Search Results: Lisa Michelle

By Lisa Michelle · Published July 10, 2012

Chaka Khan

On Sunday, July 1st, we were treated to spectacular performances, touching tributes and lots of fabulous fashion and hairstyles! The 12th Annual BET Awards played host to mega-superstars across all entertainment genres, with music serving as the common thread that tied everyone together. While the ladies are usually the ones turning the heat up at these kinds of award shows, this year the men definitely held their own. While there were plenty of hairstyles to be in awe of inside the Shrine Auditorium, here are a few that stood out.

Women

The women were gorgeous and showed off many hair trends. Solange Knowles was flawless as she rocked her new braids hairstyle! After so much talk about her natural hair in the news, she changed it up yet again, proving that you don’t have to be stuck to a certain style to be fab. TV personality Lala Anthony looked incredible in her sparkling jumpsuit and a simple chic side braid. Singer Faith Evans performed with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with a sleek high bun. Singer Elle Varner totally represented on the red carpet with a fantastic twist out which she wore pinned to one side.

Probably one of my favorite hairstyles was that of gospel singer Amber Bullock. She pulled off a striking natural updo in a simply stunning hair color! Both model Eva Marcille and singer Lira exemplified the beauty of a TWA, with Eva wearing hers in a platinum blond hue. Last but certainly not least I have to give praise to one of the original “big hair, don’t care” divas, Chaka Khan! Her hair was on point, the color was phenomenal and she’s looking better than ever these days!

Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray RayRay Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray Ray  Ray Ray and Princeton of Mindless Behavior; Gospel singer Amber Bullock; Willow and Jaden Smith

Men

One word: D’Angelo. He made a fitting comeback to the awards scene with a rocker chic wardrobe and a freeing braid out. With his sultry voice and sex appeal, he is still moving people with his music. Wale performed with the Maybach Music Group and his signature locs are looking better than ever! As a matter of fact, there were several other guys who were wearing locs, including rappers 2 Chainz and Cash Out. Miguel did something a little different with his hair for this event that reminds me of musical genius Prince’s straight look and cropped.

The young people were pretty well represented as well! The group Mindless Behavior was in full effect, each rocking a different style from close crops to free flowing manes. Those boys have great hair and they also won Viewer’s Choice! I can’t forget about the Smith kids, Willow and Jaden, who are constantly changing up their looks. Both are still wearing close cropped styles, and it looks as if they are totally owning their styles. This was one of the best BET Awards I’ve seen in a while and I definitely can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!

What were some of your favorite looks of that night?

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 26, 2012

When I opted to wear a protective style, there were several factors that influenced my decision. First, I wanted to make sure my hair was protected and I did not want excessive stress placed on my strands. Second, whatever style I chose, it needed to be fairly low maintenance. After all, what would be the point of doing a long term protective style that I was constantly going to have to mess with! Last but not least, I wanted a style that was cute and could mimic my actual hair. I found that kinky twists fit all of these requirements and so far, have lasted quite well without having to retouch!

Through my experience wearing a protective style these past few weeks, I have noted a few pros and cons that I think will be helpful in your decision on whether or not to take on kinky twists. Let’s start with positives first.

The Benefits

• Low Maintenance: I have been able to cut my morning routine by 20-30 minutes simply from rocking this style. Not to mention, getting ready to go out has been a breeze! Not having to figure out how to wear my hair allows me more time to focus on finding the right outfit and doing my makeup.
• Long Lasting: When done and maintained well, kinky twists can last at least 4 weeks, but I’m aiming for 6-8 weeks with a touch up of my edges. How’s that for a return on the initial investment of 16 hours?
• Natural-looking: These twists compliment my own natural style and I’ve received lots of compliments. In fact, I’ve had people ask if it’s all my hair — that’s how natural they look.

The Drawbacks

Despite the wonderful aspects of this style, there have been a few drawbacks as well and I wouldn’t be fair of me not to disclose those. They’re not completely deal breakers in my opinion, but it definitely requires an adjustment period.

• Installation Time: This is probably the number one inconvenience I found with this style. For me, as a novice braider, it took 16 hours for me to complete my entire head. If you go to a professional it could take half that amount of time, but it will come with a steep price tag too. If you have the time and the patience, I’d still recommend doing it yourself. That’s the only way to get better!
• Bulky: Using the kinky (Marley”> braid hair, it took eight bags of hair to cover my entire head. At times it’s uncomfortable to sleep or to pull my hair all up in a ponytail without feeling the full weight of the hair. This is one area I know I can improve upon the next time I attempt this style. Splitting the pre-sectioned hair in half, or using a different type of hair completely, will cut down on the bulkiness of this style.
• Limited style options: This is a combination of the bulkiness and length of the hair. I chose to keep the full length of the hair, while some people choose to cut the hair in half. For me, the sheer bulkiness of the hair limits the styling options to half up/half down or all down styles, but that’s fine with me. Limited style options means you can master the styles you CAN do quickly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the positives have significantly outweighed the shortcomings of the kinky twist protective style. It’s not necessarily a style for everyone, but it can meet your needs if you’re looking for a style that’s simple and natural looking. There are many protective style options out there. You just have to find one that works for you and the look you’re going for. Happy styling!

Have you tried kinky twists? What has your experience been?

