When it comes to setting trends, South African townships have always been the heartbeat of street style—and right now, township hairstyles are hotter than ever. From schoolgirls to gqom queens to soccer stars, the kasi is bringing the fire with creative, bold, and iconic hairstyles that speak volumes about personality, pride, and hustle.
Whether you are looking for your next protective style or just want to vibe with what’s hot in the streets, here’s a full breakdown of the top 10 township hairstyles that are slaying right now across Mzansi.
Why Township Hairstyles Are More Than Just Fashion
In South Africa, hair has always been more than just a look. It’s about identity, creativity, culture, and self-expression. According to a 2024 report by Afrobarometer, young South Africans increasingly use fashion, including hairstyles, to assert individuality and embrace African heritage. In townships especially, a hairstyle isn’t just about following trends—it’s about setting them.
1. Straight-Up Braids (No Line Braids)
The timeless straight-up braids, often called no line braids, are still reigning supreme. They’re neat, long-lasting, and perfect for both students and working professionals. Whether it’s a classic black or jazzed up with burgundy extensions, straight-up is pure kasi gold. Bold keyword: popular protective hairstyles South Africa
2. Box Braids With Beads
Box braids never go out of style, but adding colourful beads or wooden accessories at the tips is the latest kasi upgrade. It’s a playful, youthful vibe that’s dominating both high school yards and taxi ranks.
3. Short Natural Curls – The Kasi Fro
Natural is beautiful, and the kasi fro is making serious waves. Keeping it short, moisturised, and popping with curls is the go-to style for busy queens who want a low-maintenance but powerful look. Bold keyword: trending natural hairstyles South Africa
4. Feed-In Cornrows With Patterns
Feed-in cornrows with intricate patterns are pure art. Whether it’s zigzags, hearts, or geometric shapes, township hairstylists are turning heads with creative designs. It’s neat, lightweight, and perfect for summer.
5. Faux Locs With Colour
Faux locs in bold colours like honey blonde, red, and even blue are fire in the kasi right now. They offer the cool look of real locs without the commitment, perfect for free spirits and creative souls. Bold keyword: faux loc hairstyles South Africa
6. High Puff With Edge Styling
The high puff remains the ultimate crown for naturalistas. Slicked-up Afro puffs paired with beautifully styled baby hairs and swooped edges have become a Saturday morning salon standard in every township.
7. Straight Back Cornrows (Six Lines or Eight Lines)
Straight back cornrows are not just for school kids anymore. With neat styling, scalp care, and maybe a little colour splash at the ends, this clean look has become the go-to kasi street style for both ladies and gents. Bold keyword: stylish cornrow hairstyles South Africa
8. Afro Taper Fade – For the Kings
Mzansi gents are stepping up with Afro taper fades that blend natural curls with clean, sharp fades on the sides. It’s the modern kasi look that’s fresh but still respectful enough for Sunday lunch with the family.
9. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids offer a quick and affordable alternative to long installation times. From curly styles to straight textures, crochet is blowing up across salons in the kasi because it’s flexible, fast, and fabulous.
10. The Bob Braids
The bob braid style, where braids are shoulder-length or shorter, is trending hard. It’s elegant, easy to maintain, and perfect for kasi queens on the move. Whether blunt cut or curled at the ends, the bob braid is pure fire.
The Kasi Is Where Hair Dreams Are Born
In Mzansi, if you want to know what’s hot before it hits Instagram trends, just look at township streets. The township hairstyles burning up the scene right now aren’t just looks—they’re full-on fashion statements, self-love movements, and art forms.
Whether you choose straight-ups, faux locs, natural curls, or a sleek bob, know that every style you rock carries the spirit of innovation, resilience, and kasi pride.
Ready for your next hairstyle glow-up? Support your local hairstylists, experiment with these fire looks, and wear your crown with confidence.