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Wearing a protective style during the warmer seasons is like heaven on earth. There’s no better feeling than freeing yourself of styling responsibilities for an extended period of time. Although they are convenient, fiinding the perfect style that balances both your professional and personal life can be challenging! Have no fear; here are five styles that will protect your hair while maintaining professionalism in the workplace.
The Braided Updo
Image via Instagram @dopeaxxpana
Looking for a style that is simple and provides low-maintenance? A braided updo will do just that, and then some. Create an elegant bun or pompadour with cornrows braided to the crown of your head, using the excess hair to style accordingly. You can count on longevity with this protective style–as long as you use a satin bonnet at night and keep your scalp moisturized. This updo will help you transition from work to the beach seamlessly!
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/JnoQmAOmA1sCrochet
Image via Instagram @kemiixoo
Crochet hairstyles offer extremely versatile looks that can be altered and styled any way your heart desires. Flexi-rods, faux locs, braids, short bobs–you name it, it can be done. When channeling a style for the professional setting, flexi-rods offer a fun, carefree look that will have your office talking —- in a good way.
Embedded content: https://youtu.be/BlbbxnUmgsgThe Stylish Ponytail
Image via Instagram @thebrilliantbeauty
The high ponytail has always been a classic, clean look. You can experiment with the style by wearing it loosely, adding a braid, bun, or wire accessories to wrap around the hair. The lifespan of this style is much shorter and it may require more maintenance. Fortunately, the install doesn’t require much. You can remove the ponytail, wash your hair and reinstall as needed.
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/embed/dgSniBvVw7MThe Braided Bob
Image via Instagram @JourdanDunn
Image via Instagram @olajarel
As fashion history repeats itself, so does the braided bob. This chic style frames your face and highlights your features. Like the braided updo, the bob style promises longevity and low maintenance. Add some hair jewels to dress up the style or some color for a little edge!
Wigs
Image via Instagram @AlwayzPretti
If you want to protect your hair but don’t have time to sit in the stylist seat, a summer wig can be your best friend. Braid your hair up, throw on a stocking cap, and select a wig that will align with your idea of professionalism in the office. Wigs are so versatile that you can have a designated style for work, and a style for social activities. Whatever you choose, know that the feeling of removing your bra when you return home is the same feeling you’ll have when you remove your wig. It’s euphoric!
The professional world can often challenge your choices when it comes to selecting a protective hairstyle. The goal is to find a happy medium that meets professional standards, and fits your personal style. What’s your go-to protective style for the work environment? Please share in the comments section below, and check out this article if you’re looking for a few more crochet hairstyle ideas.
Image via Africa Miranda
Africa Miranda has always been known for her big hair and big personality, which she’ll showcase to great effect starting today when her new show launches on Facebook Watch. The web series “The Africa Miranda Show” will offer viewers the best in celebrity interviews, beauty and lifestyle.
The actress, singer, author, social media influencer, and self-proclaimed hairnista is completely open when it comes to her hair journey and regimen. So when her luscious curls endured heat damage, she was careful to document her road to hair recovery. During a paid gig, and at the hands of a trusted stylist, heat was applied to her hair without her knowledge. Years later, after wearing wigs, clip-ins, and eventually chopping off the damaged hair, Africa finally internalized the phrase, “I am not my hair.”
Africa Miranda’s hair pre-heat damage | Image via Africa Miranda
It can be hard for one to let go of her length after experiencing heat damage. The natural hair community has a heavy infatuation with big curls and long hair. When your hair no longer falls into those categories, what do you do?