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 21, 2012

I’ve been enjoying my kinky twist protective style for three weeks now! I’ll admit, I had a bit different idea of how I wanted my hair to look before I installed my kinky twists, but they’ve been awesome thus far. As far as styling goes, I’ve kept it pretty simple for the most part, which is what I prefer. Not having to style my hair was my main reason behind doing a protective style. With that being said, I’ve done a few cool styles that are perfect for those who want to experiment with their own protective styles.

Flip it

This is a great look when you’re getting ready for a night on the town. The one sided look is chic, sexy and very easy to accomplish. I’ve added a few hair pins to keep the twists in place, but the appeal of this style is that the twists will still be able to move fairly freely during the evening. You can even add a loose twist in the front.

Half Up, Half Down

Since I’m carrying eight full bags of kinky hair on my head, it can be rather bulky. It’s not real heavy, but trying to put all of the twists into one ponytail holder is a challenge to say the least. The half up, half down style has pretty much been my daily style. This easy and stylish go-to look can be adjusted to accommodate more hair up, or more hair down, depending on your preference. Once I’ve decided how much hair I want to pull back, I use a semi-stretched ponytail holder to secure the hair in the back. Sometimes I’ll pull the hair through the scrunchy one and a half times, leaving a bit of the ends loose and sticking up. Other times I’ll pull the twists through twice to create a tighter, more defined ponytail.

Twisted Loops

This was one of the striking styles that I came up with just playing around with the twists. It’s definitely different, exotic and quite glamorous at the same time. For this style, I started by sectioning off a wide piece of hair in the front. The back was flat twisted to one side, secured with a ponytail holder, and the ends were flipped upward and pinned in place. The loose hair that remained in the front was then separated in three and flat twisted the length of the twists. Each twist was then flipped and pinned in place towards the middle of my hair, creating hanging loops on the side. The end result was a funky fresh style that I wouldn’t expect to see many other people pulling off.

Final Thoughts

Having these kinky twists in has been a fun experience, and I look forward to keeping them in for at least a few more weeks. I’ve been exercising daily, and it’s been a breeze to not have to worry about my hair while I sweat. I’ll definitely be trying out some more new styles before taking these down! Happy styling!

How do you style your hair while in protective twists or braids?

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 20, 2012

As I’m sure most of you have heard over the past week, there’s been much in the natural hair news about Solange Knowles and her Twitter rant. As helpful as the natural hair community can and should be, situations like this often come up that tear people down rather than build them up. Some people have even gained the nickname of the “natural hair police” for being bold with their criticisms of styling decisions or even hair type. It seems that the focus is sometimes less on the aspect of community in the natural curly hair realm and more on an apparent bias towards certain styles or “types” of hair. We are all different, and every curl, coil and wave should be appreciated because it contributes to the greater collective of naturally beautiful people.

I would say this initially stemmed from the “relaxed vs. natural” and “curly vs straightened” debates, but has now filtered into the natural curly hair community. The emphasis on hair type, curl pattern, and styling options has erupted into heated discussions and arguments. We are a community and our differences are what make us unique. How people choose to wear their hair is their choice, their sole decision, and others don’t have to like it, but at the very least, people should be respectful. Just because you don’t necessarily agree with the way someone wears their hair, doesn’t mean you have the right to be rude and disrespectful. That’s not right, no matter how long you’ve been natural. You don’t have to like it, but if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. That old adage still goes a LONG way.

The issue of people being overly concerned with someone else’s hair isn’t just confined to celebrities and their hair. Recently on the website BlackGirlLongHair.com, a dialog was opened when a young lady was featured as a “multi-textured icon.” In the article, Jess, of the blog www.hairgetskinky.com, described herself as having type “4a/3c hybrid with a bit of 4b in the back.” Although most of the comments on the article concerning her hair were complimentary, the main topic of the comments was hair typing. One of the commenters felt that her hair was not 3c/4a/4b, but that it was more 4b.

A problem arises where people are seeing someone else’s hair while it is in a style, not without products or manipulation. The hair typing system is meant to be helpful for those looking for products to meet the needs of their hair. However, it could also be attributing to other issues within the natural hair community. In my opinion, visual hair typing isn’t completely accurate. There is more to the science of hair than curl pattern. Some people are using this as a reason to criticize or belittle others when it’s not even their hair, and that, my fellow naturals, is not cool.

I’ve always placed emphasis on learning your own hair, and becoming a master of the hair that grows from your own scalp. Yes, we all have different hair types. No, you don’t have to wear your hair like mine. Yes, it’s okay to have hair icons and be appreciative of how other people wear their hair. What’s not okay is for people to blast, condemn or disparage others. This goes beyond hair and should be applied in everyday life.

Final Thoughts

I personally love all natural hair, no matter how it’s styled. We should be empowering women to wear their natural hair, not being negative about curl pattern, definition or choice of style. This is not what the natural hair community is about. My hope for those who find themselves making negative comments towards other people wearing their natural hair is to think twice before speaking those words into existence. The opinion that matters most is the person who’s rocking their style. So, let’s celebrate the beauty of all our various hair types.

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 19, 2012

So you’ve got your hair in kinky twists for a protective style but that’s the easy part! Making sure your twists stay looking their freshest can be just as tedious as the installation process itself. There are a few things you can do to keep the maintenance on this style simple and pain free.

