• Whether you choose to wear your hair natural, straight, curly, pressed, or relaxed, there is certainly no shortage of diverse hairstyles for African American teenagers. The best part of teenage years is that you can explore and experiment with all of your different options.
  
  

Braids

• Whether you wear your hair natural or relaxed, there is a plethora of braid styles: box braids, cornrows, and even braids with hair extensions. Braids are easy to maintain and normally can be worn for several weeks with little maintenance, and they will give your hair a break from the stress of heat and a chance to grow.
  
  

Relaxed Hair

• For teen girls, relaxed (or "permed") hair will open you up to many styling options. This may be among the most high maintenance options. Try a variety of short styles, from a bob, pixie, or shag cut to name a few. For a voluminous layered look, you add clip-in hair extension for an easy do-it-yourself glamorous look, or get a sewn-in weave.
  
  

Fade

• A fade is a popular style for teen boys. Also known as a taper fade, with this style the hair gradually increases in length from the neck up to the top of the head. It is versatile for all occasions, and will always be fashionable and appropriate.
  
  

Dreadlocks

• Dreadlocks, or just "dreads" for short occur naturally when hair becomes matted (from not combing). This is a look that requires little maintenance for men or women. Hair typically grows a lot faster or longer when styled as dreads. Dreadlocks have a lot of versatility and can be worn in various up dos or even be put in a French braid for women, or tied up in a ponytail for gym class. Dreads have certainly caught on among African American teens outside of the Caribbean, where they are particularly popular.