Laying baby hair is almost as intricate as crafting a masterful piece of art. There are certain tools involved to create these smooth, swirly, face-framing designs. We salute the girls who are right now in their mirrors with toothbrush and Let’s Jam gel in hand swooping and laying those edges.
Nevertheless, even with the right tools and products getting this hair look down flat can still be a challenge. This can be due to hair texture, hair is not prepped properly or too much product build-up. Here are a few things to keep in mind when handling those edges:
1. Make sure strands are wet or at least damp before working with them. Spritz with water or apply a moisture rich product or hair gel.
2. Avoid using gel with alcohol which can be quite drying and remove much needed moisture from hair.
3. If hair is very unruly, after fashioning your baby hair look tie down your baby hairs with a satin scarf until they are completely dry. The result will be sleek edges that will last all day.
Are you a visual hair learner? Not to worry many of us are so check out this quick video tutorial:
We have to admit it… sometimes the man bun has us feeling some type of way. The man bun is nothing new, men have been wearing them years, however, they have come more into vogue as of late. Famous actors, singers, hip hop artists and Instagram hotties are rocking the man bun fearlessly. A style that for awhile had been considered quite feminine is now a manly hairstyle. Oh how times have changed eh?
The natural hair movement is not just permeating the black girl circle, but men too are taking part in the growing trend. Men are choosing to wear their hair in a number of styles that focus more on just a fade and line-up. Of course, not all buns are created equal and some pull the look off better than others, but we are loving all of the diversity. Whether hair is straightened, curly or braided the man bun is being fashioned in various manners. Here is a few of our favorite man bun sightings:
Those were all bomb right? Now check out this guy:
Danger! Now only is he fine but look at that bun! We can’t deny that we are
seriously hair crushing on this man and his man bun!
ASAP Rocky has been known to rock the man bun and a LOT.
Thoughts? What do you think of the man bun? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
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.
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.
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.
We are always down for hairstyles that are trendy, modern and most importantly…EASY! Braids are excellent for incorporating extra drama into all of your favorite styles. Numerous runway shows showcased models with hair fashioned with cornrows of chic creative design. Keep scrolling to see some of our top runway looks!
Create a slight braid mohawk while keeping sides smooth sleek. Can you say FIRE?!
Voluminous cornrows truly makes your hair a crown of glory!
Remember at the schoolyard and all the boys thought you were cute? Well, that style still plays.
Who needs a middle part? Break the rules and form a braid right down the center instead.
Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook (search for 1966 Magazine), Tumblr, Instagram or tweet us @1966magazine.