Style School | Five ways to create shoulder length waves

Ah, so you wanna know how to style your shoulder length do into cute effortless waves?  Well you're in luck.  I've compiled five different options for you to chose from.

(click on images to view video)

Method #1 is probably the most common.  All you need is your trusty curling wand and you're good to go.  I don't use my curling wand that often, but when I do, the results are pretty much perfect.  And the curls last all day.  But don't get too comfortable breaking out your curling wand every day otherwise, the heat will destroy your hair.   And when you do use heat, be sure to follow the rules to minimize damage as much as possible.   

Wanna avoid heat altogether. Check out this video on how to transform your basic wig into an ultra cute shoulder length bob.  This is perfect if you aren't quite ready to chop off your hard earned length just yet.

In my opinion, a flexi rod is just an unheated version of the curling wand.  Meaning, you can pretty much replicate any style using a flexi rod without the dangers of using heat.  In the tutorial above, she uses a blended approach of heat and no heat. But you can create a similar result going sans heat.  

This next method is probably the most creative of our list.  She uses a plain headband to create heatless waves on her neck length strands.  While I do appreciate this somewhat unusual styling method, I still cringed a little at how things could go wrong if you have fragile ends.  Another, safer alternative might be large bantu knots instead. 

Probably my favorite option are the heatless twists.  I've tried this style on my hair and it's pretty  fool proof.  And, you can get two hair styles out of it.  I like to wear my hair twisted for a day or two then go for wavy for the next two days.  Simple + Healthy + Low Manipulation.  What more can you ask for?

Style Obsession | Shoulder Length.

With spring being just around the corner, I thought it would be good idea to do a quick trim of my ends.  Just a simple dusting, I thought, to freshen up my hair in preparation of a new season.  But with every snip, I found myself fighting back the urge to create thick, blunt ends landing at just past my shoulders.  

I know the purpose of a hair journey is to reach new lengths and retain every inch possible.  Shoulder length is supposed to be just a milestone to reached on the way brastrap or mid-back.  But, now I'm starting to rethink how I look at shoulder length.  It's such a flirty hair style that pretty much looks amazing on anyone, especially if you've got well maintained ends.  Shoulder length just so easy and care free.  Rub in a little light oil for shine and you're ready to head out.

If you're currently at shoulder length, take some time to enjoy this wonderful time in your hair journey.  Experiment with parting your hair in different ways.  Try wearing it straight, wavy, curly.  Trim a 1/4 inch off to thicken those ends and rock your shoulder length hair proudly.

Style Inpso | How to make your Topknot more interesting

The topknot is probably one of the few hairstyles that flatters pretty much everyone. That's a good thing but, on the flip side, you may be walking around looking like everyone else.   I received a bit of inspiration after looking around one day and noticing that five other people were rocking the same plain topknot that I was.  That's when I decided to find ways to make this simple look just a bit more interesting.

Some of my best top knots were the outcome of incorporating texture. Sometimes I restyle an old braid out. Other times I've created a curly look using flexirods, etc, for the purpose of crafting a curly topknot.  This gives the look a little more volume and allows me to style my hair in stylish topknot long into my stretch.  Peep the cute jewelry she added.  I've looked every where for how I can locate one of these little chains with no luck so far.  May have to figure out a DIY version.  

You can never go wrong with bangs.  They frame the face perfectly and, can totally transform your face depending on the length you choose.  Back in my younger days, I loved rocking a bang with my ponytail which is why I'm so intrigued by this look.  It almost makes me want to reach for my scissors. 

Who says the topknot has to be perfectly structured?  I adore this slightly messy look. This is perfect for a day of running errands or looking cute while lounging around.     

Seriously, I can't tell you how happy I am about the 50/50 top knot.  Back in the day, I loved to sport a half up do.  The trend seems to be back and I am here for it.  Will probably do a curly/wavy version of this look over the weekend.

Why twist+ braid outs might be better for length retention than bunning

For the last several years, I've worn my hair in a bun pretty much daily.  Part of the reason was due to my workplace environment, the other had to do with a bit of laziness.  At first I was so sure that I'd gain all this length from constantly wearing my hair in a protective style, but years later, I'm saddened by the fact that my length retention has been less than optimal.

Part of it is my fault. As I mentioned in my bunning fail post, I did a lot of things wrong.  Looking, back, I honestly believe that my hair would have retained much more if I wore daily braid or twist outs.  I know this sounds counterintuitive but after reading some comments online from people who've retained successfully by using twist/braid outs, I believe this method of length retention could be more effective than bunning.

Let me start off by sharing my disclaimer that no method on its own is better than the other.  But, some methods of protective styling may work better for YOU than another.  I'm almost positive that braidouts/twistouts would work gloriously for me. Let me explain why.

