Search Results: Shellie Reneé
Whether you’re trying to grow your hair out, you don’t have a ton of time (or energy”> to style your hair, or you’re simply the kind of woman who likes to switch things up, if there’s one thing you need to have in your possession, it’s a wig!
Image by iStock/alejandrophotography
Aside from the fact that they are uber-convenient, wigs are one of the best ways to protect your own hair from styling damage. Not only that, but the styling possibilities—cut, color ‘n all—are endless!
If you’ve never purchased a wig before, we won’t lie to you. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed because there are tons to choose from, including lace front wigs (wigs that make it possible for your scalp to show through”>, monofilament wigs (wigs that make it easier for your scalp and natural hair to “breathe””> and, one of our personal favorites, customized wigs.
$$AD$$That’s why it’s a good idea to know your cap size, the style and hair type you’re after, and the kind of budget you’re working with before shopping for a wig. Also, make sure to visit a wig shop that has a reputation for great customer service — one that has professionals on hand to help you select a wig and show you how to put—and keep—it on.
Once you find the wig of your dreams and you bring it back home, it’s understandable that you might be nervous about how to secure it on your own, while making it look natural, and feel as comfortable as possible.
No worries. We’re more than happy to walk you through the steps of what you need to do in order to keep your wig snuggly in place.
First, here are few things that you’ll need.
$$AD$$Items every wig-owner should have in their possession
Double-Sided Tape or Wig Glue
If you’ve got a bald head or areas where hair is missing, you can keep your wig in place with the help of some double-sided tape or wig glue. If you get some that is top-quality, both are easy to apply and remove.
Clips or Bobby Pins
Some wigs automatically come with clips attached to the inside of them. But if yours doesn’t (and you’d prefer to not sew some metal clips in”>, all you need are some bobby pins. Make sure you use some that are close to the color of your natural hair and pin them to the perimeter of your braids (if you braided your hair beforehand”> in a criss-cross pattern. That’s what will help to keep your wig intact (don’t forget to add a couple around the nape of your neck for added security!”>.
Baby Powder and Oil
If you plan on using a lot of hair product on your wig, and you want to avoid accumulating buildup, there’s a simple solution. Sprinkle a little bit of baby powder on your wig, then brush the powder through with a Denman brush. That will keep your wig from getting all “icky”.
Something else that you should have on hand is a little almond or avocado oil for your hairline. Both oils are able to keep the friction of your wig from damaging your edges over time.
An old toothbrush
What if you want to create a few “baby hairs”? No problem. An old toothbrush and some non-alcoholic styling gel can help you to accomplish that. Just try to avoid laying down baby hairs every day. If you’re not careful, that can end up weakening them.
A satin scarf
It’s not uncommon for some women to sleep with their wig on from time to time. If you do decide to do that, make sure to tie your “wig hair” up with a satin scarf. Not only will it help your wig to maintain its shape, it will also keep you from waking up to a matted mess in the morning.
A wig cap
If you want to be super-proactive about protecting your hair, while making sure your wig remains securely in place, you definitely need to invest in a wig cap. Make sure it’s made out of nylon material, that it matches the color of your scalp and that it’s not darker than your skin tone. For the most part, wig caps work well with any kind of wig (other than half-wigs or complete lace ones”>.
Who needs a cap? Who needs some glue?
Now that you know about the things you’ll need in order to feel more secure in your wig, you might be wondering when you should use a wig cap (or band”> vs. some double-sided tape (or glue”>.
IF YOU HAVE HAIR ON YOUR HEAD: Put on a wig cap or band
If you have hair on your head (no matter how long or short it may be”>, the best way to keep your wig secure, hands down, is with the help of a wig cap or a wig headband (which is a headband that literally goes around your head”>.
We’ve already mentioned that a wig cap that’s made out of nylon is your best bet. But if you have long hair, you might prefer a mesh wig cap, simply because it can make it easier for you to “access” your head/hair while still keeping your wig in place.
