For you androgynous dolls, a box cut is killer. There’s something sexy about its boyish flare. The cut demands that the sides be kept low and the top soar to super high heights. Could you rock it? Here are a few tips.
Keep it Kinky: Those with an amazing zig-zag pattern will love this style. Your strong texture lends itself to maintaining the shape. You can twist, coil or braid your strands to create different versions of the look.
Sans the Shave: Do you absolutely have to shave your sides to rock this look? No. You can fake it by smoothing back a short to medium length style with pomade or mousse. Make sure to keep the volume in the front and you can imitate the look.
How High: Is your hair too soft to stick straight up? Use a little hairspray. Trust us, your hair will survive.
Come with us for more looks and more tips. (more…)
Growing out your hair can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to jumpstart your Rapunzel locks.
Biotin: Yes, Biotin is the original hair whisperer and it does work. However, if you’re looking or immediate results, look elsewhere. This little jewel, a part of the vitamin B family, starts working after a month or so. You’ll also see super growth in your nails and it assists with maintaining glowing skin. (more…)
Check out Tina’s tips to getting this gorgeous “tuck & roll” style.
Sometimes it’s the simplest styles that make the greatest statement. This style is quick, easy and protective, with low manipulation. It leaves you feeling like a sophisticated beauty. – Tina (more…)
We recently spotted Solange rocking a clear box clutch, so we figured that we’d track a few down. However, there’s definitely some pressure when rocking the barely there accessory. Is the stuff inside your purse appropriate enough for the world to see? Is it cool enough? The clear clutch can either make you an enviable makeup guru or a questionable human being. Check out a few more looks. (more…)
Check out this adorable hair how-to from Ashley Odom.
“I love my signature twist out because it describes me, full and fierce!!! It gives me the power to embrace my “natural state of mind” in a way that very few can.” – Ashley Odom
1. Detangle your hair into sections using a Tangle Teezer before washing with your favorite shampoo. (more…)
We must stop and once again marvel Solange’s eccentric curls at last night’s 2013 Grammy Awards. Whether you loved or hated her half-curl, half-fro ‘do, there are a few tips to steal from her faux essence.
1. STRETCH OUT: You can give your hair instant fluff by stretching your kinks. Take a blow-dryer on a medium heat-setting, grab and stretch out a section of curls, and quickly run it along your roots. This will loosen your pattern and elongate your locks. If you’re going for a seriously stretched look, run your blow-dryer quickly across your curls from root to tip. Shake and fluff with your hands.
2. CURL TEASE: Need a little extra height? Take a pick and lift at the root. Make sure that your fingerstyle or twist is firm enough to withstand the pick. You’d hate to actually comb completely through your curls, resulting in a frizzy, not-so-fabulous mess. (more…)
ESSENCE.com beauty editor Nicole Melton is nothing less than inspirational. The Howard University alum shared some wisdom on how to get your dream job, along with her ultimate curly girl must haves. Dig in.
Who gives you ultimate curl inspiration?
Nicole Melton: I’ve been inspired by so many naturals, it’s impossible to name just one. I love celebs such as Tanika Ray and Adepero Oduye. I also love bloggers such as CharyJay and Baroness Countess. Overall, the entire natural hair community inspires me. These ladies have so much style, creativity and flair.
What are your top three curly girl must haves?
NM: Huetiful Hair Steamer, Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Hair Treatment and a satin bonnet.
Let’s rewind and go back to the beginning. What was your journalism launch pad that led to your current position?
NM: I started in high school as editor-in-chief of my yearbook. In college, I also worked on the yearbook staff and interned at WWD and Suede (awww, RIP Suede). After graduation, I couldn’t find a job in magazines due to the economy —this was when Honey Mag, CosmoGirl, etc. were all folding and layoffs were rampant. I ended up as an accessories assistant buyer and merchandiser for five years before I said, ‘I need to follow my passion and I need to do it NOW.’ (more…)
Whether you’re a natural newbie or a transitioner, ridding of your treasured headband can be hard. Most textured beauties begin their natural journey by pulling back their curls into a puff because they don’t quite know what to do with their mass of curls. Though the elastic headband is a quick fix for bad hair days, it doesn’t have to be a staple. Mind these tips that take cues from the photos above:
1. Let it run wild: Sure, you blame your affinity for pulling your curls back on the fact that your hair sticks up every which way when it’s free. Well, it’s supposed to. Adjust your thinking and consider a how a side or middle part will change the direction of your curls, thus changing the look. Also, fingerstyle or twist your wet curls in the direction that you love the most.
Many curlies can’t experience the true beauty of their curls because they haven’t given it a good detangling. Apply your Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment, use a wide tooth comb, and really discover your mane’s shape and length. (more…)
In this new segment, we’ll showcase the latest gorgeous, curly styles, along with suggestions from your current curlBOX.
Whether you’re a buzzed babe rocking the big chop or a lover of a fresh cut, wearing short natural hair requires a few simple tips.
1. Consider your shape: A buzzed fade simply requires the assistance of a good barber, but a professional cut is essential for growing out your tresses with ease. A tapered neckline always accentuates your style and fret not, the curls at your neckline tend to grow at a rapid pace, so you can keep it trimmed until you allow it to grow evenly with the rest of your mane.
A high top fade a la Grace Jones is a look that can be achieved with any pattern. They key is to focus on maintaining volume up top with shorter sides. You can also fake this style by smoothing back your edges and using a pick to lift at the roots near the front.
Tired of your short cut? Get creative and add faux textured pieces to keep it funky. Check out the Kanekalon braided bun above.
2. Choose definition: Focus on showing off your pattern with your short cut by using a styling aid that firmly sets your look. Start with Isabella’s Own Sulfate Free Shampoo to soften your curls. Use a dollop of Nubian Heritage Treatment Masque and detangle with a paddle brush. Style in-shower or following your conditioning session with Olive Oil Ecostyler Gel. If interested in wearing the style for a few days, use your fingers to gently coil sections and set under a dryer.
3. Refresh daily: You don’t have to do a wash-n-go every day to maintain your look. Instead, use a satin scarf or bonnet to preserve your look at night and use a spritz of water in the morning to reactivate your product.
*Products are available in the December 2012 curlBox.
Airest Newsome | Founder | Heritage Brand
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