the product evenly for a super slick finish. Don’t forget a silk scarf to set it while you do your makeup.
Why it works: It’s clean, it’s classic, and it literally says, “I’m too fabulous for flyaways.”
2. The Sky-High Puff
Hello, volume! This style screams confidence and is basically a party on top of your head. Who needs a crown when you have a puff that defies gravity?
Gather your hair high on your crown, securing it with a strong elastic or a thick shoelace (the OG method, you know the drill). Fluff it out to your heart’s content, making sure those tendrils are living their best life. It’s the perfect way to show off your texture while keeping it off your face.
Pro tip: For extra height and definition, lightly mist your puff with a curl refresher and gently pick it out from the base. Don’t be shy with the picking; we want maximum impact.
Why it works: It’s playful, it’s bold, and it’s basically an instant mood booster. Plus, it highlights your cheekbones like nobody’s business.
3. The Braided Crown
Feeling regal? This style is your go-to for looking like royalty without needing a scepter. It’s elegant, protective, and looks way more complicated than it actually is.
Start with two cornrows or flat twists on each side of your head, starting from your temples and going back towards the nape. Once you reach the back, either connect them into one larger braid that wraps around your head or pin them up neatly. It’s a beautiful way to keep hair off your neck while adding intricate detail.
Pro tip: Use a light styling cream or mousse when braiding to keep your strands smooth and reduce frizz, ensuring your crown stays impeccable all day. A little shine spray doesn’t hurt either.
Why it works: It’s chic, it’s sophisticated, and it protects your ends while serving major looks. Queen energy, activated.
4. The Twisted Updo
When you want texture and elegance, but also, you know, minimal effort. This style is the sophisticated older sister of the high puff, ready for a fancy brunch or a casual Tuesday.
Divide your hair into sections and create two-strand twists or flat twists, directing them all towards the back or up into a desired shape. Once twisted, gather them and pin them into an updo, a bun, or even a faux hawk. The twists add incredible visual interest and dimension.
Pro tip: Twist on damp, moisturized hair to lock in hydration and ensure your twists are juicy and defined. Using a creamy styler will give you hold without the crunch.
Why it works: It’s protective, versatile, and gives you that ‘effortlessly put-together’ vibe that everyone secretly envies.
5. Cornrows to a Ponytail
The ultimate fusion of sleek and playful. This look says, “I’m organized, but I’m also ready to party.” It’s a classic for a reason, folks.
Braid a few cornrows or flat twists from your hairline straight back, stopping around the crown or just above your nape. Gather the rest of your hair, along with the ends of your braids, into a high or low ponytail. The contrast between the sleek braids and the voluminous pony is chef’s kiss.
Pro tip: Use a strong-hold gel on your parts before braiding to ensure clean, sharp lines. This makes all the difference for a polished finish. Don’t forget to moisturize your scalp too!
Why it works: It’s edgy, it’s versatile, and it keeps your hair secure while still letting your natural texture shine.
6. The Fierce Faux Hawk
Channel your inner rockstar, darling. This style is daring, bold, and surprisingly easy to achieve. Who said you need to shave your sides to be a rebel?
Smooth down the sides of your hair with gel or edge control, pinning them back securely. Then, fluff up the center section of your hair, shaping it upwards and backwards to create that iconic hawk silhouette. Use hairpins strategically to maintain the shape and height.
Pro tip: For maximum hold on the sides, use a strong-hold gel and tie a scarf around your head for 15-20 minutes while it sets. This ensures those sides stay flat and sleek.
Why it works: It’s a statement, it’s edgy, and it proves you don’t need to commit to a cut to rock a killer look.
7. The Playful Pineapple Updo
Not just for sleeping, honey! The pineapple is a legitimate style that brings all the fun and volume to the front, while keeping your neck clear. It’s the ultimate ‘woke up like this’ style, even if you didn’t.
Gather all your hair to the very top of your head, as close to your forehead as possible. Secure it loosely with a satin scrunchie or a large hair tie, letting your curls spill forward. Fluff and arrange the curls to frame your face. It’s effortlessly chic and showcases your curl pattern beautifully.
Pro tip: Use a wide, soft elastic band to avoid creating a harsh dent in your hair. A little curl spray helps refresh and define those front curls.
Why it works: It’s quick, it’s cute, and it perfectly frames your face while protecting your curls from friction.
8. The Slicked Back Wash & Go
Sometimes, you just want to let your curls do their thing, but also, you know, keep them out of your face. This is the sophisticated, “I woke up flawless” version of a wash and go.
After washing and conditioning, apply your favorite strong-hold gel or styling cream from root to tip, smoothing your hair backward. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to direct all your curls away from your face. Let it air dry or diffuse gently, ensuring those curls stay put.