Why do some people prefer a wig band? It’s one way for your scalp to breathe easier (which will keep you cooler”>. Also, because a band puts less pressure on your head than a cap, you won’t have to worry as much about getting head sores or headaches.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE HAIR ON YOUR HEAD: Use double-sided tape or glue
What if you don’t have any hair on your head? No problem. You can still secure your wig on your head by doing the following:
Shampoo your scalp to remove any dirt or residue.
Apply some scalp protectant in order to protect your scalp from the residue of the tape or glue. Wait 20 minutes for the protectant to dry.
Apply the double-sided tape or glue to your scalp (particularly around the circumference of your head and top of your scalp”>.
If you use glue, allow it to dry long enough for it to have a putty-like texture.
Put the wig on your head and, with your hands, apply pressure on your wig so that it sticks to the tape or glue stuck to your scalp. Apply the same amount of pressure, all around for two minutes.
Style as usual.
A few other tips…
If you’re worried about your wig “riding up” in the back, one thing you can do is add a long hair clip or comb to the back of your neck.
If after having your wig for a while, it feels too loose on your head, adding some adjustable elastic bands to your wig may be the solution.
$$AD$$On super windy days, if you’re worrying that your wig will fly away, bring along another accessory—a pair of sunglasses. Putting them on top of your head will provide additional “reinforcement”.
For some additional head support, consider applying a silicone headband product like Ferdinand’s Wigs Comfy Grip Band.
Definitely the best way to ensure you have a secure wig with as few clips, pins, tape or glue as possible is to purchase a customized wig. To find a store in your area that makes one, go to your favorite search engine and put “customized wigs” along with your city and state in the search field.
$$AD$$Do you wear wigs? What are some tips and tricks that you use to keep your wig secure? Share them with us in the comments below!
I know. So many people say that if you’re serious about keeping your hair healthy (and if you want to end up with the best results”>, you shouldn’t attempt dyeing your hair at home; you should see a professional stylist instead. But since I was in my twenties (which is roughly two decades ago”>, it’s been nothing for me to go to a drugstore and pick up a box of Dark & Lovely or Crème of Nature hair color.
Not to say that going that route was always the right decision, because rarely did my hair end up looking like the models on the packaging. Plus, oftentimes, after a couple of weeks (give or take a few days”>, my hair would feel much drier than I’d want it to. But back then, my hair was usually texturized, and super-short. So, I didn’t too much care about things like hair health and length-retention. If I didn’t like the hue or there was too much damage, no problem. I’d start all over with a new cut—and a different box of color.
Fast forward to today, and while I’m a naturalista (a mixture of 4a with a little 4b hair”>, I’m actually trying to grow my hair out. That means I can’t be nearly as pseudo-reckless as I used to be; especially when it comes to hair dye. Still, I was ready to deviate from my natural shade of dark brown/soft black. I wanted my locks to be as dark as possible. And no, I didn’t want to pay a professional to do it.
In walks ION Color Brilliance Permanent 10-Minute Crème Hair Color in Midnight Blue Black. And you know what, y’all? It’s dope.
Image by iStock/powerofforever
With the help of a sales assistant at Sally’s Beauty Supply, I discovered a hair color that is PPD-free (PPD is a chemical that is used in hair dye, printers and even gasoline; yep, it’s harsh”>, contains argan and pequi (a Brazilian fruit that protects and moisturizes skin and hair”> oil and has low-ammonia in it. Translation—although it’s a permanent dye, its intention is to do as little damage to my hair is possible.
I grabbed a box of it, some volume 10 cream developer, a plastic bottle and reusable black latex gloves, and then headed home.
I immediately mixed the hair dye and developer. At first, I was giving my plastic bottle a bit of side-eye, because the contents in the bottle remained off-white for a few minutes. But as I started applying it to my hair (once I put some coconut oil on my forehead, temples and around my ears”>, after about five minutes or so, I started to see a very clear shift. My hair was turning into a deep navy blue color; so blue that I was almost nervous for a moment.
