Search Results: Camille Wilson

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves

If you’ve been keeping up with the hair color trends of the last few years, you may have noticed tones of gray and silver hair color popping up on your timeline repeatedly. Instead of seeking out the newest tricks to disguise blossoming natural gray strands, many seek the best methods to nurture and care for their authentic silver crowns. Others are looking for stylists to dye and tint their hair to achieve synthetic, misty shades of gray, like the pearlescent “oyster-gray” and “mushroom blonde” hair colors that will make waves this summer.

Age and hair texture aside, the movement to embrace gray hair hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down and is unquestionably here to stay. In appreciation of all the silver-hair pride, we’ve got a roundup of gray curls, coils, and waves—natural and dyed— that you won’t want to miss. 

1.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls Coils and Waves
Source: @lauraom

Hair artists, curl expert, and hair colorist Laura Om achieved brilliant dimension, shape, and volume with this layered cut and color retouch. She used Maranta Power hair products on her client, a Puerto Rico-based natural hair care line. If you live in Puerto Rico, you’re in luck–pay Laura a visit at OM Studio salon

2.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls Coils and Waves
Source: @greyandglowing

Since Jennifer has allowed her natural color to shine through, she says the compliments she receives have been truly inspiring. “I am so grateful for those women who compliment me everyday because—I will be honest—it has helped tremendously in my gray hair journey. Going gray, as most of my silver sisters know, is difficult. You have to dig deep.”

3.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @_spanisheyes_

These light silver and grey curls are soft, beautiful, and bouncy. For the softest hold, achieve a similar fluffy curly look with Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls cream

4.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls Coils and Waves
Source: @tinacclark687

Tina’s hair is thriving three years into her gray journeyas you can see. Her go-to products are from the Curlsmith protein line, particularly the Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner. Use it as a conditioner, deep conditioner, and a leave-in all at once, and say goodbye to those drawn-out wash days.

5.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls Coils and Waves
Source: @curlventure_hair

Master curly stylist Robert Nieves transformed his dark brown hair into a hazy silver with the help of Schwarzkopf’s professional silver dye and 25-volume developer. A flawless transition, if we’ve ever seen one! Go see Robert at Curlventure Hair Salon in New York City for curly cuts and all of your permanent dye-related needs.

6.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @slaygrayslay

Realtor and naturally gray goddess Caprisha is giving you bare skin and super-fly coil. It’s a yes for us.

7.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @ester.silvercurly

Ester keeps her shiny silver waves looking this stunning with good technique and effective products.

8.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @silvercurls_

These curls are out and pride, a complete summer vibe.

9.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @mysilvercrown

Who doesn’t love a good blowout? These silver tresses are smooth, shiny, and bouncy!

10.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls Coils and Waves
Source: @mindy.gale

For people with big, voluminous, beautiful curls like Mindy’s, you may be surprised to find out that her curls are actually thin! Healthy products make all the difference in her hair’s appearance, so she uses Monat products, which include naturally based, vegan ingredients and non-sustainable ones. 

11.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls Coils and Waves
Source: @nadayoub_

A dye job like Nada’s icy shade of gray will definitely keep you cool in these next few months. The color really makes each individual curl stand out.

11.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @samanthapollack

Great lighting, a confident pose and a crown of silver curls, we love to see it. To avoid dryness in her gray hair, Samantha suggests using lots and lots of water in your routine, no matter what products you’re using. She uses the LCO method when applying her leave-in, gel, and oil to soaking wet hair.

12.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @stagesofgrey

Did you know that the sun can turn silver hair yellow? Debbie keeps her naturally gray waves in top shape by keeping the sun off of her hair with a hat, or using purple shampoo to counteract the yellow discoloration and brighten grays. But beware, too much purple shampoo can, in fact, turn your hair purple.

13.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @silverismynewnormal

We don’t know about you, but we think Tracy really nailed these braids. After suffering from hair loss a few years ago, she’s been nursing her hair back to health with a little TLC and we think the results speak for themselves–gorgeous. After using the Kerotin Hair Care Hair Growth Formula capsules and Spot Treatment Serum, Tracy says her hair has been growing amazingly ever since. 

14.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Source: @shena01111

One look at this photo, and you’ll know why Rezo-certified color specialist Diana Almonte is “Boston’s curly magician.” This big-chop is what dreams are made of.

15.

15 Photos of Dreamy Silver Curls, Coils, and Waves
Image Source: @curlpop

The client’s curls look incredibly defined and healthy, and the gray color just brings that out.

Are you considering oyster-gray or silver hair for a color change this summer? Are you part of the natural silver movement? Let us know in the comments.

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists

Daily styling is incredibly overrated. It involves more frequent moisturizing, extra detangling, and, of course, more time set aside to do the style–and no one has time for that (or, at least, I don’t). That’s why every winter, those of us with textured hair find ourselves braiding, twisting, and cornrowing our strands into styles that look amazing and will last until we’re ready to take on curly hair maintenance again.

What is a protective style?

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @dr.kariwill

As a celebrity stylist, doctor of trichology, and the creator of goddess locs, Dr. Kari Williams explains that an official “protective style” is not just a style with hair extensions but a style that will last for two weeks or more. Adding extra hair for length can extend a style’s durability but requires care to avoid damage.

What are the downsides of protective styling?

Some of the most popular braided and twisted styles keep the ends of your hair tucked away but can cause problems at the roots and edges if they’re installed too tightly. Dr. Wiliams says this is where damage usually begins. “To prevent hair loss, it’s important to work with hairstylists who have been trained or certified in these styling techniques because a lot of damage to the scalp starts during installation. Additional prevention methods require the client to maintain their hair health by not pulling the extensions into tight styles and to get retouches around the hairline if individual extensions are worn for longer than four weeks.” 

Image Source: @dr.kariwill

What if protective styling makes your scalp sore?

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @niani_b

If tender edges and a sore scalp caused by protective styling sound familiar to you, it may be time to try something new. As a general rule of thumb, a good protective style should be “comfortable, not just cute and trendy,” Detroit braiding specialist and founder of A Safe Space for Black GirlsNiani B., tells NaturallyCurly. “If it looks heavy, it likely is, and the heavy styles cause unnecessary tension.” And contrary to the popular belief that it’s normal for braids to be painful initially, both Dr. Williams and Niani note pain as one of the biggest red flags for scalp and hair damage, which should not come with the territory of protective styling.

“Your protective style should never be painful. There should be no wait period before your style becomes comfortable. Styles that pull at the edges are also very damaging,” Niani says.

To the list of telltale signs of damage, Dr. Williams adds “Visible tension or pulling of the scalp, scalp bumps or pimples (especially around the point of installation), redness or tenderness, round bulbs at the end of a hair strand (which is a sign of hair strands being pulled pre-maturely from the hair follicle), and most importantly pain–which is the body’s most important warning sign that damage is occurring.”

“If it looks heavy, it likely is, and the heavy styles cause unnecessary tension.” – Braiding specialist Niani B.

What are the best low-tension protective styles?

So what should you be looking for in a good protective style? Other than comfort, Niani explains that it should give you access to your scalp. “Keeping the scalp healthy is a major key in healthy hair care. Your protective style should not be keeping you from cleansing your scalp and moisturizing your hair,” she says. Two of Niani’s personal favorite low-tension styles that fit this criteria are knotless braids and two-strand twists.

Knotless Braids

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @hairrbydanielle_

“Some complain that they [knotless braids] don’t last as long as traditional braids, but that’s because less hair is added to the extension. With knotless braids, we have access to our natural hair while wearing the style. This can bring unwanted frizz, but that’s easy to work around, and now we can actually moisturize our hair and scalp.”

Two-strand Twists

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @msnaturalhairexpo

Two-strand twists also have the same perk of leaving room for scalp maintenance. “The twists are lightweight and flexible, allowing me the ability to style my twists pain-free. I also like that you have two styles in one, as right before wash-day you can take them down and rock a twist-out,” she tells us. 

Take breaks between your protective styles

And one more pro-tip: taking breaks between protective styling is essential. “This gives you time to give your scalp a break from carrying any extra weight; it also gives you the ability to treat your hair, such as deep conditioning, etc.,” Niani says. People who wear back-to-back protective styles may notice the steady growth of their hair but should be wary of less density from thinning and breakage over time. 

8 Low-Tension Protective Styles to Try

Read on for eight protective styling options that are cute, comfortable, low-tension alternatives to heavier protective styles.

1. Twisted Chignon

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @curlbellaa

If you need styling ideas that don’t take too long and look put-together but also keep the ends protected, this twisted look keeps it elegant and simple. The asymmetrical design stands out and achieves the perfect formal occasion or dinner look.

2. Crochet Locs

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @braidsandko

Crocheted styles are magical in the way they mimic box braids, passion twists, and goddess locs while causing less tension cutting hours from styling time. If you’re late to the game and don’t know about crochet, the hair is cornrowed and then the individual locs/twists/braids are looped into the cornrows using a hook. It’s genius. Pick up these butterfly locs from Toyotress Hair

3. Two-Strand Twists

Image Source: @tommythecreator3

Not the best braider? Try this in lieu of individual braids. Two-strand twists are always cute, extremely versatile, and super easy to style and wash. The styling process can be time-consuming based on factors like hair density, length, and the size of the twists, but it’s usually worth it because they can be left in for a while due to the easy hair and scalp maintenance. 

