Despite history-making movements like #BlackLivesMatter, we all still feel insecure in our own skin. In particular, black people feel insecure about their natural hair. It’s a long journey to get to the point where you are accepting and giving yourself some self-love. As transgender actress Leyna Bloom told All Things Hair ,“Body positivity, height positivity, skin positivity, hair positivity – there are so many spectrums of insecurities we develop with our own uniquenesses and I think it’s an ‘aha moment’ when you come to terms with ‘This is me, this is what I’m with, this is what I have to be with”.
Leyna is more than right… Our little quirks or qualities that make us stand out can easily make us feel unconfident, but they should be celebrated. That’s what makes us unique. However, there are different ways of accepting your natural hair. One of them is by embracing it and having fun with it. Trying different hairstyles can be a real confidence boost! You will be soon sashaying in the street proudly with your natural curls!
Enhance Your Natural Curls
We love bouncy curls with plenty of volume – if you feel your hair is looking a little lackluster, then redefining your curls is the way to go. Of course, heat styling tools are only going to damage and break your hair, so the way around that is to use flexi-rods. It’s affordable and so easy to do! While your hair is damp, apply some leave-in conditioner or coconut oil. Roll the flexi-rods towards the roots of your hair and leave overnight. When you wake up the next morning, you will see elegant and voluminous curls!
The Sleek Low Bun
The sleek low bun is a casual chic addition to your hairstyle repertoire. It’s easy to do, and is perfect if you’re on the go! Just create a low ponytail and wind it around the base before applying a cute scrunchie and bobby pins to secure. The look will take you from desk to dinner all whilst showing off your curls!
Space Buns
Space buns are playful and youthful style to try on your natural hair. The iconic 90s hairstyle is still as relevant and popular today. Perfect for shorter lengths, it allows you to wear your natural hair in a unique and fun way. Start off with a leave-in styling product before tying your hair into pigtails on either side of your hair. Wind the pigtails around their base and secure with printed scrunchies and bobby pins if necessary.
Pineapple Up Do
The pineapple up do is notoriously perfect for natural hair, it is cute and feminine all whilst showing off those gorgeous curls. On dry hair, apply a hair oil to nourish and hydrate your curls. Then, tie your hair into a high ponytail, on the top of your head, and secure your luscious locks with a scrunchie. Apply hair spray to lock in the look! You won’t get enough of this hairstyle!
Boxer Braids
Boxer braids look edgy and stylish – yet they are so easy to do! Part your hair down the center and comb it to remove any knots. Separate two big sections and put the left section over your left shoulder and the right section over your right shoulder. Grab three sections from your hairline and cross the left and right strands under the middle ones (Dutch braiding). This gives volume to your boxer braids. Add a thin strand of hair each time to each section before finishing off with a regular braid. Tie the braid with a transparent elastic band and do the same on the other side. This look is modern and chic – what more could you want?
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are stylish and edgy. They also help to redefine your curls and give them a new lease of life. Traditionally a style adopted by African women of certain cultural groups, it’s now a style statement worn by women of various backgrounds. Create a section of your hair and coil it and secure with a pin. Repeat until you have finished. The other advantage of this look is that it requires very little styling and no product – perfect for when you’re on the go!
The Top Knot
The top knot is ideal for keeping cool when the temperatures are soaring. Coil your hair around the crown of your head and secure with a scrunchie and hair pins. It is sophisticated, and can be worn in the office or on casual days out. This looks incredible with box braided hair as it creates even more texture and adds more drama to the look.
The Braided Ponytail
The ponytail is easy, and simple, but what if you fancy a change? Change up the classic ponytail by creating a small braid on one side of your head and securing it with a hair tie. Then, tie all of your hair, the braid included, up into a ponytail. It modernizes the ponytail and can be worn all day long!
Accessorize
Wearing your hair naturally can strengthen your locks and make them grow thicker. Use this opportunity to wear them loose and accessorize. Be playful with your style and match your hair accessories to your outfit. Hair charms, embellished hair clips and bold headbands will be your allies. They say less is more, and they’re right – accessorizing your hair makes for a low maintenance and chic look.
Milk Maid Braids
The milk maid braid is timeless and so effortlessly chic. The twisted style is quick and easy to do – in fact, it can be done in a matter of minutes! Blow dry your hair and spritz it quickly with water. Then apply coconut oil to seal in the moisture.
Create a dramatic side part with a comb and your hands. Take a small section and twist it from your forehead all the way round to the back of your head. Braid the final section and pull it to the opposite side, tuck it under the beginning of the braid and pin it in. It is an extremely protective style for short natural hair!
