10 More Stunning Natural Hair Pictorials

Last year we featured 10 of the Most Stunning Natural Pictorials. Since then, there have been many more hairstyle pictorials on Instagram and Pinterest. Here are our top ten choices for this year.

MyfroandI demonstrates how to create this super cute twisted updo. Get your bobby pins, satin scarf, spray bottle, and hands ready.

4 Natural Hair Professional Looks Great for Work and Interviews

Watch as natural hair blogger Tina a.k.a, missT1806 demonstrates professional natural hair styles that you can wear at the office and on your job interviews.

Tina says: "Natural hair is not professional" How many times have you heard that? In this video I share 4 quick and easy styles that are work appropriate and would also be perfect for polishing your look to nail that job interview. Enjoy!

Photo Series ‘Hairdo’ Celebrates Black Children’s Hair Texture

by  Annika Harris of UPTOWN

London-based photographer Emily Stein is hoping to eliminate the judgment and scrutiny Black children feel as a result of wearing their natural hair texture.

Stein was inspired by hairstyles and decided to take a closer look at the hairstyles of kids of Caribbean- and African-descent in her neighborhood, reports the New York Daily News. She features the intricate and often technical hairstyles worn by the children in her photo series Hairdo.

“The purpose of the project was to celebrate charismatic kids with equally charismatic hairstyles,” Stein told the Daily News. “Children are bombarded by images on social media and this syncs into their psyche.”

Some of the hairstyles Stein snapped and included in the photo project are cornrows, Bantu knots, box braids, and buns, which were oftentimes adorned with plastic beads, barrettes, and bows.

After asking parents’ permission, Stein would photograph the children right on the street, with a piece of colored paper serving as backdrop. Since she wanted the children, ages 3 to 8, to be, well, natural, she would instruct them to move as they wished.

“I wanted the children to be in charge, so I asked them to move as they wanted, which resulted in them yawning, hiding, or lavishing in the moment,” Stein said to the Daily News.

The photographer has plans to use the images in a limited-edition photo magazine of 200 copies.

My Fair Hair comments: Hi Ladies, I wanted to share this article because one of the goals of My Fair Hair is to eliminate the idea that natural hair is unpolished and unprofessional. I think once we, as adults, understand this and demonstrate this idea, it will encourage children to love their hair as well. Enjoy!

Check out all the Hairdo images on Stein’s website.

Fall Lookbook | Box Braids and Curly Havana Twists

As the fall season gradually comes upon us, I will be previewing Fall Lookbooks. Here is some natural hairstyle inspiration in the form of Box Braids in a symmetrical bob cuts and curly Havana Twists.

As always, when styling braids or twists, make sure to braid or twist loosely, as to not strain or pull the hair. Never attach large quantities of hair extensions to your edges as this can result in hair strain. Also remember that hair extensions should not remain in your hair for longer than 4-6 weeks (4 weeks being the maximum, in my opinion).

Blogger Coily Bella showing off her chunky curly twists

Which look will you try?

How To Detangle Sponge Coils, Finger Coils, Twists, Bantu Knots, and Rodsets

I originally posted this article in June 2013, but seeing as I have received questions about how to take down sponge coils, I felt that re-posting this would be helpful. Coils created by finger coiling or by using a sponge are not permanent . Follow the instructions below to learn how to detangle coils without causing damage to your hair.

Wearing natural hair in finger coils, twists, bantu knots, and rod sets can make it a challenge to comb out and detangle, because the hair has been trained to coil or twist on itself.  If your hair is hard to comb out and detangle you will get breakage and hair loss. I have found these 5 steps to detangle natural hair after wearing finger coils, twists, bantu knots, and rod sets have helped me to minimize the damage.

Pre-poo your hair
1) Do a heavy oiling or pre-poo of your natural hair before you wash your hair. This will set the stage for your further detangling before you shampoo. Put your hair into several twists.

Finger detangle
2) Detangle with your fingers. Work on only one section at a time.  If you encounter any resistance, carefully pull the tangled hairs or knots apart.

3) When you feel you have adequately finger detangled, start to comb with a wide-tooth comb.  If you encounter any serious resistance, go back and finger detangle this spot again until you can comb it through easily.

4) If hair feels very dry and starts to break, add more oil, water, or even your favorite conditioner that has lots of slip.  Anything that will make the coils and knots release.

5) Be sure you have enough time (and patience) to do your entire head this way.  I have found when I feel rushed or I get tired, I rip through my hair and cause more breakage than usual.

After each section has been adequately detangled, proceed on to your hair washing.