“I wasn’t ready to commit to a full-on big chop so I essentially started my natural hair journey all over again, the same way I had done the first time I transitioned. If I’m being honest, I was so miserable,” Africa reveals. “I realized during that process that I had to face some issues I had about beauty, black hair, and things that maybe I preached about but didn’t necessarily believe.”
$$AD$$“I was a huge advocate of embracing and loving yourself no matter what, but I didn’t I love my hair. It wasn’t a texture issue, but I realize I was heavily invested in the fact that my hair was considered long and my entire life I wanted long hair,” she adds. “Once I finally went natural, I got it, and then it was gone. In the natural community we definitely highlight or obsess over certain types of hair. Big hair, long hair, showing how much our hair can stretch etc. I realized that I had really bought into that and put a lot value on that standard of beauty.”
Learning to love your hair after it is damaged can be tough. We have become so attached to holding onto the beauty of our hair that we lose our identity when it’s not as luxurious as we want it to be. The road to hair recovery can be a long one. It takes a lot of experimentation with styles and tons of patience.
“I started protective styling every couple of months. I would cut off 2 to 3 inches and I continued that for about a year until all of the damaged hair was gone. I started forcing myself to wear my hair in twist-outs, and different styles. I focused on wearing my hair at the length that it was because when I transitioned the first time, I didn’t do that,” Miranda recalls. $$AD$$Miranda has learned so much about overcoming heat damage since her transition, and she generously shared her top tips with us:
1. __Accept that you have to cut your hair.__ There is no way of saving it. The hair is damaged and it’s going to break off. Your hair may still be long, but it’s going to be thin and stringy if you don’t cut it. 2. __Protein treatments and deep conditioning are necessary to strengthen your hair.__ You’re going to absolutely need protein treatments and deep conditioners to hydrate your hair and get it healthy again. 3. __Be patient.__ This takes time. There is no quick fix or overnight miracle that is going to bring your hair back. 4. __Have fun.__ Try new styles. Wigs, weaves, clip-ins, turbans, hats. Go for it! You’re going to have to find new ways to play with your hair. 5. __Acceptance.__ I needed to have a ‘come to Jesus’ moment with myself about beauty, acceptance, standards of beauty, hair, length, and texture. I never would’ve done it if this hadn’t happened to my hair. I also had to let go of this fascination I had with long hair. It doesn’t matter. I had to let it go.Now that Miranda has fully recovered from heat damage, she’s using her platform to spread the message of self-love and acceptance.
“One of the things that is so important to me is making women feel happy with themselves. When your life is lived in front of people and your job depends on how you look, you can develop all kinds of complexes about your age, skin, hair, and body,” she says. “It’s something that I struggle with and I have come really far to overcome. I want to help create a space for women to do that on my Facebook series. It’s really about helping people discover the best versions of themselves.”
Recovering from heat damage can be a life-changing experience. Sounds dramatic, but it can cause you to confront a lot of feelings regarding how you feel about yourself and your hair. For some, chopping off dead hair is easy. It’s hair, it’ll grow back. For others, it is a process of letting go of what you define as beautiful. For Miranda, heat damage allowed her to confront and re-adjust the love she had for her hair.
What about you? Have you experienced heat damage before? If so, was the process of letting it go easy or difficult for you?
Most people think of locs as a hair commitment that is difficult to get out of. If you’ve come to the end of your relationship with the hairstyle, know that cutting your hair and starting from scratch is not your only option. Five years ago, I combed out my locs in an effort to experience my hair’s curl pattern. I wasn’t confident enough to cut off my locs, so I sought out an alternative way to release myself from this commitment, while simultaneously retaining some length.
Before you get started, stock up on some supplies that will make this process seamless. You can find most of them in the NaturallyCurl shop.
What you’ll need:1. Conditioner
2. Water
3. Rat-tail comb
4. Regular comb
5. Patience
6. Time
Steps:1. Wash and condition your hair before combing out your locs. Allow your hair to retain as much moisture as possible. Your time commitment will determine how you section your hair. For my locs, I dedicated a few hours per day to unlocking my hair. I started at the crown of my head so that I could put my hair up in a bun or ponytail each day. The entire process took 2 weeks. With time and patience on your side, you can finish your hair in a weekend.
