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
“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
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
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
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.
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.
I am 49, and will not put anymore relaxers in my head! My last touch-up was 4 wks ago. I am also going back to school! I will start in the Nursing Program in Oct( I am excited)! I was a stay at home mom taking care of my mentally challanged daughter, but now she is in a plce where she is thriving and doing well and I thank God for that blessing!! Now it is time for me to do something for myself! I am looking forward to this new phase in my life. I am already using Carol’s Daughter products, should I still stay with them? It states the they can be used on relaxed or natural hair.
Hello Pat…We wish you well on this new path you’re taking. It sounds like a lot of doors are opening for you. As for your style, pick up the latest issue of SBH (our Sept/Oct issue is on sale now) for some great ideas on new hairstyles and terrific hair care tips. Then, visit your fave stylist so he/she can get you on a program to help care and nourish your precious strands. Best of luck to you.
I havent had a relaxer in four months so I am trying the natural look…my hair is naturally curly and I’m trying to go back to that…what products should i use to get back to the curls and stay that way but help my hair grow a little faster than it is?
We’re getting the info for you Shaunee…visit back soon.
OK Shaunee, the secret to having healthy looking, long-lasting curls is taking good care of them. Moisturize often using a sulfate-free shampoo and a leave-in conditioner. Oiling the scalp regularly also helps extend the longevity of your style and spraying a light gel around the edges combats frizz. Repair brittle ends by getting a deep-conditioning treatment once a month.
I’ve decided to go natural (for the third time). I wear mostly sew-ins and wigs. I wear my sew-ins for about 1-2 months and than a wig for about two weeks in between sew-ins. My goal is to eventually wear locs in the future but I still relax my edges. Is this a no no or can I continue to do this. Its been aproximatley eight months since my last full relaxer and 1 month since my last partial relaxer. Please advise.
Hi Cassie: Going Natural with your hair means just that—allowing your Natural lengths to flourish without the need to straighten any part of the strand. Since you’re switching between wigs and weaves to create your styles, it sounds to us like you’re not fully sold on going Natural as yet. Think it through and find out if a Natural style is really for you—or if you’d rather enjoy switching up your coif with the help of weaves and wigs.
I want to go natural and grow dreads ,but have only been off of the creamy crack for a month what should I do first?
First the inspirational advice: Keep your goal of a gorgeous Natural coif firmly planted in your mind; envision how beautiful the end result will be! Clip out SBH magazine photos of dread styles you adore and keep a portfolio of your fave looks. This will help you through the times when you feel you just can’t deal with the grow-out process. Now for the hands-on hint: Your first stop should be an appointment with a Natural hair care specialist who can guide you through the process of transforming your coif. Good luck on your Natural hair journey Monice!
I love the styles in this book
Thank you very much Gwen Robinson!
My hair is currently relaxed and short (think Halle Berry short)but I’ve been wanting to go natural for years. I’m finally ready!! my plan is to have my hairdresser (who has a natural low cut-think chrisette michelle’s new do) just cut off ALL the relaxer and start from the beginning! I’m more excited than nervous. Any style suggestions?
You go Alisa…That’s a bold step you’re doing but if you’re ready to cut it all off, good for you! The Natural lengths you’ll ultimately achieve will be one you’ll wear with pride and beauty. As for transitional short styles, think sleek (use gel/pomade to smooth down the lengths you do have and add a precise part for a modern silhouette), accessorized (now’s the time to play with headbands, clips, etc.) and tousled (spike up and pick out hair to play up mane’s texture).
i understand the feeling…. back when my hair was breaking off, i had no choice but to start all over, so if you’re gonna go natural, cut it real short! then you’ll want to let it grow on its own ( a little grow grease or olive oil would help too!) good luck with you’re new look!
Looking for protective styles while I transition from relaxed to natural hair. Right now, I keep it clean, moisturized and braided. Then I take the braides out in the morning, love my waves. Use to buy weaves to get those waves that I get for free now, But, my hair is ot that long because I cut 1/2 of it off for the summer. It is only to my ears.
Hi Denise,
I started out transitioning but ended up doing the “big chop” so I would be relaxer free. 8 years later and I’m still “creamy crack” free, lol. Transitioning is a tough process. You may feel like giving up once…or twice, lol, but with patience and a little guidance, you will love the results.
I’ve tried all of the following with great results:
Bantu knot out, two strand twists, natural kinky twists. Youtube can give you tutorials if you need.
Other things I did:
Try to keep your hair as moisturized as possible.
When detangling be GENTLE because that area where the new growth and the relaxer meet is VERY weak
Trim every 6-8 weeks. (sooner if you want to be relaxer free quicker)
Co-wash often.
Satin cap at night.
Good luck :)
Hi, I’m into cornroll braiding. So i’m interested into new styles dealing with braids.
Himizzfoxy30: check out the August issue of SBH for some terrific braided designs.
Looking for a magazine that is strictly for natural hair styles. Dread locks.
Hi Mary Washington: SBH regularly features loc hair designs within our pages…Regular readers know to check our 8-pp Braids & Natural mini magazine, the Our Roots column and our various hair collections in each issue to see some gorgeous loc designs. Don’t count SBH out entirely just because we feature a variety of hair designs…you may just find that loc look you’ll fall in love with within our pages.
Hi, I’m looking for new hairstyles i could try instead of braiding hairstyles. My hair is natural, and i want to try something new, different, while maintaining the natural look…
Hi Tameka Twists and rod sets will give your Natural curls a new spin.