I let the dye sit on my hair for about fifteen minutes, then rinsed it out and used the shampoo that came with the dye. The hair color rinsed out clean, and my hair felt really soft.
Next, I washed and conditioned it with my own products. Then I styled it like usual. For me, styling consists of blow-drying on low heat, and then braiding my hair at night until I wash it again (which is usually 10-14 days later”>. I know some frown on using heat, but I’ve actually gained more length doing it this way than when I was styling my hair with a water bottle (with an essential oil or vegetable glycerin in it”>.
Anyway, ever since I’ve applied the color, my hair actually feels healthier than it did before I colored it (I can’t remember the last time I said that about any kind of hair color!”>. There are no signs of breakage or shedding, and the color is very rich. All of the greys are gone, and it’s super-black. I must admit that there is no sign of blue (I’ve seen some YouTube videos of people having dark blue hair or blue highlights; it might be because they used a 20-30 volume developer”> but I’m cool with that.
All in all, I have no regrets with this little at-home hair dye project. Not one!
Have you dyed your hair recently, or in the past? How did it turn out? Let us know in the comments below!
C’mon. Who doesn’t want long, luxuriant lashes?
Photo — Jaroslav Devia
And if we’re gonna be totally transparent, the longer they are, the better! Yet beyond full and lengthy lashes being the ultimate beauty statement, have you ever taken a moment to ask yourself, “Why do I even have eyelashes in the first place?”
No pun intended, but the long and short of it is 1″> eyelashes help to keep small debris from getting into our eyes and 2″> eyelashes can send a subtle “warning” to us if something is getting too close to our eyes (like if something happens to brush up against them”>. So, beyond them being something pretty to look at, eyelashes actually serve a fully functional purpose.
Although the length of lashes vary (a big part of that has to do with genetics”>, if you happen to clip them or pull some of your lashes out, it will take at least 7-8 weeks for them to grow back. That’s why, before getting into what you should know about lash extensions, it’s important for us to put on record that you take care of your natural lashes, no matter what.
You can steep some green tea, let the tea cool, soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it along your eyelids of your eyelashes. The flavonoids in green tea will help to clean out your eyelashes’ follicles so that your lids will remain healthy.
Something else that you can do is apply some castor oil on your eyelids in order to provide them with the nutrients they need in order for your eyelashes to remain strong and flourish.
Now that you’ve got a little 101 on your own eyelashes and how to properly care for them, if you want to visually take them up a notch, eyelash extensions may be the solution.
Here’s the skinny on them.
Photo — Haley Rivera
7 Questions About Eyelash Extensions—Answered
Why Get Eyelash Extensions?
There are all sorts of reasons to get lash extensions. For starters, if yours are naturally short or thin, lash extensions will help to give your lashes more length and volume. Another benefit is if you have a photo shoot or special occasion coming up, lash extensions will not only make your eyes appear bigger and brighter, they will provide a dramatic effect too.
Another thing that’s awesome about lash extensions is you can leave your mascara in your cosmetic bag. That will not only save you time when it comes to putting on makeup, but it can increase the chances of you keeping your eyes healthier (since you won’t have to worry about how old your mascara is or how much bacteria may be on your mascara brush”>. On almost every level, extensions are a win.
What Kind of Options Are There?
You might think there’s only one kind of eyelash extension available; actually, there are three—mink, silk and synthetic. You can also choose the length and amount of curl that you want your extensions to have.
How do you decide which option is best for you?
Synthetic extensions are best for people who already have a fairly thick set of natural lashes because they are mostly used to enhance what is already there. Not only are synthetic extensions considered to be the sturdiest of all of the options, but they’re the shiniest too. If you want a very dramatic effect, synthetic extensions will provide you with that.
Mink extensions are very fine and silky—just like most real fur is. A lot of people like these kinds of extensions because they are so light that they feel a lot like natural lashes. Plus, when they are applied correctly, they are long-lasting too. If they have a “downside”, it’s that they tend to take longer to apply than other options. So, if you do decide to go this route, be prepared for it to take 1.5-2 hours out of your day. (By the way, and if the thought of putting mink on your eyes creeps you out, you can go with faux mink extensions instead.”>
Silk extensions are in between synthetic and mink when it comes to their weight. They are more flexible than synthetic ones and are best for individuals who may have weak or fine natural lashes. Another plus with them is they last longer than synthetic lashes do.
