Step by Step: Hawk Variation

After wearing my hair in a twist out for a while I needed to wash and style it for Easter, but was short on time. Instead I thought of an easy style to get me through the day until I could wash my hair that night. The end result of this style looks like a mohawk made of puffs.

Tools I used: Shea butter mixture, 3 rubber bands, 7 standard sized protected bobby pins, 1 large protected bobby pin, and hair pins (number may vary)

I didn't want to manipulate my hair too much so I didn't use a comb. To begin I smoothed on my shea butter mixture to moisturize my hair and to give it a shine. Next I sectioned my hair into 4 sections making the biggest in the front of my head.

(Right) The red shows where a rubber band is used. The brown shows where rough parts were made.

Tip: If you part your hair using a comb you'll be able to see the parts easier in the finished product. If you use your hands/fingers to section your hair there won't be parts showing in the finished style.

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The very first hump in a basic pompadour secured with one large bobby pin. Once that's completed I moved on to the next pony tail in line. The hair is roughly divided into two parts, rolled, and then secured with a standard bobby pin.

 (Right) The red shows how the pony tail is roughly divided into two parts. The brown shows where the rubber band is securing the ponytail.

Tip: The rubber bands don't have to be very tight, or to pull your hair uncomfortably in any way. The sections that are pinned don't have to be exactly the same size either.

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After your first section is finished it should look similar to this:

 (Right) The brown shows the direction the hair was rolled. Yellow shows where a bobby pin was placed and red shows the rubber band that was used.



Tip: You can see that the pompadour was bobby pinned in two places since the section was so large. I made the next section's rolls large enough to touch and blend with the roll next to it. You won't notice the rubber bands once the rolls are done.

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Continue to roll and pin for the remaining pony tails.

Tip: When you section your hair, if you make the sections smaller as you go towards the back of your head the puffs will appear to cascade down your head ^_~" Also, when securing with the standard bobby pins, place one pin on each side of the roll. This will help minimize the amount of bobby pins needed.

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The last step when all of the rolls are pinned is to just clean up any stray hairs, curls, or make the puffs tighter with the hair pins. Since I started this with hair that had been previously twisted I had random strays all over the place.

After pinning everything how I liked here is the result:

 

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Night Care: Since this style is so simple to do I take it down completely and cover with a satin bonnet before bed. In the morning I sprits with my EO water mixture, smooth and restyle.

This hawk variation, puff hawk --- what would you call it?? --- has many pros:

• Can be worn by people with different hair lengths
• The number of puffs can be changed very easily to switch up the style
• People who are transitioning can wear this style
• Doesn't take a lot of time to style
• Easy style for people of all skill levels to achieve
• Can serve as a protective style since the ends of your hair are covered

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I encourage you to try this style!! If you do make sure you post it on the Facebook Fan Page, so that it may be added to the "Hair I Did" album for others to see! You're welcome to post any and all natural hair pictures of styles you've created or styles that inspire you in some way!

Style Quickie: Sock Bun

I was looking through some older pictures and came across ones I took while styling sock buns. There is an older post on this style I wore, and you can watch the YouTube video that inspired me. The link for the video is under the "links" tab at the top.

 

Products Used:

1. Peppermint Shampoo by Dark and Lovely Naturally
2. Wave Moisturize by Dark and Lovely Naturally
3. Leave-in Conditioner by Motions

The products that I used can be found at local beauty supply stores, or even drug stores. They were about $5 each. I love this shampoo! Peppermint stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, and you can feel it working. My hair is soft afterward, smells great, and is tangle free. The wave moisturizer smells great and a little goes a long way. When doing twists the moisturizer helps to keep them from unraveling. The leave-in conditioner is a great go to product. It's inexpensive, works well, and lasts a long time. It leaves your hair feeling moisturized, soft, and easy to manage.

Tools Used:

Rat Tail Comb to help make large parts & Large Tooth Comb to help detangle

 

Elastics to make pony tails for the buns & Clips to hold extra hair out of the way. You may also need a bobby pin or two.