Prevent breakage and hair loss and keep more of your hair on your head where it belongs with these 5 steps to detangle natural hair after wearing finger coils, twists, bantu knots, and rod sets.

courtesy of Alyce, blackhaircaretoday.com

More helpful articles:

Everything You Need To Know About Sponge Coils
How to Keep Your Sponge Coils Moisturized

Lookbook| 5 Natural Hair Summer Hairstyles You Can Try

Time to roll out a new lookbook with fresh natural hairstyles for the summer. Check out these natural hairstyles below for some inspiration.

Easy Summer Natural Hairstyles

Flexi Rods/Perm Rods
This is one look I HAVE to try this summer! As you can see from the photo below by Sumetra, flexi rods and perm rods each give different results.

Curly Afro Puff
This is a new take on the traditional afro puff. Position your afro puff forward towards the front of your hair to create curly bangs.

Flat Twist Out
Let's not forget the beauty of a simple flat twist out.

Tutorial by Afrophire

Video Tutorial by Sumetra Reed

Protective Summer Natural Hairstyles

"Crowing Glory" Flat Twist Crown
Simple, classy, and professional. The flat twist crown, also known as the "goddess" braid, can work as a workplace hairstyle.

By Janae

Video Tutorial by Yoli for Short Natural Hair

Flat Twist Crown and Bun

By Fret_

Which of these looks will you try?

3 Glamorous Styles for Prom and Wedding Season

by Curlynikki

Fiona writes:

As wedding season has now arrived and I too prepare for my big day this summer, I have put together a video and some looks for my potential big day 'do! I've decided to take the plunge and be a DIY bride so I hope these photos and video can inspire other naturals too.


If you have shorter or medium length natural hair, try using kinky hair extensions like Havana Hair to create the hairstyles shown in the video.

I have several helpful posts on choosing the right hair extension color, ways to create the best Havana Twists, and everything you need to know about Havana hair.

Hope your special day rocks! 

Were these looks helpful? What hairstyle are you thinking of wearing for your big day?

Lookbook | Natural Hair Wedding Inspired by Nature

I found these beautiful images and just had to share them with you! Continuing with our Wedding Lookbook for natural hair, this collection of photos styled by La mariée aux pieds nus and Made In You focuses on a naturesque feeling with the inclusion of garden flowers, an intricate lace wedding gown, and a more down-to-earth wedding vibe. Photography by Marion Heurteboust.

The model is wearing a simple twist out or wash n go with her wedding gown.

All of these photos create a picturesque feeling akin to a fairy tale wedding.

See more photos at Hello May Bridal Magazine. For more natural hair wedding inspiration visit my Pinterest Wedding board.

I do not own these photos. All credit goes to Marion Heurteboust Photography.

Have natural hair wedding photos you would like to share with us? Email me at lovenaturalsunshine@gmail.com

The Best Perm Rod Set Ever

A Perm Rod set is a natural hairstyle that can give your hair a curly or coily look using plastic perm rods. It is can ideal hairstyle for all hair types. Adjust your hair products according to your hair texture needs. This is a great hairstyle to try if you are looking to change up your look and to try something new!

The Best Perm Rod Set Ever Tutorial



Perm Rod Results & Styling Tutorial

If you ladies have questions about which products to use to achieve the perm rod set, let me know and I will do a post!

Lookbook | Natural Hair Wedding

Hello Ladies, the remainder of this week will focus on natural hair wedding season! You may have noticed my new Pinterest Wedding board. Use that board for inspiration as well. So let’s get started!

The first look is a simple, yet regal TWA (teeny, weenie, afro). These photos were part of a collection featured on Essence magazine by MUNALUCHI and KISS THE GROOM.

 Add a flourish with an elegant hair piece with tulle, flowers, or feathers.

Gorgeous!

Breathtaking!

I hope this provided some inspiration for current or future brides with natural hair! Stay tuned… (;

Lookbook | More Mini Twists & Spring Outfits

I promised that I would be back with more lookbooks for Mini Twists. Here they are! Style your Mini Twists and pair them with professional looks of teal and tan. With the addition of a blazer for the workplace or interviews or a chic clutch for church or a special occasion, you're sure to be the best dressed!

Mini Twists Hairstyle & Outfit

Mini Twists Hairstyle & Outfit

Model photos courtesy of Essence

What are your favorite colors for spring?

7 Things Every Big Chopper Needs

by NaturallyChelsea via Curlynikki.com

Cutting off all your hair can be the stuff nightmares are made of for most women. Despite that fact, more and more women are big chopping to join team natural.

