Natural Hair Rules!!!: natural hair styles

Showing posts with label natural hair styles. Show all posts

Protective Styling

Protective Styling is a great way to protect your natural hair in the winter months. Its easy and helps you to save time.

Protective Styling

There are many ways to define protective styling and just as many methods. This process is not exclusive to naturalistas or the relaxed, it promotes and maintains the overall health of your hair. In practicing this styling method you ultimately will protect the hair from external factors that result in damage and breakage. Damage can a result of the elements (wind, sun, and/or snow) or chemical alterations such as chemical straighters, texturizers or color. Or one thing that many of us do not think about is the scarves or turtlenecks we're wearing causing breakage.

I'm a trendy person so I have a couple of scarves. Sometimes I notice a pull and then a small pop which is the sound of strands of my hair snagging and breaking into my scarf. This is a very common thing in which protective styling prevents. It's not just scarves its knitted surfaces such as shirts or even some chairs.

What styles are protective?

Any style that prevents the snag and breakage of the hair can be considered a protective style. I will name a few styles but I don't want you to feel limited to this short list.

Protective Styles

Two strand twist
Twist outs.
Rollers sets
Straw sets
Braids

There are many more. Feel free to comment and add your favorite protective style to the list.

What are the benefits of protective styling.

These styles allow your hair to rest from combing daily while also retaining moisture. But just because you are protective styling does not mean you can neglect your hair and scalp with expectations of obtaining or maintaining health hair. You must still wash and moisturizer. I recommend moisturizing with your favorite moisturizer (I recommend moisturizers that are shea butter base such as SheAloe) prior to styling and use a daily moisturizing sprintz to further protect and nourish the hair/scalp.

(Don't neglect the basic needs of your head.) It is equally important to cover your hair while you sleep to maintain the style and avoid friction that can break your hair while you sleep.

Read See More Protective Hair Styles For Natural Hair Here

Not Braids But Three Strand Twist

Courtesy of Black Girl Long Hair 3 strand twists

Originally when I heard of 3 strand twist I automatically assumed that it was another term for braids. But no its not it twist done with 3 individual strands of hair. Below are some pictures I found on Black Girl Long Hair. I will be experimenting with this soon. If you have any pictures, please submit them to info@naturalhairrules.com.

Family and Natural Hair

About a year ago, newly natural Kourtney Michele sent me a message requesting advice. She had encounter what many of us who have made the decision to go natural encounter; friends and family members reinforce some of societies negative stereotypes. I believe these stereotypes, myths or misconception at one time possessed some validity but not in this day and time. Believe it or not your family wants what is best for you and will past on information that they have learned and grown to accept. When it comes to criticism of natural hair it usually comes from a place of uncertainty or misinformation. And dare I say it low self-esteem. Many critics will follow their negative comments with “I can’t do it” referring to refraining from the “white lye”. To anyone who is experiencing this right now, continue to be encouraged and find positive influences to guide you on this journey. Here’s Kourtney’s question:

Kourtney & I at a Houston Natural Hair Meet-Up.
Find more info about the next event in the event section on
www.naturalhairrules.com

Hey, I recently went natural I really enjoy it I love my new found self confidence and everything that comes with being natural. However my parents, especially my dad disagree with my decision. They feel like my "hair" will effect me when I enter the corporate world. I love my parents with all my heart, but I did this because I wanted to. Did you deal with anything like this with your family?

I believe this question has common place with our community. There was a time were teeny weeny afros, two strand twist, locs and braids were taboo in the work place. But many natural women can confirm quite the contrary today. In response to her question:

Kourtney,
My family was seriously questioning my sanity when I big chop. They were negative because all they knew was long relaxed hair as a standard of beauty. Sometimes it takes fam a little longer to embrace naturality and sometimes they never do. It is not responsibility to convince them. It is your responsibility to do what you are doing and love the natural you.
The “natural hair is not acceptable in corporate America” myth is no longer relevant to this time. I wouldn't suggest interviewing with a huge black panther fro but as long as your comfortable with your hair, do you and let your resume speak for you.