4. Clip-In Extensions

Image Source: @curlsbybebonia

Textured hair extensions give so much room for creativity. You can play with the length, curl patterns, and density to create just about any style. And they’re so easy to use that you can change them out frequently and get to your real hair and scalp if needed. Don’t forget to moisturize the clip-ins, too.

5. Braided Ponytails

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @naturalhairconnection

Why settle for one braided ponytail when you can have many? There’s no elaborate parting or braiding technique needed here, so this young, fresh look should be doable for just about everyone. Elevate the look with a few well-placed pins and clips. 

6. Faux High Pony

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Pictured: @todecrespa

Similarly to clip-ins, the faux ponytail is incredibly easy to install, and you can remove it as-needed. There’s little tension (but pay attention to how tightly you pull the ponytail) and your real hair stays braided or in a bun underneath–only one step added to your regular ponytail.

7. Halo Twist

8 Protective Styles That Are Gentler Than Box Braids and Passion Twists
Image Source: @kaluiise

Dress this look up or down, and you might even like the waves it leaves behind when you take it down. With less time focused on styling your hair, you can get a little fancy with the edges. Take a look at the Best of the Best edge controls for the most laid baby hairs.

8. Knotless Braids

Image Source: @bionic.hands

When you’re really all about braids, and you need an alternative to heavy box braids, your best friend will be knotless braids. A really on-trend look, but with less hair added in each braid, which equals less weight and less pulling on the roots. 

What low-tension protective styles have you tried? Do you find tension to be an issue in your protective styling routine? Drop your comments below.

What is the Rëzo Cut? The Woman Behind The Cutting Technique

Master stylist and curl expert Nubia Suarez is an irrefutable authority on beauty. As a top-notch educator and curl specialist, she is passionate about imparting her curly hair knowledge to her clients and exhibiting beauty in all hair types– so much so that she opened Utopia Salon & Day Spa in Westfield, New Jersey. During this interview, she revealed some curly and oily hair styling tips, her current favorite curly girl products, and the tea on her famous Rëzo Cut!

What is the Rëzo Cut? The Woman Behind The Cutting Technique
Image Source: @nubiarezo

Her Inspiration

Nubia comes from supportive parents who encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and because of her enthusiasm for hair and beauty, a salon and spa seemed like a natural step in realizing her dream. When asked about her reason for creating Utopia, she also shared that the lack of representation of some hair types drove her.

“I’ve always loved to fight for divides and human rights. It hasn’t always been easy for women with tight curly textures.” Nubia has studied many different hair textures and techniques from around the world. She is particularly fond of the communal aspect of hair care in many African cultures where…even men would be involved in the process.”

As a Deva and Ouidad certified educator, she has had the opportunity to travel the world and teach and learn about the latest hairstyling techniques.

What is a Rëzo cut and How is it Different from a DevaCut?

The Rëzo Cut is Nubia’s creation taking the curly world by storm– and it’s compatible with every hair texture. The most prominent difference between a DevaCut and a Rëzo Cut is that “The DevaCut focuses on framing your face, while the Rëzo Cut maintains an even length all the way around your head,” she says. “It liberates the curls from the root area so they can move freely.”

Image Source: @nubiarezo

In other words, if you straighten a DevaCut, your hair may appear uneven, while the Rëzo Cut will look even in both a curly and straightened state. The Rëzo Cut is also perfect for curlies who love their length, as it creates a shape while maintaining both length and volume.

Tips and Favorite Products?

For curlies struggling with moisture, Nubia recommends priming the hair before adding styling products to avoid disrupting the moisture and encourage humidity resistance. If priming isn’t something you’re interested in, she also suggests Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner, one of her favorite products to use on clients.

Image Source: @nubiarezo

Another favorite is her trusty diffuser. For Type 4 clients, Nubia reveals that the trick for the best results is to wait to diffuse your hair, allowing it to partially air dry (about 25 percent)– then go in with the diffuser.

“I expect women to request more edgy and daring hairstyles this year. The fear of short styles and the salon is starting to become a thing of the past!”

What is the Rëzo Cut? The Woman Behind The Cutting Technique
Image Source: @nubiarezo

Nubia has a hopeful vision for the future, in which women will love and accept themselves for who they are, including their beautiful hair.

“In the past, women could never fully be themselves because they had to change that one thing about them [their hair]. I’m giving women the tools to experience their hair at its best. The woman you have to fall in love with is you. The moment you fall in love with you, everyone will notice the beauty in your hair. You must find your self-confidence instead of looking to other women for inspiration.”

What is the Rëzo Cut? The Woman Behind The Cutting Technique
Image Source: @nubiarezo

Want to read about more entrepreneurial ventures? Interested in more curly cuts? Here are 18 popular styles.

Have you had this cut, or are you interested? Please share your thoughts with us below!

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

Any natural hair can rarely comb through its curls comfortably without a product to keep things (knots, breakage, rage) in check. This is doubly true for those who don the wondrous crown of beauty known as Type 4 hair. As one of the most fragile hair types, these super tight curls are usually vulnerable to damage without the right combo of water, oils, and butters to allow the hair strands to glide past one another, instead of snagging and tearing. And while the natural hair care market is saturated with products that profess to keep detangling drama-free, not all of those products work well with kinky curls and coils. 

Your hair may laugh in the face of most detangling sprays. Chances are, it requires a creamy product with a decent amount of slip to really relax those tangles. And because we know that the world of textured hair is diverse, with distinct needs for each head of curls, we’ve assembled a list of all-star detanglers and tips on the best ways to use these formulas to address your specific hair concerns and eliminate the guesswork. 

From leave-ins to co-washes, scroll on for ten highly-rated, Type 4-friendly detanglers to revamp your current product lineup.

Best Multi-Tasking Detangler

Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Softening Leave-In Conditioner, $18.99

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

Sometimes, you need your products to do more than one thing. Wash day is enough to work as it is without applying one million different creams and oils. Luckily for all of us, Melanin Haircare has created the perfect product that has not one or two—but seven. different. uses. Use this leave-in as a pre-poo, a conditioner, a deep conditioner, a styling cream, a rehydration product throughout the week, and a detangler. The formula is jam-packed with ingredients like baobab seed oil and jojoba oil, which work together to promote flexibility and soften the hair. 

Best for Dry or Damaged Hair:

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler, $11.99

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

In addition to providing the appropriate slip to release knots (thanks, slippery elm bark), this detangler can be used to strengthen hair that’s been damaged by dyes, perms, and heat styling. And, if your hair is extremely dry or transitioning, this raw shea butter product will condition and renew your thirsty curls. 

Best Detangling Co-Wash:

Taliah Waajid The Great Detangler, $8.40

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

For anyone who always extends the period between shampoos for just a little longer, you may want to pick up this leave-in and co-wash. This detangler melts knots on contact, defines your curls, and leaves your scalp with a fresh, tingly feeling when you’re done. 

Best Detangling Heat Protectant:

4C ONLY Too Soft Leave-In Conditioner, $25.00

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

As you may have guessed by the name—this 4C-centric line is here for the kinks and tight curls, and the kinks and tight curls only (according to the reviews, 4A and 4B naturals can benefit from this line too!”>. After washing and conditioning, apply this silky cream from the ends to the roots and enjoy the softness while styling. Do yourself a favor and apply this before your next blowout, too—it’ll work as a heat protectant. 

Best for High Porosity Hair:

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave-In, $24

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

This hydrating, vegan, cream-based formula will help to detangle, reduce fly-always and frizz, and flatten the cuticles of high porosity hair (sometimes they insist on lifting”>. It’ll also speed up the time it takes to dry, which is a huge plus when you’re running on a schedule. 

Best for Low Porosity Hair:

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner, $13.99

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

If your hair’s cuticles refuse to let most moisture in, you need a deep-penetrating conditioner like this one. Using the moisturizing powers of almond, avocado, and shea butter, this detangler softens your hair to maximize manageability while still being lightweight. 

Best for Low-Density Hair:

Miss Jessie’s Leave In Condish, $13.32

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

We love the look of juicy and defined curls, but no one wants to look “weighed down.” This detangler gives you the best of both worlds by adding a “layer” of moisture between your hair and the styler with no build-up. Apply it to moisturize and prep your hair for your styling products. 

Best for Matted Hair/Best Value on a Budget:

Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner, $4.19

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

A gem among gems, Aussie Moist products are undefeated regarding detangling. Naturals with kinky curls (myself included”> have been raving about this low-cost conditioner for years. Star ingredients avocado and Australian jojoba oil make detangling-induced stress a thing of the past, especially if you’re trying to reverse some particularly tough knots. And all for the price of a small seasonal tea at Starbucks. 

Best for Dyed Hair:

Mielle Organics Detangling Co-Wash, $11.99

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

This co-wash can detangle, nourish, and cleanse your hair between washes, and your recent dye job will be completely safe. Apply this and comb through your hair from ends to roots, then hop in the shower to rinse it all out. Because it’s made for everyday use, you can use it in your routine as often as you see fit. 

Best Scent:

Creme of Nature Pure Honey Knot Away Leave-In Detangler, $6.29

Top 10 Detanglers for Type 4 Natural Hair

A crowd favorite among naturals, most reviews are on one accord with this product—it smells amazing. Treat your curls to some instant detangling action thanks to honey (a natural moisturizing and softening agent), coconut, and shea butter ingredients, and enjoy the sweet after-scent. 

These products will ensure you spend less time struggling with tangles and more time enjoying healthy, beautiful hair. What are your must-have products for successful detangling? Have you used any of the products that we’ve mentioned? Share your experience below.

This article has been updated to incorporate community feedback.

