33 Mohawk Haircut Ideas for Women: Bold, Modern Styles with Braids, Tapered Cuts and Natural Curls

The mohawk has always been a bold and edgy haircut, but in recent years, it’s evolved beyond the punk rock scene into a versatile hairstyle for all occasions. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern twist on this classic or something more daring with intricate designs, there’s a mohawk for everyone. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best mohawk haircut ideas, perfect for different face shapes, hair types, and personal styles. From for women to men, and from natural styles to those with shaved sides, these ideas will help you find your next daring look.

Classic Mohawk with Shaved Sides

For those who want to stick to the roots of the mohawk but with a cleaner, modern edge, the classic mohawk with shaved sides is an ideal option. The long strip of hair running down the center contrasts dramatically with the closely shaven sides, creating an edgy look that’s still wearable for both casual and formal settings. This hairstyle works particularly well for women with round or oval faces, as the tall mohawk can elongate the face and highlight the jawline. The style can also accentuate darker eye colors like brown, giving a bold, sophisticated vibe. It’s great for events like concerts, fashion shows, or even a night out on the town.

To create this look, start by shaving the sides with clippers, leaving a strip of hair in the middle. Use a strong-hold gel like Redken Hardwear 16 to style the mohawk, combing it upward with a fine-tooth comb. Maintenance requires regular trims for the shaved sides and a styling gel or hairspray to keep the central strip in place. Use a volumizing shampoo to add height to the middle strip.

Curly Mohawk for Black Women

The natural texture of curls adds a playful and voluminous twist to the mohawk. A curly mohawk for black women allows you to keep your natural curls while embracing the boldness of the traditional mohawk style. The contrast between the soft, bouncy curls and shaved sides creates a visually striking hairstyle that exudes confidence. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up with braids or adorned with accessories for a more creative touch. This hairstyle is perfect for women with heart-shaped faces and lighter eye colors like green or hazel, as it brings attention to the upper face and eyes.

Achieving this style requires cutting the sides down while maintaining volume in the center. For curl definition, use a curl cream like SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie. To maintain the shape, refresh your curls with a light mist of water and a leave-in conditioner, such as Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream.

Mohawk with Braided Designs for Black Women

Looking for a mohawk with a little extra flair? Incorporate braids into your mohawk haircut, particularly for black women. Braided patterns along the sides of the head can add intricate detail to the already striking mohawk silhouette. This style pairs well with tapered mohawks, where the top is left voluminous, and the sides are braided in creative designs. Whether you’re attending a wedding or a casual event, this hairstyle can be both polished and avant-garde. For those with long, oval faces, this style adds width, balancing out facial proportions.

Start by sectioning off the sides for braiding and leave the top center portion for the mohawk. Use a lightweight oil like Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil to keep the braids moisturized. Regular touch-ups for the braids will be necessary, and to maintain the top, use a hydrating mousse to retain volume and shine.

Tapered Mohawk for Women

A tapered mohawk offers a more subtle version of this edgy style, perfect for women who want something bold but not too over-the-top. The gradual fade from the top of the head down to the nape of the neck gives a softer appearance while maintaining the distinctive mohawk shape. This is an excellent option for those with heart-shaped or round faces, as the taper creates a slimming effect on the sides of the face. The tapered mohawk can also work beautifully for various events, from casual outings to business-casual settings, making it both versatile and fashionable.

To achieve this look, the stylist will trim the sides to gradually fade into the longer top section. Use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum to maintain the sleekness of the tapered sides. Keep the longer top portion in shape with regular trims and maintain the fade with weekly touch-ups.

Afro Mohawk for Black Women

For black women who want to embrace their natural texture while sporting a mohawk, the afro mohawk is a fantastic choice. This style highlights the beauty of an afro while giving it a modern twist with the shaved sides. It’s a bold and fierce look, perfect for anyone wanting to make a statement. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with square or heart-shaped faces, as it softens the edges and brings focus to the top of the head. It’s a great look for festivals, casual days out, or even creative work environments.

Achieving this style requires shaping the afro into a mohawk by tapering the sides. Use a pick to fluff the afro and keep it looking voluminous. For maintenance, apply a nourishing conditioner like Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk and shape it regularly with a pick to maintain the volume and texture.

Pixie Mohawk for Women

For those seeking something short and chic, the pixie mohawk merges two classic styles into one bold look. This haircut is perfect for women who want a low-maintenance style with a bit of edge. The shorter length at the back contrasts with the longer strands on top, giving a feminine touch to the otherwise bold mohawk. It’s an ideal hairstyle for oval and square face shapes and pairs well with all eye colors, especially blue or grey. Whether you’re going for a casual brunch or a formal event, the pixie mohawk offers a polished yet edgy appeal.