Prepping Your Hair

Preparing your hair before installation can be critical to achieving sleek, uniform twists. I performed a blow out on my hair prior to installing the twists, which allowed my hair to be stretched and tangle free. Even though I used the kinky Marley braid hair, this helped to create a smoother look when I was installing the twists. I also used Jane Carter Nourish & Shine on my hair and the braid hair while I was twisting. This literally nourished my hair as I twisted, and even though the braid hair is not human hair, it helped to create a sense of continuity between the two types of hair.

Kinky Twist Care

This is where the work begins. So usually my hair stays pretty “new” looking for at least a week without having to do anything to it. This is a big plus for protective styling. Even though it takes a long, long time to do, minimizing the daily manipulation of your hair is great! Your hair is still in there and I think a lot of people forget that when they’re wearing a long term protective style. I wouldn’t dream of going longer than four days without moisturizing my hair in twists or a twist out, and the same holds true when I’m rocking this protective style.

To give my hair some TLC while rocking these kinky twists, I’ve been adding a few key products every 3-4 days at night. Since I usually follow the LOC (liquid, oil, cream”> method for moisturizing my hair, I lightly spray my hair with Darcy’s Botanicals Herbal Leave-In spritz — not enough to saturate, but enough to evenly cover from roots to where my hair ends in the twists. Then I spray a few pumps of EDEN BodyWorks Natural Hair Oil into my hands and disburse throughout the twists from root to ends. This lightly coats the hair in oil, giving a wonderful shine to your twists. I know my hair is happy now, but if I feel like its extra dry, I’ll add the EDEN BodyWorks Natural Hair Milk as the cream to round out the LOC method. This ensures my hair is well moisturized while in the twists and also make it easier to take them down.

Nighttime Routine

This routine is simple. I tie my hair up with a satin scarf and sleep on a satin pillowcase. This is no change from my nighttime routine when it’s just my hair. Your hair is still in the braids and cotton pillowcases can draw the moisture away from your hair in the same way.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your hair while in a kinky twist can make a world of difference. If you want your hair to stay healthy, take some time to moisturize your hair and tie it up at night. This not only helps keep the frizzies at bay, it helps you retain a fresher looking style longer! Happy styling!

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 13, 2012

I’ll admit, it’s taken me quite a while to find myself on this natural hair journey. I didn’t have these informative websites, blogs, and YouTube channels to help me navigate through the trials and tribulations of dealing with my hair. In fact, I didn’t know anyone else at the time I did my big chop that was truly natural. Sounds cliché, but I really felt like I was all alone. Fast forward to 2012, almost 8 years since my initial big chop, and I can’t imagine being natural without the immense camaraderie within the natural hair community.

The world of natural hair has evolved so much over the past few years, and it’s been incredible watching the growth. Since giving up the heat and fully embracing my natural curls in 2009, five years after I began my natural hair journey, I’ve been enjoying the process of “learning my curls.” I began to meet other ladies who were also natural, both newbies and veterans, and we had an instant connection. It’s this very connection that brings the natural hair community together, offering support and friendship through the bond that is our hair.

Social Media

As curious as it may seem, there’s almost always something to learn from another natural. Whether it be a new hairdo, product recommendation or styling method, it’s amazing what you can pick up just from random conversations about hair! Social media has further enhanced this connection within the natural hair community, putting inspiration and information right at your fingertips. This transparency among naturals and lack of barriers guarding good information makes it easy to learn from and with others. The natural hair forums are a place where we can gladly exchange secrets and tips, encourage and motivate one another.Houston

National Natural Hair Meetup Day, May 19, 2012

Meet-Ups

Another great way to develop relationships with your fellow naturals is through meet-up groups. These social organizations offer ways to interact with others beyond the screens, taking the bonding offline and into a more relaxed and comfortable environment. These meet-up groups have meant a lot to me since embarking on my healthy hair journey. My curlfriends keep me focused, listen to me vent about having bad hair days and share in the joys of having the best twist-out ever! Plus, it helps having people in your corner who truly understand the joys and struggles of being natural.

Final Thoughts

When you decide to go natural, you can use all the support you can get. Just walking outside speaks volumes to the world that you are a proud natural! Don’t be afraid to share a compliment or offer encouragement to other naturals, we owe that to each other. Get connected within your community by joining a natural hair group, attending natural hair events in your area or even by starting your own blog. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the great relationships that can flourish when you surround yourself with positive people!

What have you & your curlfriends done lately?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 31, 2012

Everybody has their signature style, whether it be a twist out or a fierce updo. You may rock this look several days out the week, on weekends or even for big celebrations. But what can you do to jazz up this signature look and really make it pop for that special night? Change your hair part! That’s right, switch up which way your hair falls for an instant transformation from day to night. It’s so simple you may not have even thought about it!

If you’re anything like me, your hair is usually styled in the same direction. Some people are what I call center parters, some are righties and some are lefties. I never pictured myself as a center part kind of girl, but with big hair, it just tends to work! Once I found myself styling more and more with a center part, it became my go-to style. So when I want to change it up for a night out, I will shift my part to either side, creating an instantly different look while still maintaining a high level of chic.

