Embrace Your Natural Beauty With Natural Hairstyles For Ladies
Keeping your hair natural gives it a feature of versatility, asides the fact that it is a beautiful expression of individuality and culture. The practice of keeping a natural hair has grown in popularity as more women celebrate their natural textures, curls, and coils. Whether you’re rocking a teeny weeny afro (TWA), flowing locs, or protective styles like twists or braids, the world of natural hairstyles is expansive and diverse. In this article, I will be sharing with you various ways to style and rock your natural hair that would allow you take advantage of the versatility.
1. The Afro
An iconic symbol of natural hair, the afro is all about volume and freedom. It’s a bold, empowering look that works across all curl types.
- How to style: Simply let your hair grow out to its full volume, shaping it as needed with a pick or fingers.
- Maintenance: Keep your afro hydrated with regular deep conditioning treatments and moisturizers. Use a leave-in conditioner to keep curls soft, and a wide-tooth comb or afro pick to maintain shape without causing breakage.
2. Twist-Outs
Twist-outs give definition to your curls, making them more manageable while maintaining a natural look.
- How to style: Start by sectioning your damp hair into small parts and apply a styling cream or mousse. Twist each section, allow the hair to dry, and unravel the twists carefully.
- Maintenance: Keep your hair moisturized to avoid frizz. Retwist sections at night and wear a satin scarf or bonnet to preserve the style for several days.
3. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are coiled knots formed by twisting small sections of hair, which can also be unraveled for a curly, textured look known as a Bantu knot-out.
- How to style: Part your hair into sections and twist each one until it coils into a small knot. Secure with a bobby pin or leave them as is.
- Maintenance: Moisturize regularly, especially around the edges of the hairline. Sleep with a satin scarf to keep the knots intact.
4. Locs (Dreadlocks)
Locs are formed by twisting or matting the hair into rope-like strands. They can be worn at varying lengths, from short and chic to long and flowing.
- How to style: Start with palm-rolling or two-strand twists to form the locs. As the hair grows, it naturally matures into thicker locs.
- Maintenance: Regularly wash and retwist locs to maintain neatness, and use lightweight oils or gels to keep the scalp moisturized. Avoid over-twisting, which can lead to thinning or breakage.
5. Box Braids
Box braids are a popular protective style that involves sectioning the hair into small squares and braiding extensions into the natural hair.
- How to style: Create sections of your hair, attach extensions (if desired), and braid each section from the root to the tip.
- Maintenance: Use a light oil to keep your scalp hydrated. Cleanse your scalp with dry shampoo or a diluted apple cider vinegar solution to prevent buildup.
6. Cornrows
Cornrows are braids that lie flat against the scalp. They can be simple and straight or intricate with patterns.
- How to style: Part your hair into rows and braid each section close to the scalp in an underhand motion.
- Maintenance: Keep your scalp moisturized and cleanse regularly to prevent buildup. Cover your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet at night to keep the style neat.
7. Flat Twists
Flat twists are similar to cornrows but use a two-strand twist method instead of three. This style is ideal for women looking for a gentler option.
- How to style: Section the hair into parts and twist each section from the scalp outward.
- Maintenance: Keep your scalp and hair moisturized, and retwist sections as needed to maintain the style. A silk or satin scarf at night will prevent frizz.
8. Wash-and-Go
A wash-and-go highlights the natural curl pattern of your hair without heat styling or manipulation.
- How to style: After washing and conditioning your hair, apply a curl-defining cream or gel to enhance your natural curl pattern. Scrunch the product into your curls and allow it to air dry or diffuse.
- Maintenance: Refresh your curls daily with a water-based spray or curl refresher. Ensure your hair remains moisturized to prevent dryness.
9. High Puff
The high puff is an easy and stylish updo that pulls all of the hair to the crown of the head for a voluminous look.
- How to style: Gather your hair into a puff at the top of your head, securing it with a scrunchie or headband. Fluff out the puff to your desired shape.
- Maintenance: Spritz with water and a leave-in conditioner to keep curls moisturized. Avoid pulling the puff too tight to prevent stress on the edges.
10. Protective Styles (Twists, Braids, and Updos)
Protective styles such as twists, braids, or tucked-up hairstyles are designed to give your hair a break from manipulation and promote growth.
- How to style: Depending on the style, you can twist your natural hair, braid it, or wear it in buns or updos that protect the ends from exposure.
- Maintenance: Keep your scalp moisturized and avoid over-styling, which can cause tension. These styles can last for weeks if properly maintained, making them low-maintenance options.
11. Finger Coils
Finger coils are a great way to define your curls and enhance your natural texture, especially for those with shorter hair.
- How to style: Take small sections of damp hair, apply a styling product, and twist each section around your finger to form tight, defined curls.
- Maintenance: Keep coils hydrated with a water-based moisturizer. Refresh the curls every few days by spritzing with water and retwisting as necessary.
12. Faux Locs
Faux locs mimic the look of dreadlocks without the commitment. They involve braiding or twisting extensions into your natural hair, then wrapping them for a loc-like appearance.
- How to style: Braid or twist your hair, then wrap synthetic hair around each section to create the look of locs.
- Maintenance: Keep your scalp moisturized, and cleanse it regularly to prevent buildup. Faux locs are a long-lasting protective style.
