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5 WAYS TO STYLE NATURAL HAIR

Picture of three beautiful African-American women with box braids, locs, and a turban, taking selfies on a cell phone in the park

Wash day—do you have a game plan? Are you low on time and just going to rock a wash-and-go? Or did you finish late at night and have just enough time to do a twist-out? Sometimes, we find a style. But sometimes, two days after wash day, the same style finds us day after day after day...until the next wash. Y’all know what we’re talking about. IYKYK.

One of the beautiful things about natural hair is the ability to switch up your look as often as you want. If you’re looking for some hair inspiration, we’ve got you. Here are five natural hairstyles for different lengths that Black women rock.

Bald

We know we weren’t the only ones running out to the barber shop after we saw Black Panther. The Dora Milaje gave the world an entirely new appreciation for the fierceness that is a bald Black woman. While there aren't many products or tools needed to achieve this style, confidence is the most important thing you’ll need.

The Afro

Whether you’ve got a TWA or bra-strap-length coils, fro’s work on everyone. A pick and some water can be your best friends if this is your go-to style, but you can also use a blow dryer to get a little extra length and fullness, if that suits your vibe. Because you’re wearing your natural hair out and it’s more susceptible to damage or the elements, we recommend using oil treatments regularly to seal in your moisturize. And don’t forget a silk headscarf at night to protect strands from further stress.

Finger curls

If you don’t have the time to do this, or you identify as a lazy natural, scoot on to style number four. Shingling, or finger curling, each coil or curl cluster will take TIME, okay? The results are phenomenal, but you must have the patience (and arm strength) to achieve this look. We recommend using both a curl pudding and gel to get the definition and hold to make this style last longer.

The Frohawk

Frohawks aren’t just for the men. This can be a great style to adapt if you’re newly natural and did a big chop. And of course, there are several frohawk variations you can rock with longer coils. With some bobby pins, gel, and a spray bottle, you can easily achieve any variation you’re looking for. The most important thing is to have moisturized and healthy-looking hair.

Undercuts or fades

No matter the length of your curls, an undercut or fades on the side can be one of the freshest ways to punch up a style. And if you have a TWA, a sharp fade can help give definition to your style to add a bit of shape as your hair continues to grow—or keep it short! Make sure the scalp is hydrated in those areas where the hair is shorter, so you don’t get flakes or itchiness.

Protective styles

Protective styles, such as bantu knots, twists, braids, wigs, weaves, ponytails, or scarves/turbans can give your hair a break from styling, chemicals, or heat. They're also great ways to prevent breakage and get your hair to a healthy place. But protective style maintenance tip #1 and #2—keep your scalp and natural hair inside of the style moisturized at all times.

Keeping your natural style moisturized

To get the strongest hair that can withstand the different styles you were born to wear, we recommend regular deep conditioning treatments, leave-in conditioners, and specific scalp care products. The leave-in formula of our Royal Oils Instant Sooth Scalp Elixir provides instant scalp relief, plus you don’t have to rinse it out and compromise your style. Royal Oils Daily Moisture Scalp Cream is also a good option for keeping protective styles looking their best and preventing dryness.
 
For a healthy scalp and long-lasting moisture, try Royal Oils Frizz Tamer. With aloe water and hemp oil, the formula in the frizz tamer helps your hair become healthier in just 3 weeks. For quicker conditioning and freshness, use Royal Oil Hair Freshening Mist for a light, fragrant scent and scalp relief.

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