Early this year I teamed up with a fellow blogger to interview several natural ladies in corporate America to get their take on the subject. You can view their stories as well as their professional natural hair styles here.

My Summer Do- Braid Out

My summer go-to hair style is the braid out. This style allows me the opportunity to wear my natural hair out and still effectively protect my hair from the harmful rays of the sun by using a moistuerizer such as Shea butter that has natural SPF properties. This style only requires 30 minutes of my time which is incredibly short for my full bra strap length hair. A braid out gives me the flexible to wear my hair in a variety of styles each day of the week. I can wear it down as is or pined it up to give the look some versatility. I love this style because there is very little shrinkage if stretch at night by twisting.
Length: This style can be done in short, medium and long hair with ease. For shorter hair consider braiding the hair in flat braids or cornrows. This is also a great transitioning hair style.
Products and Use:
Moisturizing Shampoo- Gently Sulfate-Free Cleanse
Hair Pudding Conditioner –Co Wash and Deep Conditioner
Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner- Leave In Conditioner
Shealoe- Moisturizer and Leave-In Conditioner
Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding - Styling Product

Tools
Duck bill clips, Wide tooth/Shower Comb, Denman Brush

First, I wash hair either with a gently sulfate-free shampoo or conditioner. While in the shower section my hair into four parts where you can evenly distribute the conditioner. After letting the condition sit for about 5 minutes, detangle hair with either a shower comb or Denman brush. It is very important to detangle while hair is fully saturated with water and product that allows the detangling tool to glide such as conditioner. Its okay to finger comb as well but you really want a tool that can remove most of the shedding hair. This will cut your time down significantly when you begin to braid.

After fully detangling, rub leave in conditioner and moisturizer from root to tip. Less is more when using styling products such as Miss Jessie’s that have moisturizing ingredients in their styling products. I recommend sectioning your hair in four parts. Start in the back of your head and work your way to the front. Begin to divide one of your back sections into smaller sections (the size depends on how small you want your braids). I usually have about 16 sections/braids this accommodates the length and fullness of my hair. After you determine the size make sure the section you are working with is completely saturated with water. Throughout the braiding process keep a spray bottle handy. Brush though the small section with the Denman brush. If your hair is tangled start brushing at the ends of the hair in a downward motion and work your way up to the scalp. Finger comb styling product into the section from root to tip. Full coverage with product will minimize any frizz. Begin to braid and twist the ends of the braid in between your thumb and index finger to encourage the end of the braid to curl using your natural curl pattern. If you are transitioning or want a larger curl at the end of the braid; roll the ends with a roller. When you braid the whole head of hair seal moisture in your scalp by oiling with your favorite oil.

Free Braids or Plaits Flat Braids or Corn Rows

It is very important to allow the hair adequate time to dry completely before unraveling the braids and completing the braid out style. I recommend 30 minutes to an hour under a hooded dry and allow the hair to remain braid over night to achieve the best style results. Because the heat of a hooded dryer is diffused and not concentrated it is not damaging to the natural hair. (Heat used in moderation is totally safe for natural hair. Once a week is fine) Below is the braid out without fluffing the hair.

Allow the hair to dry completely. When dry simply unravel the braids. Care not to disturb the the wave/curl pattern of the braids. This will help to minimize frizz.

To achieve a more full look; fluff the hair by pull the braid out sections apart also use fingers to rake the hair at the roots to cover parts.

To maintain this style you can simply cover with a satin bonnet or scarf before bed. To keep the hair stretched and frizz free simply plait the hair in two strand twist. These twist do not have to pretty or neat they are simply to re-set the hair overnight. Above to the left is a picture of the twist and to the right pictured the twist are unravels. You can repeat the process of fluffing for a full look. This “summer go-to do” is simple and easy to switch it up. Try it as is or pined up for a half up-do or a full curly afro puff.

