15 Shaved Mohawk Looks for Black Women

The shaved mohawk has evolved from a punk rock statement to a versatile, sophisticated style that celebrates both edge and elegance.

For Black women, this cut offers endless possibilities to showcase natural texture, experiment with color, and express individuality while maintaining professional polish when needed.

1. Classic Center Strip Mohawk

The traditional mohawk features a central strip of hair running from the forehead to the nape, with closely shaved sides. This timeless version works best with hair that has natural volume and texture.

Styling Tips: Use a texturizing cream on damp hair, then blow-dry with a diffuser. Finish with a light-hold gel to define the strip without stiffness.

Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces. Works with all hair types, but is particularly striking on coarse or naturally curly hair.

2. Faux Hawk with Tapered Sides

A softer interpretation that maintains longer hair on top styled upward, with gradually tapered sides rather than a complete shave. This offers a Mohawk attitude with workplace versatility.

Styling Tips: Apply mousse to damp hair, then use a round brush while blow-drying to create lift. Sweep hair toward the center and secure with pomade.

Best for: All face shapes, especially round faces, as the height adds length. Ideal for fine to medium-density hair.

3. Braided Mohawk Crown

This style features a mohawk strip of intricately braided hair, often incorporating cornrows, Dutch braids, or fishtail patterns. The contrast between braided texture and shaved sides creates stunning visual interest.

Styling Tips: Start with freshly washed, conditioned hair. Braid on slightly damp hair with a leave-in conditioner. Seal edges with edge control gel.

Best for: Square and round faces benefit from the vertical lines. Works exceptionally well with thick, coarse hair that holds braids securely.

4. Curly Top Fade Mohawk

Natural curls are preserved on top while sides fade from longer to shorter, creating a mohawk silhouette. This celebrates natural texture while maintaining a polished appearance.

Styling Tips: Use a curl-defining cream on wet hair, scrunch gently, and air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Never brush curls when dry.

Best for: Oval, heart, and diamond face shapes. Perfect for naturally curly or coily hair types (3A-4C).

5. Asymmetrical Side Mohawk

The mohawk strip is positioned off-center, creating an asymmetrical look that’s both modern and unexpected. One side is shaved shorter than the other for added drama.

Styling Tips: Part hair deeply to one side. Use a strong-hold gel to slick the longer side over, and style the mohawk strip with texturizing paste.

Best for: Long and oval faces. Works well with straight to wavy hair that can be easily manipulated into sleek styles.

6. Colorful Punk Mohawk

This bold version incorporates vibrant colors like electric blue, hot pink, or rainbow hues. The dramatic color contrast against shaved sides makes a powerful statement.

Styling Tips: Use color-safe products and deep condition regularly. Style with alcohol-free gel to prevent color fading. Consider temporary colors for less commitment.

Best for: All face shapes, particularly effective on those with strong jawlines. Best on hair that’s been pre-lightened to hold vibrant colors.

7. Textured Twist-Out Mohawk

Natural hair is twisted when damp, then unraveled when dry to create defined, springy texture along the mohawk strip. This style celebrates natural hair patterns.

Styling Tips: Apply leave-in conditioner and twisting cream to damp hair, twist small sections, air-dry overnight, then carefully separate twists.

Best for: Round and square faces benefit from the added height. Ideal for natural hair types 3B-4C with good elasticity.

8. Sleek and Straight Mohawk

Hair is chemically relaxed or heat-straightened to create a sleek, straight mohawk strip. This offers a sophisticated, high-fashion interpretation of the style.

Styling Tips: Use heat protectant before straightening. Apply serum for shine and use a flat iron for pin-straight results. Wrap hair at night to maintain sleekness.

Best for: Angular faces like square and diamond shapes. Works on all hair types but requires regular maintenance for chemically treated hair.

9. Mini Mohawk with Design

A shorter version featuring intricate shaved designs or patterns in the sides. The mohawk strip is typically 2-3 inches wide, making it less dramatic but still striking.

Styling Tips: Keep designs fresh with regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks. Use a light pomade to add shine to both the mohawk and shaved designs.

Best for: All face shapes, particularly good for those wanting to try the mohawk trend gradually. Suitable for all hair types and lengths.

10. Voluminous Afro Mohawk

Natural hair is shaped into a mohawk while maintaining maximum volume and the afro’s rounded shape. This celebrates natural texture in its fullest form.

Styling Tips: Use a wide-tooth comb and natural oils to shape the afro. Avoid over-manipulation and let natural texture shine. Pick out hair for maximum volume.

Best for: Long and oval faces that can handle the width. Perfect for natural hair types 4A-4C with high density.

11. Finger Wave Mohawk

Vintage finger waves are created along the mohawk strip, offering a retro-glam interpretation. This style bridges classic elegance with modern edge.

Styling Tips: Work with damp hair using strong-hold gel. Use your fingers and a fine-tooth comb to create S-shaped waves. Set with clips until dry.

Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces. Works best on relaxed or naturally straighter hair that can hold defined wave patterns.

12. Loc’d Mohawk

Existing dreadlocks are styled into a mohawk formation, with some locs potentially cut shorter on the sides or styled upward along the center strip.

Styling Tips: Use loc gel to encourage locs to stand upward. Regular maintenance appointments are crucial. Palm-rolling keeps locs neat and defined.

Best for: All face shapes, with length adjustment based on individual features. Requires established locs (at least 6 months old).

13. Buzz Cut Mohawk

An ultra-short version where the mohawk strip is only slightly longer than the shaved sides, creating subtle definition. This low-maintenance option is perfect for active lifestyles.

Styling Tips: Use a light oil or balm to add shine and softness. Regular trims every 2-3 weeks maintain the shape. Minimal styling required.

Best for: Strong, defined facial features and oval to square face shapes. Suitable for all hair types and particularly good for those with scalp sensitivity.

14. Braided Side Mohawk

Hair on one side is braided close to the scalp (like cornrows), while the other side is shaved, creating an asymmetrical mohawk effect with intricate detail work.

Styling Tips: Start with clean, conditioned hair. Braid tightly enough to last but not so tight as to cause tension. Use edge control for neat partings.

Best for: Angular faces like diamond and square shapes. Ideal for medium to thick hair that braids well and holds patterns.

15. Graduated Length Mohawk

The mohawk strip varies in length from shorter at the nape to longer at the crown, creating a graduated effect that adds movement and dimension.

Styling Tips: Use different products for different sections – lighter hold at the crown, stronger hold at the nape. Layer products for varying textures.

Best for: Most face shapes, particularly effective for round faces as it adds vertical interest. Works with straight to wavy hair textures.

Rocking Your Mohawk with Confidence

The key to pulling off any mohawk variation lies not just in the cut itself, but in how you wear it. Consider your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and comfort level with bold choices. Start with subtle versions like a faux hawk if you’re unsure, then progress to more dramatic cuts as you gain confidence.

Remember that mohawks require regular maintenance – plan for touch-ups every 2-4 weeks, depending on your hair growth rate and chosen style. Invest in quality styling products that work with your specific hair type and texture. Most importantly, choose a skilled barber or stylist who understands both the technical aspects of the cut and how it will work with your natural hair characteristics.

Whether you opt for a professional-friendly faux hawk or a bold punk-inspired creation, the shaved mohawk offers Black women a powerful way to express creativity while celebrating the versatility and beauty of natural hair textures.