Photo — Oladimeji Odunsi
What Does the Application Process Entail?
As far as the application of a full set goes, it’s so intricate that we included a video for you to check out (here“>. But the gist of it is it involves faux eyelashes, eyelash glue, and tweezers. One lash at a time is dipped into the glue and then, with the help of a set of tweezers, it’s applied to the base of your eyelashes, near the roots of your natural ones.
As far as the risk of the glue getting into your eyes goes, your eyes should be closed for most of this procedure, so that shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure the products that are being used do not contain formaldehyde because that could cause harm. (A professional will know this, though.”>
What if you happen to experience all allergic reaction to the glue? No worries. At worst, you’ll need to see an eye doctor to get a prescription to treat the allergy.
How Much Does It Cost?
We’ll be honest with you—eyelash extensions are not the cheapest thing in the world. Typically, they’ll run you somewhere between $150-400 for both eyes. As far as touch-ups go, be prepared to spend between $50-200 for that. (Yep, this definitely falls into the luxurious pampering department!”>
How Long Do They Last?
If you go to a reputable professional and you take good care of your extensions once you get home (i.e., keep water and oil-based products away from your extensions”>, it’s not uncommon for them to last up to six weeks. However, on average, you will need to get them touched up about every three weeks or so.
What Kind of Maintenance Is Required?
Immediately following your appointment, it’s important to avoid water at all costs for 12 hours. This includes washing your face and even crying if you can help it. That way, the glue has time to completely dry. Beyond that, so long as you’re “water conscious” around that part of your face, you should be fine.
Will They Damage Your Natural Eyelashes?
As far as your natural eyelashes go, you’d have to put real effort into causing damage to them while you’re wearing extensions. That’s because when eyelash extensions are properly applied, there is no risk of them harming your eyes or your lashes.
The only real exception to this is if you spend a lot of time pulling or tugging on your lashes. If you do that, your extensions may fall out and you could run the risk of damaging your natural lashes as a direct result.
Photo — Prince Akachi
How Do You Find the Right Person to Do the Job?
Out of everything we’ve shared, we hope this is what you remember most. When it comes to getting eyelash extensions, you need to make sure that you select someone who is great at applying eyelash extensions.
What that means is you should find an individual who is certified in this field; they also need to provide some legitimate referrals. True professionals will be licensed technicians who can provide you with before and after shots of some of their clients.
If who you’re considering does not have any of this on hand, keep searching until you find someone who does. Your eyes are far too precious and money is too hard to come by to settle for anything less!
Have you ever had lash extensions done? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below. And if you’d like more natural-growth ideas, check out this article.
Most of us know at least one person, often a child, who has eyelashes that are so long and beautiful, we can’t help but to secretly envy them.
Photo: Jodie Stallard
We get that it’s the result of their DNA; the problem is, no matter how hard we try to achieve lashes that come even close to theirs, shy of getting a pair of faux lashes which can get pretty pricey, we fail. Miserably.
Here’s the scoop on eyelashes:
Yes, the natural length and curl that you have largely depend on genetics. Something else to keep in mind is eyelashes go through growth phases just like the hair on our head does—they grow, they fall out, and it takes approximately 1-6 months for them to grow back in.
Whether you want longer lashes than Mother Nature gave you or you’re in the process of waiting for some of yours to grow back, there are products—some of which are pretty affordable—that you can put on your eyelashes in order to give them the “Oomph” they need to reach new heights relatively-speaking.
Photo — Prince Akachi
If you’re thinking about doing a little eyelash product shopping this weekend, whether online or off, here are some excellent products to try.
