Showing posts with label hairstyles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hairstyles. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 1, 2014

My Hair Last Week - Somewhat Inspired

So I posted this pic early last week and called it hair inspiration:


I was inspired. Not to try the exact style because I knew that I wouldn't wear it out, so I made modifications. I actually pulled out my rollers twice over the past week. The first iteration included me putting my hair in a ponytail then rolling the ends for an imagined curly bun. It turned into a 70's bouffant/prom hair, but I liked it. I allowed the drop curls to be kind of stacked into my bun. Here are some photos:




Again, not photogenic, but you get the idea. 

Later I disturbed the curls a little and despite sweating it out I wore it like this:


I then decided to roll it all, although I used far fewer rollers than Ms. Dugas. I put it up in another bun. Here are the photos:








After the rollers, I had one more wave of inspiration - actually I just knew it was going to be another couple of bun days, so I changed it up a little by twisting all of the my ends into 5 large double-strand twists. I tucked them under and pinned them down. Here were the results:


The next day I undid the twists, pinned down the hair a little and did a little flat-twist bang.





Let me know what you think, and please forgive me for these photos. I'm going to start setting up my "real" camera, so I can put up decent photos on this blog....and if you would like to find a collection of easy (and cute) hairstyles, find my book, One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways, on Amazon.com. 

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Current Trends in Protective Styles

If there is one thing I love for natural hair, it's protective styling! And if there's anything I love more - it is doubling down on protective styling by wearing my twisted hair in a protective style such as those found in my book on protective styles for twisted, loose, loc'd, pressed, and textured hair, One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways.  Anyway, I've been seeing all kinds of protective style trends this year...let me know if I'm missing any major categories - and let me know which types are your favorite! And don't be afraid to try hybrids, or modify your protective styles as you go along. See my September 2nd post - and the protective style's evolution.

But no matter what the protective style, hair and scalp maintenance is a must! I know that we are trying to leave our hair alone and let it grow, but don't forget to use your spray moisturizers regularly, and to try to co-wash your hair every 10 days or so if the style allows. If not, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize and your scalp will thank you for a good cleaning with witch hazel or toner.

Please take the time to "Like" my blog by clicking here.

1.The Nicole Melton is a bun that knows no limits. It is a hair inspiration for me - and I'm going to try it over the next few days. I especially love seeing women with colored and ombre hair trying this style.

Nicole Melton modelling her amazing textured bun via @NicoleMMelton
and instructions via YouTube:



2. The Teyonah Parris by Ms. Felicia Leatherwood - and the many variations it has inspired.
See the tutorial on weareonyx.com.

Posted previously
  
image via black-women-beauty-central.com

3. Solange has been a natural hair trendsetter over the past few years, whether it be with her natural hair, or when she is rocking retro-box braids or her Marley/Havana Twists. The last two summers have seen a lot of loooooong extensions, box braids, individuals and Senegalese twists and a series of new styles including innovative buns and top knots.

Posted previously

Image via talkingpretty.com

4. Natural Look Weaves - When your hair needs a rest, or when you want to check out new lengths or even new textures, people have been turning to natural look weaves. I've seen a lot of companies selling them, and one to check out is kingmehair.com selling King Me Curly and King Me Kinky hair and closures.


Image via aliexpresshair.com
Posted previously














5. Flat Twist Updos - In my opinion, flat twists are much easier and faster to do than braids, but they can be used to recreate almost any braided style. I've been trying a lot of quick flat twist updos, and I've also seen some that are absolutely GORGEOUS  like the two (that aren't me) below:

Image via besthairstylesforall.com

Image via tumblr
I created a circular bang out of a sing flat twist, then
flat-twisted the rest into a bun.  See my Today's Hair post
from August 27th. 





















6. Front Facing Bun/Bang - Have you seen this trend? I like that simple placement of a bun can change the whole dynamic and turn it from a simple updo to a beautifully textured bang. The style is perfect for accommodating big hair such as your new braids or Havana twists - and it looks fun, playful and fresh.


Image via cocoandcreme.com

Image via mssupadope.com
   

7. Braided Bangs - A braided bang makes every style better. Whether the braid extends around the head and ends in a bun or braid, is braided downward to cover a portion of the forehead, I think braids can make even the most tired set of strands look elegant and well maintained. It is a protective style that can carry you from boardrooms to red carpets, to parties to exercise - and still look good.They are a staple protective style that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.


Posted previously
Posted previously


Image via stylesnew.com

Image via theoryhairsaalon.com
Saturday, August 24, 2013

What is a Male "Natural"? Would You Date One?