Parting for Healthy Hair

It’s always good to change up your parts every once in a while anyway for the health of your hair. If you take a look at where you normally part your hair, you may begin to notice a few shorter strands. This occurs because of the regular, continuous styling of this particular area. You should always take notice when you are styling your hair in the same way of any breakage or additional stress placed on the hair in certain areas, especially around the hairline. It’s so easy to get stuck in the same old routine that it almost goes unnoticed if hair loss starts to occur. Give your regular parts a break and switch it up every so often!

Tools of the Trade

Switching your hair direction takes only a few minutes and maybe a few hair pins if your hair doesn’t want to stay in place. You can use your fingers to separate the hair, giving you a gentle and natural looking part, or try using the pointy end of a rattail comb to give you a hard part. This also works well whether you’re wearing your hair up or down. For an elegant look, try pairing a deep side part with a sleek updo. You can even skip the part altogether and opt for a halo of curls framing your face. Your textured tresses will reign supreme no matter what the occasion!

Happy styling!

Where do you part and how do switch things up?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 29, 2012

One of the hottest trends this season is printed fabrics and what better way to jazz up your summer than by incorporating a bold head wrap with your curly hair? Head wraps are a great option for naturals and they’re more than just a cover up on a bad hair day. Head wraps are so versatile and there’s a ton of ways they can be worn to suit your mood. These chic accessories can instantly provide a dose of style on a fun night out.

Simple Wrap

I’m no expert in wearing head wraps for style, but I’m familiar with tying one on at bedtime. They are actually pretty easy to work with, just make sure you get a long enough scarf. Starting with the scarf stretched out, place the middle in the center across the front of your head. I had the scarf folded about one-third across the width, to make it narrow enough to cover the back of my head without too much excess fabric. I wrapped the scarf around the back of my head and then brought it back up to the front. Tuck the loose ends in the fabric and you’re ready to go! This is a very boho chic look, great for a block party!

Loose Tie

This is one of my favorite and probably the easiest, way to wear a head wrap! I love this look because it accentuates my curls and gives me a fun separation between my bangs and the updo in the back. For this look, I fold the scarf to make it more narrow, then line the middle of the scarf up with the back of my head. When I bring the two ends up to the front of my head, I overlap them and create a knot at the center of my head, then I tie the ends together in the back of my head. What a feminine way to wear a head wrap and add a pop of color into your wardrobe!

Bow Tie

Want a fun, girlie and stylish way to wear a head wrap? Try the bow-tied look! Starting with a narrow scarf at the back of your head, you’re going to create an off-center tie to one side of your head. Make sure the lengths are equal, then you can pull the knot to one side of your head. Once you have the two ends, fold one side and tuck the end under the knot; repeat on the other side. You can even make one side a little longer when you first tie the head wrap, then you can wrap the end around the center to create a more defined bow. Ta-da, instant cuteness!

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to go bold, or blend in, a head wrap is a great accessory to dress your style up for a night on the town. There are so many varieties to choose from, just check your favorite retailer to see what they have in stock. Happy styling!

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 24, 2012

We know the fun styles that can be created using simple hair combs as a tool of choice. But hair combs have a super cool cousin too! I was introduced to the double hair comb last year by my favorite natural hair stylist. She was able to quickly transition through several quick and easy hair styles using this handy accessory and each and every look was fabulous! I remembered seeing them before but never knew how to use one until this demonstration. I knew then I HAD to have one! I’ve been able to create several fly styles with this accessory, but probably none better than my most recent style. I’ll call it the Crowning Swoop just because of the way my hair sits on top of my head…with a swoop of course!

The Crowning Swoop

I started with twists that turned into a bantu knot out that I wore during the day to work. My shine and definition was achieved using a bit of Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil to finger detangle, followed by a quick pass through using my shower comb and Earth’s Nectar Nourish Conditioning Spray. This combination gave me the shine, definition and bounce without a crunchy hold that I needed for this soft, stylish updo.

1. I started by whipping my hair forward (I whip my hair back and forth!”> so I could create a flat twist up the back of my head.
2. I only twisted a couple of times and then secured the twist using the hair comb. The trick to using this tool is to push one comb in first. It’s easier for me to start with the right side and move to the left. You’re putting the teeth in towards the crown instead of away from the crown like if you were using a single comb.
3. Flip the other comb over so the teeth are essentially facing each other. Be careful when inserting the other comb. The further the distance, the tighter the combs will stretch, and it can be quite uncomfortable!
4. Once I had the hair secured with the combs, I was left with some crazy loose hair at the crown and in the front. Since my hair was soft and pliable, I was able to direct the hair into a swoop, adding a slight twist to keep the loose hairs in place.
5. After this front section was secured with a bobby pin, I then smoothed the hair that was coming out from the double comb into a roll and pinned it in place.

In total, I only used 3 bobby pins and the double hair comb to secure my hair. The style still looks free yet controlled, both structured and soft and it received lots of compliments.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those styles I would never have tried a few years ago. With the support of the natural hair community, my “curlfriends” and other inspirational naturals I’ve found the courage to rock a look as fierce as this. It is definitely empowering and not to mention HAUTE! I look forward to trying more unconventional styles with my natural hair and I encourage you to try something new too! Happy styling!

