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 Black Hair Braids & Natural Style Guide

Look of the Month

Natural hair guru Nicole Philibert of Tendrils Hair Spa in Brooklyn, NY, puts a sexy twist on an everyday look!

Step 1

Step 1

Twisted-out lengths were misted with water, conditioned and detangled with a wide-tooth comb. “I then oiled the scalp, applied a cap and allowed the moisturizers to saturate and nourish strands by placing hair under the dryer for 30 minutes,” details Philibert.

Step 2

Step 2

Leave-in conditioner and a thermal protectant product were applied to towel-dried lengths and the hair was set to dry under the dryer again. Once the hair was mostly dry, a blow-dryer and comb worked to stretch out the textures.

Step 3

Step 3

“Then I used a rattail comb to shape parts and angles, applied edge control and crafted flat twists at the scalp, which became Two-Strand Twists as they moved off of the head and into the twisted-out portion of the style,” explains the stylist.

Step 4: Finish

Step 4

Aloe gel applied at the tips created curl and hold. Keep this look fresh for about four weeks by Wrapping at night in a silk scarf.

 

Lalah Hathaway

STAR STYLE INSPIRATION

Lalah Hathaway

We love when stars switch up their style and singer Lalah Hathaway loves to play with different looks! For her CD Where It All Begins, the Natural diva decided on wearing a chic updo. “I love this upswept style because I think it’s fun, cute and unexpected,” she says. “I don’t think people expect to see curls combined with locs!”

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. stephanie says:

    I’ve worn my hair in braids for years. My hair will grow, then it will come out. Do you know why? Also what hair product that I can use to promote hair growth.

    • SBH says:

      Hi Stephanie: If you’re experience hair loss when wearing braids, it may be a sign that the braids or too tight and your hair may need a rest. For product suggestions, check out the current issue of SBH—the one with Nicki Minaj on the cover!

  2. Christina says:

    I have been transitioning for 7 months now, and i’m experiencing bad dandruff . Is it because of the new growth or the products that i use in mi hair.

    • SBH says:

      Hi Christina: There are many reasons for dandruff, which may include using too much product, not providing the hair with enough moisture and more. Visit your stylist for a scalp analysis and try using a leave-in conditioner to combat any dryness you may be feeling.

  3. Kelly says:

    HI!!! I currently transitioning from relax to natural. I have breakage I guess from wearing drawstring ponytail too tight. What can I use to grow the hair back in the middle of my head? Also started taking Biotin every morning. Wearing braid~out style now. Thanks

    • SBH says:

      Hi Kelly: It’s a good idea to give your hair a rest from styles like ponytails and weaves. Give your haid a chance to breathe. Also, make sure your hair gets plenty of moisture. If you feel your hair needs additional moisture try a leave-in conditioner or visit the salon for a deep conditioning treatment.

  4. Nita says:

    Happy Hoildays SBH!!!
    My Question is,What kind of hair product can I use for thinning, ends due to years of wearing braids,weaves. Even though I have’nt had braids & weaves in my hair in years! My hair U know where the front is is really thin. Although it seems to be trying to grow back in, I do my hair myself. I use medicated hair grease by KUZA. Dr. Mircale burned my hair out! Seriouly! So this is someone who is not rich (low income),asking for help! I scared to have balding ends It really looks horrible on a women. Please help! Thank U!

    • SBH says:

      Hi Nita: We’re working on an answer for you—visit soon!

    • SBH says:

      Star stylist Marcia Hamilton has an answer for you Nita: Your hair is something that grows from the inside, out. The nutrients from your body are what makes hair strands strong and healthy when they grow and products are used to maintain the health along the way. What’s happening to the ends of your hair sounds like dryness and breakage caused by the elements, heat styling, etc. The best thing for those ends is a really good trim so that they can get a fresh start. Do see a professional for trimming.

  5. kisha says:

    My daughter hair was very damaged and still kinda is. Now I keep her hair in sew-in,s to keep it tucked away to heal. My question is how long does it take for her hair to grow out and become healthy and long and is sew-in,s a good way to go??

  6. Ashley says:

    I have been natural 1yr & my hair has been cut almost 6months. I plan to get kinky twist, do I need to get my ends clipped before I get my hair twisted? What brand shampoo & leave in conditioner should I use while I have this style for the winter months? Should it be a regular shampoo/dry shampoo?

    thanks

  7. Clanique Pairis says:

    Hi Im mixed and my hair is VERY nappy and dry I love wearing my natural hair but it gets so dry and tangled so fast I try everything to condition and mosturize it but the only way it stays healthy is if i continuosly straighten it but that damages my ends is there anything you would recommend to help

    • SBH says:

      Hi Clanique: Try adding a leave-in conditioner to your routine to help detangle your hair and provide it with added moisture.

  8. annie michelle tegang says:

    interested in braiding techniques with strategies for professional finishing touches
    l want to buy dvds
    lam in Africa precisely cameroon

    • SBH says:

      Hi Annie: SBH doesn’t offer instructional DVDs but we think you’ll enjoy reading through the Braids & Naturals mini-magazine. In each issue of SBH, this mini-mag details step-by-step instructions for achieving beautiful braided and Natural looks!

  9. Ashley Taylor says:

    I recently cut my permed ends all the way to the natural on my own. It came out a tad choppy so I chose to get micro braids. What should I do to keep my natural hair healthy after I take down my braids? Should I go get it cut professionally or should I just deep condition and go on about my way?

    • SBH says:

      Hi Ashley: Visitin the salon is always a good idea, but you may also want to check out the Braids & Naturals mini-magazine and “Our Roots” column in each issue of SBH for maintenance tips and product recommendations!

  10. Damesheia says:

    Hi, I’m going on 8 months of transitioning from a relaxer to natural and my hair has some damage/breakage and I wanted to know what are some of the best products to use? Also, I watch numerous videos on natural hair and came across Senegalese & Kinky Twists, my question is which would be best on my thin, curly hair to keep from breaking, as well as to protect it during the cold winter months?

    Thanks!

    • SBH says:

      Hi Damesheia: We are consulting our experts and we will have an answer for your soon!

    • Tasha Champion Angel Hair Braids says:

      Hi Damesheia,
      Either Senagalese or Kinky twist can be good for you. The concern to not have your hair damaged while twisted is in the amount of extension hair a braider uses on your natural hair. Also a big concern is that a braider is not pulling tight. People have the misconception that the tighter you pull the longer it will last, actually the tighter you pull the more damage you are causing to the natural hair. You also want to be able to wash and condition your hair while it is braided or twisted and use a good leave in conditioner throughout the week. I hope this information helps.

    • Manashantii / blackhair.me says:

      Damesheia,
      I recommend that you search for and use a natural organic and vegan product made from shea butter,coconut oil and essential oils.
      I recommend
      1.John masters organics shine on.
      2.Bourbon vanilla and tangerine hair texturizer.
      3.Aubrey Organics shampoo and conditioner (any one of your choice,they are all excellent).

      You could make your own hair products from coconut oil combined with essential oils like rosemary and lavender.

      Youtube is a very informative place to search and learn about afro haircare.

      Sorry, I have to keep this brief,but you can contact me on my website if you want more info or advice.

      Miss.Manashantii Awudji of blackhair.me

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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