Two Strand Updo

Products and Use:

Shampoo- Organic Tea Shampoo

I shampoo my hair maybe once a week or every two weeks with either this shampoo or Dr. Bonner’s Peppermint Castile Soap

African’s Best Organic Hair Mayonnaise – Deep Conditioner

Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner- Leave In conditioner

Olive Oil- Seal moisture in the scalp

Curl Soufflé - Moisturizer Newest product from Mrs. Roberta at The Original Fragrance Shop

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel- Styling Product

Brief How-To

I did all my twist including the flat twist in the front and the two strand twist in the back. This time I styled the hair wet. After completing the twist I section the hair in half and began to roll the very back up after I secured that I incorporated the rest of the hair and secured with bobby pins. If there were any fly away twist I simply tucked them into the bun. I will probably wear this style for a week. I will refresh it with a mixture of water, vegetable glycerin (that I got from Whole Food’s) and essential oils. I also oil my scalp with olive oil to keep my dry scalp at bay.

After the week is up, I will take the bun down and co wash my hair with the two strand twist. I really like this effect you can read more about it here.

Who’s Your Natural Hair Stylist?

Natural Hair Rules!!! is compiling a natural hair stylist directory!!!

Who is your stylist? Where are they located? Please include contact & specializing info. You may post a comment or email your stylist information to info@naturalhairrules.com. Thank you!

If your looking for a stylist check out Kinnk’s Online Directory http://www.naturalhaironline.com/directory/salons/

My Two Strand Twist Out

My Aunt in Law hipped me to washing my hair with two strand twist. Of course initially I thought this was CRAZY but I love the results so I gave it a try and I’ve been doing it ever since. You're hair will curl at the end of the twist. I'm curious to see how this looks on other natural so email your picture and description of how you achieve the style to info@naturalhairrules.com Here’s a brief description.

I wore my hair in two- strand twist for about 1 week. This is just to give myself a little variety. I change my hair every week. I shampooed and conditioned just lather the scalp mostly. I rung out excess water, applied Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner, olive oil to the scalp and Shealoe from root to tip. I scrunched in a little Aloe Vera Gel. If your completely natural the ends of your hair will curl which prevents the hair from completely unraveling. If they do unravel you can simply retwist and allow to dry. I sit under a hooded dryer for about an hour and then tie my head up with a satin scarf. If hair is completely dry I proceed to unravel the twist for my "twist out". This should last another week or half a week.

You can read more about my hair products here.

See pictures below.

Chunky French Braids

I was experimenting with something that was fairly quick and easy. My hair is finally at a point when I wear french braids. This was also a great way to stretch my hair. As you can see it look

semi straight. This look made me feel studious...

What I Did...

While co-washing I detangled my hair in the shower with a shower comb by taking my time and combing my hair to the back. Partly rinsed the conditioner out. Used my hands to ring out excess water. This time I decide to dry the hair by wrapping it with a cotton cloth. If you frequent the site you know I use a t-shirt. After about 3 minutes I removed the wrap and applied Giovanni Direct Leave In and a little Shealoe root to tip. Especially on the tips for prevent split ends. I parted the hair down the center and secure one side with an elastic ponytail holder or hair clips. I detangle the side I'm going to braid with my Denman Brush. When styling your hair always keep your spray bottle handy to keep the her damp. Damp natural hair is easier to style and it keeps the hair more flexible while minimizing breakage. Then begin to braid hair from front to back.

Flat Twist -Twist Out

I flat twist my hair here are the pictures.