I Tried Cardi B’s DIY Avocado Hair Mask on my Natural Hair and Surprised by The Results

A couple of months ago, Cardi B took to her Instagram to show her long, thick, blown-out natural tresses and give her fans the inside scoop on her hair-care routine. Spoiler alert: she makes a DIY avocado hair mask at home. One of the most important steps of that routine for the chart-topping rapper is the ingredients: avocado, argan oil, mayonnaise, black castor oil, olive oil, two eggs, a banana, and honey. And from the surface, it sounds promising. Avocado, mayonnaise, and eggs are thought to be a great source of protein, and black castor and olive oils are hydrating and promote growth. 

According to Cardi, this DIY mask promotes stronger strands and hair growth for curlies, and she even trusts it enough to use it in her daughter Kulture’s hair regimen. But, while some naturals might swear by kitchen-made hair products as a key to healthy hair, one major caveat to using raw ingredients is that they don’t always absorb into the hair strands properly or at all.

I Tried Cardi B’s DIY Avocado Hair Mask on my Natural Hair and Surprised by The Results
Image Source: @chocolatecurlsbeauty

Aishia Strickland, a professional stylist and curl artist, said on Instagram Live that “…food molecules are larger than what your hair can absorb.” When eating, your food changes and breaks down into a form that our bodies can use, Strickland states. When using those same food ingredients on hair, there is no process to break those molecules down further into ones that our strands can absorb. 

Formulating The DIY Avocado Mask

As someone who likes to explore different ways to maintain healthy type 4 hair, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to test out exactly how a mask made from the items on your grocery list stacks up to commercial hair masks—especially one that is celebrity-approved. Let’s see if it’s worth the hype!

Avocado Hair Mask

After collecting all the necessary ingredients for this recipe, I threw them into a blender to ensure that the mixture was as homogenous as possible—I was actively trying to avoid “avocado meat” sticking to my hair, as Cardi puts it. Blend all the ingredients evenly. If you don’t have access to a blender, I would recommend avoiding this altogether. The concoction I created ended up looking like a light green smoothie. 

Avocado Hair Mask

I began by detangling my hair and sectioning it into four equal parts, applying the mask evenly, and trying to coat all my hair strands. Initially, putting raw eggs and mayonnaise into my hair made me cringe slightly at the thought of the smell, but it was very mild. The aroma was more avocado and honey than anything else. 

After letting the mask absorb into my hair for 15 minutes, I found that, while it hadn’t completely absorbed into my hair, my hair felt a bit softer and smoother—but nothing too drastic. I would give the absorption a 7/10 for my hair. At that point, I hopped into the shower to rinse everything out thoroughly with my BREAD hair wash.

The smell wasn’t horrible, but it was still a little odd, and that, combined with the knowledge that I had raw eggs and mayonnaise drying on my head, made me a little eager to rinse. I would absolutely recommend rinsing this mask with your favorite shampoo and cool or lukewarm water to prevent leaving the bathroom with scrambled egg-head. 

My Results

Avocado Hair Mask

Fresh out of the shower, without any product after rinsing, my hair felt soft, hydrated, and light, but there were some bits of residue. There wasn’t a ton of it, but there was just enough to be noticeable up close. The final opinion: if you’re in the mood to experiment, give this Cardi B-certified mask a go. If not, you’re not missing anything.

There are tons of really good deep conditioners and masks on the market that are filled with clean ingredients. They’re just as effective, are specially formulated for your hair, and save you the time you’d spend mixing ingredients in the kitchen. 

Do you use DIY products in your hair-care routine? Would you try an avocado hair mask? Let us know what you use and how it works in the comment section. 

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real

It’s no secret that curly hair and the natural hair movement have officially taken the fashion world by storm. We see curls confidently worn on the red carpet, commercials, runways, and magazine covers, and the sense of self-acceptance and individuality that it brings forth is immensely refreshing.

But, truthfully, just because we love our natural curls, coils, and waves, doesn’t mean that we’re required to abandon sleek and glossy strands completely (unless you want to, of course). There are a ton of styling options to choose from with blowouts, especially if you’re interested in adding texture (curls or waves), and it can really add a bit of zest to your overall look if you’ve been bored lately. Plus, your straightened ‘do can last up to a week or longer, provided you take the right steps to keep it looking fresh (sleeping on a silk pillowcase, putting your hair in a ponytail/bun during physical activities, etc.)

As long as you’re bringing some heat protectant along for the ride and you avoid using heat too often, you can experiment with a voluminously fluffy blown-out look, or a shiny pin-straight style, and still come back to healthy curls on wash day. If you’re ready to make the switch, ahead are ten super silky styles that will give you all your blowout goals for 202.

1. Chic Bob

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @studioxvii

The chic, french bob is super trendy and perfect for a blowout. Not to mention, the soft brown color is perfect for the fall season which pulls together the entire look nicely.

2. Big Curls

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @curlsidoadore_

Chances are, you don’t ever want your hair to fall flat. Even with straight hair, you can still enjoy the volume you know and love with large, full-on glam curls.

3. Natural Blowout

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @himenatural

For curlies wanting all the body, the natural blowout brings all the volume, movement, and texture.

4. Short Curls

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @astoldbychinwe

One thing straight hair is perfect for is a variation of different curls. This short and stylish look is complimented by luscious curls.

5. Sleek and Straight

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @adannamadueke

When you’re craving length, extensions can really take your blowout up a few notches. This influencer kept us guessing about her length by incorporating her clip-in extensions.

6. Textured Blowout

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @_thatssocole

There’s something so satisfying about a voluminous blowout. When you want to get the most out of your blowout, style it with a top knot and accessories for an elevated look.

7. Touch of Color

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @thebriannabalram

Can we say hair goals? Wow! From the color to the silky smooth blowout, this is a gorgeous blowout that is slaying.

8. Layered Bob

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @qourtknee

Nothing beats healthy hair, and we love to see it. This silk press is so sleek and voluminous the bob is forever classic.

9. Smooth Waves

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @camilanunees

This simple and sultry look gives so much body and volume with smooth waves that cascade in a beautiful style!

10. Half Up and Down

10 Stunning Blowouts on Natural Hair That Prove Shrinkage is Real
Image Source: @sullyg_

If you’re not committed to a full-on ponytail, the half-up half-down style is here for you. Don’t forget to wrap a piece around the base to hide the elastic and pull to secure the ponytail tightly and for added volume.

Are you thinking about a blowout for your next style choice? Let us know which cut/style you prefer in the comments below.

How to Moisturize a Twist-Out

One major key (cue DJ Khaled) to maintaining a moisturized look with a twist-out is to use the proper technique while styling your hair. This sets you up for a potentially long-lasting style that you can refresh at your leisure. For tips on how to achieve a nearly perfect twist-out, look here.

How to Moisturize a Twist-Out
Image Source: @pgeeeee

The secret to maintaining a healthy and fresh-looking style is moisture. Here are some tips on moisturizing a twist-out and continuing to slay, days after taking the twists down.

Try a Hair Steamer

Steam therapy is an efficient way to allow moisture back into your hair strands after a period of dryness. The moisture and heat allow the follicles to be lifted up and make the moisturizing process much easier. It can improve elasticity and enhance curl definition, and it’s a great option for low-porosity naturals, as well. Read more about the benefits of steaming here.

Steamers are perfect for moisturizing twist-outs because they make it easier to restyle the hair without it becoming saturated with water. This step removes the hassle of waiting for the style to set and dry and doesn’t destroy the form of the twist-out. It’s just enough water to add some life back into the style.

YouTubers Allmyluvs and Chizi Duru use the popular Q-Redew to moisturize their twist-outs, and both routines take about ten minutes or less.

Allmyluvs focuses on moisturizing her ends with the Q-Redew and re-twists her hair in chunky twists. She uses a few other products for her routine:

After steaming at the roots, Chizi uses avocado oil and a hair pick to fluff her twist-out as desired.

If you aren’t interested in steaming your hair or don’t own a hair steamer, using a spray bottle, or working with a dry twist-out can work as well.

MahoganyCurls uses only one product, CURLS Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream, to moisturize her twist-out. The fact that the product is water-based makes it easier to use on dry hair and provides a bit of hold and shine. She then re-twists in relatively small sections.

Keisha Johnella uses a spray bottle with water and coconut oil, separating her hair into two sections for better manageability. She lightly sprays her hair before retwisting with the coconut oil, focusing on the ends.

Don’t forget to protect your twist-out at night —whether you wear a satin bonnet, do the pineapple method, or use some other routine. Protecting your style, particularly the ends, will help to retain moisture.

Do you have a good routine for moisturizing a twist-out? Share it below in the comments. To find twist-out related products that naturals are raving about, click herehttps://www.beautycon.com/article/my-secret-to-a-poppin-twist-out.

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Although Halloween festivities are for everyone, from babies on up, there’s something particularly special about being a kid and getting the chance to transform into your favorite character or scary creature for a day. Not to mention the droves of treats and the occasional full-size candy bar that your parents actually let you to eat for that one night. Now, the real treat will be seeing your youngsters having the time of their lives ringing doorbells and collecting their goodies. Have little ones that haven’t made up their minds about what they want to be? We’re here to help.

To get your creativity flowing, we’ve put together a list of Halloween ideas for textured hair that will have you ready to for a boo-tastic Halloween. With the evolution of diverse characters on the big and small screen, there are no limits to who and what your child can be for Halloween. Below you’ll find historical figures, anime, princesses, superheroes, mermaids and more! Scroll through for some Halloween inspo for your curly cutie, or for yourself—even grown-ups want to dress up every now and again.