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 22, 2012

Have you ever passed by someone and thought, “Wow, they look awesome!” Some people just exude confidence. You can tell by their walk, how they hold their head high and how their eyes seem to sparkle. I liken this to a peacock, strutting around full of pride. Sometimes, as a natural, building self-confidence can be a long journey, almost like your natural hair journey. You may not feel like yourself rocking your own curls initially, but it will come with time.

See, Believe, Achieve!

Working on self-acceptance and appreciating your coils and curls is just one part of the journey, but it’s an important one.

1. See it! One way to work on building your curly confidence is to see it in action. You can choose to do this by journaling your hair journey. Taking pictures along the way of your growth can work wonders in boosting your confidence. Many naturals create blogs to record their journey, and I wish I had done one when I first started. It’s great to reflect on how far you’ve come, and it also helps you to set goals for where you’d like to be.
2. Believe it! Once you’ve discovered that seed of curly confidence, it’s time to cultivate it. Just as you would do for your hair, your self-confidence needs to be nourished and replenished too. I always wake up with the mantra that no one knows if I’m having a bad hair day unless I say so! That simply reminds me that no matter what I may be thinking or feeling on the inside, it doesn’t have to reflect on the outside. It’s amazing what adopting a positive attitude can do!
3. Achieve it! So you’ve seen it, you’ve believed it, now you’ve got to achieve it. Once you’ve found that comfort level with your hair, you will feel more at ease with your curls. Having the extra confidence in yourself and your hair may lead you to try new hairstyles. You can learn all sorts of new things from your favorite vloggers and your curly friends too! When you have the confidence and with a little practice, you’ll be able pull off just about any style you try.

Final Thoughts

When you’re a natural gal, you can never have too much support. If you believe in yourself and have self-confidence, then you can be in a position to encourage and motivate others. Pay it forward within the natural hair community and help someone else who may need some uplifting. Confidence is contagious and you can be confident knowing you are beautiful no matter what! As the old adage says, “if you’ve got it, flaunt it.” What better way to do that than through your gorgeous mane of hair?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 21, 2012

Some girls love them, some girls hate them, but they are one of the easiest ways to change up your look. What am I talking about folks? Bangs!! That’s right, bangs can be a girl’s best accessories! We’re not talking about the terrible cuts of your younger years, but a more chic and modern way to incorporate them into your curly hairstyles. Here are some tips for styling curly bangs to transition your look from day to night.

How To Wear Curly Bangs

No matter if you have short hair, long hair or if you’re rocking an updo, bangs are a great way to bring your curls front and center! The beauty of having curly hair is that it’s so easily adjustable to pretty much any style. You can create a more even curl pattern by braiding or twisting your bangs and releasing them prior to your night on the town. These free-flowing pieces will not only enhance your hairstyle, they’ll aid in making your makeup and jewelry pop too!

If you’re like me and have longer, tighter coiled hair, you can still pull off a hot look with curly bangs! I love the dramatic look that bangs give me when I’m wearing my hair out in a big twistout.

• I usually opt for side swept bangs when I’m going out with the girls since my hair is longer.
• To keep my hair in place, I use bobby pins to position the bangs exactly where I want them. The combination of pinned and flowing curls can be just the look for a perfect evening.
• Loose bangs and a chic bun are a great pair and a great look to rock for a night out when you’re sporting a sassy updo!
• To enhance my existing curl pattern when letting my bangs hang, I love using a product like Jane Carter’s Curl Defining Cream.
• This sleek look plays well with all hair types too, so don’t be too shy to try!
• I’ll switch it up and opt for a flat twisted/braided section of bangs when I don’t want my hair in my face. to create a looser, more hanging flat twist, start your flat twist towards the ends of your head instead of your scalp. Add more hair as you go along, as you would with a traditional flat twist. Twist through the end of your hair and secure close to your ear with a bobby pin.
• Whether you choose to have your hair cut or you like to improvise, curly bangs can be a great way to spice up your look for day or night.

Final Thoughts

Not only is the look fabulous, it’s so versatile! Having curly hair definitely doesn’t limit your style options, it increases them! You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to styling your curly hair, so try something new today. Happy styling!

What do you think of curly bangs?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 17, 2012

Headbands are an essential tool in the arsenal of every natural. They can make the worst hair days manageable. They can make your puff pop and they keep your hair out of your face while performing any activity. Everyone has probably used one, from young kids to mature adults, girls and even guys too. Although they are handy for everyday wear, they can also be used to effortlessly transform your look from day to night.

• Headbands come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and materials. When it comes time to dress up for a night out, try swapping your regular headband for one with a bit more style. Personally, I love stretchy headbands because they are comfortable and come in many colors to accentuate any outfit. The plastic molded headbands also offer great ways to step up your style. The good thing about plastic headbands is that they tend to hold their shape well. You can try the Comfort Flex brand by Goody if you are looking for a good plastic headband.
• If you want to go bold, try adding a headband with a bright pop of color. Flowers, jewels and feathers are just a few of the accents that make an ordinary headband into just the right touch for dressing up your look. Even simple touches like satin bows and sequins can be just what you need to transition your daytime look into one perfect for a night out. Whether you plan on wearing your hair up or down, a stylish headband is always a great accessory to add!
• For an even more fashion forward approach to rocking your headband, try switching up the placement. You can turn a headband that has an accent piece like a flower and wear it towards your ear or the crown of your head. Wearing your headband across the forehead is a great way to jazz up your style for a night out on the town. The Jewels by Anike line has some awesome new pieces that are right on time for the spring season. These handcrafted accessories are not only unique, but they are sure to turn heads in any setting.

