Natural Hairstyles II
Natural Hairstyles II
As promised everyone, here is the second part in the series of the Natural Hairstyles I am featuring. I am super excited to add new styles to the repertoire. Most of us like variety, but many of us do not know where to start when it comes to bringing the styles to life! Here are a few more styles for you all to choose from. I hope you like them. Happy Healthy Hair Styling!!!
Straw Set
Natural Ladies are very creative about the styles that they come up with. Naturals have become crafty enough to utilize drinking straws in the hair to create tiny spirals. This style may be a bit time consuming at first, as I have not tried it yet, but I plan to after seeing all of these pictures [Check out youtube for detailed tutorials].
Bantu Knot/Knot-Out
The bantu knot-out creates beautiful waves and ripples that frame the face so well. It can be worn in an afro paired with shrinkage or it can be worn stretched out on dry hair.Play around with it – I love this style, hopefully you can appreciate it too! [Video credit: crownofhisglory] Check Out Some of these Video Tutorials on Bantu Knots
The Updo 
There are endless ways one can style an updo. You may start off with freshly washed hair, or hair that may be a few days old in order to refresh your look – either way the updo is the way to go!!! The Updo describes styles that may be created through pinning the hair up in different ways. These are just a few variations of executing the ideal updo!
Natural Hairstyles – Part I
Natural Hairstyles – Part I
Natural black hair is very versatile and may be styled in many ways. I can remember going to the salon when relaxed and loving the swing & feel of my hair, but hating the fact that every other woman in there who was being styled hopped up out of the chair looking just like me! That was scary! They had us hopping up out of our seats after paying $45, just to look like every other woman in the salon. Never again I say!
Remember no two natural heads are alike…there is so much versatility involved when referring to natural hair. You may see a style on one person’s head that you would love to try, yet you may never be able to repeat it exactly on your own head, but that is okay too. That just shows the level of uniqueness and individuality that is involved when it comes to natural hair.
The AFRO
Self Explanatory! The afro is the classic style for a natural. You can achieve it through the wash-n-go method, the blowout method, and many other ways. Once you have it, there is very low manipulation required thereafter. The afro can be the perfect accessory! It feels great to rock it out and to wear it boldly!
The Curly Fro
Very popular in the natural hair community [made even more popular by ItsMsHeatherNicole featured in the video below], the curly fro is a style that is done for an easy, care-free look without compromising the curly-ness or the cuteness!
The Braid-Out
This style may be achieved by doing cornrows or plaits on the hair after washing and partially air-drying it. Let the braids stay in until completely dry. Take the braids out, fluff, and go! [Youtube vid provided by curlychronicles]
This is only part one of a series. These styles are only a few shades of the wide spectrum to show what natural hair is capable of! Stay tuned for the complete series! Until next time, Happy Healthy Hair Styling!!!
My Style of Choice – Bantu Knot Out!
Soooo, I have done my first bantu knot out…and I must say, I love it! For those who do not know what bantu knots are…here’s a visual:
How I Do Mine:
After using Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Magic Soap and co-washing/detangling with Vo5 Strawberries and Cream,
- I drain the drippies from my hair and placed a plastic cap on my head (no need for towel drying, if you must pat dry, use a t-shirt to dry the hair in order to keep down the count of the frizzies).
- Take a section of hair out of cap (maybe about 1in or so, I part with my finger b/c hair is already detangled from co-wash)
- Oil scalp lightly with castor oil (this isn’t necessary, but I do it for the bhp castor oil challenge)
- Apply Aloe Vera Gel to hair generously and seal with EVOO and/or EVCO
- Twist the section of hair (not two strand twists, but one twist) and roll twist around in circles on top of each other into the “knot”
- Tuck the last part under
- Continue on the rest of the hair taking sections out of the cap until the whole head is done.
- Let air dry overnight (or for some hours throughout the day), sit under a hooded dryer, or use a heated bonnet/cap
- Take down and Voila the bantu knot out/my curly fro:
That’s my way of doing it, but hey techniques vary! Check the Tube and other references to find what may work best for you! These are safe for all hair types. Bantu knot outs are ideal for the transitioner and natural heads, but again anyone who chooses may wear them! I just love them!
Ok Dolls, Until Next Time (which will be very soon b/c I have my henna mix sitting overnight now for color release – YAY!) Happy Healthy Hair Growing!!!
Quick and Simple Summer Hairstyles
Quick and Simple Summer Hairstyles
I think the summertime is the worst season for figuring out just what to do with your hair! When the heat and humidity is at its highest, most of “our” hair does not seem to want to cooperate in any way. If you’re anything like me and you live in a primarily humid climate, curls are just totally out of the question when the humidity levels are high. After a roller set, it seems the moment I step outside; my curls have drooped and instantly lost their appeal. Even with a simple wrap, the heat can work against your hair, as sweat causes your wrap to lose body, and appear flat and lifeless. But just because it’s hot and clammy, does not mean that you want to look that way! So I compiled a list of a few convenient, yet fabulous hairstyles for women on the go during those scorching summer months.