Under $100
Lashfood Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancing Serum ($80.00″>
We know what you’re probably thinking—What in the world?! Almost $100 for eyelash cream? We hear you, but a part of why this is the case is because it’s the first eyelash serum on the market to be eco-certified, which means that you can trust that it’s truly organic. It’s drug- and gluten-free, made up of silicone, mineral oils, and GMOs, and some women find it to be the miracle cure for their lashes. If you want to treat yourself, try it at least once!
Talika ‘Lipocils’ Legendary Eyelash Conditioning Gel ($45.00″>
Yeah, this one’s a little on the pricey side too but look at it this way: If you purchased some of what’s in it separately—apple extract, nettle extract, horse chestnut extract, St. John’s Wort extract, etc.—it could easily cost you more than this bottle! Plus, it’s the kind of product that gets pretty impressive reviews for conditioning and yes, lengthening lashes over time.
Under $30
Fusion Beauty Lash Enhancing Treatment Mascara ($28.00″>
Two-in-one products are always a winner in our book. This treatment is a lengthener and mascara in one! That means your lashes will appear long and strong as they receive nourishing ingredients that will help facilitate growth. What technically makes this happen? Sympeptide. It’s an amino acid that stimulates keratin, the protein that all of our hair is made up of, eyelashes included.
Organys Lash & Brow Growth Serum ($19.99″>
Mascara fatigue. There is such a thing. It’s when you frequently use mascara without moisturizing your eyelashes and they end up becoming dry and brittle. When that happens, they can end up breaking off. Yep, eyelashes can experience breakage too! Get this color- and fragrance-free serum to stimulate lash growth. It’s loaded with amino acids; ones that, according to the manufacturer, if they don’t give you results after 60 days, you can get a full refund! YES!
Photo — Luca Iaconelli
Under $10
No. 7 Lash Impact Lash Serum ($7.99″>
Next time you’re on a Target run, pick up a tube of this. It’s hypoallergenic, affordable and has gotten rave reviews for providing some pretty impressive results. It’s recommended that you apply this serum every night for eight weeks consecutively, not intermittently.
Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Serum ($7.97″>
One of the best brands to give you more bang for your buck, across the board, is Rimmel. Their products are pretty high quality and long-lasting. We recommend this particular serum because it’s a clear gel that’s not only lightweight but shapes and separates really well, too. This one is an excellent multi-tasker because you can use it on your eyebrows. Plus, you can find it at Walgreens or Walmart, which makes picking up a tube or two super convenient.
DIY
Cedarwood and Lavender DIY Serum (under $25 for the essential oils”>
We won’t lie to you, essential oils aren’t cheap. But if you get a couple of bottles of these serums, and use them sparingly, they can be used for all sorts of cool things. They’ll easily last you a couple of months. As far as your eyelashes go, a couple of drops of each oil mixed with castor oil will coat, soothe, and stimulate your eyelashes’ follicles. Plus, the scent is amazing!
Read more: The many uses for cedarwood and lavender
La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($10 on Amazon”>
Olive oil ain’t just for cookin’! Beauty-wise, the properties in it will moisturize your skin and slow down the aging process. Also, the vitamin E in it will soften your lashes and heal any damage that may have happened to your hair follicles. If you dip a disposable mascara wand into some organic olive oil and apply it to your lashes every night, you should notice a difference in fullness and length in less than two weeks.
Photo: Hai Phung
Foods That’ll Grow Your Lashes
NOTE: It all depends on where you choose to shop!
If you want longer lashes, it’s not only about what you put on them. It’s about what you put inside of yourself! Foods that are scientifically proven to create length and volume include beans (iron, protein”>; spinach (omega-3 oils and magnesium”>; blueberries (vitamins A, B, and E”>; avocados (vitamin B”> and Greek yogurt (vitamin D”>. All of these will have you well on your way to having great skin, healthy hair, and much longer eyelashes!
Which of these will you try? Tell us today!