1. Image Source: @kaleys_kloset

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

This tiny tot is ready to fight crime and do so in style with a big beautiful bow and adorned coils laid out in front of her hair.

2. Image Source: @missnancybeau

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Fairytales come to life with this elegant costume that put these soft waves at the forefront with long ponytails that are adorable.

3. Image Source: @sahaja_madhuri

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Who doesn’t love this Moana-inspired costume? Smiles are the perfect accessory to this intricate costumer, paddleboard and water comes separate.

4. Image Source: @aliyahna_sarae

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

We love to see a character-inspired costume and this one is full of frills, ruffles, and color that compliments a very voluminous pony tail.

5. Image Source: @baileyanddava_design_studio

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Superpowered, inspired, and ready to soar into high-flying action. You can’t go wrong with embodying your favorite superhero.

6. Image Source: @makeupmama817

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Frida Kahlo lives on in our hearts and in this cutie pie who is channeling the iconic artist, eyebrows and all. Dress up this adorable costume with a floral headband for a stunning look.

7. Image Source: @drsarahkiani

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

The Powerpuff Girls are iconic and this makes a great sibling outfit that can have each tiny tot channeling one of the iconic trio. Get playful with the hairstyles to create a more distinct look for each character.

8. Image Source: @mudpiegift

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

You’ve never seen a cuter dinosaur. This cute costume comes as a cape with a matching mask to help your child channel these prehistoric creatures.

9. Image Source: @magicmaneshair

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Harley Quinn came to play this season and her signature colored ponytails are a perfect way to get creative with your textured hair. Use a wig or temporary color to truly epitomize this captivating character.

10. Image Source: @quincyandskylar

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Spiderman never goes out of style and thanks to movies like “Inside The Spiderverse” we’ve gotten to see the classic character take the form of a woman!

11. Image Source: @themelaningang

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Who doesn’t love a great sibling outfit? Little Red Riding Hood and The Wolf are the ultimate pairing for your tiny tots.

12. Image Source: @lanaato

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

The elaborately decorated sugar skulls of Dia De Los Muertos have nothing on this candy skull cutie. Add a floral headband to complete the look.

13. Image Source: @jordanmarieg42

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Wakanda Forever! Black Panther lives on in the hearts of fans everywhere and Zuri is a fun costume that pays homage to the princess of Wakanda.

14. Image Source: @sapphire23creations

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

The Little Mermaid came in full force this summer which means we’re bound to see tons of variations of this classic Disney Princess. Your child can sport a long french braid, locs, or twists to take this outfit to new heights.

15. Image Source: @blogdoisencantos

15 Adorable Halloween Costumes For Your Tiny Tot

Bill Skarsgård and Tim Curry are great actors, but you have to admit this curly Pennywise way cuter.

What are your little ones wearing for the 31st? Did one of these looks inspire you? Tell us about it in the comments below.

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

It’s that time again — summer is winding down and it’s time to head back to school. As your relaxing summer schedule comes to a close, your school schedule will pick back up, meaning you’ll probably be looking for the best ways to make use of your time — and when it comes to curly hair, an easy routine means you’ll have more time to spend hitting the books, catching up with friends, and balancing those extra-curriculars. 

Naturally Curly has rounded up 10 Quick and Easy styles for the college curly girl on the go so you can spend less time in front of the mirror and more time enjoying college life. 

1. Goddess Braids

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl
Photo: @TRANCISTA_JOSI

Enjoy the ease of a protective style with the texture and movement of curls! We’re loving goddess braids and French curls and all of the many ways to style braids with curls.

2. Braided pigtails

Image: @ashleescurls

Who knew braided pigtails could be so stylish?! And to dress this simple style up you can add in some gold charms, colorful beads, or a silk scarf

3. Curly Pouf

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image: @ashleycuadrado

All you need is a hair tie, a brush, and some gel (if you wish), and you can keep your curls out your face with this cute curly pouf style! 

4. Headwrap

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image:@symone_says

Not only are scarves a great fashion statement, they also keep those curls hidden on days where you have a 9am class and don’t feel like spending extra time on your curls. 

5. Senegal Twists

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image:@chrissyford

Wanting to change your look for back to school? Try rocking twists! The only upkeep you’ll need to keep in mind is caring for your scalp and the occasional root wash if you wish — otherwise, you’re good to go. 

6. Halo braid 

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image:@naturallytemi

Look like an angel with this cute halo braid. If you want to rock it for a few days, just wrap your hair at night to protect with braid, and you’ll be ready to go the next day. 

7. Messy hair, don’t care

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image:@beautifiedbybekah

Another scarf look that uses the scarf as a headband! 

8. High puffs

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image:@knotsncurls

Space buns — a fun look to rock to class, the football game, or a party! 

You could also add a couple of twists to go with your puffs.

9. Box braids

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image:@jaliyahdrenise

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t rock a protective style! Even if you’re a beginner, you can learn how to do box braids yourself. And there are so many stunning ways to style your box braids.

10. Top bun

10 Quick and Easy Back to School Styles for the College Curly Girl

Image:@allthingsada

For a more sleek look that you can take from class to your internship, we recommend this top bun, slicked back with your favorite edge control!

What’s your go-to style you wear on the go?

This article has been updated.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

From refresher sprays, to deep conditioners, to scalp serums, you won’t want to miss out on these Black-owned natural hair care essentials. We love knowing that these Black-owned brands have created products specifically for our curly and textured hair!

1. Donna’s Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Conditioner

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

Donna’s Recipe was founded by Tabitha Brown (@iamtabithabrown) and Gina Woods (@ginalosangeles) in 2021 and has quickly grown into a popular emerging brand. The entire line consists of nutrient-rich, clean, vegan ingredients, and the Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Conditioner won NaturallyCurly’s Best of the Best Award, Best Conditioner for Type 4 Coily Hair in 2023.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

2. StrandsOfFaith Conditioning Refresher Spray

Calling all protective style devotees: keep your hair happy underneath braids, twists, and sew-ins with this all-natural, pH balanced refresher spray that’s lightweight–but not watery. Babassu, kukui, and baobab oils in the formula provide anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, as well as slip for breezy detangling. Use this on wet hair for hydration and moisture, and for refreshing your style, apply it to dry hair. Ideal for Type 4 hair.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

3. Canviiy ScalpBliss Scalp Purifying Foam Treatment

When your scalp is in need of a deep and gentle cleanse this purifying foam treatment will get the job done! This invigorating scalp-purifying micro-foam rinse-off cleanser clears the hair of flakes, excess product build up & soothes scalp irritation. The non-stripping, luxurious silky lather draws impurities to achieve a clean, balanced healthy scalp. Renew & refresh your scalp with powerful natural antioxidant properties of rosebay, witch hazel and tea tree.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

4. Uniqurl AloeMint Moisturizing & Silkening Deep Conditioner

Deep conditioners are a phenomenal addition to your routine regardless of the season. Along with highly moisturizing and softening ingredients like shea butter, sweet almond oil, and aloe vera, your scalp will surely enjoy the tingling sensation of fresh peppermint after beach or pool days.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

5. Amethyst Curl Primer + Heat Protectant

This revolutionary gem infused with amethyst extract, nourishes your strands and saturates them with moisture. It then seals moisture in with protective, yet breathable plant gels and resins to prep hair for styling. Infused with extracts from Bamboo, Rhodiola and Prickly Pear mineralize and stimulate hair growth. 

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

6. Chocolate Kinks & Curls Lemon Rose Hair & Scalp Renewal

After a fresh wash, it’s important to nourish your hair, but don’t forget your scalp. This oil blend is dedicated to giving your scalp the lavish experience it deserves, featuring ingredients that aid in skin cell renewal and a heavenly scent. Apply this directly to the scalp to improve circulation, or to the hair as a hot oil treatment. 

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

7. EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Natural Deep Conditioner

Restore your hair’s natural beauty from over processing, damage and dryness. Fortified to balance the hair’s moisture level, resulting in stronger, healthier more manageable hair. Excellent for all textures and hair types.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

8. Breahni Light Styling Gel

It doesn’t take much to unravel curls in humid weather. Keep your style intact with a gentle hold and no flakes with a gel that’s moisturizing and light enough for everyday use for all hair textures. 

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

9. CURLS Coconut CURLada Conditioner 

Super hydrating and luxurious rinse off conditioner contains certified organic ingredients. Contains no silicone or mineral/petrolatum oil, paraben-free, sulfate-free. Effortless, frizz free curls for multi-ethnic women and girls. This conditioner softens, detangles, moisture and hydrates your dry curls in a snap.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

10. Uhai Edge Gel

If you prefer your hairline to be sleek and laid for all occasions, but can’t seem to achieve a lasting hold that doesn’t cause damage or flake–you may have found your match. Instead of fighting with your baby hairs into submission, this edge gel will keep everything looking neat and tidy while replenishing your edges with baobab and castor oils.

 11. tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo

This gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is incredibly moisturizing and brings plenty of slip, making it a great product for detangling while you wash. Tgin stands for “Thank God It’s Natural” and was founded by Chris-Tia Donaldson, a Harvard trained lawyer and author of the best-selling book Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Natural Hair. In 2015, Chris-Tia was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her treatment, she learned that having money could make the difference between living and dying when it came to treating this condition. Up until her passing in November 2021, she used her success in the beauty space to advocate for women experiencing financial difficulties, who are undergoing treatment, to highlight health disparities due to race and socio-economic factors, and to empower women to listen to their bodies through the tgin Foundation. 

