Top Natural Hair Trends of 2014: Beautiful Styles That Still Inspire Us Today!

By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Originally published January 17, 2014 | Refreshed October 2026

Hello, My Beautiful Curl Friends!

Ladies, have you ever looked back at an old hairstyle and thought, "Oh, I would definitely wear that again!"?

Well, that's exactly how I felt revisiting this article from January 2014.

Back then, natural hair was making a wonderful statement. From beautifully sculpted updos to colorful curls, sleek side-swept styles, and creative accessories, women were celebrating their hair in exciting ways.

And here's something I've learned over the years: A beautiful hairstyle doesn't necessarily go out of fashion. Sometimes it simply gets a new name, a modern twist, or a fresh accessory!

So today, we're opening the Crowning Glory archives and revisiting some of the styles that caught our attention in 2014. We'll also explore how to recreate them while caring for our gorgeous curls and coils.

1. The Sleek and Sophisticated Side Sweep

Oh, ladies, there is something timeless about a beautifully styled side sweep!

In 2014, sleek, polished hairstyles were especially popular. Whether paired with an elegant dress, business attire, or a casual outfit, these styles made a statement.

The wonderful thing about natural hair is that we don't always need to straighten it to achieve a sophisticated appearance.

For textured hair, consider gently stretching your curls with twists, braids, or banding. A little moisturizing styling cream can help smooth flyaways, while carefully placed hairpins can secure the finished look.

My tip: Don't feel pressured to use excessive heat to achieve a sleek style. Embrace the beautiful texture you already have.

2. Bold Colors and Beautiful Curls

Now, ladies, remember when colorful ombré hairstyles were everywhere?

Blondes, burgundies, reds, blues, and even vibrant greens made appearances in natural hair communities.

Color gave women another opportunity to express their individuality.

Fast-forward to today, and creative hair coloring remains popular. However, one thing hasn't changed: chemically colored natural hair deserves extra care.

Before coloring your curls, consider the condition of your strands, your maintenance routine, and whether you want a temporary or permanent change.

Temporary color products, wigs, and extensions can be alternatives for women who enjoy experimenting without permanently changing their natural hair.

Remember: Beautiful color is exciting, but maintaining your hair's condition should always be part of the plan.

For more helpful moisture tips, read 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized.

3. Protective Styling With a Touch of Elegance

Twisted crowns, braided updos, tucked buns, and beautiful side twists were among the styles that made 2014 memorable.

And can I tell you something?

I still love a gorgeous updo!

These styles can offer a practical way to tuck away your ends and reduce daily manipulation.

However, not every updo is automatically protective. Hairstyles that pull tightly on the scalp or edges can create unnecessary tension.

Try comfortable, loose styling techniques, avoid excessive pulling, and give your hairline a little extra attention.

A beautifully arranged twist or bun can take you from a regular afternoon to an elegant evening without requiring a completely new hairstyle.

Now that's versatility!

4. The Top Knot and the Beautiful Bun

The top knot was another favorite in 2014.

And why wouldn't it be?

It's simple, elegant, and can be dressed up or down.

Whether you prefer a high bun, a loose curly puff, or a softly tucked style, the possibilities are endless.

For natural hair, a gentle bun can work especially well on stretched strands, but avoid pulling tightly or repeatedly placing tension on the same areas.

Add a decorative pin, beautiful scarf, or a stylish headband, and suddenly your everyday look becomes something special.

5. Hair Accessories: Bows, Headbands, and Beautiful Finishing Touches

Ladies, sometimes it's the smallest accessory that makes the biggest statement!

A satin bow, jeweled headband, floral clip, or sparkling barrette can completely change the appearance of a hairstyle.

Accessories were popular in 2014, and they continue to give us wonderful styling possibilities today.

For women with 3C, 4A, and other tightly textured curls and coils, choose accessories that don't snag or pull on delicate strands.

Look for smooth finishes and comfortable bands, and remove decorative pieces carefully at the end of the day.

My favorite styling lesson? You don't always need a new hairstyle. Sometimes you just need a different finishing touch!

6. Your Texture Is Part of the Beauty

One of the most meaningful changes I've witnessed throughout the natural hair journey is how much more we talk about accepting our individual textures.

Our natural hair doesn't have to imitate someone else's curl pattern to be beautiful.

Some curls are loose and springy. Others are tightly coiled, fluffy, fine, dense, or somewhere in between.

And many of us have more than one curl pattern growing from the same head!

If you're interested in understanding your curls, visit What Does 3C and 4A Natural Hair Really Look Like?.

Understanding your hair helps you choose styling techniques that work with your texture rather than constantly fighting against it.

7. The Secret Behind Beautiful Styles Is a Good Routine

As much as I enjoy a fashionable hairstyle, I have learned that beautiful styling begins with understanding what my hair needs.

A gorgeous wash-and-go, braid-out, or updo can be more enjoyable when our strands are properly conditioned and manageable.

That means developing a routine that includes cleansing, conditioning, gentle detangling, moisturizing as needed, and protecting our hair while sleeping.

And ladies, let's not forget about product buildup!

Sometimes we think our hair needs another cream, another oil, or another styling product when what it really needs is a good cleansing.

The goal isn't to own every product on the beauty supply store shelf.

The goal is to discover what works for your curls and coils!

For a little styling inspiration, visit The Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go: Beautiful Curl Definition Without All the Frizz!.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Revisiting these hairstyles reminds me how much the natural hair community has evolved.

We have watched trends come and go, products change, techniques improve, and conversations about natural hair become more inclusive.

But some things remain beautifully constant.

Our hair is versatile.

Our hairstyles tell stories.

And our choices deserve to be celebrated.

Whether you enjoy a dramatic updo, a softly defined wash-and-go, a colorful twist-out, or a simple puff, wear your crown with confidence.

The beauty of natural hair isn't found in following every trend. It's found in having the freedom to express who you are.

Let's Talk, Ladies!

Which hairstyles from 2014 would you still wear today?

Are you a lover of sleek buns, bold colors, creative updos, or beautiful hair accessories?

And here's another question: Have you ever looked at an old photograph of yourself and decided to bring back that hairstyle?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Until next time,

Happy Curls to You!

Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Celebrating Every Coil. Every Kink. Every Crown.

© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.