As they should be! Going natural can be the most exhilarating, and according to many women, the best decision one can make. A little preparation will help to make the journey to natural as smooth as possible. Read on for a few must-haves you'll need in your big chopper arsenal.

Read More >>

Selecting The Correct Havana Hair Color – A Guide

Choosing the correct Havana hair color can be a tricky task, especially if you have color-treated or dyed hair. Although Finger Comber offers a hair color chart, it is outdated and does not always reflect the true color of their Havana hair colors. Read this guide before selecting your Havana hair to ensure that you have the right fit!

Understanding Color in Kinky Hair Extensions
Though Finger Comber compares their Havana hair colors to the hair color scale (1, 1b, 4, etc) that is used for straight-haired extensions, the rule of thumb to remember with Havana hair is that is always two shades darker than straight-hair extensions. Why? Like regular human hair, straight hair tends to reflect light making the color brighter and seemingly shiny, while kinky hair absorbs light, making the color darker and less shiny (Kong). This rule applies to extensions too. Whatever Havana color you choose, understand that it will be a darker, deeper tone than straight hair extensions with the same hair color number.

This is the Finger Comber chart of Havana hair colors found on their website. Even still, with this Finger Comber chart it is difficult to determine the hair color.

This is a chart I made to reflect my interpretation of the Havana hair colors in relation to straight hair extensions.

Notice the difference. The straight hair colors are brighter, while the Havana hair colors are deeper toned. As you can also see, the Havana hair colors Onyx, Chestnut Black, and Darkest Expresso are very similar. (In fact, I remember suggesting to my sister that she buy Darkest Expresso when Chestnut Black was out of stock. She found that the colors were similar and that the difference was not very noticeable).

I ordered this redish-brown color of “Sangria” Havana hair. Finger Comber's website says that this “Sangria” hair is similar to #33 straight hair extensions. You can see, however, how much deeper toned the Havana hair is. The true color is only brighter in natural lighting.

I hope this chart is helpful to you as you select your Havana hair color. This is also a chart you can refer back to when purchasing other types of kinky hair.

Remember to moisturize and regularly take care of your hair and scalp even while it is in extensions. Using hair sprays or scalp massages are good ways to do this. Also, do not keep your extensions in longer than 3 weeks at a time. And always give your hair a rest before adding extensions back in. Your hair is healthiest and happiest when it is out on its own, so let it be extension-free for longer periods of time!

Let me know if you have any questions and I’d be happy to help!

Disclaimer: I have not bought all the shades of Havana hair. I made this chart off of my best judgment after buying the Sangria, Chestnut Black, Darkest Expresso, and Dark Hazelnut colors.

Source: Going Natural: How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair by Mireille Liong-A-Kong

What is your favorite Havana hair color?

5 Do’s and Don’ts of Braid Extensions

by Natural Hair Rules

It’s widely believed that braid extensions help to “grow” hair, which in part can be true. While they are certainly a great protective style that helps you retain length, here are 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Braid Extensions to keep in mind:

1. Braids don’t “make” or “promote” hair growth instead they help with length retention.  Every time you style and detangle there’s a risk of breakage.  It just happens. When your hair is braided, you dodge the risk of mechanical breakage from manipulation.  This is why braids are a great protective style.

2. Wearing Braids Long-Term (more than 4-6 weeks without touch-ups) Can Decrease Length Retention. “Six weeks is the maximum I would recommend [leaving in extensions],” says Natural Hairstylist Diane Bailey. For many this is around the time that the hair begins to lock or mat.  Leaving them in longer makes it difficult to detangle. It’s also good to throughly clean your hair and scalp without the extension to prevent infection and other conditions of the scalp.

My Fair Hair Suggestion: I would advise not keeping extensions longer than 3 weeks at a time for optimum hair health.

3. For those who have sensitive and thinning edges, you have a higher chance of experiencing traction alopecia or increased hair loss in those areas.  Its best that you avoid any and all tugging and tightness in this area.  This is a concern if you continuously wear braids back to back without any breaks. If you already have an issue with thinning or sensitive edges braid extensions may not be the best thing for your hair.

Read: Oils Best for Regrowing Thinning Edges

4. Keep Them Loose. During my last trip to the braiding salon there were so many beautiful braided styles being created around me. But I couldn’t help but notice that many of these women were victims of traction alopecia. If you feel that your hair is being pulled too tightly kindly ask your stylist to reduce the tension that is being applied.

