At a time when Black women have been subjected to harsh treatments for straighter locks, natural African hairstyles have taken off across the world. From afro puff buns to braiding and twisting techniques, there are so many beautiful ways you can flaunt your unique beauty.
Afro Ponytail
The natural hair movement has taken hold in Black communities across America. Many women opt for healthier styles like box braided bobs, flat twist updos, and half-up top knots as part of the natural movement! There are so many cute and easy ways to wear natural locks!
The classic look of an Afro Ponytail always stays in style! Showcase those curls while adding flair, and avoid over-manipulating your locks, which could lead to breakage. Use a leave-in treatment that protects locks against breakage; for added protection, wear a headwrap!
Flat Twist Updo
If the hassle of cornrows is something you want to forego, consider flat twists as an alternative hairstyle option. They take less time and provide excellent winter protection. Timolin Jeffers from America’s Next Natural Model season 3 showcases this hairstyle beautifully and protectively with her updo style – Timolin Jeffers also won America’s Next Natural Model season 3.
Use a chestnut-colored gloss to add dimension to your flat twists, perfect for formal events like weddings and balls. It looks elegant while complementing any dress choice and can even be accessorized with headbands and earrings, drawing more eyes towards you! You will draw everyone’s attention!
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots (also referred to as Zulu knots) are an elegant protective style for long and short hair that offers protection from heat styling and chemical products. The look is created by sectioning off hair and twisting it tightly around itself to form tiny knots, which look amazing while giving your scalp a break from heat styling and chemical treatments.
The beauty of this style lies in its versatility: embellish it with beads, cuffs, and other hair accessories to achieve a truly stunning look – celebrities such as Blac Chyna and Adele have been seen sporting it!
To achieve this look, use a rat-tail comb to section off your hair into smaller or larger sections, depending on how tight or loosely you would like your Bantu knots to be. Apply a light leave-in conditioner such as SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-In Conditioner so your locks remain moisturized for optimal knotting results.
Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twist ponytails are an eye-catching style. Wearable in various lengths from long to medium and even accessorized with gold cuffs or rings, this look showcases your texture while drawing attention to your face shape.
Regular moisturization is vital to keeping your Senegalese twists looking glossy and healthy. Use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the hair before adding your favorite oil or serum. Wrap your head in a satin scarf or bonnet at night and spray an anti-itch spray to avoid sleepy itching!
Explore different colors to make your Senegalese twists stand out, particularly grey as one of the hottest fashion colors – it works beautifully with these adorable little strands!
Silk Press
The Silk Press is an updated take on the classic press and curl used during the ’90s to straighten natural hair heavily saturated in oils and heat. This technique involves using a low-temperature flat iron with lightweight products for the best results when dealing with coarse and thick natural locks.
Your stylist will begin by shampooing your hair to remove product buildup. Next, they will apply a deep conditioner that hydrates and replenishes each strand, followed by a priming heat protectant that prevents damage during straightening.
Finally, your hair will be blow-dried to stretch it out before straightening to produce a silky smooth finish. Maintaining this style can quickly be done by covering your mane at night with a silk scarf or bonnet to prevent moisture and humidity from returning your curl pattern to its original state.
