18 Shaved Sides with Ponytail for Black Women
When it comes to bold and beautiful hairstyles, Black women have always set trends with flair and creativity. Among the most empowering and attention-grabbing styles today is the combination of shaved sides with ponytails. This versatile look blends edgy with elegant, allowing you to express your unique personality while embracing natural textures, braids, curls, or straight styles. Whether you’re seeking a dramatic transformation or a subtle twist to elevate your everyday appearance, shaved sides with a ponytail can redefine your whole vibe.
This iconic style speaks volumes it’s fierce, unapologetic, and full of confidence. From high ponytails with intricate shaved patterns to voluminous curls paired with geometric fades, the possibilities are endless. Not only does it showcase your individuality, but it also keeps your hair manageable and stylish. Ready to find your next signature look? Dive into these 18 gorgeous ideas tailored for Black women who are unafraid to turn heads.
1. High Ponytail with Undercut
The high ponytail with undercut is an edgy yet stylish look that merges boldness with practicality. Perfect for those who want to showcase their natural texture while making a fearless statement, this hairstyle keeps the bulk of the hair pulled high and away from the face while revealing the shaved underlayer beneath.
The ponytail itself sits at the crown of the head, drawing attention to your facial features and elongating the neck for a sleek, confident profile.

2. Curly Ponytail with Intricate Shaving Patterns
If you’re looking for a hairstyle that’s equal parts playful and artistic, the curly ponytail with intricate shaving patterns is the perfect choice. This style celebrates the beauty of 4C curls while incorporating a bold, creative twist through detailed undercut designs.
The ponytail is secured high or mid-level, allowing your natural curls to cascade and create volume.

3. Textured Ponytail with Faded Sides
A textured ponytail brings life and volume, while faded sides enhance the contrast, emphasizing your features. This style is perfect for those who love natural movement in their hair with a bold twist. This bold and fashion forward style combines the elegance of a voluminous ponytail with the edginess of faded sides.
Perfect for those with 4C hair, the high textured ponytail showcases natural curls in all their glory, while the clean fade on the sides adds sharpness and contrast.

4. Braided Ponytail with Decorative Cornrows
This hairstyle blends structure with creativity by combining a sleek braided ponytail with beautifully designed cornrows. The cornrows can be styled straight back, side-swept, or in intricate patterns, adding a unique touch to the overall look.
The ponytail itself—whether left long and flowing, wrapped into a fishtail, or kept in a single chunky braid—offers versatility for both casual and formal occasions.

5. Geometric Shaved Designs with Dual Braids
Dual braids flowing into a ponytail paired with geometric shaved designs create a structured and stylish look. Ideal for fashion-forward individuals, this style draws attention to every angle of your head.

6. Sleek Top Knot with Shaved Sides
Perfect for any occasion, this style features a clean top knot that sits at the crown while the shaved sides offer a low-maintenance but high-impact look. Sleek and timeless, it’s a favorite for its versatility.

7. Voluminous Curly Top with Shaved Sides
Let your curls run wild at the top while keeping the sides sleek and clean. This high-volume look brings balance between softness and strength, suitable for bold personalities.

8. High Ponytail with Sharp Undercut
Pair a sharply angled undercut with a high ponytail for a fashion-forward silhouette. The angles create a sculpted look that accentuates cheekbones and jawlines, giving your overall look a designer edge.

9. Asymmetrical Curly Puff with Fade
With one side faded lower than the other, this asymmetrical look features a fluffy curly puff that provides volume and a soft contrast to the edgy shave.

10. Textured Mohawk Ponytail with Shaved Patterns
Combine the rebellious charm of a mohawk with the elegance of a ponytail. Add intricate shaved side patterns to up the style game and add artistry to your look.

11. Braided High Ponytail with Shaved Sides
This design utilizes sleek cornrows or box braids flowing into a high ponytail, complemented by cleanly shaved sides. It’s protective, stylish, and dramatic all at once.

12. Top Knot with Precision Shaved Lines
Precision is the key here sharp, clean lines shaved into the sides elevate the sophistication of a high top knot. Add a wrap or scarf for a bohemian flair.

13. Bubble Ponytail with Geometric Undercut
This playful twist involves creating segments down your ponytail for a “bubble” effect, paired with an eye-catching geometric undercut for that extra wow factor.

14. Low Braided Ponytail with Sleek Shaved Sides
Elegant and refined, this style brings the braid low while keeping the sides polished and close-cut. Perfect for weddings or upscale events.

15. High Ponytail with Shaved Patterns
Add a twist to the classic high ponytail by incorporating razor-sharp patterns into the sides. It’s an artful expression of creativity, making your hair the canvas.

16. Sleek Ponytail with Undercut
A minimalist dream, this look features a smooth, mid-to-low ponytail paired with a basic undercut. Less is more, and it’s all about that clean contrast.

17. Textured High Bun with Shaved Sides
Take your textured curls and stack them into a high bun while letting your shaved sides shine. This blend of softness and edge is eye-catching and professional.

18. High Ponytail with Voluminous Top
Amp up the volume by teasing your ponytail for height and fullness. Keep the sides shaved to maintain that crisp, modern edge.

Styling 4C hair at an awkward length doesn’t have to feel limiting it’s actually the perfect stage to explore playful, versatile, and creative looks. From intricate braids and twists to bold updos, fishtail half-up styles, and even shaved patterns paired with voluminous curls, each hairstyle celebrates the beauty and versatility of natural hair while offering fresh ways to express personality.
These styles aren’t just about looking chic; they’re about embracing your journey and showcasing the confidence that comes with it. Whether you’re preparing for a formal event, heading to work, or simply experimenting with new ideas, there’s a hairstyle here to fit every mood and occasion.