Natural Hairstyles – Workplace Appropriate

You all know how I am always bragging about the versatility of Natural Hairstyles and how we are able to switch up styles like we can pantyhose; well there’s no exception when it comes to styles for the workplace.  Many are apprehensive about natural hair, thinking that it isn’t acceptable in the workplace.  For those who don’t have to worry about the criticism on the job for their natural hair and are allowed to express themselves freely with all types of styles – to you I say right on sis!

However, when most who are not natural (and even some who are) think of natural hair they automatically believe the myth that afro-textured hair may only exist in the form of an afro.  It is said to be unmanageable, or the excuse often is “I won’t be able to do anything with it”.  Another popular one is, “I don’t want dreads”.  Well that is what I’m here for ladies – to give you options, options, options!  I’ll broaden the spectrum for those who find it difficult to imagine natural hair beyond the myths that have been programmed into us over years and years.

High Bun/High Pony

Shingled Curls/Coils

Braided Bun

Roller Set

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The Stretched Bantu Knot Out

I do bantu knot outs all the time.  I absolutely love them!  Sometimes I get bored with the cute little shrunken look that I get from my bantu knot out fro, so I opt for a much larger, stretched bantu knot out.  It is still pretty basic and simple.

A picture from my air dried bantu knot out a few months ago can be found here.  This was done on wet/damp hair.  The tutorial is in my previous post.  It’s a more tamed tightly curled look.

I choose to go with a bigger, fuller thicker look when I do the blowout bantu knot out.  I get better at it each time I do it!

The Process:

1. Prepoo, Wash/Co-Wash, and/or DC as usual.
2. Braid detangled hair into about 8 sections (more or less depending on how thick & coarse the hair is.
3. Let the hair air dry (make sure it is at least 85% dry before blow drying)
4. Apply a heat protectant, take down each section and blow dry lightly combing through from end to root.  Do not straighten the hair with the blow dryer.  Remember we want to keep the afro texture, just stretched out a bit.
5. Apply a small amount of a leave in (optional).
6. Part the hair with your fingers and Apply a very small amount of product for hold.  I use Aloe Vera Gel mixed in with my shea moisture concoction.
7. Begin to twist the hair and do the knots as usual.
8. Allow the hair to fully set and dry.
9. Take down, fluff and style!

After this, I was totally ready for a fun night out with my big bantu knot out as my best accessory!  My BFF featured in the photo has a Curlformers Set…more on that in the future.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Happy Healthy Hair Styling!

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Natural Black Hairstyles of 2010

The hottest natural hairstyles of 2010 will definitely be statement makers.  One could envision big, bold, and fierce natural hair as the “it” thing.  Or one could picture the beautiful, curly, flirty, and fresh styles to be donned by the most stylish of the naturals.

Curlformers Sets

Curly Afro-Textured Hair will definitely be a big hit, especially with the innovations that many women are discovering with new products and tools to achieve more and more ideal styles.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qp9lnwjQKw[/youtube]

Massive Afro

Of the most popularized natural styles, the fro does not disappoint!  I know I’ll be wearing a statement fro next season! Huge Curly Fro/Wigs count as well! (Mrs. Ross photo Copyright 1994 Jet magazine)

Wild & Big Textured Hair

TWA

The tiny TWAs will be in effect in the New Year. As more and more women are deciding to do the Big Chop, there is an increasing number of teeny weeny afros that are as beautiful as the big fros!

The FroHawk

Here is one that will definitely be an edgy look that will remain popular among the naturals.  Tutorial provided by MissKrisNew. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGkTmYR2kUw[/youtube]

Bantu Knot Out

These will be done to create the effects of soft waves and beautiful curls.  Look at one of my many posts on them to get more styling tips.

Straw Sets
Straw sets are a good way to give the hair beautiful tight curls with the use of a simple, easy household product – the drinking straw.  See youtube for more style tips.