Read Prevent and Treat Female Pattern Baldness 

5. I know they look pretty but the small teeny braids (micros) put a lot of tension on the hair. This isn’t to say that you can never wear micro braids if you want, but constantly wearing them may lead to thinning hair rather than healthy length retention. Plus, its not fun taking all those tiny braids down. Which if you don’t have the patience, micro braids might not be for you. In order for your protective styling to be beneficial it must protect your hair and scalp from breakage. Otherwise, if you rough house with your hair, all of the length that you retained can easily break off.

What are your tips for wearing braid extensions?

Photo credit: Instagram


Suffering from Alopeica (Hair Loss)? Unsure of which type? Read about Traction Alopecia HERE and CCCA Alopecia HERE.

Humectants, Weather and Hair Care: Part 1

by Curlynikki.com via Earthtone Naturals

A re-post for those confused about glycerin and humidity as spring approaches!

Changes in weather require modifications to your hair care regimen in order to keep you hair looking and feeling at its best. But how do you know what you should use and when? This article will serve as the foundation for what you need to understand in order to choose the correct products for your hair in any season. This requires a good understanding of humectants: how they work, their purpose and how they are relevant to hair.

Read More >>

Lookbook: Mini Twists with Spring and Summer Outfits and Accessories

With spring and summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what natural hairstyles to wear and how to pair them with chic, professional outfits and accessories for work, church, and special occasions. Today’s lookbooks do just that!

Outfit and Mini Twists Hairstyle | Living Queens Hand-painted Earrings

Outfit and Mini Twists Hairstyle | Flowers from Fatima Yellow Rose Hair clip

Floral prints and pastel, cool colors like blue and beige are in season. Also, bright yellows like canary yellow can be paired with blue and beige to add a terrific color “pop” that brings out the best in each color, creating truly radiant looks.

The natural hairstyle of choice is Mini Twists. Mini Twists are similar to twists in that they are a protective natural hairstyle that are created by twisting two strands of hair together. The main difference is that Mini Twists are styled smaller, creating a long-term hairstyle that can be worn daily. 

Mini Twists are ideal for all hair types, especially 4c hair or coarse hair.

WATCH this video and read this blog post to learn about how to make your own Mini Twists (as shown in the images above) with a tutorial by blogger VeePeeJay.

Accessories… accessories! You can’t complete the look without them. Pair these looks with ornate hand-painted earrings like these by Living Queens or a large floral hair clip like this one by Flowers from Fatima.

You’ll look chic!

How will you dress for spring?

Want more? Stay tuned… I’ll be posting more lookbooks for Mini twists this month!

Flat Twist Out Cocoon Technique Natural Hairstyle

The flat twist out cocoon technique create a volumous, curly natural hair look. The technique is very similar to Flat Twist Bantu Knot Outs. Watch the video below to learn how to achieve the "cocoon" technique.

As seen on Curlynikki.com

Flat Twist Out Cocoon Technique Tutorial

Toxic Chemicals in Brazilian Blowout and Other Salon Products Increase Risk of Cancer

Thinking of getting the popular hairstyle known as the Brazilian Blowout? Think twice after reading about its adverse health affects.

by Laura Beans of Ecowatch

Bloody noses. Blistering rashes. Piercing migraines. These are just a few of the symptoms veteran hairstylist Jennifer Arce experienced after she was diagnosed with chemical poisoning by her physician. The source? A product millions of women use to straighten their hair every day: Brazilian Blowout.

Arce, a stylist in San Diego for more than 18 years, used the experience to organize other affected colleagues to take their stories to California lawmakers and the Food and Drug Administration. Brazilian Blowout has since been banned in the state, but similar hair smoothing products also containing carcinogenic formaldehyde remain on the market. Her next step is distributing a new fact sheet from Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) to salon workers and clients. The fact sheet describes chemicals to avoid in hopes more salons will choose to go green for the health of their customers and stylists.

“Many of my colleagues have been bullied, threatened physically and threatened to be fired for speaking up about being sick or for not wanting their clients exposed to toxic formaldehyde,” Arce said. “Many of us don’t have health insurance. Our health and our livelihoods are being taken away from us and we are not going to let this happen without a fight.”

“We hope the fact sheet will educate consumers and workers and inspire them to work for change at the policy level,” explained Erin Switalski, WVE’s executive director. “Salon products are exempt from ingredient labeling requirements, limiting the availability of this important information on chemical exposure, so we are trying to fill in the gaps.”