Products and Use:

Hair Pudding Conditioner –Co Wash and Deep Conditioner

Olive Oil- Hot Oil Treatment (during Deep Condition Treatment)

Shealoe- Moisturizer and Leave-In Conditioner

IC Fantasia Gel- Styling Product

Quick Route to Curl Definition

About 2 years into my journey, I was needing a change, something new. So I searched the Internet for how-to for natural hair. I stumbled upon this video. The first time I tried this technique I did not achieve the desired results but today I decided to try again. This time the results were fantastic. Its a super easy technique and not as time consuming as others. You experience little to no shrinkage. Your hair is not stiff, your curls will blow in the wind.

Youtube.com has a great wealth of how to videos. This is one of my favorites, technique and author. Ms. Buttahfly also has make-up instructional videos (see her channel).

Disclaimer: Natural Hair Rules is featuring this video for technique purposes only. NHR does not recommend featured hair products. Everyones hair is different, so consult your own product closet for a conditioner/gentle cleansing agent, moisturizer, curl aid/styling product.

Products I Used: The Original Fragrance Shop Hair Pudding as Co-wash conditioner, Shea butter as moisturizer and IC Fantasia Gel as curling/styling product. My hair is very thick so I blow dried with a diffuser for about 10-20 min (to farther reduce chances of shrinkage).

Try It. Test it out yourself. You may not get the desired results the first time. Don't be a afraid to try again and tweak the technique/products to suit your hair type, thickness and length. (Dividing into smaller sections helped me.) Note: To optimize overall curl defintion limit the use of product and practices that will dry out your hair. See Curly Girl Method, No More Shampoo and Curl Definition.

My Results. Still needs a little tweeking. But a overall cute results.

Twist n Curl! Not Jus for Naturals!

This is Kendra sporting the Twist n Curl. Cute, right? So these styles and techniques are not just for natural hair. They can be modified for relaxed hair. Some example of styles that look just as cute regard of hair type are twist outs, braid outs, straw sets, roller sets, bantu knot and twist and curl. Some relaxed ladies can even wear the wash n go.

Curly Puff

How to define curls and do a curly puff. This is a before and after of my signature hair style. There are different methods to defining your curls which include fingerstyling, brushing with the Denmen brush or shake n go. This particular day I did a shake n go/wash n go. I posted this how to called "Curl Definition" with an instructional hair rules video. I usually do this at night with the curly puff because its pulled back so I'm not laying on my curls. This give me a cute hair style for the week. I refresh with braid sheen or a light moisturizer.

When pulling the hair back in the puff only brush to about where you want the curly pony positioned. Don't brush to the ends you will disturb your defined curls. Apply your favorite styling product. I prefer IC Fantasia Gel. Different accessories are use to secure the puff such as ribbons or knee highs but I prefer to use a elastic headband. See link here Goody's Headband. These headbands are do not pull or snag the hair which prevents breakage. Pull headband down to neck area. Twist band into a finger 8 pull back over head and bring back down to neck area. Then carefully roll up hair line to secure curly puff in desired position. By rolling the headband up you are smoothing some of the edges. Brush with medium brush if needed.

My Signature Look

Miss Jessie's Fingerstyling

WHAT IS FINGERSTYLING? FINGERSTYLING IS A CURLY STYLING TECHNIQUE. APPLY PRODUCT WITH FINGERS WHILE HAIR IS WET AND DETANGLED. SPREAD MISS JESSIE'S CURLY PUDDING™ OR CURLY MERINGUE™ FROM ROOT TO END. TYPICALLY, YOU WILL DRY YOUR HAIR UNDER AN OVERHEAD DRYER UNTIL FULLY DRY OR YOU CAN AIR-DRY. AIR-DRYING CAN TAKE A LONG TIME DEPENDING ON LENGTH + DENSITY. SHRINKAGE

I decided to fingerstyle my hair with Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. I like the results my hair looks shiny with a firm hold. The purpose of trying this technique was to see if I would have the same look in the morning of something that looks just as good.