Back in 2000, author Trisha R. Thomas penned a novel that, for the avid fiction reader, was both delightful as well as being the kind of book that provided a lot of food for thought. It was titled “Nappily Ever After“ and it was the story of Venus Johnston—a woman who had it all. A great job. A wonderful live-in boyfriend. And long, flowing hair. Long, flowing, chemically-processed hair, that is.
Yet between the chemical burns, hundreds of dollars spent, and countless hours wasted in the salon over the years, one day, Venus decided to do what many of us call “the big chop”. From that point on, Venus realized that her decision was more than simply a change in her hairstyle.
What the book so eloquently—and humorously—does is walk us through all of the transitions and ah-ha moments that Venus experienced, both externally and internally, once she was rockin’ uber-short natural hair. There were highs and lows, good times and bad. But the last paragraph of the novel sums up the relevance of her hair journey—“I’ve never been introduced to it, true love. The true love that could only come through the love of oneself.” Powerful.
Fast forward to almost 20 years later and this novel has become a made-for-the-movies feature on Netflix. It stars (among many others”> celebrated actors Sanaa Lathan and Lynn Whitfield and is slated to make its premiere on Friday, September 21.
Even if you didn’t know about the book (which is worth getting a copy of and reading, even all these years later”> or somehow you missed all of the pre-press surrounding the film, you might’ve caught headlines like our own “In Case You Missed It: Sanaa Lathan Shaved Her Hair!” and People magazine’s “Sanaa Lathan Shaves Her Head for New Role: ‘I Feel So Light’” last fall. It features both before and after photos of Sanaa before she had her own big chop experience in preparation for her lead role in the movie (in the movie adaptation, Venus Johnston is now Violet Jones”>.
In fact, if you happen to be a huge Sanaa fan, you might find yourself thinking that this particular role was somewhat foreshadowed by another movie that she also had a lead in—”Something New”. Back in 2006, Sanaa’s character (Kenya McQueen”> met a man who inspired her to remove her long hair extensions, in exchange for the soft waves of her shoulder-length bob that was “hiding” underneath. The change sent the message that natural comes in many forms and, in every single one of them, natural is beautiful.
In many ways, the message of “Nappily Ever After” is no different. In the trailer, Sanaa’s character says something that so many of us can relate to, whether we initially realize it or not—“My hair was like a second job. Now I’m forced to focus on myself.” What she wants out of her career. What she wants in love. Who she desires to be and become. (Another great Sanaa read that echoes this sentiment is “The Real Reason Sanaa Lathan Buzzed Off Her Long Hair“.
Although TWA and all forms of natural hair are stunning in their own right, you don’t get the impression that the movie is a PSA for naturalistas. Instead, it seems the film is simply a cinematic way of reminding us that our authentic selves are beautiful, valuable and important; that whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, we should never hesitate to let who we truly are shine through.
If for no other reason, reading a book or watching a movie that reminds us of this very thing is a good enough reason to curl up on a couch and check it out, don’t you think?
We couldn’t agree with you more.
Check back next week, when we’ll update this article with some reviews. Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/naturallycurly/”> and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/naturallycurly”> to catch our reactions live this weekend! If you catch the Netflix movie, tell us what you think in the comments section, below.
Our review
It’s hard to cram entire books into films. If you’re a fan of the novel “Nappily Ever After,” it is no exception. That doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy the movie, though. It’s cute, it’s sweet and more than anything, it’s totally relatable.
Whether you’ve read the book or not, even whether you’ve experienced “the big chop” (the transition from relaxed to natural hair”> or not, there are moments Violet has—with both her hair and her personal life—that are oh so real. Seemingly, by design, her hair parallels her life.
For years (decades, really”> much of Violet’s world was controlled by her hair—not being able to go swimming as a child, being leery about cooking due to the humidity in the kitchen, being obsessed with outside weather and not allowing her boyfriend to “enjoy her hair” during throes of ecstasy—until one day, while in a drunken stupor, she took some clippers and shaved it all off.
From there…new growth (pun intended”> begins because Violet discovers what she wants instead of allowing what’s been expected of her to have a greater voice.