It’s amazing what a little piece of plastic or elastic can do to transform your look! Something as simple as a headband can make a big difference when you’re going out. Here’s a quick note to those who love the elastic headbands as much as I do. They do have a tendency to get stretched out with frequent use, but don’t throw them away! Thanks to one of my favorite YouTube gurus, Naptural85, I now use those to create even more styles! I can double band a stretched headband to highlight different sections of my hair. This is especially handy when I want to add height to a pompadour. Happy styling!

Do you have a favorite headband that you use to dress up your look?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 15, 2012

Being interviewed by Crystal of Naturally Happy Hair for the Social Circle.

The World Natural Hair Show took over the Georgia International Convention Center, bringing vendors and naturals from far and wide under one roof. With this being my first experience at the World Natural Hair Show, I must say I was overwhelmed but way beyond impressed. The sheer number of attendees and vendors really makes you take a step back and appreciate how much of an impact we naturals really have. I was surrounded in a sea of gorgeousness…and it felt so good!

Is overwhelming really a good word to express how I felt about the World Natural Hair Show? Well, the answer is definitely YES! I wish I had gotten pictures of the traffic just to get to the convention center because that was an experience all in itself. Had we decided to go with the crowd, it probably would’ve taken us an hour to park. Seriously, packed is not descriptive enough! Thankfully, the location of the event provided lots of off-site parking so we were able to take advantage of that. Unfortunately, that’s not where the lines ended.

The sheer number of people waiting in line just to get inside the venue was beyond ridiculous! I was watching another blogger talking about how the line was the best part of the World Natural Hair Show experience, and I would agree with her 100%. People were bubbling with excitement and anticipation and I took this time to meet and converse with so many beautiful naturals. So while everyone was just standing around, I was able to capture some of the best hairstyles & fashions of the show.

Fast forward to when we actually got into the event space. Two words: sensory overload! There were vendors the entire length of the convention center and I was giddy to see some of my favorites as soon as I walked in. Naturals both young and old maneuvered through the crowds, mingling amongst each other, chatting it up with vendors. It was so much fun! I enjoyed watching vendors work the crowds with savvy presentations and product demonstrations, taming the wildest of hair into submission. There was something there for everyone, not just products and accessories. There were poetry and musical performances on stage, as well as social interactions through the Book Nook and the Social Circle. The entire event was even streamed live on the internet for those who weren’t able to attend, but still wanted to get in on the action.

Of course, the main attraction of the World Natural Hair Show is the shopping, and that did not disappoint! I stocked up on some of my staple products, but I was also able to venture out and try new and up-in-coming brands like B.A.S.K. and As I Am. I was also able to meet some of my favorite brand representatives, including Mahisha from CURLS, Ylorie from EDEN BodyWorks and Jamyla from Oyin Handmade as well as fellow bloggers and members of natural hair groups from across the country. I went home with more products than I could carry. and I’m excited to try them all!

World Natural Hair Show Tips

Now that I’ve officially made it through my first World Natural Hair Show, I have a few DOs and DONTs to share with you.

1. Get your tickets in advance! The will call line was long to pick up your wristbands, but not nearly as long as the line to purchase tickets at the door.
2. Wear comfortable shoes! I don’t know how some ladies were walking around in heels, but flats or tennis shoes will definitely save your feet after circling the floor a few times.
3. Bring a friend! I attended the event with my sister, who is natural but not quite ready to take her braids out. It’s always more fun going with people who are just as enthusiastic.
4. DON’T be close-minded! Now is the time to try new products, especially when most are deeply discounted for the show. You may pick up a new favorite.
5. DON’T be late! If there’s anything I want to emphasize the most, this has to be it. Not just because the parking gets bad and the lines stay long, but your favorite vendors will sell out! I missed a few of my staple products because I got there late.
6. DON’T miss this event! What else can I say? It was an experience that cannot be replicated. Get in the mix and make sure you’re in the building for the next World Natural Hair Show.

Final Thoughts

Did you miss the World Natural Hair Show this spring? Well don’t fret, there’s another one coming up in a few months! The fall World Natural Hair Show will take place October 6-7, 2012 so make sure you grab your tickets early! I’ll see you there!

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 14, 2012

Do you remember growing up, sitting between your mother’s legs while she parted, plaited and prettied your hair? I do and one of my favorite accessories growing up were those pretty barrettes and hair clips. They never seemed to stay on my hair, but they sure looked great when they did! As an adult, I’ve learned that there’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of hair jewelry to spice up a style. With proper placing, that’s one of the best ways to take your hair from a day to night style.

The trend towards incorporating hair clips has been growing tremendously and I’ve seriously been taking notes! The coolest part of the hair clip trend is that it is great for all ages, hair types and textures. When you’re heading out for a night on the town there are a few things to consider before donning your hair clip. The size, color and placement can make all the difference when rocking your super trendy clip.