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the gel, especially at the roots. For extra longevity, use a setting lotion first, then layer the gel. This creates a strong cast that holds everything in place.
Why it works: It’s minimal effort, maximum impact, and it lets your natural texture be the star of the show without any distractions.
9. The Half-Up, Half-Down (All Back Top)
Can’t decide if you want it all up or all down? Why not both? This style gives you the best of both worlds, offering a soft, romantic vibe with a touch of sophistication.
Section off the top half of your hair, from ear to ear, and gently pull it back. Secure it with a small elastic, a decorative clip, or even a few pins to create a small puff or a mini bun. Let the bottom half flow freely. It’s a great way to open up your face while still having some length.
Pro tip: For a softer look, leave a few small tendrils out around your hairline. If you want more volume on top, gently tease the roots before pulling it back.
Why it works: It’s versatile, it’s pretty, and it frames your face beautifully without hiding your length or texture.
10. Bantu Knots Pulled Back
Not just for a bomb knot-out, Bantu knots themselves are a whole mood. When you pull them back, you get an edgy, sculptural look that’s totally unique and protective.
Divide your hair into small or medium sections. Twist each section tightly from the root and coil it around itself to form a small knot, securing it with a tiny elastic or pin. Direct these knots backward from your hairline, creating a pattern that pulls everything away from your face. It’s a statement piece.
Pro tip: Ensure your sections are clean and moisturized before twisting. A touch of hair balm or butter will help keep the knots neat and prevent frizz.
Why it works: It’s a protective style, it’s incredibly stylish, and it shows off your artistic side without saying a word.
11. The All-Back Space Buns
Who says space buns have to be at the front? Pulling them back gives a chic, playful twist to a classic fun style. It’s cute, it’s quirky, and it’s totally on-trend.
Part your hair down the middle (or slightly off-center) from front to back. Gather each section into a high ponytail near the back of your head, then twist and wrap each pony into a bun. Secure with pins. This keeps your face clear while giving you that adorable double-bun action.
Pro tip: For extra sleekness at the roots, use a strong-hold gel and brush your hair back before securing the ponytails. A little sparkle or hair tinsel in the buns can elevate the look.
Why it works: It’s fun, it’s youthful, and it adds a playful touch to any outfit while keeping your hair totally out of the way.
12. The Effortless Headband Tuck
The ultimate cheat code for looking put-together with minimal effort. This style is pure magic for second-day hair or when you’re just feeling lazy (we’ve all been there, no judgment).
Place a stretchy headband over your head, resting it on your forehead. Then, starting from the sides, begin tucking sections of your hair up and over the headband, securing it underneath. Continue until all your hair is neatly tucked away, creating a lovely rolled effect at the back.
Pro tip: Use a headband with some grip or a velvet lining to prevent it from slipping. A little hairspray after tucking helps keep any stray pieces in line.
Why it works: It’s quick, it’s elegant, and it transforms even the messiest hair into a polished, chic updo.
13. The Statement Braided Braid
Sometimes, one big, glorious braid is all you need to make a statement. This isn’t just a braid; it’s a work of art, pulled back to perfection.
Gather all your hair as if you’re making a ponytail, then begin braiding it straight back. This could be a single three-strand braid, a fishtail, or even a rope braid. Keep it tight and neat at the roots, letting the texture and length of your natural hair shine through the braid itself. Secure the end with a clear elastic.
Pro tip: Braid on slightly damp hair with a leave-in conditioner for maximum smoothness and to prevent frizz. A little oil on your hands while braiding adds shine and reduces friction.
Why it works: It’s elegant, it’s protective, and it keeps all your hair contained while still showing off your beautiful length and texture.
14. Gel-Defined Coils (All Back)
When you want to show off every single coil, perfectly defined and totally out of your face. This style is for the curl connoisseur who appreciates precision and shine.
After washing and conditioning, apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel to small sections of your hair, raking it through from root to tip. Ensure each curl clump is coated and defined, then gently brush all your hair backward, away from your face. Let it air dry or diffuse on a low setting. The result is a cascade of perfectly defined coils.
Pro tip: For ultimate definition, use the shingling method: apply gel to very small sections, finger-coiling each one individually. This takes time but the results are chef’s kiss.
Why it works: It’s stunning, it highlights your natural curl pattern flawlessly, and it keeps your hair off your face while looking incredibly polished.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, 14 ways to conquer the ‘all back’ look with your natural hair. Forget those days of hair-in-face struggles; these styles are your new besties for looking snatched, chic, and totally unbothered. Whether you’re feeling sleek, playful, or fiercely elegant, pulling it back is never just “pulling it back.” It’s an opportunity to show off that gorgeous face and let your natural texture shine in a whole new light. Go forth and slay, my friends!