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

12. J Antoinette Hydrotherapy Mist

Humectants not only moisturize hair, but they ensure that the moisture stays locked in. This mist, which was initially created as an attempt to tame scalp psoriasis, promises to give your hair long-lasting moisture that will last for days thanks to 3 super-effective humectants: aloe vera juice, glycerin, and sodium lactate.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

13. OBIA Naturals Curl Enhancing Custard

Style your hair with this oil enriched, alcohol-free and lightweight custard. This pH-balanced formula is packed with antioxidant rich Argan Oil, Olive Oil and Grape seed Oil that will leave your hair soft, shiny and deeply moisturized. Perfect of wash n’ go’s, up-do’s, finger coils and smoothing edges.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

14. Taliah Waajid Curls, Waves, & Naturals The Great Detangler

There’s a reason why this is called “The Great Detangler”! This leave-in conditioner provides amazing slip for even the most knotted curls and improves manageability to strengthen and protect hair when detangling.

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

15. Nature’s Little Secret Flaxseed Curly Custard

A lightweight and gooey curl-defining product that also acts as a moisturizer. Keep your braids, twist-outs, and other styles neat and free of frizz and, of course–no flakes. The high level of omega 3’s in flaxseed may also make this product a great contender for use during months when the sun is high and blazing to fend off damage from UV rays. 

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

16. Wonder Curl Detoxifying Clay Cleanser

Clay-infused products are a great go-to for scalp-soothing and exfoliation purposes. The Detoxifying Clay Cleanser is a 3-in-1 gentle cleanser that also detangles and conditions your hair all in one. Using Kaolin clay, this clay cleanser removes impurities from your hair and scalp without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Hair is left feeling soft and refreshed. 

20 Black Owned Natural Hair Products to Add to Your Regimen

17. Camille Rose Naturals Lavender Crush Defining Gel

This lavender infused gel is the key to combating frizz on even the most humid days! Formulated with nourishing coconut, jojoba, and real lavender is crafted to define and hold styles in place longer, plus the smell is divine and it works great for all hair types. 

18. Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment

This is a five star quality hair treatment curlies of hair textures can’t get enough of when their hair is in need of some extra TLC! Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment helps fill in cracks in the hair shaft to give strength and prevent further breakage. Also great for general maintenance of the hair. Makes a great once-a-month protein treatment to help keep your hair in top shape! Light tropical coconut scent. 

19. Alikay Naturals Shine Crave Hair Glosser

This lightweight formula is infused with natural oils that add fabulous shine and luster to hair while eliminating fly-always and frizz. The natural oils help prevent hair from drying out and the overall look of your hair. Non greasy alcohol free formula won’t clog pores, suffocate hair follicles or dry hair out. The light coconut scent is refreshing. 

20. Curls Dynasty Give Me Slip Blast Hydration Conditioner

Enhance your curl care regimen with the Give Me Slip Blast Hydration Conditioner. This nourishing conditioner is uniquely formulated with rich essential ingredients to revitalize the hair, while delivering intense moisture to each strand.

Have you tried any of these products? Let us know in the comments below.

This article has been updated with product links and imagery.

The Most Popular Kids’ Curly Hair Products of 2023

Regardless of whether or not you’re well-versed in taking care of your own curls or coils, caring for a child’s curly hair can be a real challenge. The child may have a different hair texture, porosity, or density than what you’re used to. And, if you’re a parent or care-taker with straight hair, you may have never even considered the role of porosity or moisture in a hair care routine before–but just having the right products on hand can make a world of difference in the hair care experience for you and your little one. Here to save the day are countless curly hair care products formulated specifically with sensitive youngsters in-mind that can handle the tangled aftermath of even the wildest playtime. But, of course, in the sea of products and ingredients, it may be difficult to know what the best options are.

The Most Popular Kids’ Curly Hair Products of 2023

We’re excited to share the Best of the Best Awards for Curly Hair Products For Kids of 2023, as voted on by the NaturallyCurly community. These kid-friendly product lines to keep your little one’s hair in top shape and put the fun back into detangling, washing, and styling.

The Most Popular Kids’ Curly Hair Products of 2023

Best Kids Line For All Curl Types & Best Kids Line for Type 3 Curly Hair: Camille Rose Naturals Kids

Camille Rose Naturals has proved to have a standout kid’s line that works with all textures and curl types for your tiny tot. As the winner of two of our kid’s categories, this line shows that it stands out and is truly a must-have for your home. The kid’s line features an array of styling products like a Mandarin hair balm, a leave-in conditioner, and buttercream full of rich nutrients to moisturize and condition even the most delicate strands. You can purchase each product individually or in a set for easy and seamless styling on the go that will leave you feeling at ease with your little one.

The Most Popular Kids’ Curly Hair Products of 2023

Best Kids Line for Type 2 Wavy Hair: Kinder Curls by Curl Keeper

Kinder Curls is making a big comeback as a fan favorite and the previous 2020 Best of the Best Awards for Curly Hair Products For Kids. These products are gentle and designed to detangle, define, and soften curly hair.  Whether you are ready to travel, swim, or camp, these products are water-based and will help control the most unruly, frizzy hair.

The Most Popular Kids’ Curly Hair Products of 2023

Best Kids Line for Type 4 Coily Hair: Taliah Waajid Kinky, Wavy & Natural for Children

Let’s give a big drumroll for the Best Kids Line for Type 4 Coily Hair which comes courtesy of Taliah Waajid! This kid’s line is great for tighter curl patterns to help with styling and improving the overall shine and texture. This product contains only quality ingredients and herbal extracts, so it’s free of harsh chemicals. This gentle formula softens the curl pattern while making hair manageable. 

What are the current must-have products in your curly kid’s routine? If you’ve used any products from these collections, tell us about your experience in the comments. 

Check out the rest of the Best of the Best Award Winners for 2023.

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Next to braids and cornrows, twists might have to take the crown for the most low-maintenance and simultaneously versatile protective styles around. You can style your hair in flat twists or individual twists, using extra hair for length or nothing but your natural curls. And if that wasn’t already enough to persuade you, they’re a brilliant way to keep your hair moisturized and protected from unnecessary damage. For inspo for your next new look, scroll through these 20 twisted styles to try on your natural hair.

1. Flat Twists & Zig Zag Parts

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @curlbellaa

Spicing up your normal flat twists can be as simple as changing the part. This zig-zag part is subtle, but just enough to make a statement. And the best part is when you’re ready to take it out, you have a bomb twist out. A two for one.

2. Blonde Rope Twists

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @saythelees

As the weather gets warmer, lighter hair colors will be on the rise and blonde is a classic warm weather vibe. These thick rope twists look cute and carefree pulled into a ponytail off the face, and they won’t take quite as long to do as smaller twists. The higher the ponytail the better.

3. Flat-Twisted Low Puff

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @truleytalentedbeauty

Most naturals love a good low ponytail/puff moment. The flat-twists are a great way to get more wear out of the style, rather than the typical slicked back ponytail. Add some little piercing accents like Zenita for just the right amount of pop.

4. Braid and Twist Combo

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @kraziicurls

Here’s proof that you don’t have to choose between braids and twists, you can do both. Ginelle flat-twisted the front of her hair off her face, and twisted the back as usual for a slightly different take on the regular twists.

5. Mini Twist Ponytail

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @jd_winters

They may be a bit time-consuming, but it’s definitely worth trying mini twists at some point during your natural hair journey. They help lock in moisture for that shiny finish and can last up to a few weeks with minimal maintenance. Jasmine’s mini twist ponytail is just one of the many styles you can pull off with these twists.

6. Crochet Twists

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @voiceofhair, @marykbella

These twists look so stunning, that you would never guess it’s a crochet wig. The ultimate protective style, this completely covers your hair and protects your ends while giving you the feeling and look of your natural curls and coils.

7. Two Strand Twists & Gold Cuffs

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @spstyled

If you enjoy decorating your hair with accessories, then you know these golden cuffs make a style stand out with little effort. Embellish your twists with these little add-ons for a quick and easy way to take your twisted style up a notch.

8. Marley Twists

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @blakejael

Long, hip and knee-length twists are popular this time of year, giving beach and vacation energy. Although you may not be able to make it to the beach just yet, channel those easy going vibes at home with this look. Add a few blonde accent twists to stand out from the rest.

9. Pigtail Twists

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @naptural85

When you’re short on time and fancy a sporty-but-cute look, you might want to try two simple pigtail twists. It’s easy enough to do in a rush or as an everyday style, and is functional when it comes to keeping your hair contained and out of your face.

10. Passion Twists

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @happycurlhappygirl

Secure long havana, passion or rope twists with a head wrap or scarf. Pile your twists into a large bun for an easy, charming style. For added polish don’t forget to sculpt your baby hairs.

11. Space Buns

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @powerfluffgirl

These glossy twists pair amazingly with the ever-popular space bun style. This might be a good solution for naturals who are experiencing the “awkward” hair length phase and feel that their twists are just a little too short for comfort. Don’t forget to add the face-framing twists.

12. Twisted Updo

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @neffyfrofro

Laila-Jean uses this style as a simple style to protect your hair while it dries on wash-day and it looks like a life-saver. On those days when you have to cram other activities into your wash-day schedule, this should help you leave the house looking presentable and with your ends protected.

13. Flat Twists w/ a Bow

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @danishrolls

Head wraps compliment curly hair in every way. It can function as a headband to keep those juicy twists out of your face. Tie the head wrap in a bow to keep it fresh.

