5 Terrific Hairstyles for the Busy Black Woman

Black women have had a love/hate relationship with their hair for decades. Dealing with the texture of African American hair requires patience and a great deal of care. Black ladies on the go have discovered that whether or not they have a chemical relaxer or a natural 'do, keeping the style in check can present a challenge. Fortunately, the parade of new styles available to African American women is so long that it's simple to find one that can keep up with a busy lifestyle. Check out some of these amazingly trendy hairstyles and the celebs that have rocked them, and learn how to get the look yourself.

Hairstyle: The Super Shag
Courtesy of: Serena Williams

Lately, it seems that tennis star Serena Williams has abandoned her heavily banged hairdo for a lighter, wispier style. The traditional shag has grown longer, softer and more easily attainable for African American women. The look is great for active lifestyles because the waves are tousled rather than precise. Plus, they require less maintenance. Have your stylist cut your hair in layers. Use minimal product and let your fingers do the combing.

Hairstyle: The "Sloppy" Pixie
Courtesy of: Rihanna

Celebrities like Halle Berry have popularized the pixie haircut. But many black women find that this particular haircut sometimes requires a bit more care than they realized. Touching up new growth and maintaining curls can be as troublesome with this short 'do as it is for a longer hairstyle. Luckily, the disheveled look is in these days. Check out Rihanna's spiky pixie cut; it's just as chic as a well-trimmed pixie but requires much less fuss. To achieve the look, get the same short haircut that you normally would, but skip the extra primping. Use styling wax or pomade to define the ends and allow the wind to do the rest.

Hairstyle: Fly-Away Waves
Courtesy of: Jill Scott

Nothing says 'carefree' like a head full of wispy waves. R&B singer Jill Scott is famous for her natural hairstyles. One of those -- a short, wavy style -- can be achieved without rollers, excess heat or lots of primping time. If you want this particular style to look its best, you need to start with a fresh haircut. The good thing about this style is that it works on short, medium or long hair. Simply braid or twist hair into individual sections, depending upon how tight you want the curls. Leave hair twisted overnight. Undo the twists in the morning, finger-comb and go.

Hairstyle: The Bowl Pixie
Courtesy of: Fantasia Barrino

Say what you must about this controversial singer. Fantasia Barrino has showcased a litany of easy-to-manage, short hairstyles. The "bowl pixie" is one that both she and pop singer Rihanna have been sporting recently. This style is essentially a graduated pixie cut with a heavy bang. The effect is very Beatles-like, only shorter. To obtain the look, wrap the hair counter-clockwise with a light setting lotion, and then cover with a silk scarf at night. In the morning, brush the hair lightly in the opposite direction. Those familiar with "wrapping" know that the hair will ultimately become "trained" to lie on the head a certain way. This is truly one of the easiest styles to maintain, especially for black women growing out a short haircut.

Hairstyle: Corn-Frohawk
Courtesy of: Jada Pinkett-Smith

There are probably few black women busier than actress Jada Pinkett-Smith. This is perhaps why the corn-frohawk has been her hairstyle of choice as of late. Even little Willow (her daughter) has gotten in on the craze. The style looks intricate, but the results are simple. Cornrow the hair along the sides (if shaving isn't your thing), and simply leave the middle braided section undone. Tease, curl or spike this section of hair for extra flair. Those black women with a funky spirit will find that this 'do is terrific for an active lifestyle.