Look of the Month
Tress pro Tanya Douglas, of Narcisse Salon Suites in Jonesboro, GA, dishes on all the style basics of this side-swept loc updo.
Step 1
Tresses are first shampooed and conditioned for a fresh start to the styling process. “This is really a no-fuss hairstyle,” Douglas assures. Radiant golden highlights are added to the ruby base in deliberate sections to bring extra attention to locs. “The color adds a little drama and spice,” she notes.
Step 2
After the locs are retwisted, they’re set on perm rods using setting mousse. “Using the mousse gives more holding power so the style will last longer,” explains Douglas. Locs were set in alternating directions to create extra fullness before setting under the dryer for 90 minutes.
Step 3
The stylist then takes the rods out to loosen the curls. To create the updo, Douglas uses her imagination. “I just play around with it—when I grab it and put it up, if it looks good, we pin it into place,” she details. In total, Douglas uses about 50 hairpins. “I pin the hair in sections, and if I need another pin, I put it in,” says the mane pro.
Step 4: Finish
A few locs are left hanging down in back for an elegant touch before shine serum is used. The updo lasts for about two weeks, after which you can take the locs down and wear them curly. “In the morning, you can just shake your head a little bit and play around with it,” shares Douglas.
STAR STYLE INSPIRATION
JORDIN SPARKS
American Idol winner and Jive Records’ artist Jordin Sparks takes on a new musical adventure this fall—Broadway! As the talented singer wraps up her Battlefield tour, she steps into the limelight as the female lead, Nina Rosario, in the hit Broadway production of the rockin’ musical In The Heights. While you’re getting lost in the hip hop and Latin beats, don’t forget to check out the star’s gorgeous Natural! Here, Jordin sports a chic ponytail full of bouncy ringlets. The key to her look: a good curl-defining cream and plenty of deep-conditioning treatments.
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I am 14 months int my natural hair journey. i love being natural. the only problem that i have is when i have styles such as kinky twist or extention braids, my scalp gets really dry and a few times i have gotten sores. I do not use grease in my hair because it breaks my face out and the fragrances make my stomach hurt. any suggestions?
Hi Everyone,
I am into my 2nd year of wearing my hair natural and love the feel and low maintenance of it. I did not do the “big chop”, but got my hair trimmed gradually while wearing wigs until my hair grew to a length I was comfortable with. Now I mostly wear my hair in two strand twists that I do myself. Much to my surprise, I have received many compliments. I use the Root Stimulator Olive Oil lotion mixed with a little olive oil and mousse when I do the twists and it holds pretty well. It especially looks nice when I take my hair loose and wear it “crinkled”.
For those of you who are struggling, be encouraged and keep trying. It may not be an easy transition , but it is well worth it.
Thanks for your words of Natural inspiration Sandra D!
i’ve been natural for 2yrs and next to giving birth its the hardest thing i’ve ever done,wigs have become a big part of my life,braids not so much,cause i worry about my hairline,stay away from sulfate shampoos, mineral oil.just do alot of reading,miss jessies are good products,i also like butters and bars which you can only find on line.keep it natural with your products! good luck
Hello,
More people are going natural and locking their hair and it would be of great benefit if you would publish more than 6 styles in your book…this also includes the mini-magazine.
I am 5 months into my journey back to natural hair. My stylist gives my hair a deep conditioning and a roller set. I roll my hair every evening with sponge rollers wrapped in end paper. It looks great. Every 3 days, I apply a light oil throughout my hair to maintain moisture. This last for two weeks until my next appointment.
Hello I was wondering will there ever be a chance to have a full Braids an Natural magazine instead of the clippings out of the black hair magazine. I only buy the book just for the clipping of the natural stlye guide.
Hey hajar: We’re so glad you’re loving the Braids & Natural section–which was designed to clip out of our regular issues of SBH. Right now, Braids & Natural will remain as a bonus mini magazine for SBH. But, don’t forget to page through the rest of the issue! Natural styles are found throughout the magazine! And, don’t forget that we also have the “Roots/Braiders’ Corner” column in each issue as well.
HELP!!!! I’m going from relaxed to natural without the big chop in it is not working. The back is natural and the middle i front is semi-natural. I can’t get any style. I am so ready to go back to relaxed if i can’t find a hair style. I know its only been four months but this is very hard.
I went through the same thing,now my hair is healthy.I just wore wigs or braids till it was completely healthy,trust me you will love the results.My hair is healthy and I’m loving it.
Go to the salon and get a haircut. It will make you feel better. You need to cut the relaxer out of your hair.
Ms. Edna,
we are in the same boat….But it has only been three months for me! I cant not get a style, and the braids does not work with me, because less than a month I take them out because I dont like how they look after a while! And my scalp itch so bad! I hav ea consultation we a stylist to see if she can help me, if not back to my African Pride!!!!!
Well my five year old is natural has never been relaxed I’m not hairstylist by far all I know how to do is two strand twists and I use olive oil out of the local grocer to condition and moisturize with I’m needing help with new styles and what other products are excellant for natural hair I’ve heard about this line called carols daughter but really don’t know much about it thx
Hi Danna Check out the Sept./Oct. issue of SBH and flip to the Braids & Natural section (found in each issue) for some terrific styling ideas for Natural hair. It may also be good to schedule a consultation with a Natural hair care specialist to give you not only new ideas for style but also additional ideas to upkeep your Natural. Good luck.
I am going from relaxed to natural(last perm was in July) I was already using Carol’s Daughter product with my permed hair and I still continue to use it. It can be used for both relaxed and natural! I have been using her products for six months now and I don’t have a problem with breakage anymore.