Like many products containing toxic chemicals, what’s considered good enough for American consumers is banned in the European Union. A recent study by RAPEX, an EU regulatory body, discovered nine keratin hair smoothing products containing high levels of formaldehyde, which resulted in their removal from European markets.  Yet they remain widely available in the U.S., and several of the products are falsely touted “formaldehyde-free.”

Under current federal regulations, it is legal for cosmetics manufacturers to use unlimited amounts of virtually any ingredient in salon and professional use products, as well as those sold to the general public, including chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental harm, hormone disruption and other adverse health impacts, with no pre-market safety assessment.

A growing body of scientific evidence indicates there is reason for concern, showing hairdressers are at increased risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder and multiple myeloma compared to the general population. One study has shown that nail salon workers have higher levels of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a reproductive and developmental toxicant, than the general population.

Another study found that beauticians and hairdressers are likely to have significant exposure to solvents that are linked to birth defects. Other studies have found cosmetologists are at a higher risk for having spontaneous abortions and low birth weight babies.

As for Arce, she’s considering switching careers. She doesn’t want to stop being a stylist—she loves helping her longtime clients look and feel their best, but her health can’t withstand the constant exposure.

Visit EcoWatch’s HEALTH page for more related news on health topics.

Ladies and stylists, what has been your experience with the Brazilian Blowout?

The Danger of Natural Hair, Kinky Hair Wigs

Natural hair, kinky hair wigs are becoming all the rage in the natural hair world. Kinky wigs and crochet extensions provide a way for women to adorn various coily hair textures while giving their hair a break from constant styling. They also offer a way to try new looks without chemically altering or dying their actual hair. Yet, there are some unforeseen issues with natural hair wigs and extensions that should be kept in mind before taking the leap into the kinky wig world.

The Natural Hair Wig Addiction

With more options becoming available yearly, the variety in natural hair wigs and crochet extensions has widened greatly, increasing the amount of hair pieces women can choose from.
The desire to try wigs from different brands can add up to a hefty price tag as most kinky hair wigs range from $70-$100 plus dollars. Besides leaving a large dent in your wallet, adorning different types of wigs can be an addicting sport, such that it can cause you to neglect taking care of your actual hair.

Women adorn wigs for several reasons. Some use them as a protective hairstyle while others use them after having suffered from a type of alopecia or hair loss. This is fine, of course, but if wearing wigs causes you to stop taking care of your actual hair on a regular basis it can be problematic.

For those who have experienced hair loss, wig-wearing can become a self-esteem boost, allowing them to once more rock a full head of hair.

If you are experiencing hair loss and have been frequently wearing a wig, make sure you regularly take care of your hair. Seek help from a doctor or a trusted herbalist and find a solution for your hair loss instead of covering it up. You do not want to have your self-esteem or how you feel about your hair determined by if you are wearing a wig or not. Ultimately, you want to be confident in wearing your own hair, healthy.

Natural Hair Wigs and False Expectations

Many times natural hair bloggers and Youtube bloggers (vloggers) will wear natural hair, kinky wigs to take a break from styling their hair. This is a great way for them to review brands of wigs and let their readers know about using wigs for protective hairstyles.

However, the downside is that sometimes followers of the bloggers fail to understand that the bloggers are in fact wearing wigs. I cannot tell you how many times I have looked at an Instagram post or watched a Youtube video in which a blogger has donned a wig and have read in the comments below, “Wow! I love your hair? How did you get it that way? My twist out (insert other hairstyles here) never works!”

Either the blogger hasn’t made it clear that they are wearing a wig or the followers simply believe that what they are seeing is actual hair and not a wig. Both instances leave women with a false idea of what natural hair looks like. Followers can end up striving for a particular hairstyle that was, in fact, just a wig and become frustrated when their own hair does not meet their expectations. However, this can all be easily solved if bloggers clearly state that they are wearing kinky, natural hair wigs in their posts.

Wig or no Wig?

Natural hair wigs are great options for protective hairstyles in that they allow you to keep a kinky haired look while giving your real hair some much needed rest. However, if you no longer feel confident wearing your own hair as the result of adorning your kinky wig or extensions, it’s time to take a step back and embrace your actual hair.

Instead of investing hours of time in styling your wig, style your own hair! It will thank you for it and produce long-lasting healthy hair results.

Similarly if you are suffering from hair loss and use a wig, make sure you are not hiding the problem but working to actively solve your hair loss.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to in any way infringe upon the rights or opinions of natural hair, kinky hair companies or businesses or bloggers or vloggers who have advertised natural hair or kinky wigs. This article is purely an opinion piece written to express ideas concerning general natural hair wigs and extensions.