The pictures below are the aftermath of seating under the dryer for about 20-30 mins. The key to this style or any of the Miss Jessie's style techniques is to keep the hair dripping wet and spread the product from root to tip. I like this products but they are expensive. They are quality products but there are less expensive products or combination of products that will get the job done. Well, let me not speak too soon. I'll give my final verdict in the morning after my nightly 'toss and turn'.

Okay so I wake up this morning and took the satin scarf off my head. I just knew I was in for a mess of bed hair but to my amazement it was okay. I did a few finger scrunches and then went to work out. After the work out it was sprinkling but even in the midst; my hair was STILL okay. It didn't even frizz in the midst or humidity. It shrank a bit but that problem can be easily solved.

Overall, I'm impressed with this product. Its not an everyday product by any means but if you are styling your hair with the intent of maintaining the style for a few days; I highly recommend this product. A little bit goes a long way.

Healthy Press

I know that some natural ladies are totally against pressing or straightening the hair but its not as damaging as you may think if done only occasionally. It is true that heat in excessive is damaging. Heat can burn the hair which causes breakages. Also, as a result of heat damaged hair a lost of natural texture which presents itself as permanently straight pieces of hair. Heat straightening can be done at home but I recommend consulting a professional for best result. In the hair's straight state it is easier to see the current condition of your natural hair. You can observe the full length and thickness. Inspect your ends and remove any dead split ends more evenly. It also gives you another versatile look which was the reason you went natural anyway.

How do you straighten natural curly hair without chemicals?

We all know the old fashion way, a stove and a metal pressing/straightening comb. This method has been updated; you can purchase electric combs with temperature gauges.

A more up to date technique is to first blow dry the hair and then straightening with a flat iron. You achieve the best results with this method.

Preparation and Maintenance!!!

If your hair is not currently healthy a press would only increase the damage making the your mane more dry, frizzy, unmanageable, broken and the rest of the stuff we hate. Some signs that your hair can more than withstand the heat are shine, minimal breakage/shedding and great moisture retention. Identify the health of your curly state.

Secondly, consult an experienced natural hair professional. Preferably a recommended stylist. Don't be afraid to ask questions: what method/technique do you use, what products do you use (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, heat protection product) how do you recommend I maintain the press and the health of my hair... If you feel comfortable, like its a good match set your appointment.

Its ok to treat the hair the week or day prior to your appointment. I deep condition with hair mayo and olive oil after rinsing I coat with a hair butter to seal.

To maintain the press, wrap the hair with a satin scarf. I use my Denman Brush to wrap and unwrap my hair. If you don't know how to there are videos on Youtube.com. Protect this straight style with a silicone products. I love Chi Silk Infusion it smells good and works great to seal natural moisture and helps to prevent reversion. Also, consider oil sheen to add oil without wieghing your hair down. You must also take in consideration the climate and season of your environment. In hot, humid areas no sense in wasting your time or money, its almost impossible to keep your natural hair straight in the Summer and/or Spring months. The best time is the Winter and early part of the Fall months. Even in the cooler months its important to wait to you arrive at your destination before unwrapping in order to protect your hair and style.

Straight styles must remain dry any moister will cause the mane to revert back to its curly state. This means you can't wash or shampoo your hair. I leave my hair straight for about a week just because I can't go without cleansing longer than that. You also can not use moisturizers that may weigh down the hair or make it wet. You must limit physical activity that may cause sweating in your head. Be very careful in the shower it is best to wrap the hair prior and cover with a shower cap. Do not uncover or unwrap your hair in a steaming bathroom (its just a recipe for disaster).

I also wanted to add that its ok to do a mid-week touch up with the flat iron or curling iron. Notice I said mid-week not daily or every other day. If you don't like the way your hair is looking in between touch ups, improvise. You can use a couple of rollers in the top to add some volume and more bouncy curls. Use hair accessories to reinvent your style. Hair bands and fashion clips are great.

Enjoy the volume and body of your natural hair.