#1.  Complete moisturizing and sealing
Whenever I do a braid out, I always hyper moisturize my hair because I know there's heavy manipulation involved. We already discussed how moisturizing hair while it's braided could mean a more even coverage so every strand receives the benefits.  When I bunned, I focused mainly on the hair that is visible.  Sections of hair went neglected. As a result, I have areas that aren't as healthy as rest.  This has been an ongoing issue ever since daily bunning became a practice.  When I mist my braid, I run my hands down the length to evenly distribute the moisture.

#2. Better Manipulation
Yes, you can argue that braids/twist require more manipulation than bunning.  And I'd agree with you to some extent. But, I would respond by saying that the manipulation is better.  Here's what I mean.  Braidouts, for the most part, don't require a comb.  So the manipulation is less harmful.  When I rebraid/retwist my hair, I can finger detangle.  This means less tangles come wash day. Which could result in less breakage.  Even though I'm handling my hair more often, I still could be losing less hair in the long run.  Also, I noticed that when I would take down my bun, I'd have some breakage.  But when I take down my braid, I don't experience the same outcome.  I contribute that to the extra moisturizing which protects my hair from the manipulation.

#3. Improved Growth?
Call me crazy but I believe that our hair grows better when it isn't constricted on a daily basis.  I was first introduced to this concept during my phone consultation following my hair analysis.  Then I decided to put the theory to the test while on an extended vacation.  I swore off a bun for weeks, wearing my hair down on a daily basis.  I'm 95% sure that my new growth came in faster than usual.  I'm keeping in mind that I probably did extra things like drink smoothies and such but I feel like my hair benefited from not having as much tension as usual.

#4. Those who do it retain like crazy
Don't take my word for it. Take a look at the hair journeys of those who mainly wear twist/braid outs.  Naturals who are religious with their twist outs enjoy mad length retention.  It's a joy to watch.  Heck, even our resident hip length relaxed haired inspiration (Hair Roots) relies on braid outs as part of her daily routine.   There's lots of proof out there that braid/twist outs can also promote great length retention.

With all that said, I still want to remind you to do what best for your hair. Remember important to modify the technique in a way the best benefits you. For instance, the fewer braids I use the better.  I love the double cornrow braid as pictured above.  If I want to use even less manipulation, I'd probably scarf twist outs daily.  They're easy to do, the results are amazing, and they don't require the tension needed to create jumbo cornrolls.  Keep in mind that I don't live a cold climate so wearing my hair down during the cooler months is much less risky than if I was wearing a wool coat everyday.

So far this idea of length retention from twist/braid outs is only a theory.  But it's one I'm willing to try out for 2015.  Anyone else think this could work well for them?

Currently Craving | Crochet Braids + How to do it.

Many moons ago, when I was much younger, these things called crochet braids started to gain popularity.  But, back then, people for whatever reason, opted to by these tiny crimped braids that were made of black and yellow hair that looked like multicolored Ramen noodles .  They were just awful.  But despite my disapproval, my best friend still insisted in installing them and, since she didn't have the ability to braid, I learned how to install them hooked her up with a head full of tiny, serpent-like crimped braids.

One good thing I could say about crochet braids were how easy they were to install and remove.  Plus they protected her hair much better than the glued in tracks she was so addicted to.  Fast forward many years later and crochet braids have made an incredible come back.  But this time, they are highly versatile and splendidly fabulous.  In fact, they're so perfect that I'm now dying to try them.

@erikka_young

Can you believe all these gorgeous looks are the result of these easy to install braids?  It's been a while since I handled a crochet needle so I need a bit a practice.  Good thing for us there are plenty of tutorials for us to (re)learn from.  I love this style as an option for the winter time when drier air and fuzzy hats threaten to rob our hair of moisture. 

Currently Craving | The Perfect Perm Rod Set

Guess what I'll be doing before the week is over?  I will be purchasing my very first set of perm rods.  For as long as I can remember, I've been doing the typical roller set using magnetic rollers. Meanwhile I was missing out on the amazing potential of perm rods.

I've always had this view that perm rods would create tight shrunken curls. Probably because I'd only seen people use the smallest size.  Now I know better. My eyes have been opened and I'm ready to run head first into a magical land filled with perm rods of various sizes and colors.

I'd like to take a moment to thank the poster on my Facebook page who made the comment about using perm rods after I posted the pic below.  I am forever grateful.  

Yay for perm rods!