2. After you’ve sectioned your hair, apply your favorite leave-in conditioner to the first section and massage it into your locs. Make sure each loc is completely saturated, and let it soak for about 5 minutes.
3. Use the pointed end of your rat-tail comb to pick your loc from the bottom, up. Add water to maintain moisture within the hair. Continue this process until you’ve completed your first section. Please note, you will not retain the exact length of your locs. It is completely normal to experience shedding.
4. Once a section is complete, use a regular comb to remove knots and shedded hair.
5. Now that you’ve combed out all sections, it’s time apply some TLC to your hair. Apply a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment to restore the moisture into each strand. This will be a huge part of your hair regimen moving forward. The right deep conditioner will restore your curls and keep your hair healthy.
6. Whether you’re trimming your own hair or giving the responsibility to a stylist, make sure you get rid of the damaged ends. A good trim will allow your hair to grow longer and stronger.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully combed out your locs and retained some length. Now what? Take the time to learn your hair. I retained shoulder-length tresses after I unlocked my hair. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various styles and colors. I learned that longer hair is not for me. My curl pattern has more body when it is shaped and tapered (pictured above”>.
Rediscovering your hair can be loads of fun, but know it will be trial and error when it comes to finding the right products. Have no fear, NaturallyCurly is here! Use us as a resource to learn about the products and styles that can work for you.
What do you think? Will you use the comb-out method to unlock your hair? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Natural hair accessories can highlight your curls in a fun and stylish way. From beads to hair hardware, the latest accessory trends are unique and innovative. While some are known to be a staple in the natural hair community, others are more creative ways to style and manipulate your hair. Whether you’re into the subtle look, or you’re trying to stop traffic, these five accessories are guaranteed to get you the attention you deserve!
Headwrap
Image via @Kishmykurls
Bad hair day? No problem! Throw your hair up in a chic scarf or headwrap. Wraps are perhaps the easiest, most stylish way to protect your mane. Traditionally, women wore them to show marital status, religious devotion, wealth, and much more. Today, the accessory is worn as a trend that offers versatility. With so many ways to tie them, you’re certain to find enough looks to last you a lifetime. Check out some great wrap options in the NaturallyCurly shop. If you need guidance on a few basic ways to wrap your hair, watch this tutorial.
Bobby Pins
Image via @haircolorkilla
Bobby pins have always been the behind-the-scenes tool, used to keep a style secure. Now, it has become the focal point of many hairstyles. Arrange the pins to your liking on one or both sides of your head. The best part about this accessory? It’s completely affordable. You can find them in the NaturallyCurly shop. Here is a quick tutorial on how to get the look.
Wire
Image via @Naptural85
If you want to give off regal, goddess vibes, adding a wire to your hair is sure to do the trick. Add a subtle hint of color by intertwining styling wire to locs, braids or cornrows. What’s fun about this look is that it adds an element of glamor to an otherwise simple style. Here’s a tutorial on how to add styling wire to a braided crown.
Hair Cuffs
Image via @CurlyBeviie
The hardware hair accessory trend would not be complete without hair cuffs. Cuffs were most popular in the 90s when they were typically attached to braids or locs. Today, they’re used for those styles and so much more. For days when you need a quick way to dress up your cornrows, braids, or bantu knots, throw a few cuffs in your hair. It’s a simple solution that’ll make a bold statement.
Image via @pinkvalenciaga
Beads
Image via @itarnas_braiding
Just as history repeats itself, and so does fashion! The vintage, beaded-braids look has resurfaced, and it is back and better than ever. For a fun, stylish look, experiment with your braids by adding beads of different shapes, sizes and colors.
Image via @nnescorner
If you’re ready to level up your hairstyles, incorporating any of these accessories will transform a simple look into a festive, edgy, and unique hairdo. Be sure to visit the NaturallyCurly shop for more products to help highlight your tresses. In the meantime, what accessories do you use to dress up your hair?