14. Passion Twists Updo

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @creolenaturelle

Twists can easily be transformed into a sophisticated style fit for your next big formal event. By the time you’ve mastered this style in quarantine you’ll have weddings and black tie events lined up in your schedule. Swoop the twists on one side and secure them at the base of the head to get this look. Add a few sprigs of baby’s breath for a delicate touch.

15. Stretched Loose Twists

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @creeative91

Loose twists keep all of the volume that you might miss while your hair is out. Loosely twist dry hair and adjust it as needed to create a full bodied look, rather than the usual tight twists.

16. Twisted Low Ponytail

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @naturallycha

Sculpt jumbo twists along the side of your head for a put-together look that’s office-ready. It’s a particularly impressive style on thick natural hair.

17. Beaded Half-Ponytail

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @teresa.sousa.100

Bring back the memories of yesteryear by adding beads to your twists and a waterfall ponytail. And yes, persistent clacking noise will be well-worth the compliments, we promise.

18. Purple Two Strand Twists

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @curliecrys

Colorful hair waxes allow you to push the boundaries of hair color without making any serious commitments–in short, it’s genius. Playing with your hair color while stuck inside is a good way to decide which colors work for you and which you might want to consider permanently. Crys’s purple twists are fun and extra cute styled in a pineapple.

19. Twisted Accents

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @samanthapollock

Curlies who thoroughly enjoy wearing twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-go’s most of the time can add a couple of accent twists to add some variety to their everyday style. As always, jewelry and accessories can be added to your heart’s content.

20. Criss-Cross Buns

20 Low Maintenance Twisted Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Image Source: @jaynellenicole

The criss-cross pattern of this style may make it look a lot more complicated than it is, but the result is worth the effort! After parting and sectioning the hair, secure each section with black rubber bands and twist them, and flat twist the sides. Cross the banded sections in the pattern that you prefer, criss-crossing them to give the style an elaborate look, and secure the buns. If you feel your hair is too short to pull it off, add hair to the buns for a fuller effect.

Are you still looking forward to new hairstyles in spring 2020? If twists are a favorite of yours, let us know what your next twisted style will be in the comments below.

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop

Short haircuts are effortlessly attractive, they’re easy to take care of, and there are so many different cuts to choose from.

Regardless of whether you’re going for a full-on buzzcut or just dutifully trimming your ends, one idea we can all get behind is flaunting healthier, happier hair, am I right?

To help you navigate through the endless options, we picked 20 short curly cuts that just might give you that extra push towards your first big.

1. Bleach Blonde Short Curls

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @mennia Stylist: @greg_gilmore

Short cuts are the perfect way to showcase flawless definition. Mennia’s cut displays both shape and extreme definition on bleach blond curls.

2. Short Angled Cut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Image Source: @jessicapettway

Blunt angles and a gravity-defying shape! They’ll turn an ordinary haircut into a dynamic sculpture. Incorporating a part into the style can add to the dramatic geometric effect.

3. Short Tapered ‘Fro

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @jadenikaylah

We live for a tapered ‘fro. Tapered styles really lend themselves to hair that grows out and upwards, like Jade’s type 4 coils.

4. Bleach Blonde Buzzcut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @pamela_mtanga

Sometimes a classic buzzcut is the best way to go. If you’re looking to do a complete hair overhaul and like to experiment with color, extremely short cuts make coloring your hair easier–especially if you’re using bleach.

5. Curly Pixie Cut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @mikaylascaife

Loose curls like Mikayla’s look great cut into a pixie with face-framing curls.

6. Long Tapered Cut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @iam.tiffany.renee

If you’re feeling confident, experiment with some designs like Tiffany on her long tapered cut.

7. Curly Bowl Cut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @cyn3p0

It might have been one of the most cringe-worthy childhood fashion moments of the 90’s, but Cyn’s curly look has us thinking the bowl-cut might just make a triumphant return in the near future.

8. Short Curly Mohawk

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @inkedcurls

Lisa’s rosy pixie cut features short sides and longer hair running down the middle of her head, creating a short curly mohawk.

9. Short Locs

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @astoldbybrittanyd

Curlies who are planning to start a loc journey can still consider short cuts, like Brittany who started her locs five months ago.

10. Classic Pixie Cut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @onyourglow

Mwanini’s moisturized curls look great cut into a classic pixie, with only a bit of extra length at the crown.

11. Short Oval-Shaped Cut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @brosiaaa

Ambrosia’s oval-shaped cut and incredible density is the perfect inspo for curlies who don’t want to go short all at once.

12. Short Round Afro

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @styleme.be

Although we love abstract shapes, a round afro never goes out of style, as shown by @styleme.be.

13. Short Hair Finger Waves

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @natashazdn

If you’re a fan of all things sleek and shiny, you’ll fall in love with finger waves similar to Natasha’s polished look.

14. Short Fade with Styled Edges

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @frizzybri

Bri sports an edgy faded cut and design, but keeps it girly with styled edges.

15. Curly Blunt Bob

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @love_jomy

Loose curls and waves like Jomy’s look fabulous when cut into a short ear-length, blunt bob to frame the face.

16. Long Curly Tapered Cut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop
Source: @narurallyshauniece

Shauniece’s grown-out tapered cut still holds an outstanding shape. The cut features shorter hair on the sides and the back with extreme length on top.

17. Short Heart-Shaped Cut with Baby Bangs

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop

Source: @curlygirlpri

Priscilla’s ultra-short curly bangs really set the tone of this heart-shaped cut.

18. Short Naturally Wavy Haircut

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop

Source: @identity_moira

Moira’s type 2 curls hold incredible volume with this cropped cut.

19. Short Locs

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop

Source: @kendrakenshay

Kendra’s number one suggestion to those installing locs is to get your hair cut into a shape first to control how they fall–it makes for a much easier transition.

20. Ear-Length Curly Cut with Bangs

20 Stunning Short Haircuts to Inspire Your Big Chop

Source: @_crownedwithcurlss

For curlies who don’t plan on going too short with their big chop, try an even ear-length cut with bangs like Emani.

Are you planning a big chop this year? Are you focused on achieving healthier hair, or are you just craving a new style? Give us the details on your hair goals in the comments.

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

Your child’s curly hair may have a different hair texture than yours, and if you’re a parent or care-taker with straight hair, you may have never even considered the critical role that curly hair products can have on your hair care routine. Here to save the day are kids’ curly hair care products formulated specifically with sensitive kids’ curls in mind to handle your worst tangles, as well as keeping your kids’ hair clean and moisturized.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the vast range of curl products on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 gentle, kid-friendly product lines to keep your little one’s hair in top shape and put the fun back into detangling, washing, and styling. Keep an eye out for our tips on which hair types these products are best for – because the needs of Type 2 wavy hair can be very different from Type 4 coily hair!

Gentle kid-friendly product lines

1. SheaMoisture Kids

As a staple and OG in the world of curly hair, you can count on the SheaMoisture brand to bring hydration and healthy, organic ingredients to you and your children. The Coconut & Hibiscus Kids line will nourish delicate curls with coconut oil’s vitamins and antioxidants, while the hibiscus extract adds shine. Cleanse with the Coconut & Hibiscus Kids 2-In-1 Shampoo & Conditioner ($9.99) to remove buildup while replenishing lost oils without any of the harsh chemicals. To get rid of any pesky tangles, follow up with the Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Extra-Moisturizing Detangler ($9.99) with slippery elm extract for the perfect amount of “slip” to loosen knots. To top it off, try the Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Butter Cream ($9.99) for styling, giving intense moisturization and a soft hold for definition.

The Coconut & Hibiscus line works wonders on curl patterns Type 3 and Type 4 and is a gentle kid-friendly product line your family will love.

Not sure what your curly kiddo’s hair type is? Take our quiz!

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

2. Kinder Curls by Curl Keeper

Kinder Curls is making a big comeback as a fan favorite that won the NaturallyCurly Best of the Best Awards for Curly Hair Products For Kids in 2020, and again in 2023 for Type 2 Wavy Hair. These products are gentle and designed to detangle, define, and soften curly hair.  Whether you are ready to travel, swim, or camp, these products are water-based and will help control the most unruly, frizzy hair.

Try this line on gentle, kid-friendly product line with curl patterns Types 2 and Type 3

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

3. Camille Rose Naturals Kids

Camille Rose Naturals has proved to have a standout kid’s line that works with all textures and curl types for your tiny tot. As the winner of two of our kid’s categories, this line shows that it stands out and is truly a must-have for your home. The kid’s line features an array of styling products like a Mandarin hair balm, a leave-in conditioner, and buttercream full of rich nutrients to moisturize and condition even the most delicate strands. You can purchase each product individually or in a set for easy and seamless styling on the go that will leave you feeling at ease with your little one. It won the Best of the Best Award for Best Products for Kids with Type 3 Curly Hair.

Use Johnson’s on any curly/textured hair type.

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

4. SoCozy Kids

SoCozy was designed with the intention to create salon-quality hair care products just for kids, with no harmful ingredients, and has your kid’s wash day completely covered–from leave-in conditioner to volumizing foam. Start wash-day off on the right foot with the Curl Shampoo Ultra Hydrating Cleanser’s ($9.98) restorative formula to reduce breakage and promote elasticity. The ingredients keratin, plum seed oil, and olive oil encourage strong, moisturized hair with sealed cuticles. For an even gentler clean on damaged curls, give the Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner ($9.99) a go. Pair that with the Curl Conditioner ($7.39), distributing evenly and rinsing, or even leaving a small amount in for added moisture. Finish off with the Curl Spray ($7.99) for added moisture and to avoid snags.