How to Use Hair Clips

1. Pick a Color: It’s okay not to match your clip to your outfit. Sometimes you need that pop of color to take your look from regular to extraordinary. On my recent trip to Atlanta for the World Natural Hair Show, I ran across a booth that had some really great pieces. I was immediately attracted to a purple flower hair clip, even though I was wearing teal. The trick with this particular clip is that it had mixed materials, including small flowers and peacock colors. Once placed, the flower really jazzed up my look, taking me from casual daytime to an almost island kind of sultry style. I got so many compliments…now I can’t wait to build on my collection!
2. Pick a Size: Contrary to popular beliefs, size really does matter and your hair accessories are no exception! A small clip with big hair would get lost, just as a large clip with a low profile style might look a bit ridiculous. If you’re looking to have a more low-key evening, consider a smaller piece to accentuate your fly hairstyle without overpowering it. Sometimes you just want that extra special piece to make a twist out or updo stand out in the crowd. Pick a smaller hair clip in a color that compliments your outfit and watch the compliments roll in! When you’re rocking a big fierce fro or twist out, a bigger clip will do your curls justice. Whatever size you decide, make it a statement piece for your night on the town.
3. Pick a Place: The placement is equally as important as both color and size when choosing the perfect hair clip for the night. Actually, a beautiful clip in an awkward place will look just that…awkward! More frequently people will place their clips to one side so that it’s easily seen. But depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, you can easily put the hair clip anywhere you want. For example, if you’re wearing a low or open back top, try placing the clip around your nape area behind one of your ears. Who says you can’t look just as good walking away as you do walking in!

Final Thoughts

Hair clips aren’t just for kids anymore and they can definitely transform your look from day to night. Add some hair jewelry to your arsenal and see how easy it is to make a statement when you’re going out. Want to add another look using hair clips? One of the cool things you can do is to add them to headbands, allowing you to create a multitude of unique looks. If you’re a crafty curly girl, you may even try your hand at making them yourself. Happy styling!

How do you use hair clips to dress up your look?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 11, 2012

You’ve seen them all over the runways and red carpets. The bouffant is a magnificent hairstyle that signifies confidence, power and beauty. During the day, you may want your hair to be girly and playful, but leave it to the bouffant style to amp up and transform your style into a sexy nighttime look. It’s as easy as section, poof and pin!

Section, Poof, Pin

1. Section: The first step in creating a bouffant style is to section off the front portion of your hair. There are a few ways of wearing the back of your hair, but the focus of this style is the front! I usually wear the back of my hair pinned up, but you can leave it down if you so wish — it’s very versatile! If your hair is longer, as mine is past my chin, it helps to pull the section out in front of you and roll it backwards. Secure this with a bobby pin or two. Now you’re ready to move on to the next step.
2. Poof: In creating the poof that is distinctive of the bouffant style, you can employ your index finger or the end of a rattail comb. If the front section of your hair is longer, you may not have to do much at this point, unless, of course, you want to go really big! Once your hair is pinned, you have the flexibility to adjust the position and height of your bouffant. Take your index finger or comb, gently insert into the poof and gradually raise it up until you obtain the height you’re seeking. You can also maneuver the poof forward if you want more forehead coverage too, using the same method.
3. Pin: Once you’ve got your perfect position, place the final pins to secure the hair in place. You can stop here if you like, but remember there are all kinds of variations with this style. If you’re rocking a twist out, you can leave your hair out in the back and be super fierce! You can pull the hair back into a loose poof with the help of a hair band or banana clip. Or you can go for a full up-do by opting for a French braid or roll. Whatever look you’re going for, the bouffant can accommodate you!

Final Thoughts

This style is perfect for many lengths, so do be afraid to try this look! You can tailor it to the suit the event that you’re attending, making it as bold or demure as you like. Sometimes bigger is better too, so give it a shot the next time you head out on the town. Who says you can’t have the hottest hairstyle in the club?! Happy styling!

How will you rock your bouffant?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 8, 2012

I’ve been noticing something lately and I thought I’d share my two cents on the topic. The number of celebrity curls has been steadily on the rise and it’s making waves (pun intended!”>. While some are working fantastic wigs or weaves, many are showing off their own beautiful naturally curly hair. Seeing gorgeous hairstyles gracing runways, red carpets, television and magazines makes me happy in so many ways. It seems like more and more women are coming to realize that natural and curly can be a beautiful thing!

Natural ladies are stepping forward, shedding the extensions and opting to sport their own curls. Recently, Halle Berry, who is known for her close cropped pixie cut, was spotted out and about with longer, natural looking curls. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her with tons of curls, but I must say she wears it well! And with her daughter Nahla also representing for the curly kiddos, it’s a perfect way to encourage her self-confidence at her young age.

I’ve been in love with Kelly Rowland’s curly weave since she rocked the stage at the Grammy awards earlier this year. She’s was going strong with the big, curly hair, most recently at the Supafest concerts in Australia last month. I think it’s fierce, and I think it encourages people to look beyond the stereotypical beauty standard of straight sleek styles. I wish more people would embrace their real curls, but if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

And of course, there’s not a conversation about celebrity curls without mentioning Solange Knowles. This fashionable naturalista is still working photo shoots and runways with her coily hair. We’ve watched her truly transition from the hot TWA to the stylish wild fro that keeps people guessing what she’s going to do next. She’s recently teamed up with Carol’s Daughter to be part of a new venture geared towards helping transitioning ladies.

