There are numerous black hairstyles that black women are wearing to help grow and maintain healthy hair. Celebrities in many ways are at the forefront in setting hair trends that will have us all running to the salon to cop it A to S and AP. Here are 10 celebrities who beautifully pulled off braided hairstyles.
Braids can look beautiful but to keep them looking pristine there is some maintenance needed. We will get into more of that in our next black hairstyles post. However, one issue some ladies come across when wearing braids is the dreaded itch.
We have all seen it or done it… the palm of the hand slowly creeps it way towards the head and the patting begins. Or if that doesn’t do it then as a last resort scratching becomes the next best option. Nevertheless, are there any black hairstyle tips that can be kept in mind in order to resolve this hair matter?
1. Dryness: Itching can occur when the scalp is very dry. In this case adding moisture could help to relieve any discomfort. Think braid oils as well as sprays and you will be on the right track.
2. Wash Cycle: The dreaded itch could also be a sign or indicator that it is time for cleansing to take place. Many naturalists are finding that using a dry shampoos do wonders to remove any itch.
Brandy was channeling Curly Sue as she enjoyed herself last night in New York City. Her voluminous curls looked absolutely divine and fit her ensemble style perfectly. Brandy was boho chic in ripped denim, flouncy printed dress, scarf and black ballet flats.
Now back to the gorgeous hair look that Brandy was sporting. All week we have been discussing how to achieve curly/wavy hair without any added fear of damage. Black women are really making strides to stay away from harmful chemicals and enjoy their natural texture or define their curl pattern. Here is a really cool method to help define curls that involves twisting flexi-rods. You are going to want to check out this video!
Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Wavy hair is one of the many hair trends of the season but knowing how to achieve such a style at times can feel like one big mystery! There is no wrong way to achieve wavy hair and women from all over world have tried various methods. Maybe you have found yourself using a few like: braiding, rags, foil or even scrunching.
However, getting the hang of using flexi rods may just be the answer to your hair prayers. Such a method if taken well care of can last all the way to your next hair wash. That means looking great from shampoo to shampoo! So then, how does the flexi rod method work exactly?
Here are two great tutorials that will show you exactly what to do. Enjoy and happy waves to ya ladies!
Hair Notes: In the video you most likely noticed that sheets were used before the hair was rolled up. Is that step really that important? It is kind of old school but using them can help prevent your waves/curls from frizzing. So just a word to the wise…
Alright, second video time, this one is a little long but after you see the technique once more you can skip to 8:37 to see the end result (wink, wink).
Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Hair Answer: In order to maintain the sharpness of such a dramatic look it is important to stay on top of your trims. Asymmetrical hairstyles need to be cut every 6-7 weeks in order to retain their shapes. This frequency should be kept in mind due to the fact that a regular blunt cut may last upwards of 2 or 3 months. Therefore, if you are considering cutting your hair into such a style knowing the upkeep and maintenance routine will help anticipate any additional costs.
With any hairstyle there is a bit of maintenance involved even when it comes to just one aspect of the style. For instance, if you have an asymmetrical haircut and added bangs you will need to mind the trimming of the bangs as well. So then, if you do have a bob with bangs they will most likely need to be trimmed every 4 weeks. Nevertheless, keep in mind that everyone is different and some will have strands that grow faster than others. Adjustments can be made based on your personal hair growth cycle.
We can admit it, we are a little obsessed with the fishtail braid. Braids are a great protective hairstyle to help grow and keep strands healthy. As more women make the transition to natural hair in order to avoid the use of harsh chemicals the need for stylish hair inspiration becomes imminent.
Monae’s classy and classic hairstyles always include her signature pompadour. She paired the edgy look with a fishtail to add even more drama and flair. The fishtail may look very intricate in design but it is easy! Here is a video by one of our favorite hair youtubers Melissa Denise who shows how it is done.
Songstress Kelly Rowland teamed up with celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble to recreate iconic looks. This particular hairstyle was inspired by the beautiful Sade who famously wore her hair pulled back into a sleek braid. Here is a little visual evidence of Sade’s fab hair look:
(MANDATORY CREDIT David Montgomery/Getty Images) Nigerian-British singer Sade Adu or Sade, circa 1980. (Photo by David Montgomery/Getty Images)Nigerian-British singer Sade Adu or Sade, circa 1980. (Photo by David Montgomery/Getty Images)
As you can see Sade gave great face as she rocked her hair down-to-there twist braid. Rowland’s recreated look is just as gorgeous and can be fashioned at home in just a few steps!
First, if you do not have the length as my mother always said, “Fake it until you make it.” There is no shame with extensions, here in L.A. basically all women have them. It’s just important that it looks nice and well kept. Here are a few great options available now at amazon:
Kanekalon Jumbo Braid Extension Hair $3.99
Sassy Kanekalon Jumbo Braid Jet Black $2.59
Now that you got the hair it is now time to put everything together and create the hairstyle! Here is how:
1. Apply an alcohol free gel or pomade to tresses and brush strands back until smooth then secure with a hair tie.
2. Use a second hair tie to anchor extensions to the created ponytail.
3. Grab a small portion of the hair then wrap the section around the hair ties in order to camouflage them. Use bobby pins to lock the wrapped section of hair in place.