Use these products on Type 3 to Type 4A curls.

Gentle kid-friendly product lines

5. CURLS It’s a Curl!

When it comes to your baby, you want the absolute best. If you’ve used CURLS products before and loved them, guess what–they have a baby line. Peek-a-Boo Tearless Shampoo ($12) cleans baby’s hair and scalp with organic ingredients and botanicals for super sensitive skin. Add the organic aloe-infused Patty Cake Conditioner ($13) to clean hair to soothe an irritated scalp and penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize with organic jojoba oil. To finish up, apply the Ring Around The Curls Leave-In ($14) to enhance, defrizz, and style. In between washes, use the Itsy Bitsy Spirals Moisturizer ($13) daily to take care of that adorable fuzzy bed-head look.

The It’s a Curl line is perfect for all curly/textured hair types

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

6. Taliah Waajid Kinky, Wavy & Natural for Children

Let’s give a big drumroll for the Best Kids Line for Type 4 Coily Hair for 2023, which comes courtesy of Taliah Waajid! This kid’s line is great for tighter curl patterns to help with styling and improving the overall shine and texture. This product contains only quality ingredients and herbal extracts, so it’s free of harsh chemicals. This gentle formula softens the curl pattern while making hair manageable. 

What are the current must-have products in your curly kid’s routine? If you’ve used any products from these collections, tell us about your experience in the comments. 

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

7. Mixed Chicks Kids

Some curls require extra moisture but are prone to build-up, and Mixed Chicks Kids aims to fill in that gap. Starting off with the Kids Shampoo ($11), you can count on a gentle cleanse, but Mixed Chicks recommends not washing your kiddie’s curls more than twice a week. Instead, use the Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash ($13) in place of shampoo if needed. When it comes to the Conditioner for Kids ($13), due to parents’ wishes—there are no color additives or fragrances. This gem of a conditioner with safflower and jojoba oil will help you comb through curls like a boss with less breakage and more healthy-looking growth. Add the Leave-In Conditioner for Kids ($12) as the icing on top (also colorless and fragrance-free) for a soft finish. Does your cutie have bedhead the next day? Try the Kid’s Tangle-Tamer ($13) as a refresher.

These products are great on Type 3 to Type 4A hair and is a gentle kid-friendly product line for your family!

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

8. Fairy Tales Curly-Q

If you and your family are vegan, look no further. Fairy Tales Hair Care prides itself on catering to all curly hair types, and the Curly-Q line is 100% vegan. Their Kids Shampoo for Curly Hair ($9.95) will leave your young one’s curls looking great with ingredients like quinoa and avocado butters, and smelling like pear basil. Tangles won’t stand a chance with the Kids Conditioner for Curly Hair ($9.95), and the Kids Styling Spray Gel for Curly Hair ($9.95) will help to define, shape, or scrunch curls into place. 

Check out: How to Properly Care For Curly Hair For Kids

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

9. FroBabies Hair

FroBabies is all about building natural hair and curl confidence in kids by promoting healthy hair, starting at 12 months and older. And their line of super-effective products does just that. The delightful Honey Bubbles Moisturizing Shampoo ($13.21) smells just as sweet as it sounds with its honey and avocado ingredients for ensured moisture. Its partner is the So Super Soft After Shampoo Conditioner ($14.22), which you can leave on your baby’s hair for up to 15 minutes for a super deep conditioning treatment. When ready to style, pick up the Detangle Me Baby Leave-In Conditioner ($12.53) to detangle with your fingers or favorite tool, and use it daily as needed. For styles that require hold, you’ll also want the Curls-A Poppin Soufflé ($12.08) and the Puffy Hold Me Down Baby Gelle ($11.76).

Super ideal for parents who do braids, twists, and other protective styles on Type 3 and 4 hair.

10 Gentle Kid-Friendly Product Lines for Curly Kiddos

10. Eden Bodyworks Kids

The EDEN Kids collection’s easy-to-use packaging makes wash-day simple and easy enough that your curly kid might be able to do it themselves. Cleanse with the COCO Shea Berry Detangling Shampoo ($9.25) to soften strands for easier detangling without drying them.

Great for all curly/coily kids

What are the current gentle, kid-friendly must-have products in your curly kid’s routine? If you’ve used any products from these collections, tell us about your experience in the comments. 

Read next: Jenell Stewart’s 5-Minute Daily Moisture Routine for Toddlers With Natural Hair 

The Beach Braids You Need to Try this Summer

Browse through the trendiest summer beach braids to inspire your next trip to the beach. 

I hope you’ve booked an appointment with your braid stylist, because this summer is going to be a HOT one and beach braids are the perfect protective style to keep you cool and frizz-free. 

From beachy island braids to intricate fulani braids, we’ve got you covered with five protective style beach braids that you need to try. Make sure to save this page for the next time you need beach braid inspiration before a summer trip, spring break or any vacation.

Half-back Cornrow Braids aka Island Braids

Every summer growing up, especially before a sports camp or trip to visit family, my mom would braid my hair into half cornrows to ease the burden of caring for it. I always loved the freedom of not having to think about my hair, and now that I’m grown (apparently) I’ve kept the same mentality before vacations. Cornrows braided half way back are perfect for the beach because they keep your hair out of your face but still leave enough hair out to try various styles.

Here is some inspiration to get you started.

Fulani Braids

Fulani braids are having a major moment right now, and to be honest I get it. They are the perfect style for vacations or the beach because they help keep your hair out of your face (the main character), and still feel like a switch up from traditional box braids. Add beads or shells at the bottoms for added beachy flair. 

Jumbo Box Braids

The ease and longwear of box braids make them the perfect candidates for longer trips and vacations, but if you need a quick style for a beach getaway, try getting them jumbo sized. Jumbo box braids are generally less expensive and a lot quicker to install than other styles, while still giving you more freedom to enjoy your vacation (rather than worry about styling your hair).

The Beach Braids You Need to Try this Summer
The Beach Braids You Need to Try this Summer

Goddess Braids

Goddess braids are the perfect mix between a sew-in and traditional feed-in braids. Plus, they look amazing in a half-up, half-down style. Opt for using real human hair for the parts of hair left out of you want this style to last longer.

https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneysarracino/video/7205319165433974058?lang=en&q=goddess%20braids&t=1683130623235

Braided Bantu Knots

Closing out with braided bantu knots, the best style if you truly want to turn heads this Summer. This style is playful, quicker to install than traditional braided styles, and allows for so much creativity while still making styling easy while on vacation.

The Beach Braids You Need to Try this Summer

No matter which beach braids style you choose, make sure to keep your hair moisturized and protected from the sun. Pro- tip, bring a scarf and mousse to refresh your scalp and keep the scalp looking neat and freshly braided. Tag us in your summer styles on Instagram @NaturallyCurly for a chance to be featured.

Read next: How to Maintain Your Braids this Summer

13 Vacation Braid Styles for Your Next Trip

For anyone who enjoys a good recharging vacation during the spring and summer months, now is the time to be thinking about outfits and hair. Vacation braids are a common natural hair go-to because, in addition to looking incredible, they save so much time when you’re out trying to enjoy a new place, experience, or activity. You may have to carve out six hours to get them installed, but no one would do it if it wasn’t worth it.

We thought we’d round up a few vacation braids styling ideas that might catch your eye as you plan your next excursion, big or small. Ahead you’ll find 13 variations of box braids, cornrows, and some in-between styles that you can peruse to your heart’s content. Hopefully, it’ll make planning for that vacation just a little easier!

Fulani-Inspired 

Source: @melissa_nerovique

These braids are Fulani-inspired, but the style certainly has its unique flavor! First of all, we love a two-toned look on braids, and the blonde pops out here. And the claw clip is very current and super functional for keeping braids out of the way when necessary.

Waterfall Ponytail

13 Vacation Braid Styles for Your Next Trip
Source: @sbm_beauty_

These half-up half-down braids look eye-catching with loose, curly ends. Loosely secure the front half of your hair with a hair tie to get good height on the ponytail and create the “waterfall” effect that almost looks like one super long ponytail.

Classic Straight Backs with Design

13 Vacation Braid Styles for Your Next Trip
Source: @harmonicurls

Break up the simplicity of straight-back cornrows by throwing a design or two in there. Mairaly (pictured above) did her braids that turned out fabulously, but if you let your braider know you’re interested in designs, you’re sure to walk out of the salon with something amazing.

Half Feed-in Half Sew-in

Source: @braidbarlbn

The age of the sew-in is returning, and we’re not mad at it. If you’re into straight hair at the moment, but not so into straightening your hair, there’s always a good ol’ sew-in. The overall look is fairly simple, but so very clean and sleek.

Beach Wave Braids 

13 Vacation Braid Styles for Your Next Trip
Source: @caeliya.a

If your destination of choice is somewhere tropical with a beach, consider this wavy look. Leaving the ends loose and wavy is like having the best of both worlds if you don’t want to be fully committed to loose or braided hair–it works so well together.

Raindrop Braids

Source: @amencis.mb

The creativity of this one is on another level. Who made the rule that we can only wear braids on the ends of our hair? We could have been wearing them like little “raindrops” all along.

Long Braided Pony

13 Vacation Braid Styles for Your Next Trip
Source:@yaaskhalifa

That whip-action on a braided ponytail never gets old. With a bundle of synthetic hair (or real, if you’d prefer) you can have a sleek result with minimum effort.

