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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Braids & Naturals Sophisticate's Braids & Naturals

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


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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. wikid1 says:

    How can I order the Braids & Natural magazine? I can’t find it on newstands…

  2. Jacquetta says:

    SBH, I have been collecting your issues since I was a little girl and I am still in love with the magazine. Since I am a Natural (9 months now! :)), I especially love the current issue, Sept/Oct 2010. You have listened to the posts and brought serious examples/photos of Naturals throughout the magazine LITERALLY! I am excited as I attempt to duplicate a few of the styles. Thank you!

    • SBH says:

      Hi Jacquetta: Thanks for being a loyal fan. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the November issue this week! We’re featuring some really fabulous Naturals!

  3. felisha says:

    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?

    • SBH says:

      Hi Felisha: Try using a few drops of unscented oil to add moisture to your hair at least once a week. Look for a bottle that has a spout so it’s easier to control the amount of oil you are putting on your scalp. Finally, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Drinking plenty of water will add moisture to your scalp.

    • Jazz says:

      Use oils!!!! Never use grease. Castor oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, olive oil. All of these oils helps to moisturize the scalp and hair

  4. Sandra D says:

    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.

  5. yolanda says:

    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

  6. Yvonne says:

    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.

  7. Sheila says:

    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.

  8. hajar says:

    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.

    • SBH says:

      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.

  9. Edna Rowell says:

    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.

    • smiley says:

      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.

    • Marlee says:

      Go to the salon and get a haircut. It will make you feel better. You need to cut the relaxer out of your hair.

    • kia99 says:

      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!!!!!

  10. danna says:

    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

    • SBH says:

      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.

    • Pat says:

      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.

    • nloud says:

      I have been using Carol’s Daughter on my daughter’s hair for about 2 years and its been great. I use the Hair Milk and/or Hair Butter they work very well and I hope she wishes to remain natural as to why I went natural with her.

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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