Final Thoughts

I’m all for ladies embracing the curls, whether natural or store bought. I think it sends a positive message to a broad audience that it’s okay to be a curly girl. Although I know it may not be for everybody, I wish more people in general would take time to find out what their real hair looks like. Both celebrities and non-celebrities alike can stand to learn a thing or two about the hair they were born with.

How do you feel about curly hair wigs or weaves? Do you think they help or hinder the natural hair movement?

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 7, 2012

Do you remember hair combs? Yep, I’m talking about the old school ones your mom used to use in your hair. These little ingenious creations have made a comeback with a vengeance! They come in all different sizes and colors, and there are even some cool designs to help give you new and creative ways to style your hair. You might have some already in your drawers, so go grab them. If you don’t, it’s time to take a trip to your local beauty supply store. Let’s see how we can transition your day look into a fabulous nighttime style.

A great evening look is chic and stylish, and you can be a little bolder with your hair. One of my favorite looks, and a popular one among curly girls, is a faux hawk. Hair combs are the perfect tool to create this style because they’re strong enough to hold all those curls back without causing damage. Because of the simplicity, this style is great for any length, short or long. In fact, I think this style looks exceptionally fly with shorter hair…it just makes the curls stand out even more!

Faux Hawk with Hair Combs

There are so many variations of the faux hawk style, but I usually like to keep it simple; again, you can be as bold as you want!

1. Part the Front: Since my hair is longer, I start by picking a side that I want my hair to fall to. You may or may not want to make a hard part here. You can take the front section of your hair and part it on the side you usually do or just sweep it to the side you want it on.
2. Pin the Sides: Once you have decided on that, smooth the hair on one side up towards the crown of your head. Then, take a large hair comb and put it in your hair (with the teeth going down towards your ear”> to hold it in place. Flip your hair over and do the same thing to the other side.
3. Pin the Back: Smooth back of your hair up towards the crown of your head. Then, take a medium-sized comb place it to hold up the hair in the back pushing it down towards your neck.
4. Style the Front: Now for the front of your hair, you can do one of two things: leave it out, or pin it up. I usually choose to pin my hair up because it’s so long and I don’t want it in my face when I’m partying. To pin it up, gently sweep the hair to one side, take a small hair comb, and pin it in place. I love bangs, and this gives me just enough to make me happy!

Final Thoughts

Here’s a quick tip to make your life easier when using hair combs. You should go in the OPPOSITE direction than you would think. When I first started using them I didn’t know I was using them wrong, but my hair never stayed up! Putting it in the opposite direction allows the teeth of the comb to really grasp and hold your hair in place. So don’t go in the direction you are pushing your hair in, put it in the other way and your hair will stay for the night! Happy styling!

What variations do you love to do on a faux hawk?

By Lisa Michelle · Published April 24, 2012

I’m pretty simple when it comes to styling my hair.  I wash, condition, deep condition, twist, and twist out.  That’s pretty much the extent of my styling repertoire. But what’s a curly girl to do when your hair just says “uh…oh HELL no!”  I know I’m not the only one who fights with their hair every once in a while! Here’s a bit of insight on how to handle unruly hair.

Unruly Hair Fix #1

In all honesty, I really don’t like to do too much when my hair is acting up.  My handy dandy tool of choice is my ouchless ponytail holder and a stretched out headband. I’ll rock a pouf in a minute just to show my hair who’s the boss!  It’s actually pretty cool, especially if you have big hair, since you can play around with different pouf positions — you can try a front pouf, wear it low or high, or even bring it to the side.  It’s actually quite versatile, and it’s a great option when you’re going to the gym.  Now, it can get to be a pain if you wear this style too long because your hair can get tangled easily, but it’s a quick and easy solution to out of control hair.

Unruly Hair Fix #2

My next go-to option is actually a two-for-one style!  When it gets close to wash day and I’ve been wearing my hair in a twist out, I try to prep by sectioning my hair into at least 6 sections. These sections get twisted or plaited up to make for easier cleaning & detangling.  Since I’m a procrastinator at heart, I may not always get to wash my hair when I intend to, so how do I make that into a style?  It’s more of a lazy, sectioned bun than a “style.”  Each of those sections are already twisted/plaited, so all I do is pull the front twists back along the sides, gather with the back twists, throw on a ponytail holder and wear my hair in a medium or low bun. I’ll add bobby pins where necessary, and you can even add some decorative hair combs for added sparkle. It may not win any hair shows, but it gets the job done and it’s actually a pretty professional looking style. I usually dress it up with a headband and snazzy earrings. Then, all I have to do when I get ready to wash is to take my pony tail holder off, add some oil to my sections and I am pre-poo ready!  Talk about a functional yet quick and easy style!

Final thoughts

All in all, I’ve learned not to fight too much with my hair, and you should too!  Patience is your best friend when you’re on this natural hair journey.  If you’re having a bad hair day, just embrace it!  I’m also looking to step my hat/beret/beanie/tam/scarf game up so I can still be fly even on my worst hair days.

What do you do when your hair says no?