Beaded Fulani-Inspired

13 Vacation Braid Styles for Your Next Trip
Source: @dhatgirlbecca

This style is also Fulani-inspired but with a bit of a zig-zag pattern and some accent beads. There’s a tutorial on this exact look-over on Beauty and Curls on YouTube.

Bantu Knot Crown and Beads

Source: @myfashionbreak

Now that we’ve reclaimed bantu knots in Black hair culture, we’re never letting them go. They’re so versatile. And the braid work here is incredible–unless you’ve got top-notch skills, you’ll want to book an appointment for this one. 

Small Knotless Braids

Source: @curly.strands

Have you ever wanted your knotless braids to look more natural and lay down close to the roots while still adding a lot of lengths? Natasha Robinson shows her followers the trick to achieving that look at home and saving a few hundred dollars. 

Braided Ponytail Piece

Source: @pearlthestylist

Did you know you can buy braided bundles now? Try a 22-inch straight braided pony or a 30-inch curly braided pony from @naturalhairrocks for those quick on-the-go moments. The install takes less than 30 seconds and they come with convenient combs to keep everything in place all day. 

Waves on Straight Braids

Source: @freshlengths

Got a fresh install of straight braids but are suddenly feeling more of a wavy look? Heat up some water and braid the braids into chunky sections. Dip the ends in the piping hot water, and voilà. Insta-waves.

Elevated Omarion Braids

13 Vacation Braid Styles for Your Next Trip
Source: @tatayshasha

Does anyone in the older Gen Z or Millennial crowd remember Omarion’s braids from his B2K days? The cornrowed front with individual braids in the back was a look that identified the singer in the early 2000s, and today we’re still rocking similar styles with a modern take. Having individual braids in the back also allows for styles like buns and ponytails, rather than committing to a pattern with cornrows.

Comment below which of these you’re most likely to wear on your next vacation.

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Prom nights are meant to be a night for showing off your individual sense of style, and what better way to demonstrate individuality than to show off your unique texture? Save these prom hairstyles for natural hair if you’re ready to celebrate your natural hair instead of wearing the same straightened updo (no offense to straightened updos–we love a good blow-out now and again!). Thankfully, the high school seniors and juniors of this generation no longer have to settle for straightening their curly hair to oblivion in an effort to look more “formal” and “presentable.”

Ahead you’ll find a bunch of prom hairstyle ideas for natural textured and curly hair that you just might want to save for your upcoming prom (and all the after parties). 

Fluffy Low-Pony Hairstyle

If your hair happens to be particularly frizzy in the hours before you leave for prom, our advice is: just go with it. This low pony is intentionally fluffy and frizzy, and you can always style your edges to your liking. You’ll have your classmates convinced you just stepped off the runway straight into the school gym.

Bubble Braids 

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair

We love the incredible shapes natural hair can make. If you’re into the bubble pony, try out this bubble braids style–you can see the tutorial here.

Pixie Curls

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Contrary to what you might think, pixies can do a lot! You can mold your hair into different swirls and shapes with your favorite mousse or gel and immediately look prom-ready. 

Faux Bob for Locs

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair

We couldn’t leave locs out of this roundup. You can easily create a bob effect without cutting a single loc. Wrap the ends up to your desired length for an elegant and face-framing “cut.” You can even get creative and make it slightly asymmetrical.

Half-Up Half-Down With Palm Tree Pony

Curlies with more hair to work with can pull off this “Coming to America” inspired style. Use hair ties to create as much height as you like on the ponytail (more hair ties = more height) and fluff out the hair to get as much volume as possible. Frizz is your friend for this look.

Elegant Claw-Clip 

When we look back at our favorite styles of 2023 next year, there’s no way the claw-clip styles aren’t making the top of that list. These styles are usually considered casual, but the height this claw-clip gives here is gorgeous–and totally formal-appropriate. Include decorative clips and pins to bring the look full circle.

Braids Galore

If you’re looking to incorporate braids into your final look, but you don’t quite have time for box braids and cornrows, take a look at this braided ponytail. Section your hair off with rubber bands as shown here, braid the front of your hair to frame the face, and add a faux braided ponytail to finish it off. 

Half-Bun on Gentle Waves

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair
@leesondra_

For all the wavy girls out there, or anyone looking for subtle texture–we see you too. Try this slightly wavy half-bun style.

Stacked Bun

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair
@naturally.nish

This updo looks regal and takes minimal effort. It can work beautifully with all hair textures, but especially for type 4. Take a peek at the tutorial for this here.

Minimalist Middle Part

Hair stylist Amanda Guido says that when styling curly hair, the curls are the style. And we couldn’t agree more. For the girls who like to just keep things simple and let their natural curls do the work, try this simple style to frame the face.

Twisted Double Puffs 

This style is a bit more fun and playful–but still super eye-catching. And if you’d prefer not to braid, flat twists like these may be a better option. Another benefit of this style is that it can be done on short curls, as shown here. 

Bantu Knot Crown

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair
@nikethegawdess

If you already have braids installed, half the styling battle is already over. You can try styles like this bantu knot crown for formal occasions like prom–and can we also take time to just appreciate this vibrant blond color?

Twisted Stitch Bun

13 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Natural Hair
@melissa_nerovique

You’ve seen stitch braids, but what about stitch flat twists? Gather the twists at the nape of the neck for the classic low bun effect, with a bit more flavor.

13 Stunning Bridal Shower Hairstyles for Curly Hair

If you’ve got a bridal shower coming up on the calendar (or if you’re the bride) we’ve got a little round up of bridal shower hairstyles that might pique your interest no matter the aesthetic you’re going for. And if you’re short on time or don’t have the motivation to sit through hours of styling, there are a few styles here that you can surely pull off without a professional stylist in enough time to meet your friends and join in on the festivities.

Unlike official wedding days and after parties, bridal showers can be just as formal as the main event, a bit more laid back, or a combination of the two. Depending on how ceremonious the bride wants the occasion to be, you could wear some jeans and throw your hair in a quick ponytail and proceed to the event; or you might want to choose something a bit more eye-catching paired with a hairstyle that fits that vibe. Continue on to see 13 casual and formal styles for curls and textured hair. 

“Lazy Girl” Boho Braids

We’ll call this a “lazy girl” style because it doesn’t take as long to execute as typical boho braids, but the end result doesn’t look lazy at all. With this half-up half-down style you can fake the popular boho braid style on natural hair by only adding the braids in the most important places–pretty genius if you ask us. 

V-Part Wig

13 Stunning Bridal Shower Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Photo: @tierechristyan

You love your natural hair, but you also love a good wig–it makes complete sense. If you still want your hair to be seen to some degree to keep the hairline and middle part looking natural, try a v-part wig. This v-part wig install is so seamless it looks completely natural.

Jumbo Braid Twist

13 Stunning Bridal Shower Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Photo: @adannamadueke

Protective, but so cute. This style will keep your hair from tangling or snagging on clothing, and you’ll want to keep it in long after the bridal shower ends. 

Check out: 25 Easy-to-Do Updos for Naturally Curly Hair

Easy Curly Updo

This curly updo looks red carpet-ready but will take less than 10 mins. Get yourself a hair tie, a few bobby pins, and your straightener ready and pull your hair into a simple and elegant style. The straightened side swoop and strategically placed bobby pins really elevate the look–it looks even better on frizzy curls.

Read next: 14 Bridal Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Defined Curls and Side Swoop

When you want to show off defined curls, go with a simple style like this. Separate the hair for the swooped bang first, then go in with your favorite defining gel and styling tool, if you use one. This one could also be a two-in-one with a claw clip.

Headband and Boho Braids

13 Stunning Bridal Shower Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Photo: @caeliya.a

If you’ve already got goddess/boho braids (or any other kind of braids) installed, why not just accentuate the style with a headband? Braids are always going to look amazing unstyled, and the headband creates a fresh-faced look by keeping the braids away from the eyes.

Romantic Blow-Out

For the more formal gatherings, consider taking your blowout to the next level with a little rolled pin up moment. If you’re someone who’s into a retro aesthetic you’ll feel right at home with this style. Make sure to include a jeweled clip to finish it off. 

Simple Boho Braid Styles

This clip has four different styles to choose from for curlies who currently have boho braids installed. The style is already perfect as-is but if you want to go the extra mile and style the braids in a bridal shower hairstyle, here are some quick go-tos.

Pinned Short Cut

13 Stunning Bridal Shower Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Photo: @powerfluffgirl

For all the curlies with short hair but still enough hair to style, grab some bobby pins. You can pin your curls into a desired shape and swoop the side with a decorative pin.

Decorated Pony

The braided pony never fails us on any occasion, and for a celebratory occasion it never hurts to do a bit more with it. Add hair if need be to create a thicker and longer ponytail, and add jewels and gems to the style until satisfied. Style your edges in a way that doesn’t look exactly perfect or symmetrical–feel free to get creative.

TWA Waves

The TWA girlies know there’s not a ton of styling options with less than an inch of hair. But there are still some options! With a good old fashioned durag and some holding gel you’ll have waves in no time.

Sleek Middle Part

13 Stunning Bridal Shower Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Photo: @miaa.ashantii

A simple middle part with accent braids to spice up a wash-and-go. A tip for this one is to use a diffuser for better results, especially for better definition.

Double Braided Pony

13 Stunning Bridal Shower Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Photo: @a1liyah

This braided ponytail is twice as much fun, with a simple twist on the classic popular style. Simply split your natural ponytail in two if long enough, or add braiding hair to enhance the length and thickness of the style. 

Do you have plans to attend a bridal shower soon? What bridal shower hairstyles are you considering for the event?