Image via hennablogspot.com
 Most men are "natural" right? For the most part, men don't include chemical straighteners or texturizers to their hair routine. In fact, for most men without locs or bald heads, their hair routine is simply wash it in the shower, brush it, maybe use a particular product, possibly sleep with a wave cap, and get it cut regularly by their barber of choice. Simple.

But when a man has hair that is longer than the #8 guard (1 inch), does he automatically become a natural man? What if he has locs? Or an Afro? Of what size? Or does it only count if he has a hair regimen? Would you care if your guy has a wash routine, a conditioner or co-wash of choice? What if he was constantly trying your new products? What if he regularly had his hair styled into coils or twists - and did not intend to grow locs? What if his hair was longer than yours? Could you take advice on how to detangle your hair from your boyfriend or husband?

I really don't know. I personally hate taking unsolicited advice from anyone (although I am guilty of giving it - but that is just another thing for me to work on during my personal quest for perpetual improvement), so I know that I would be annoyed by his helpful hints. But I've never had a significant other with long hair, so it never got to that point. I've gone on dates with guys with hair longer than mine, and it didn't bother me. But for some women in it's a turnoff. I know that at least one of my friends would refuse to go out with a guy with hair longer than her own. And some women find men that spend a lot of time grooming, unappealing. I really don't know. I guess it's a personal choice, but how do you feel, and how do you define a male natural?

What do you think? Have you heard of the Mane Man blog? He has a healthy head of hair and gives hair advice...Check out Bros with Fros and Curls on Tumblr, and the Natural Hair Men blog has men's style tips.  

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Does Daddy Braid Hair?


Image via Combat Jack a.k.a. Reggie Osse's Facebook Page
I was talking to my big brother the other day about combing my 4 year-old niece's hair. He tries, but it is a work in progress. I told him which products and tools he should have on hand. I have also given him mini-tutorials, but haven't had or taken the time to give him any real and meaningful instruction. My major piece of advice lately has been that he should invest in a collection of barrettes. They make every style better. But the best thing he's done is make an appointment with our sister for an in-depth training session, and I hope that it helps. I also did a YouTube search, and maybe he'll get something from them also.

The conversation got me thinking about my own father and my hair. It didn't take long, because as far as I can recall my father NEVER, EVER combed my hair, or participated in the care and maintenance of my hair.

Image via AJC

Image via AJC
 I've also been taking an informal survey of men to ask if they comb their daughter's hair, or if they don't have children - if they would. It's been interesting. I think that more and more fathers are taking part in the process, or at least feel like they should participate. I've heard potential fathers claim a willingness to try, but I also sense some reluctance - and a little fear. From those with experience, I've heard of daughters crying and or running when it when it was Daddy's turn to style their hair. But fortunately, I've also seen images like the one above, and read stories like this one from the AJC. They all show that with patience, time and practice fathers can create hairstyles to be proud of.

What has been your experience with men and hairstyling? Do you have any suggestions for men trying to learn how to comb and maintain their daughter's hair?


Image via Facebook
Update: My little brother confirmed a piece of style advice - he has brushed his daughter's hair into a classic puff and stated that "It turned out alright." And I agree, when in doubt, a puff will do.
Monday, August 19, 2013

My Hair At Home

So even though I've been back in Atlanta for a week now, I still hadn't found the time to post about my time at home until today. I went to Connecticut to visit my family, enjoy West Indian week and celebrate my Grandma's birthday. I was there for 9 days and knew that I was going out a good portion of those nights, and exercising most mornings....oh and my Grandma is very opinionated and only rarely gives me a stamp of approval on my hair. And although I brought my comb, brushes, Obia haircare products and some pins - I did not have my full travel arsenal.

Quick overview of my activities and hair for the week:

Saturday I flew in, and immediately went to volunteer at the Riverfront where the Jerk fest was taking place. I worked in the Children's Corner - and wore the giant puff that I created on Friday.The night concluded with a concert by the great Yellowman! I put up a Keek about it, so if you want to hear him live (if only for a few seconds) check me out on Keek. Photo, upper right w/sister.

Sunday - church, lunch, shopping. New hairstyle. I did a post about it. And put this photo on Instagram.

Monday - Went to boot camp, and ran. I kept my Sunday style, and took my Grandma to the casino...I think that showed up in my post about my Grandma's birthday.But it turned out to be an all day outing, and dinner.

Tuesday - I worked on some things that I needed to get done, and ended up with a twist-out for Jamaica Night! I had fun, but the DJ wouldn't let one song play through - oddly enough it was his mini-soca block that got everyone going the most. Photo, middle left.