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Vintage hair is beautiful, timeless, Vintage inspired styles will rule the runways and the streets.  The fashionistas have already previewed the inspirations that the afro has had on today’s popular culture and the fashion industry (think Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Spring 2010 Collection).  It seems like all of the ‘fros were “on point” back in the day – moisturized, soft, and even.  Sit back and Enjoy the beautiful hair of yesteryear! [All images used for educational/informational purposes only]

Tamara Dobson

Pam Grier

Brenda Sykes

Marsha Hunt

Angela Davis

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Popular Hair Styles of the Stars

A great hairstyle can showcase your fashion sense just as much as a stylish outfit! Just as clothes, jewelry, and accessories can make or break an outfit so can a hair style. Have you ever had an outfit to die for and your hair wasn’t all that? I’m sure that you felt a little off the entire day?

Society looks to celebrities and try to match their hairstyles. You can find many hair dressers that will give you any style you want, but a good hair stylist will only style your hair in a way that best suits your hair type and facial structure.

When choosing the best hairstyle for you, you must maturely look past the popularity of the style. This can save you the trouble of living with a hairstyle that you aren’t pleased with. Hair styles are unique, in that they can create a totally different look for your body and your face. With the right cut, you will look like you belong on the red carpet yourself, but with the wrong cut and you may look like an ostrich with your head stuck in the ground.

Punk or emo hairstyles have become quite popular. Rihanna has brought back the punk styles of the eighties, and she wears them well. But if you are considering a style similar to hers, you may want to think more on a more practical level first.

There are different hairstyles for short, medium and long length hair. Layered hairstyles have come back into popularity. The hair dresser styles the hair in a manner that will frame your hair around your face in a layering manner. All hair lengths can handle a layer or two, these layers will remove some of the weight from the hair and create a moving look. Layers also tend to give a softer appeal.

Hairstyles of the stars can become all the rage and boom in popularity. One of the most sought after hairstyles is that of Jennifer Aniston. Her hair style became popular with her role on the hit TV series Friends. Her character Rachel sported a medium length hair style that framed her face in a layered look. This hair style became known as the Rachel cut. Since then medium hair styles have become very popular and have gained popularity, with many other stars donning that same framed look in various sculpted styles.

Beyonce has popularized the lace fronts. Not only does she sport them well, so do stars such as Tyra Banks and Jennifer Hudson. These stars have given wig wearing a whole new meaning. If you want to mimic them, then you must do your lace front research, try on, and invest wisely.

Jennifer Aniston is also responsible for the use of the Sedu hair iron. This flatting iron became very popular in achieving the Jennifer Aniston look. A rush to the stores to by this iron burst out after her hair dresser mentioned in an interview that she used the Sedu iron on Jennifer’s hair. This is the best straightening iron available on the market and is even used by other celebrities like Beyonce. When using a hair iron to straighten hair, make sure to take careful care of those strands. A hair iron uses very high heat to take all of the curl out of hair and can cause damage over time.

Creating a celebrity hair style is all about the timing. Checking online frequently for the latest celebrity spotting can help your to stay in touch with the most fashionable of hair styles. Waiting until the red carpet events to mimic a celebrity’s new look is waiting too long.  Take caution, though, to wear a style that is best for your own face and lifestyle.

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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

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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!

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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!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra5vuHRZBdU[/youtube]

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]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0a8qJ6WKsI&feature=related[/youtube]

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!!!

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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,

1. 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).
2. 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)
3. Oil scalp lightly with castor oil (this isn’t necessary, but I do it for the bhp castor oil challenge)
4. Apply Aloe Vera Gel to hair generously and seal with EVOO and/or EVCO
5. 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”
6. Tuck the last part under
7. Continue on the rest of the hair taking sections out of the cap until the whole head is done.
8. Let air dry overnight (or for some hours throughout the day), sit under a hooded dryer, or use a heated bonnet/cap
9. 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!!!

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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.

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