Styling:

After washing, applying product, and sectioning hair I begin to blow dry it

All that hair!! I hardly ever blow dry it, so I didn't realize how much it had grown!

I ended up with 3 sections for this style. They're all completely optional and you can change it up! You can have 3 buns if you'd like, make the 3 the same size, do something different in the front besides two strands....endless possibilities! An elastic is used initially to make 2 ponytails with the middle and bottom sections.

The front section is clipped out of the way. In the end, this will be twisted into small two strands. 

The rolled sock is placed over the ponytail. You do this just as if the sock was an elastic.

This part was easier to do if I had an elastic on my wrist before grabbing the hair. You want to fold the hair down and around the sock. Make sure  the sock is covered evenly on all sides with your hair. Next, secure the hair with the elastic that's around your wrist. There may be pieces of hair that are sticking out from under the elastic. That's fine! Roll that hair under as if doing a big twist. Continue around the bun, then secure the end with a bobby pin.

I ended up with one big bun in the middle and a small one at the bottom.

The front section was then twisted into small two strands. I used the wave moisturizer for this part. 

Completed two strands!

I pulled the twists up and secured them with a hair comb. You can leave them down, secure up with a bobby pin, or other hair piece. You can be creative here!

SUGGESTION: See the white showing on my top bun? I'd suggest using a black sock, because of this. If you do have small gaps it won't be noticeable.

SUGGESTION: If a hair elastic is too thick/big for your hair try using a small rubber band to make the initial ponytail. That's what I ended up doing for the smallest bun in the very back.

To see another way I wore my sock buns check out an older post H E R E !!


Sock Buns are:

• easy updos
• good styles for transitioners
• quick
• easy to switch from casual to more formal
• nice protective styles

~~ Do you have any variations of this style? Show me!! ~~

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Natural Q&A

Question: Can I use a shoelace to make a hair poof?

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Answer: My simple response would be yes, but would I recommend it; no.

Just about any fabric that's long is able to be used to make a hair poof. The materials used in shoestrings, bra straps, cut t-shirts, etc. may not be the best for your hair. This is why I wouldn't recommend using a shoelace. I would only use items that are made specifically for hair, or you could try using a stocking. If you're in a bind, and absolutely must, then I would say to make sure the string and your hair is moisturized. The friction of the string against your hair can cause unnecessary breakage and damage. I wouldn't leave the poof in for long amount of time. You should also be sure to watch for tension on your hair.

Helpful Posts:

Makeup of Hair
Olive Oil Treatments
Quickie: Poof


Have you used shoelaces before? Whatelse have you used? Comment a share you answers and thoughts!!

Style Quickie: Fro Hawks!

Fro hawks are super easy to wear, fast to style, and very cute! Love them!! There was a time where all I'd wear were fro hawks. I like them, because you're able to dress them up, or wear them casually. I'm also able to have my curls and big hair; both which I love ^_~"  I also like wearing one half of my hair pulled back....half fro hawk??

Things I use to style: wide tooth comb, essential oil (EO) water mix, conditioner, bobby pins, rollers (sometimes), and hair flowers

Old styles such as twist outs, braid out, knot outs, wash n go's, blowout's, etc. can all be easily turned into a fro hawk....or half fro hawk <~~~ I need a name for this; help me out!



Hawks from Wash n Go's



Fresh highlights done @ a N.E.R.D. concert



Big hair!! @ a Common concert



Wash n go with conditioner only




Photo by: Anne Inez Photography



Hawk from a Twist Out





Other Hawks



Old Roller Set



Use flat twists/braids to protect your sides



You can get away with a fro hawk if you're transitioning by flat twisting or braiding the sides, then roller setting the ends. I wouldn't recommend wearing a fro hawk that's loose for too long. The longer you wear it the more chance there is for your hair to tangle. You don't want to risk damaging or losing any hair. If the style is a protective one using set curls, two strand twists, or braids, then it could be worn for a longer amount of time. Fro hawks are a style that can be worn with just about any length of hair. They're super easy to do, and there are many ways to style them.