There are scenes that will make you smile and there are definitely moments that will make you “hmph” in agreement (like when she said, “My boyfriend didn’t give me a ring and so I shaved off my hair” to a cancer recovery group that mistook her for being a survivor because her head was bald”>. Indeed, her journey with her hair is told very clearly. In fact, the only thing that seems a bit ambiguous is the last five or so minutes of the film. (Who does she break up with? Who does she end up with?”>
Sanaa has always been pretty thoughtful with her movie selections and this is no exception. Apparently, it affected her so much that she has remained natural and we love her for that.
It’s almost like a hair documentary and romantic comedy all rolled up into one. And who can be mad at that? Watch it. Save it for your daughter. It’s a cinematic reminder to love yourself—including your hair—no matter what.
OK. Before we get into all of the great ways that women with round faces can rock a curly hairstyle, how about we define what it technically means to have a round face?
If, while growing up, your aunties pinched your cheeks while talking about how cute your “pie face” was, that’s definitely a clue. Someone with a round face is a person who typically has a relatively wide hairline and fullness in their cheeks. Actors Mila Kunis, Drew Barrymore and Taraji P. Henson have round faces. So do entertainers Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Queen Latifah. Even our former first lady Michelle Obama does. Clearly, if you have one too, you’re in good company!
Now that you’ve got a couple of names to drop the next time someone makes a pie-face comment, here are some ways to style your hair that will leave them in awe while they’re staring at you!
Image via@salonpk
1. TWAs with tapered sides
Some people frown upon women with round faces rockin’ short hairdos, because their hairlines can make their forehead appear larger. But you know what? Music icon Sade has one of the most prominent foreheads around, and she’s one of the most beautiful women we know! Moral of the story? If you’ve got the confidence, wearing a Teeny Weeny Afro (give or take a couple of inches”> and then adding some “edge” to it by tapering your sides can exude all kinds of sexiness. Women with round faces are some of the women who do it best.
Image via@jessicapettway
2. Asymmetrical cuts
Someone else who has a round face is R&B songstress Fantasia. We don’t know about you, but one of our all-time favorite hairstyles that she’s worn is when she looked absolutely amazing with her asymmetrical bob a few years back. What we really love about this look is all of the wavy volume there is up top and the fact that the asymmetrical look gives you the ability to “camouflage” some of your forehead…if you’d like. Plus, since it’s really short on one side and longer on the other, it’s like having the best of two haircuts—all at once.
Image via@jess_jewel
3. Lobs
What is a lob? Basically, it’s a long(er”> bob. While you might think this kind of cut looks best on super straight hair, we couldn’t disagree more. Take singer and style icon Rihanna, for example. She’s sported a curly lob (wig”> before and between the ringlets and the flowing layers in her hair, it’s a style that’s romantic, flirty and uber-feminine.
Image via@nae2curly
4. High updos
If you’re rushing to work and you don’t have time to mess with your hair, no worries. How about a high updo? It’s a nice—and subtle—twist to the always-faithful ponytail. Just put out a few bobby pins, hair clips or big barrettes and pin your ringlets up. You can even add a bit of flair to your look by tying a scarf around your head like artist and philanthropist Alicia Keys has been known to do from time to time.
Image via@evanjosephcurls
5. Layers
The reason why we absolutely love layers on curly hair is because it keeps curls from looking weighed down. And, if your hair is naturally fine, it can also give you loads of volume. Just make sure to keep your ends trimmed on a regular basis so that you can keep frizziness at bay. A nice example of layered curly hair is how songstress Solange wears her hair sometimes. It’s full and funky, and it complements round faces perfectly.
Image via@dayelasoul
6. Faux hawks
Although faux hawks (fake mohawks”> may not be quite as popular as they were a couple of years back, they’re so contemporary that they’ll never fully go out of style. Don’t believe us? Have you ever seen actor and activist-in-the-making Yara Shahidi’s take on one? Rather than shaving the sides of her hair, she braided them upwards and then let the top of her hair showcase her natural curls. On a rounded face this is ideal because the sleek sides will make your face appear more narrow. So will the cascading curls only being at the very top of your head.