Wednesday - Went to the track. Later, I ran some errands, went to the mall, had lunch with my bestie, took two of my nieces to see Smurfs 2 in 3D.  That's love because I generally don't see 3D movies, and I wouldn't have EVER voluntarily seen a Smurfs move. But I went. And washed and twisted my hair an hour before going out to Guyanese night. I used Wen to wash and some petroleum based grease to twist. I had a great time - the music was good!!! And people loved the reggae block in the middle of his soca set. Photo, bottom right.

I've got my nephew, cousin, nieces, and a bunch of photos of
me, my sister, sister-in-law, Grandma and my hair.   
Thursday - I ran. Then I spent the day with my Grandparents with my hair in pulled back twists. I got to eat some delicious Brown Stew Chicken (I wish I had taken a photo). Later on I went to Zumba - and went to sleep!

Friday - Boot camp. Lunch with my brother - that ended up being like 3 hours, then a few minutes of shopping, then a children's museum and shopping again with my other brother and niece. Then it was time for Grandma's party, so I did a quick twist out, and kept it moving. After the party I hung out with Grandma and some family for a couple of hours. I love those people. Photos, middle (Grandma and I) bottom middle (nephew and cousin), mid left-ish (me heading to lunch).

Saturday - PARADE DAY!!! My sister and I volunteered to march with my oldest niece's dance troupe during the parade - and I had a lot of fun!!! I haven't been in the parade since 1993 (yes I did say 1993) - OMG that is 20 YEARS!!!! But I found the energy to dance and wave my flag from the start to the finish. Afterwards there was a concert on the lawn where Mr. Vegas performed, and just good music and good food. We were there until early evening, but then we went on a river cruise - and I had to turn my twist out into something before we got on the boat.  I ended up with flat twists in the front and a ponytail. I created double strand twists out of the ends of the ponytail and formed a bun. I pinned up the ends of the flat twists into a swirl - it looked decent. Photo, top middle.

Sunday - I left my hair in the updo. Went to church, cooked, visited grandparents, visited neighbors, took a nap, did laundry, and tried to sleep.

Monday - Travel. Then work.... 
Monday, June 24, 2013

Happy Birthday Solange! A Pictorial...

 Happy birthday Ms. Knowles. I tend to enjoy the iterations of your style, so I figured that I'd do a small retrospective of some of your many looks...all photos are via Instagram.
Yellow is the color of sunrays...



I just liked this one - I like the dress, and her
hairstyle isn't one that she's worn often.


I love the volume of her hair...


Oh, excuse me Ms. Knowles...


Chillin'

I like that she looks so happy during her performance
at the 6th Annual Roots Picnic...

Amazing!

She labelled this one, "Family"
Thursday, May 23, 2013

Banana Clips for EVERYONE!!!!

I tried to force my loose natural hair into a banana clip this morning. I have grown to love banana clips and use them fairly regularly now, with my twisted hair. But today - my banana clip didn't work! The frayed plastic ends refused to hold no matter what I tried. I used the technique I've advocated in the past - make a high ponytail, then use your banana clip at the base. I took about a quarter of my hair out of the clip and formed a bang. That didn't work either. My hair wasn't having it, and after 5 minutes of trying, I gave up, and moved on to a ponytail (formed from a headband).

My co-worker complimented my hair, and we had a brief discussion about the failures of the modern banana clip. The conversation inspired me to find a source for banana clips for those with natural hair who have considered ponytails when the Goody clip is no longer enough. After a quick search on Long Hair Forum, then the Ulta.com site, then a few others, I came across a reference to Gladhair.com, and there I struck the motherload!!! These clips range in length from 3.5 inches all the way up to 6.5 inches and come in a variety of styles and colors.

Check out this collection...




This is the Extra Large Classic Twist
Banana Clip with a metal hinge.
  















This is the Tort Barley Twist Banana Clip
  













Large French Ivette Tortoise Shell
Banana Clip.
     
Monday, April 15, 2013

Photos You May Have Missed (or I didn't post)

I sometimes have or take photos that I don't post. I've collected a few of them from the past two weeks or so, and added them here. Check them out and click on the links to Twitter, Instagram, and related posts!


The Runway DJ spinning! I orignally posted
this on Twitter.


Selfie taken after I undid my Non-braiders' Braid (post).

I attended the Design Essentials panel at Spelman, but I didn't like my photos,
so I didn't share them. Here is a photo via Shawn Dowdell Photography
I loved this Spelman's student's hair,
piercings, and overall look.


They passed hors d'oeuvres at The Mane Event (post).
I thought he looked nice.



Photos from my 15k. Met some Curlfriends.
Posted in my Week 3 Workouts (post).



Here is another photo of my Curlfriend Aisha (post)!
 


I stopped her at the mall so I could take a photo of her hair!
Originally posted on Instagram.