Yay or nay for fro hawks?? How do you wear/style yours? Show me!!

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Quick Style: Wash n Go

Here's one method of how I do a quick, simple wash n go! This took a max of 10 minutes to complete, if that.

Things needed:

Wide tooth comb

Conditioner

Spray bottle

Essential oil (EO) of your choice

Towel (optional)

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To Make an EO Mix: I use a spray bottle that's easy to control and hold in one hand. Fill it with warm water, then (depending on the size) add about 3 drops of lavender EO, and give it a quick shake.

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I try to never comb my hair while dry, because it rips, tears, and risks damaging it. Detangling almost always takes place while I'm washing my hair, and it's covered in conditioner. Detangling while conditioner is on your hair helps lubricate and protect the strands. Conditioner also smoothes the cuticle making it harder for strands to catch, tangle, or pull while combing.

To begin I soak my entire head (using warm, not hot, water) and rinse until the water runs clear. I do this to make sure any product that may be in is rinsed out. Next, I co wash (cleanse hair/scalp using conditioner instead of shampoo) rinse again, then squeeze (not twist) excess water out. After rinsing I soak my hair in conditioner, making sure all sections are covered evenly.



Soaked in conditioner!!

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Once the conditioner's in I spray down my entire head very well with the EO mixture. To prevent product build up you want about half of the conditioner to be diluted. When the EO mix is in I massage it around for a few seconds, and then detangle using a wide tooth comb. I start around the edges and ends of my hair, and then work my way closer to the crown and roots. If necessary I hold sections of hair so that strands aren't pulled or ripped out in the process. The wide tooth comb helps in the detangling, and it help define curls without manipulating them too much. If you twist, pull, or rub curly hair while it's wet (or in the drying process) you can cause unwanted frizz. This is why I don't use a towel for wash n go's, but if you choose to be gentle!

Just a little conditioner left after the EO mix spray down and detangling!

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****This is all done on the side of my tub and/or holding my head upside down (let gravity help you) ****

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Ignore the brows 0_o I was trying to get them together while doing my hair and I need an outline to help  ^_^"

Notice the definition on my curls!! I love it!



Tadaaa...hair and brows done in about 10 minutes! You can move your hair around to where you'd like it to be when dry. Try not to manipulate it too much so that you may prevent frizz.

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Pros to Wash n Go's:

• Low maintenance- to refresh in the mornings just spritz with the EO mix and fluff
• Moisture (water) gets sealed in your hair by the oils in the EO mix
• You're helping your hair maintain its flexibility by keeping it moistened and conditioned
• Time needed for styling is minimal
• Can be done with cheap/expensive product
• Conditioner coats the cuticle adding protection to the hair
• Protein conditioners strengthen hair from the inside out
• Conditioner help define and give a slight hold to curl patterns in hair without gel

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Want More Info on Essential Oils? View some of my older posts!!

Learn some different types of EO and their specific uses here.

Have a specific need such as dry scalp, lice, oily hair? Check this post out!

Want to see another wash n go method?

Check out my wash n go using Eco Styler Argan Oil gel.

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Quick Tips:

***Using the above method you can turn an old twist/braid/knot out into a quick wash n go. This is helpful when you just have to do something to your hair but are short on time!

***Jazz up a wash n go by adding an accessory such as: hair flower, clips, colorful head band, or a fancy scarf.

***If you have different hair/scalp needs experiment with different EO mixes to help. Example: if you have oily hair, or dandruff you may want to try a Rosemary EO mix.

***I don't recommend this style for someone who's transitioning. Unless you have very little relaxed ends remaining it may not look the best if long pieces remain straight.

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I'd like to thank everyone who submitted an entry for my 1st Giveaway!! All of the entries were VERY good and creative...I loved them! I'll be announcing the winner soon! Be on the look out for more Giveaways.