Style School | The Satin Scarf Braid Out

Class is in session. Today we will discuss another method to getting a perfect braid wave out.  Braid outs are cool 'n all but sometimes you want a similar look but with a bit more wave.  One option you have is the three-strand twist out which we spoke about previously.  Today we're learning about the satin scarf braid out.  Basically, you braid your hair as you normally would but, with the help of a few satin scarves (or scarf strips).  The scarf helps create a wave pattern in the hair.  The result is slightly different than a typical braid out.

Take a look at three differing examples of this easy technique and take copious notes.  You gon' learn today.  (Click on image to see video)

METHOD 1:  THE HALF BRAID OUT, HALF SCARF TECHNIQUE

Image links to part 1.  Check out part 2 her to see the flawless results.

METHOD 2:  SCARF WAVE OUT WITHOUT BRAIDING.

METHOD 3: USING SCARVES ON ENDS TECHNIQUE

Go try this today.  As I write this post, I have my hair "braided" in 5 multi patterned scarves.  All I did was damped dry hair with Evian facial spray and a little Matrix Keratin leave in then rubbed in a little coconut oil.  The entire process only took a few minutes.  I can't wait to see the final results.

Class dismissed.

Style School | Four Ways to Create Chunky, Oversized Curls

 Thanks to all of you who commented on the my last post about how much you'd love to create large, voluminous curls.  Today, I come with ideas on how to create your own style using several different techniques.

The first thing that comes to mind when I see big curls are the Caruso steam rollers.  It's an amazing tool for generating large, healthy looking curly hair.  The next two tutorials will show you how. Click on image for video.

 

YouTube: Miix Mii

 YouTube: Taren Guy

Can you believe that these amazingly gorgeous curls were created using a flat iron? Click the image to find out how.

 YouTube: Big Hair Bettyy

Here's a slightly curlier version using flexi rods and a pin curl set

YouTube: Miix Mii

These are just a few ideas.  You can also blow out the roots after a roller set to maintain volume while breaking up the curls.  Another idea could be to use a large barrel curling iron.  If you are looking for volume, make sure to "fluff" out the roots. 

Hope this helps. Have fun. Stay inspired.

Style Inspiration | Over Sized Curls

If I ever suffered another setback causing me to cut off inches of hair, I will proudly display my hair, in all of it's glory, with over sized curls.  No more crying over lost length.

Style School | The Three Strand Twist + how to do it

photo via Pinterest

After contemplating which curly/textured styles I'd like to wear this summer, I came to the conclusion that I wanted something curlier than a braid out but tighter than beach waves.  At the time, I didn't know that such a thing existed.  Then, days later, I stumbled upon the three strand twist.

Two strand twists are tough to pull off on relaxed hair because it often lacks the volume needed to produce the intended look.  The hair has difficulty wrapping around itself tightly enough to generate a similar looks as with natural hair. That's why we tend to go with a braid out as an alternative. But what if we could leverage three strands (like one would use in a braid) but create twists with it instead?  The result would be a curlier version of a braid out.  Interested?

Immediately, I poured myself into the research of this technique by indulging in back to back tutorials. At first I was totally mystified by the whole thing.  Every time I had three strands in my hand, I automatically wanted to start braiding.  It was a bit frustrating. But, I was determined.  It wasn't until I watched my third video that I finally got it.  At last I created a twist, using three sections, on my dry hair.  And it actually stayed in place with only mild unraveling.  I know for sure this would work wonderfully on my damp hair which has more texture than it does on roller set hair.  So, I'll wait until another occasion to fully try this look. Next time I experiment, I'll twist my damp hair and while using my Keratindose, coconut oil and maybe some whipped shea butter.

In it's simplest form, the method involves taking a section of hair, splitting into three (as if you were going to braid) then taking a strand of hair on the outside and crossing it over the two other pieces. When you do this, the original middle piece of hair now moves to the outside. Then you take the (new) outside piece and cross it over the other two pieces of hair. You repeat the process until the entire section is twisted.  I am well aware that my explanation probably made no sense to you so I'm fully ready to provide visuals.

Click on any of the images below to see how it's done.

STYLE OBSESSION | The Twisty Bun

The other day I shared this pic on my Facebook page as a testament to the versatility of a full sew-in weave install.  Like everyone else, I was in awe of how natural install looks.  Once over the initial shock, I fell completely in love with the look.

"Looks simple enough" I thought to myself as I pondered on recreating the style.  It wasn't until I looked more closely that I realized the difference in the braiding technique.  In fact, it wasn't a braid at all.  More like the technique one uses to create a fishtail braid.

The moment uncertainty crept in, I immediately leapt into action in the form of a simple Google search. A few clicks later and I came across a video which demonstrates a clear technique to create something similar to what we see above.  I'll be experimenting with this look within the next couple of weeks.

You can check out the video here if you'd like to know how this look was done.  Enjoy!