25 Bold Shaved Sides with Ponytail Hairstyles

Shaved sides paired with a ponytail offer Black women the perfect combination of edgy style and practical versatility.

This striking look balances boldness with femininity while showcasing your natural texture in creative ways.

The contrast between closely cropped sides and length on top creates a dynamic silhouette that frames your face beautifully.

Plus, the shaved portions significantly reduce styling time and maintenance.

Ready to make a statement with your hair? Explore these 25 shaved sides with ponytail styles that celebrate your confidence and unique aesthetic.

1: Classic High Ponytail with Clean Fade

The classic high ponytail with clean fade creates a striking silhouette with maximum impact.

The precisely tapered sides graduate smoothly from skin to your longer top section, creating a seamless transition.

This versatile style works with both natural and straightened textures.

The high placement of the ponytail elongates your neck and face for an elegant yet edgy profile.

2: Braided Mohawk Ponytail

The braided mohawk ponytail features closely shaved sides with a center strip of hair braided back into a ponytail.

This architectural style creates a dramatic silhouette with a beautiful texture contrast.

The clean sides highlight the intricate braiding down the center.

This bold look allows you to showcase your braiding pattern of choice while maintaining the edge of the undercut.

3: Curly Top Knot with Geometric Design

This eye-catching style combines closely shaved sides featuring a geometric design with your natural curls gathered into a high top knot.

The precision of the shaved pattern contrasts beautifully with your curly texture.

The top knot showcases your curl pattern while keeping your hair off your neck.

Ask your barber to create a personalized design that reflects your style and personality.

4: Long Box Braids with Faded Sides

Long box braids combined with cleanly faded sides create a stunning contrast between length and closely cropped sections.

The weight of the braids creates a beautiful silhouette when pulled into a ponytail.

This protective style offers versatility and longevity.

The shaved sides keep you cool while the braided ponytail can be styled in numerous ways for different occasions.

5: Tapered Natural Puff with Shaved Nape

This style features closely cropped sides and nape with natural texture on top pulled into a puff.

The clean lines around your hairline create a polished frame for your face.

The puff showcases your curl pattern while the shaved sections add edge.

This low-maintenance option offers the perfect balance of softness and structure.

6: Side-Swept Ponytail with Lightning Design

Create drama with a side-swept ponytail paired with a lightning bolt or other striking design shaved into one or both sides.

This asymmetrical style adds personality and edge to your look.

The side positioning of the ponytail creates an interesting visual balance.

This conversation-starting style lets you express your creativity through both placement and pattern.

7: Fulani Braids with Undercut

Combine traditional Fulani braids with a modern undercut for a style that honors heritage while adding a contemporary edge.

The geometric precision of the undercut contrasts beautifully with the flowing braids gathered into a ponytail.

The beads and accessories traditionally used with Fulani braids add movement and sound.

This cultural fusion creates a meaningful style statement with versatile wearing options.

8: Mohawk Ponytail with Colored Sides

Add vibrant color to your shaved sides while keeping your natural texture on top pulled into a mohawk-inspired ponytail.

The color creates another dimension of contrast in this already dynamic style.

Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and personal style.

The colored sides create a striking frame for your face while the height of the ponytail adds drama.

9: Sleek Low Ponytail with Shaved Art

This sophisticated style features a sleek, low ponytail with artistic patterns shaved into the sides and nape.

The clean, polished ponytail creates a beautiful contrast with the intricate shaved designs.

The low placement offers versatility for professional settings.

This style works beautifully for both special occasions and everyday wear, offering edge without overwhelming your look.

10: Double Puff Balls with Shaved Temples

This playful style features shaved temples and sides with your natural texture divided into two puff balls.

The dual puffs create a fun, youthful silhouette while the shaved sections add edge.

The symmetrical puffs create balance and frame your face.

This style works beautifully for both casual settings and making a fashion statement at special events.

11: Twisted Updo with Intricate Undercut

Combine various twists gathered into an updo with an intricate pattern shaved into your undercut.

The detailed shaved design adds unexpected visual interest when your hair is lifted.

The sculptural quality of the twists complements the precision of the undercut.

This elegant yet edgy combination works beautifully for formal events where you want to stand out.

12: Half-Shaved Goddess Braids

This bold asymmetrical style features goddess braids on one side with the opposite side completely shaved.

When pulled into a side ponytail, this creates a stunning, unexpected silhouette.

The dramatic contrast creates an unforgettable profile.

This style allows you to showcase both your braiding preference and your confidence in a single look.

