Sophisticate's Black Hair Styles and Care Guide Sophisticate's Black Hair Styles and Care Guide, published by Associated Publications, Inc.,  is the ABC-audited, #1 Best Selling Black Hair Magazine in the world.
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Celebrity Chat Celebrity Chat

Music star Tené Williams shares her best mane moves!


Weave Couture Weave Couture

Want this weave style? Score all the info about this design now!


Hair Color Now Hair Color Now

A chocolate brown hue is so rich! Make this delicious shade your next color move.


Braids & Naturals Sophisticate's Braids & Naturals

Get the step-by-step info for a hot Natural look!


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Speak out! Tell us what’s on your mind via SBH’s online beauty network.


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Braids & Naturals

Sophisticate's Black Hair Braids & Natural Style Guide

Look of the Month

Mane pro Carla Preyer of Inner Beauty Hair Design in Sacramento, CA, creates a fun and fashionable twist-out design.

Step 1

Step 1

“My overall goal with this look was to create a curly ethnic style that was trendy, big and wild,” explains the hair pro. “A week prior to creating the coils I colored the hair with a three level highlight in reddish tones in order to create lots of dimension,” says Preyer.

Step 2

Step 2

Before shaping the coils, hair was shampooed and conditioned. “I applied moisturizing cream to damp strands and made non-uniform partings with a rattail comb,” details the stylist. “Then I shaped small coils using my fingers.” Hair was set under the dryer for 45 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Once the hair was completely dry, the coils were opened up one by one. To begin the twist-out portion of the style, hair is sectioned off into manageable groups and secured with hair clips. “I moved from the nape upward as I twisted out each coil,” explains the stylist.

Step 4: Finish

Step 4

Use your fingers or an Afro pick to create added height near the top and crown area. “This is a very versatile style that can be pinned up with bobby pins for a sophisticated day look and let loose for a saucy evening look,” shares Preyer.

 

CHRISETTE MICHELE

STAR STYLE INSPIRATION

CHRISETTE MICHELE

Sexy singer Chrisette Michele keeps us on our toes with her hip mane moves and impresses us by releasing incredible music like her latest CD Let Freedom Ring (Def Jam). Here, the star shows off her short Natural, which Chrisette refers to as a “teeny-weeny Afro.” To maintain this look, run your fingers through your hair as you shampoo and condition to detangle and cut down on breakage.

YOUR SPACE: Braids & Naturals

Share your favorite Natural hair styling techniques and get published in SBH! Send your color step-by-step Natural design styling photos (or hi-res digital images), along with photos of the finished look (front, back and sides) to:

Sophisticate’s Black Hair
Dept. Stylist’s Photos
875 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 3434
Chicago, IL 60611.

Talk back to SBH at “Braids & Naturals”

  1. Katherine says:

    Would like to give a subscription as a gift; didn’t see where I could sign up?!

  2. Tru_Essence Events says:

    We are having a hair braiding contest in May and was wondering how we could submit photos of the winner for your your magazine posting?

  3. Lady K says:

    My question is why don’t you’ll have a separate magazine for those of us who wear our hair natural because we are not getting enough representation in your magazine and it’s not fair I have stopped purchasing your magazine because it does not service me well at all anymore I am just asking why?

    • SBH says:

      Hi Lady K: Because women wear all types of textures, cuts, colors and styles, we include all different looks for all different women. In every single issue of SBH, you will find a special mini-magazine dedicated to Natural hair and you will also find a regular column called “Our Roots,” also dedicated to Natural hair. We have to consider all of the women out there and we do our best to showcase information for all hair types.

  4. Kimberly says:

    I have been natural for about two years now I cut what I thought was damaged ends (my ends won’t smooth they feel fried) but my hair is still doing the same thing its realy dry and hard to get straight. Can you recommend a product(s) that will help put moisture back in my hair cause I’ve tried just about everything. Thanks!

    • SBH says:

      Hi Kimberly: Check out the Products To Try section and pick up a copy of the current issue of SBH for even more product picks!

  5. Betty says:

    I am trying to out-grow the perm to go natural i purchased human natural hair to get my hair braided into a natural looking afro. I was wondering what type of cream to use to keep the look looking natural.

    • SBH says:

      Hi Betty: The key to making your hair look as natural as possible when wearing extensions is to leave some of your hair out and make sure the texture of the extensions blend with your Natural texture. For product picks, check out the latest issue of SBH!

  6. pat says:

    how can i wear hair it sweats alot it is cut tobeginning of neck wold like to leave hair out

    • pat says:

      i forgot to mention that it is also thi with a perm

    • SBH says:

      Hi Pat: Don’t forget to Wrap your hair at night. This will help maintain the proper amount of moisture your hair needs and help maintain your style.

  7. Anita says:

    hello how can i get my afro to stand out. I tryed picking it and it still wont stand out.

    • SBH says:

      Hi Anita: Try using a cream conditioner when you wash your hair to help the hair become a little more pliable when you attempt to add volume to your ‘Fro.

  8. gaylene says:

    I am a black indian and cannot get my hair to grow, I have been trimming it and moisturizing it, it will only grow so long. what am I doing wrong?

    • SBH says:

      Hello Gaylene: Star hairstylist Marcia Hamilton has an answer to your coif question. Your hair is something that grows from the inside, out. The nutrients from your body is what makes hair strands strong and healthy when they grow and products are used to maintain the health along the way. Consider your diet as well as your haircare routine when looking for a solution to hair loss. If that doesn’t work, you may want to consult your salon pro.

YOUR SPACE: Braids & Naturals

Share your favorite Natural hair styling techniques and get published in SBH! Send your color step-by-step Natural design styling photos (or hi-res digital images), along with photos of the finished look (front, back and sides) to:

Sophisticate’s Black Hair
Dept. Stylist’s Photos
875 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 3434
Chicago, IL 60611.

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