Style Tutorial: Braided Protective Style

I began this style by parting my hair horizontally in small sections. My hair is dense, so small sections still makes medium sized braids. I made a slanted part in the center, splitting each row in two sections.

  

The back of my hair was very difficult, since I had been wearing a twist out all day and hadn't blown it out as I usually do. I also haven't braided my hair in a while, I generally prefer flat twisting, but it doesn't last as long. Sorry I didn't continue taking pictures of the process, I was frustrated. Side note: I hadn't finished my hair before bed and had to go to a meeting with my director in the morning. I made this quick bang to mask my unfinished 'do. Shhh... don't tell on me! 

I thought I would change this style up often (I love versatile protective styles) but I only wore it this way for about ten days, then with the ends unraveled for a couple days. Its similar to another braided style I did last year. 

What would you do to switch this up in a versatile way?

Style Tutorial: Twisted Pin Curl Side-do

I actually wore this style nearly a month ago, but forgot I had taken pictures to share with everyone. Unfortunately I did not get video or still shots throughout the process. It was an impromptu style. I will still give step by step instructions.

Similar to my Rolling Side Puff, this is a "side-do" (like updo, but to the side...yeah I'm making that a thing). I used flat twists here so the style would last longer.

The flat twists went 2/3 of the way across my head. The last third was left for loose twists. Then I pinned the ends of the flat twists and each loose twist into pin curls.

I've been waiting a year to do this style. My hair wasn't quite long enough for the full effect last year. I got the idea from MahoganyKnots on YouTube. Check out her excellent tutorial for details.

My Styling Wish List... I think I can, I think I can!

When I see interesting, fierce, and elegant styles on other people, I want NEED to try them myself. The internet makes it impossible to keep up with everything but I'm obligated to try. It only worsens my HIH (Hand-In-Head) syndrome, but try not to judge me or yourself if you're inspired to try a few.

OMG!!! I've gotta figure this out, I'm intrigued. It looks like a fold and tuck style, but something about the sides. Hmm... wish I could find a back view perspective.

via Afro Glitz

Oh yeah... def adding this to the list! Priceless throwback. Said to be a photo from Madagascar, I'm guessing nineteenth century? (Don't quote me on that!)

via Afro Glitz

I ran across this style sported by user doulacubanita on Natural Sunshine. This has to be added to the list of styles I want to try.

via Natural Sunshine

Shut the front door! This is TOO FLY! Ok, I'm departing the Afro Glitz site right now, cause this is too much for me in my condition (see HIH syndrome). It's a braided fold and tuck! Oh wait, did anyone else notice how the style above is so similar to this one? I wonder if doulacubanita was also inspired by this picture...

via Afro Glitz

Style Tutorial: Fold & Tuck Updo

 

So I've been wanting to try my hand at this fold and tuck technique ever since I first saw this tutorial by Lovingyourhair on YouTube. I tried my hand at it today after taking down my twists from wash day (two days ago). I love it with the texture of the twist out! I like the messy look, so I kept my finger parts from the twists to make the rolls. This style took me 10 minutes and 10 bobby pins! What do you guys think?

 

Style Tutorial: Mini Twist Styles 1

Sometimes I forget that having twists, especially small or mini twists, is just like having loose hair. There is an endless amount of fantastic styles that can be created with twists- most anything that can be done on loose hair and more! If you're new to wearing mini twists, take a look at the styles I've done below for a few ideas. If you're a veteran and would like your photos posted, please share what you've done: Submissions.TheKitchenSalon@gmail.com. Either way, please tell me what you think!

Style 1

Pinned to the side.

Pinned to the side.

Style 2

Double rolls pinned at the top with a pompadour.

Double rolls pinned at the top with a pompadour.

Double rolls pinned at the top with a pompadour.

Style 3

Bun with a bang. (Accessorize with a ribbon!)

Bun with a bang. (Accessorize with a ribbon!)

Style 4

French roll with a side bang.

French roll with a side bang.

French roll with a side bang.

French roll with a side bang.

Style 5

One long roll with front rolls.

One long roll with front rolls.

One long roll with front rolls.

If I said I was "Over" Natural Hair, Would You Believe Me?

This is wonderful autobiographical post written by Sunshine Abuwi of Natural Sunshine and Daily Dose of Sunshine. I have to applaud Sunshine for sharing her personal growth and as always I am in admiration of her honesty and transparency. A step towards umoja indeed!


If I said I was "Over" Natural Hair, Would You Believe Me?
By Sunshine Abuwi

A lot has changed in regards to my relationship with natural hair over the three years I have been natural. In the beginning I was gung ho. I was determined that every woman of African descent on the planet should go natural. I was strongly anti-weave and the mere mention of heat-treating natural hair was enough to make me angry. So much has changed since then.

Style Tutorial: Frohawk Bonanza

Hooking up my Fro Hawk for a night on the town (well in my friend's house...)

Frohawk Bonanza

Style Tutorial: Roll One Up

This is my new favorite hairstyle, especially fall through spring when my hair stays mostly in protective styles. Its super quick, like 10 minutes or less quick, and can go from elegant, to chic, to funky to match any outfit or occasion. I don't wear many accessories but I'll bet there are some great ones to rock with this, like colorful feathers or flowers. Try it out, send me pics and tell me what you think. 

Roll One Up... A quick hair style that is!

Wash N' Go My @$$!!!!

I know it the title sounds a bit harsh but hear me out. This isn't a criticism of anyone's styling choices, just a realization I came to as I thought of my own struggle to "define" my curls and rock a so-called "wash and go" style.

When I hear the phrase "wash and go" I immediately think of a two-step process: washing my hair (which includes conditioning) and going out the door. The reality of the wash and go style for most kinky haired naturals is that there is a huge step in the middle that can be divided into multiple sub-steps.

After the hair is washed and conditioned there is sectioning, detangling, applying leave in conditioner, sometimes applying an additional cream product, applying a gel product, raking or brushing the product through, constantly spritzing the hair to keep it soaking wet throughout the process, awkwardly avoiding touching the done sections of hair as you move on.

This process can take up to 2 hours, especially if your hair is long, thick and more kinky than curly!!!!!! And you're not even guaranteed satisfactory results. Umm... what happened to the two simple steps of washing and going?

To address this misnomer, I want to redefine the "wash and go" style. My true wash and go styles are pigtails or two large cornrows (if my hair was washed loose) and bantu knots (if my hair was washed in twists).

If you had to limit your wash and go to a truly simple routine, what would you choose?

When spending a week on the beach, who wants more than wash and go hair? I lived in these cornrows!

Style Tutorial: 1 Twist Out 8 Styles

It was time for me to wash my hair so I couldn't wear my fabulous twist out in the street. So I challenged myself to make as many styles as possible before my camera battery died. Check out the 8 styles I created from 1 twist out. Enjoy!

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: Style 1

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: Style 2

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: Style 3

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: Style 4 & 5

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: Style 6

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: Style 7

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: Style 8

1 Twist Out 8 Styles: BONUS Style