Ditch your blow-dryer and flat iron and give in to the curls that make you…well…you. Check out how these celebs rock their mane’s au naturale and, with a few quick styling tips, let your hair down!
On Trend: Natural Hair
Know-les How To Work It
When it comes to showing off her crazy curls, Solange Knowles is a showstopper. Paired with a gorgeous glow, minimal makeup, and a canary yellow peplum gown, this look tops the trend charts. Recreate her wild mane by flipping your head over and misting a volumizing hairspray through your coils. Shake them out, and you’re ready to go!
Rockin’ Ringlets
Singer-songwriter Kelis accessorizes her totally awesome twists with neon colors and sequins. Feeling bold? Rock the crimps your mama gave you with loud colors and stack your wrists with fun textured bangles.
Pomp It Up
Hairstylist Dhiran Mistry from the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman explains how to create this neck-cooling summer updo seen on Janelle Monae.
First, divide your hair into three sections: a top section from eyebrow to eyebrow, a section in the back at your crown and a bottom section from ear to ear. Start to twist the bottom and middle sections as tight as possible, and secure them in place with bobby pins. If there is extra hair at the ends, incorporate it into the style.
Finally, create that extra volume on top by folding and twisting the final section back and pinning it to the top of your head.
Sassy Spiral
Corrine Bailey Rae looks classic at Fall/Winter 2012 Paris Fashion Week. When working with badass big hair, keep your outfit and makeup demure so that all of the attention is placed on your killer cut. To achieve this look, run leave-in conditioner through your mane when you get out of the shower and diffuse your your strands until they are dry.
Divine Dreads
Our favorite cool-girl character from “The Cosby Show,” Lisa Bonet, has been on our style radar for years. Top long dreadlocks with a hip bowler hat to pull of a retro, nineties-grunge vibe. Replicate her pink blush and mauve lip to look effortlessly chic.
Curly Cue
Do-gooder Alicia Keys stepped out in New York with a gorgeous smile and dark brown curls. To get this look, coat your strands with a moisturizing serum when you get out of the shower and air dry. Easy!
Crop Top
Viola Davis worked her natural curls to the 2012 Oscars and styled it with dewy skin and smoldering eyes. Dress up your pretty crimps with jewel tones and movie-star confidence and you’ll be ready for your closeup.
Fierce ‘Fro
Jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding works her afro while performing in London. Make sure to purchase a protein-rich strengthening mask to coat your hair with at least once every two weeks to keep your strands from over-drying and frizzing out. Work this look with a crop top, flowy maxi skirt and Grecian-style sandals and you’ll be ready for any summer music festival.
Just Whip It
We dare you to try whipping your hair back and forth with this 3-D topper! Willow Smith certainly knows how to work her hair, and she even received a record deal for it. Although her ‘do isn’t exactly user-friendly, you can channel Smith by creating two high pigtail plaits. They will last all day, and up to three if you wrap your hair in a silk scarf before bed.