Image via@sunflowersandscissors
7. Bangs
Let’s literally go out with a bang with the help of one of our favorite entertainers Zendaya. We’re not sure who does curly hair with bangs better than she does! Off the top, it might seem like this is an impossible look to pass off, but the key is to avoid blunt bangs and go with textured ones instead. Also, diffuse your curls a bit to make them looser. The tighter the curls, the rounder your face will appear. As for the rest of your hair, long layers are a good idea; it gives the illusion that your hair is longer. Then you’re all set. The “cuteness” of a pie face combined with the sexiness of a full-grown woman! Perfect.
Do you have a round face? How do you wear your hair? Give us the scoop in the comments section below. And if you’re looking for tips on how to part your hair, based on different face shapes, check out this article.
Image: istock
Ask any person who is under the age of 17 and they’ll tell you that the summer never seems to last long enough. Just when they get used to sleeping in, hanging out with friends at the mall, and breaking in their latest summertime fashions, the back-to-school commercials start appearing.
For the girls with curly hair, this is a bittersweet experience. On one hand, it’s a time to play around with some new ‘dos; on the other, it also means not being able to pull their ringlets in a pineapple for days on end. Now it’s time to rock some actual hairstyles, which means it is also time to do some actual (daily”> maintenance.
If you’re not looking forward to tender heads, frizzy manes and early morning matted bed hair, here are some surefire ways to make rockin’ back-to-school hair much easier than it was last year.
Get a Good Trim
Is your hair not responding to products or techniques the way it used to? Chances are you’re overdue for a trim. Right before school starts is a great time to dust those ends and make sure your curls are in their best shape before your schedule gets super busy. Just make sure that you see a stylist who specializes in curly hair so that yours will look healthy and voluminous instead of heavy and flat. Got no clue where to go? Check out NaturallyCurly’s Salon Finder. It contains a database of stylists around the country who will keep your curls tight and right, plus reviews from other curly girls.
Deep Condition Weekly
Another way to keep your curls looking fresh, full, and well-defined is to deep condition your hair once a week. Do it right after shampooing, when you know you’ve got 15-30 minutes to let it penetrate your hair shaft (with the help of a plastic bag”>. A good place to start is with TRUE Intense Treatment Masque, MIXED CHICKS Deep Conditioner or NEUTROGENA Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner.
Start Reading Labels
There are literally thousands of hair products—all of which promise to make your hair look its best. Whether you’re looking for the right shampoo, conditioner, mousse, pomade or gel, start paying attention to what’s on the ingredient label. Many curlies avoid products that contain sulfates, silicones or parabens. Some curlies find that sulfates dry their hair out and that silicones can coat the hair and weigh it down over time. There are also many curlies who enjoy the results they get when using them. It’s up to you, just make sure you start paying attention to how your hair behaves with certain ingredients.
Prep Your Hair Every Night
During the summer, you have more time to fuss with your hair. During the school year? You’ve got to make the most of your morning’s minutes. One way to avoid having to detangle (and potentially damage”> your curls is to properly prep your hair at night. For starters, either put your hair up in that pineapple you were so fond of all summer or create some big two-strand twists. Then wrap your locs up in a satin bonnet or scarf. If you know that you’re a “wild” sleeper, bring in some additional reinforcement by sleeping on a satin pillowcase too. If you do this every night, you should be able to prep your hair for some much-needed z-z-z’s in 15-20 minutes tops. Plus, you won’t have to wrestle with your hair all morning either.
Experiment on the Weekends
No one said you had to resort to styles that only consist of ponytail holders and headbands. In fact, one of the coolest things about having curly hair is you can play your texture “up” or “down”. Just make sure to not use 6:30am on Monday morning to experiment. Use your extra time on the weekend to try out new looks instead. That way, if something doesn’t look quite right, no one but you has to know it.
If you follow this cheat sheet of ours, your hair will be ready to go back-to-school…even if the rest of you isn’t!