To create this look, ask for a short cut with the sides and back clipped close, leaving the top longer. Use a lightweight pomade like Ouai Matte Pomade to style the top, giving it texture and volume. Maintenance requires trimming every 4-6 weeks, and a lightweight shampoo like Pureology Hydrate is perfect for keeping the hair soft and manageable.

Fade Mohawk with Designs for Black Women

If you want to take your mohawk up a notch, the fade mohawk with designs for black women is an eye-catching choice. The fade starts from a close shave at the temples and gradually increases in length toward the top, where the mohawk sits. The designs etched into the sides create an artistic flair, making it a go-to for anyone looking to make a statement. This style works well for oval or oblong faces as it adds volume to the top, balancing out longer face shapes. Perfect for parties, concerts, or even casual outings, this hairstyle guarantees attention.

To achieve this style, a skilled barber will use clippers to create the fade and design. Use a shine-enhancing spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine to give the fade and top portion a glossy finish. Maintain the fade with weekly trips to the barber for touch-ups and keep the designs sharp.

Modern Mullet Mohawk

The mullet mohawk is a daring fusion of two retro styles. While the mullet focuses on length at the back, the mohawk adds height to the center, creating a dynamic and rebellious look. This modern twist on the mohawk is ideal for women who want to stand out with a hairstyle that combines the best of both worlds. It works well for oblong or rectangular face shapes and highlights blue and green eyes. This hairstyle is perfect for rock concerts, festivals, or any event where bold fashion statements are encouraged.

For this look, the sides are kept short while the top and back are left long. Use a texturizing spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to add texture and hold to the style. Maintenance involves regular trims to keep the mullet from growing too long and shaping the mohawk for volume.

Mohawk with Natural Tapered Curls

For women who want to keep their hair natural while still rocking a mohawk, the natural tapered curl mohawk offers a stylish and low-maintenance option. The curls are kept intact while the sides are tapered down, making this a great choice for women with naturally curly or coily hair. It’s particularly flattering on round or heart-shaped faces as it elongates the appearance of the face. This look is perfect for casual outings, business meetings, or even special events with the right accessories.

To achieve this look, trim the sides down while leaving the curls intact at the top. Use a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream to enhance the natural texture of your hair. Regular conditioning treatments are essential to keep the curls soft and bouncy.

Textured Faux Hawk for Women

For those who aren’t ready to fully commit to shaving the sides, the textured faux hawk is a softer take on the traditional mohawk haircut. With this style, the sides are slicked back or pinned to give the illusion of a mohawk while keeping most of the hair intact. It’s a perfect option for women with natural hair who want to try out a bold style without going too extreme. This faux hawk looks great on oval and round face shapes and is suitable for any occasion, from casual brunch to a night out.

To achieve this look, simply slick the sides of the hair back using a strong-hold gel like Kenra Styling Gel. Use a curling wand to add texture and volume to the top portion of the hair. Maintenance is minimal, requiring regular trims and a volumizing spray to keep the texture alive.

Mohawk with Colorful Braids

Want to spice up your mohawk with a bit of color? The mohawk with colorful braids is a fun, edgy style that’s perfect for women who love to experiment with their look. The combination of braids and bold colors adds a playful twist to the traditional mohawk while still maintaining its edgy appeal. This look works particularly well for heart-shaped and oval faces, adding width and volume where it’s needed. It’s perfect for festivals, parties, or any event where you want to stand out.

To create this style, braid the sides of your hair and leave the center strip long for the mohawk. Use temporary hair dye or colored extensions to add the color. Brands like Manic Panic offer vibrant hues that wash out after a few washes, making it easy to change up the color as often as you’d like. Maintenance involves keeping the braids neat and refreshing the color as needed.

Doodle Mohawk for Women

A fun and whimsical take on the mohawk, the doodle mohawk incorporates playful patterns shaved into the sides of the head. Perfect for women who want to make a statement, this style allows for endless creativity as you can choose from geometric shapes, doodles, or even floral designs. This hairstyle suits round or square face shapes and looks particularly striking on those with lighter eye colors, like blue or green. It’s a great style for art shows, festivals, or simply to showcase your unique personality.

To create the doodle designs, visit a barber skilled in artistic shaving. Use a styling wax like Gatsby Styling Wax to keep the mohawk structured and in place. Maintenance requires regular visits to the barber to keep the shaved designs fresh and the mohawk sharp.