13: Tapered Cut with Top Ponytail

The tapered cut with top ponytail features closely cropped sides that gradually lengthen toward the crown, where longer hair is gathered into a small, high ponytail.

This creates a smooth gradient effect with maximum versatility.

The graduated tapering creates a polished, professional silhouette.

This style works beautifully for various settings, from conservative workplaces to creative environments.

14: Faux Hawk Ponytail with Shaved Sides

Create a mohawk effect without committing to the center strip by keeping your hair longer on top and pulling it into a center ponytail.

The closely shaved sides create the illusion of a mohawk with more versatility.

This adaptable style can be worn sleek or textured. The center placement creates a strong silhouette that showcases your facial features beautifully.

15: Bantu Knots with Undercut

Combine multiple Bantu knots on top with a clean undercut around the sides and back.

This protective style showcases your natural texture while the shaved portions add a contemporary edge.

The architectural quality of the Bantu knots creates beautiful dimension.

The contrast between the geometric knots and clean undercut creates a striking silhouette from every angle.

16: Feed-In Braids with Faded Sides

Feed-in braids starting from a closely faded undercut create a seamless transition from shaved sections to intricate braiding.

The braids can be gathered into a high or low ponytail for versatility.

The clean undercut highlights the precision of the braids.

This low-maintenance protective style offers longevity while keeping you cool and comfortable.

17: Sculptural High Puff with Designs

Create a statement with your natural texture gathered into a high puff with artistic designs shaved into the sides.

The height of the puff creates a striking silhouette that showcases your curl pattern.

The shaved designs add personality and edge to this classic style.

This versatile look can be dressed up or down depending on your outfit and accessories.

18: Two-Toned Undercut Ponytail

Add dimension with a two-toned color approach—keep your longer top section in one shade for your ponytail and color the shaved sides in a contrasting or complementary hue.

This creates stunning visual interest from every angle.

The dual colors highlight the architectural elements of this cut. Choose colors that reflect your personality while complementing your skin tone.

19: Locs Ponytail with Shaved Temple

This striking style features mature or starter locs gathered into a ponytail with one or both temples shaved for contrast.

The textural difference between the smooth shaved sections and the locs creates beautiful dimension.

The shaved portions keep you cool while showcasing your locs. This low-maintenance style offers versatility while honoring your loc journey.

20: Asymmetrical Side Ponytail

Create dramatic asymmetry with a deep side part, one side completely shaved, and the remaining hair pulled into a low side ponytail.

This architectural style creates a fascinating profile that changes as you move.

The unexpected balance challenges traditional symmetry.

This bold look makes a confident statement about your willingness to embrace distinctive style choices.

21: Bubble Ponytail with Shaved Nape

Add a playful dimension to your ponytail by creating “bubbles” with hair ties placed at regular intervals, paired with a cleanly shaved nape and sides.

This creates interesting texture and movement.

The bubbles add a youthful, fashion-forward element to the edgy shaved portions.

This style works beautifully for special occasions when you want a conversation-starting look.

22: Fulani-Inspired Half-Up Style

Combine elements of traditional Fulani braiding with modern shaved sides, leaving some braids loose and pulling others into a half-up ponytail.

This creates a beautiful dimension with cultural significance.

The contrast between the shaved portions and intricate braids creates visual interest.

This protective style offers versatility and meaningful connections to African braiding traditions.

23: Twisted Mohawk Ponytail

Create a mohawk effect with two-strand twists along the center of your head, pulled back into a ponytail with closely shaved sides.

This protective style offers longevity with bold visual impact.

The height of the twisted section creates a striking silhouette. This style protects your natural hair while making a confident fashion statement.

24: Curly Faux Hawk with Taper Fade

Showcase your natural curls in a center strip styled into a faux hawk ponytail, complemented by a smooth taper fade on the sides.

This creates a beautiful texture contrast while highlighting your curl pattern.

The graduated fade keeps the style looking fresh longer.

This versatile look works for both special occasions and everyday wear, depending on how you style the curly top.

25: Half-Up Box Braids with Designs

Combine traditional box braids with modern undercut designs by gathering the top portion of your braids into a half-up ponytail that showcases the shaved designs underneath and at the sides.

This clever style reveals the artistry only when you choose to show it.

The weight and movement of the braids create a beautiful contrast with the precise shaved patterns.

Conclusion

Shaved sides with ponytail styles offer Black women endless creative possibilities that combine edge with elegance.

These 25 variations prove that you can embrace boldness while celebrating your natural texture in sophisticated, head-turning ways.