The braid out hairstyle is a convenient and simple way to get those locks off of your neck, especially if you have shoulder length or shorter hair. The goal here is to keep your hair off of your shoulders, or to keep it from being plastered to your skin on a hot summer’s day. The two strand twist hairstyle is very similar to this style. Both are accomplished essentially in the same way: Braiding or twisting your hair, allowing it time to set, and taking it down to achieve the wavy or crinkly look. Not only does this style look great, it’s also convenient and simple to achieve. Here are step by step instructions on how to achieve the look: http://www.blackhairplanet.com/blog/category/black-hairstyles/
The bun is a chic and classic way to achieve a polished look without all the fuss. When you are not feeling the ponytail, let’s face it, it’s not always appropriate; you can sport the elegance of the bun. The bun is professional enough to wear to a business meeting, yet chic and stylish enough to be worn out on the town with your mate. I achieve the bun by simply putting my hair into a ponytail and then folding the hair underneath and securing it with bobby pins. Sometimes, if I want to achieve more of a bold elegance, I attach a hair piece. Bangs can be pulled out to add some more appeal, if desired. The bun can be positioned high on the head, or down low at the nape of the neck. You simply can’t lose with the bun.
If you are one who can’t seem to let go of your curly look, why not try the roller set pin up? It’s a soft and elegant upswept do that never stops! With this look, you don’t have to begin with a head full of vibrant curls that will flop upon walking outside. Now, the way that I achieve this look is to actually roll my entire head of hair as if I was going to wear it down. After taking the rollers out, separating my curls, and pulling through with my fingers, I pin up the entire back and sides of my hair. Sometimes I may leave a few curls hanging in the back. This style requires several bobby pins to achieve the look. You have the option of allowing a few curls to hang in the very top of your head, or as many as you like without having to deal with upkeep. At night, I roll the few curls that are hanging to maintain the look. This look is very graceful and sophisticated and can be worn as an incredible evening look!
My list would not be complete without a quick reference to the ponytail. Now I am not referring to your typical plain ponytail. I like to do a pony with a twist! It’s called the ponytail swoop. The way that I accomplish this look begins a lot like a wrap. The crown of the head is rolled to achieve volume. Then I wrap my hair around to achieve a swoop bang (this part is left to hang out). The next step it to take the hair up to create a high ponytail sitting a little above the middle of the head. I secure the cloth band loosely to allow the pony to look poofy, if you will. Then I pull the ponytail apart in two sections to create more volume in the top. Ultimately, the final look results in a fluffy loose look with side swept bangs. This is a light and carefree look that never fails for a picnic or outing, or just a laidback weekend day.
These hairstyles have helped me to endure some really sweltering days, and look amazing all at once! Convenience is essential, especially when you have to contend with lots of heat and humidity.
THE BRAID OUT HAIRSTYLE
THE BRAID OUT HAIRSTYLE
The solution for the busy woman
Does your hectic schedule leave you little time to tame your mane? Are you left grappling with finding a hairstyle to suit this challenge? If the answer is YES, I have just the solution for you. It’s called “the braid out”. The simplicity, practicality and benefits of this style are nothing shy of wondrous. It’s quick, easy, great for your hair and oh so convenient for the busy Mom, wife, career oriented and active woman. There’s even a plus factor as this style offers versatility. It’s best to start with freshly washed hair.
These are the tools you should have on hand: a wide tooth comb, moisturizer, sealer, end papers and rollers. Once you’ve washed and conditioned your hair, part the hair in preparation for braiding. The size of the braids will dictate the end result. For example, larger braids will produce a looser curl and smaller braids will produce a tighter curl. I prefer a looser curl and therefore place about 7 braids total in my head. I put one braid in the top of my head, one on each side and four in the back. You can use the traditional 3 strand technique or French braid each section. Another option is to simply twist the hair using 2 strands of hair. It’s totally up to you. Upon parting each section, gently comb the hair from ends to roots. Apply a small amount of moisturizer followed by a sealer. I usually use Africa’s Best Organics Kids Shea Butter as my moisturizer and coconut oil as my sealer. Proceed to braid that section of hair. Once you’ve completed the braid, place an end paper on a roller and roll the braid up. If you don’t have end papers, tissue works well as an alternate. If you’re using a sponge roller, you will have a tighter curl. If you’re using a plastic roller, you will have a looser curl. Continue braiding the remaining hair until your entire head is done. Place a silk scarf or bonnet over the hair when done. Depending on how long it takes your hair to dry, you may need to leave the braids and rollers in overnight or you can sit under a hood dryer to expedite the drying process. Once the hair is dry, remove the rollers and braids. Gently finger the hair to separate the braids. You may also gently massage the scalp to eliminate any parts in the hair. Style the hair as you normally would wear it.
This style can be worn free or with a lovely headband or scarf. To maintain this look, you would use a dab of moisturizer to the ends, re-braid the hair and roll each braid. I rely on this technique when I am active with my fitness regimen, have chores around the house, no errands to run or little time to do my hair. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this style. The finished look is beautiful and will garner looks of admiration and envy. Are you ready to rock the braid out today?