Tapered Mohawk with Gold Highlights

The tapered mohawk with gold highlights is a sophisticated twist on the traditional mohawk. The tapered sides add a modern and sleek look, while the gold highlights add a touch of glamour. This style is particularly flattering on women with darker skin tones and brown or hazel eyes. It works well for both formal events and casual outings, offering a versatile yet chic vibe.

To achieve this look, start with a tapered cut and add gold highlights to the top section of the mohawk. Use a color-safe shampoo like Joico Color Balance to maintain the vibrancy of the highlights. Regular touch-ups are required to keep the highlights looking fresh and the tapered sides clean.

Mohawk with Box Braids

For a protective style with a twist, consider the mohawk with box braids. This hairstyle combines the convenience of box braids with the boldness of a mohawk, creating a unique and low-maintenance look. Perfect for black women with natural hair, this style offers both protection and style, making it an excellent option for those looking to avoid heat styling. It’s particularly flattering for oval or oblong face shapes and pairs beautifully with statement jewelry for a night out.

To create this look, have the sides of your head braided while leaving the center section for the mohawk. Use a lightweight braid spray like African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen to keep the braids moisturized and looking fresh. Maintenance involves re-braiding the sides every few weeks and ensuring the center section remains voluminous and stylish.

Afro Mohawk with Shaved Patterns

For a unique take on the afro mohawk, consider adding shaved patterns to the sides for extra flair. This style is perfect for women with natural hair who want to add a modern edge to their look. The contrast between the voluminous afro and the intricate patterns on the sides creates a bold yet sophisticated hairstyle. It’s ideal for heart-shaped and round faces and looks stunning on women with darker skin tones. This hairstyle works well for both everyday wear and special events.

To achieve this look, shape the afro into a mohawk and visit a barber to create the patterns on the sides. Use a curl cream like Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream to define the curls in the afro. Regular trims and shaping are essential to maintain the mohawk, and the patterns should be touched up every few weeks to keep them sharp.

Mohawk with Tapered Fade

For a more polished and refined mohawk, the mohawk with tapered fade is an excellent choice. The fade starts at the temples and gradually tapers off, giving the mohawk a sleek and modern feel. This look is particularly flattering on women with oval or rectangular face shapes, as the added height elongates the face. It’s a versatile style that can be worn casually or dressed up for formal events, making it a go-to for many.

To create this style, visit a barber who specializes in fades. Use a light pomade like Layrite Superhold Pomade to keep the mohawk styled and in place. Regular maintenance includes trimming the fade every couple of weeks and keeping the top of the mohawk voluminous with a blow dryer.

Mullet-Inspired Mohawk

For a more daring and edgy look, the mullet-inspired mohawk combines the best elements of the two styles. With the back left longer and the top styled into a mohawk, this look is perfect for women who want something different and rebellious. The length at the back contrasts with the shorter sides, creating a dynamic and attention-grabbing hairstyle. This look is ideal for square or oval face shapes and can be worn to concerts, festivals, or any event where you want to stand out.

To create this style, leave the back section of your hair long while cutting the sides short and styling the top into a mohawk. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and hold to the top. Regular trims are necessary to maintain the length at the back while keeping the sides sharp.

Natural Mohawk with Undercut

For women with natural hair who want to try something bold, the natural mohawk with undercut is a great option. The undercut adds an extra edge to the traditional mohawk, while the natural curls keep the look soft and feminine. This style works well for round or heart-shaped faces and is perfect for casual outings or special occasions where you want to make a statement. The contrast between the undercut and natural curls makes this a stand-out hairstyle for black women.

To achieve this look, have the sides shaved or closely cropped while leaving the center section of natural curls intact. Use a curl-enhancing product like Kinky-Curly Curling Custard to define the curls. Regular maintenance includes moisturizing the undercut to avoid dryness and keeping the curls hydrated.

Shaved Sides Mohawk with Dreads

For a bold and distinctive look, the shaved sides mohawk with dreads is a striking option. The combination of shaved sides and long dreads creates a dramatic contrast that’s sure to turn heads. This style is ideal for women with long faces, as the dreads add width and volume to balance out the facial structure. It’s a great look for festivals, concerts, or any event where you want to make a bold fashion statement.

To create this style, shave the sides of your head and leave the center section for the dreads. Use a lightweight dread wax like Knotty Boy Dread Wax to keep the dreads smooth and frizz-free. Regular maintenance involves twisting the dreads and touching up the shaved sides to keep the look clean and sharp.

Conclusion

The mohawk has proven itself to be one of the most versatile and bold hairstyles out there. Whether you’re looking for a simple, modern version or something more detailed with designs and braids, there’s a mohawk style for every woman. We’ve shared some of the most exciting ideas, so we encourage you to try one or share your own favorite styles. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!