4. Twist the ponytail hair then secure the end of the twisted braid with one more hair tie.
5. Mist hair with a light hair oil for shine as well as a light hairspray to keep the style in place.
FKA Twigs is not the type of girl who is going to follow the crowd off of a style cliff. She goes her own way and makes her own fashionable path. We thought her braided bang look was quite fresh and a nice modernization of a retro Egyptian hair look.
Of course, not every woman is going to be comfortable with channeling Cleopatra or the trendy ladies of Moses’ day. However, if you are looking for a boisterous departure from the norm then the braided bang may be right up your alley.
Nevertheless, still want to take things up a notch further because braids are simply not enough? Be like FKA Twigs or the William sisters of old and incorporate some beads. Allow the bang to frame your face shape and keep them from becoming ratty by using a conditioner specifically designed for braid care and maintenance.
Reality starlet, actress and Broadway It Girl NeNe Leakes is showing why she is one of Atlanta’s baddest. NeNe rocked a brand new look this week which has deviated from her short hair cuts that she has worn for several years now. NeNe was one of the many celebrities in attendance for the amFar gala which was held in New York. Leakes wore a shimmery black dress, strappy heels and a new sassy hairdo’!
Leakes kept the blonde hair color but is now wearing long wavy hair with a side part. We think the hairstyle looks absolutely fab on NeNe and you can tell that she is feeling it! What prompted the change? Well, who can forget during last season’s escapades where a fellow RHOA (Real Housewives of Atlanta) cast member contrasted Leakes tresses to that of a pack of ramen. Definitely a low blow filled with buckets of shade.
Nevertheless, NeNe is not one to let any woman’s opinion deter her so the change was because she simply wanted it! We always say to rock a style not according to what the masses say but because it is a personal choice. So then, what do you think of NeNe’s new hair look, are you feeling it?
Actress Aimiomode Anetor shut the red carpet down when she attended the screening for the film Incorruptible. This documentary examples the role that youths are playing in shaping the future of the country of Africa. Back in 2011 Senegal was pitched into crisis when President Abodoulaye Wade announced his plans to change the constitution which would allow leaders to have a third term. From this decision onward a youth movement was born in order to protect one of Africa’s oldest and stable democracies.
For the screening Anetor walked the carpet in an all white ensemble that showed off her beautiful skin tone. Just as gorgeous was her voluminous wavy strands that gracefully fell past her shoulders. Whether hitting a beach in the Caribbean or a swanky pool party Aimiomode’s hairstyle would be perfect.
One question I’ve been asked numerous times is how I grew my hair down my back and how long did it take. Well, to be completely honest it has been different every single time. I have taken my hair out several times in different ways (more on that in my next post).
Nevertheless, the methods I used all seemed to yield great results so I will briefly share them with you.
I have employed “going natural,” hair straightening, vitamins and even wearing wigs. When I went natural I basically just worked with my hair’s natural curl pattern.
This was tough because I wasn’t quite sure which products to utilize because previously the flat iron or pressing comb had always been a girl’s best friend. Products that proved to be a lifesaver were:
non-alcohol hair gel/pomade
leave-in conditioner
hair oil
sulfate free shampoo and conditioners
mayonnaise (for deep conditioning)
hair ties and foil
Every time I cleansed my strands I would always follow up with a leave-in conditioner and hair oil. The conditioner gave my locks vital nutrients and moisture while the hair oil would literally lock it all in, basically sealing in all of the good stuff.
One of my favorite conditioners that I have used for years is by Mane and Tail. Many shy away from their products because Mane and Tail is actually used on animals such as horses to keep their mane looking pristine. Now I’ve seen some horses with hair I’d love to detach and place upon my head, so what’s good for the goose is good for the gander!
Moreover, my natural hair tends to be quite unruly, so to keep it in line I would apply a hair gel or pomade. Braids also helped to achieve wavy hairstyles as well as foil rollers.
In another post, I promise to show not only how to make the roller, but an easy hairstyle to achieve with it as well.
Another method I used was simply straightening my hair every two weeks.
I would also apply a hair mask after cleansing my hair and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Daily maintenance would include wrapping my hair up with a satin scarf at night not only to reduce friction created while at rest but also to help give my hair a slight bend so that using a curler would be unnecessary.
Also, every day in the morning after combing my hair I would apply a very light hair oil to keep my locks strong. One thing I will stress is that keeping heat to a minimum has always helped my hair to grow faster. I know that may not be the case for everyone, but that is definitely something that helps give my growth cycle a boost.
When it comes to vitamins, I have taken Biotin as well as B vitamins and received great results. To this day I like to take Women’s One A Day multi-vitamin which includes all the vitamins you need for healthy hair, skin and nails.
Lastly, as mentioned I have employed wigs to grow out my hair. I prefer wigs where all of my hair is safely resting underneath; however, half wigs look way more natural so for appearance sake I opt for half wigs or wigs with a movable part.
Out of all methods used my hair grew the fastest using the wig method, it literally only took about 5 months for my hair to go from above my shoulders to down my back. In a future post I will focus specifically on the wig method and tell how I did it.
Thoughts? We love to hear from you all, drop a comment or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
See more of my personal hair inspiration on Instagram! Search for @1966mag and @misslittle_brownie.