Another Post on Straightening Natural Hair:
Thanksgiving Press
Silkening

The Perfect Wash n Go

You've seen my pictures. Now you try!

Here are some tips for the perfect wash n go. This technique works for all lengths and textures. Let me know how it turns out, forward pictures to: tamara@naturalhairrules.com

Jump in the shower. Its just easier to manipulate the hair when its already falling in the direction you want it to or the direction it grows in. While in the shower, cleanse the hair as normal.

Apply your favorite conditioner from root to ends of hair. Detangle hair which also ensures that the conditioner is evenly distributed through the whole head. Leave in for about 5 mins and rinse conditioner partially with warm water then give it a cold shock with cool water. I usually apply a light conditioner like Suave Tropical Coconut as a leave in conditioner.

In this step you'll need hair accessories such hair clips to separate section of your head for medium to long hair. Before getting out the shower ring the excess water out. You can remove any dripping water with a cotton cloth (I use a t-shirt). Towels will only make the hair frizzy. Finger comb your favorite curl defining product. If your doing this in the morning before school or work choose a product that does the job but won't slow the drying time. My recommendations are Kinky Curly Custard and IC Fantasia Aloe Gel.

Finger comb the product of your choice through your whole head. Part or swoop the hair to the side if you desire. I usually just let it do what it do.

Now for the drying process if you don't care about shrinkage, let it air dry. But if you want to avoid shrinks or going outside with a soaked head either sit under a hood dryer or blow dry the hair with a diffuser. This sets the style so it stays the same for the rest of the day. The hair doesn't have to be completely dry. Depending on the length and fullest of your hair, dry time should be 10 - 40 mins. You can also gauge drying time with more practice of this technique.

After drying you can apply a small amount of glosser for shine and protection from the elements. Be careful not to disturb the curl pattern. I mist the hair with braid sheen just becauses or Eden Body Works Jojoba Hair Oil.

Now your done. I want to see how it turns out. And thanks for your compliments and support.

Wash n Go Update!

This is the wash n go after my press. I was so scared because my hair didn't curl immediately under the water. But it turn out ok.

My Natural Hair Journey

This is my natural hair timeline thus far...

This is me before the BiG ChOp. I tried to transition. Matter of fact I went perm less for about 5 months. Here I got a really good Chi. (I know I look high in this picture. I'm not.) Aug. 2006

This is a month after the BiG ChOp. I really didn't know what to do with my hair so I would just straw set it every week. Nov. 2006

Ok. I wanted something different so I got the front braided and the back blown out. Mar. 2007

I finger coiled my hair with Twist and Lock Gel. Oh Look at my handsome husband with his Half Black/Somalian self. Apr. 2007

This was Easter that's why all the drama! Finger coils with Twist and Lock. Apr. 2007

A few months before this picture I went to have the rest of my relaxed hair cut off and the lady completely bald me. This is after my hair grew back a little. Thats my honey again. Jun. 2007

I decided to let the color grow out. I did flat twist or plaits to the scalp and took it down when it was dry to achieve this look. Aug. 2007

To get a spiral/waving look I two strand twisted the hair into medium size plaits. After it was dry I took it down and pined up the sides. Sept. 2007

Wow! i Just Realized how fast my hair grew. This is a longer version of flat twist taken down. Dec. 2007

Flat twist again. I don't know why this came out different. I think I used a different product. Kinky curly instead of Twist and Lock. Jan. 2008

This is my first press since going natural. Look at those layers their natural too. Apr. 2008

This is the next day after wrapping it the night before. Apr. 2008

This is my afro puff. May 2008

Finger coils again but this time with length. I love this style it stays cute for up to two weeks. May 2008

I finally mastered the wash n go! It only took 2 years. Aug. 2008

This is my birthday shot. I did two strand twist and rolled on rods and took down when dry. It turned out so cute. Ok so I guess the formal name for it is the 'Twist n Curl' Nov. 2008