I also want to welcome, and thank everyone who's joined/liked A Natural Hair Affair on Facebook, have followed my blog, and watched my YouTube videos! I appreciate all of the questions, feedback, emails...everything! I love talking to new people, learning and exchanging info! Keep it coming ^_~"

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Twist Out Update

As promised here are updates of my twist out. This style originally started as two strand flat twists. I had intended on wearing those over night, then wearing a twist out the following day. When I woke up it was raining, so a hair detour was taken. You can read more about that  H E R E!!

 

Before taking my twists down I put tea tree oil on the parts in between the twists. Besides a little tea tree oil on my scalp no other products were used.

I know I've said it a few times, but I'm going to say it again ^_^"  I am in love with my hair color!!!! Notice how shiny it is. It's also super soft, and manageable. I blame the henna ^_^" Love it!!

If you noticed, when I had the two strand flat twists in I tucked the ends under before pinning. This gives the ends of my hair more curl when I wear the twist out. It also makes a tighter, shorter curl. I'm on day 3 of my twist out, and over time the curls have loosened. 

The right side actually looks longer than the left side right now. My right side has a few curls that are hanging past my shoulder. This is caused by me making the flat twists on the left tighter than the right. The asymmetrical appearance of the curls doesn't bother me. If it's a concern for you, then I'd suggest trying to make the flat twists more uniform initially.

At night I haven't been covering my hair since wearing the twist out. I sleep on a satin pillow case, so my hair doesn't dry out. In the mornings I fluff my hair, and arrange it how I want. Usually some type of hair accessory is added to the from of my head. Above you can see the hair feather I added the first day.

Pros of this Style:

• It transforms over the days you wear it. This minimizes the manipulation on your hair.
• The two strand flat twists are a great protective style that can be worn casually, or dressed up with accessories.
• You can achieve curls without harmful heating tools
• This style can be worn on most hair lengths. If you can two strand flat twist your hair you can rock this.
• It's very quick to style. The flat twists took me 10 minutes tops to complete.
• Two strand flat twists can easily be worn in moisture filled environments. Rain, sweat, and humidity aren't an issue. 
• It's a great style to wear while working out! It's protected, styled, and out of the way.

Have you tried this style before? What were your thoughts on it?? Share!

Sock Bun Updo

I really like this style. I wore it for my birthday dinner, and one of the parties -- VIRGOS!! This is another style I learned from watching a how-to video by Mrs. PrettyDimples on YouTube. You can find a link to her YouTube channel under my "Links" tab at the top. I've seen people wear a similar style before, but never knew how they did it. It's SO simple, and I'll def try it again.

What I used:

• Pair of old ankle socks
• Scissors
• Bobby pins
• Hair ties/ Rubber band
• Shea butter mix

This is a style that anyone can wear. Relaxed, chemical free, long, short--doesn't matter, you can wear this style. You can see two different ways that I wore the buns. One was more simple; I used a decorative hair comb to secure my two strand twists. The second one, bobby pins were used to secure the two strands, but a huge flower was added. You could add chop sticks, feathers, clips, just about anything to change up the style. Try doing three buns instead of two!

Changes I Made:

• If you have dark hair it's better to use a black sock instead of white, or any other color
• A rubber band was easier to cover than a thicker hair tie after making the bun
• Hair ties used should be dark, or close to the hair color. I used brown
• I kept my two strands together, but you could do a twist out for the bangs
• The bun on the bottom was smaller than the top-- Rubber band used on bottom and hair tie used on the top

These are just things that I changed, or noticed while doing this after watching the YouTube video mentioned above.

At night I covered my hair with a satin bonnet after removing bobby pins. This style takes literally 10 mins max to do, so there was a point where I took down the whole thing, and re-styled in the morning. I wore this for about 4 days before moving on  ^_^"

Have you done this style before? Know any mods, or variations?? Share!

Variation: Wash n Go

Wash n go's are one of the quickest styles to wear, and I love wearing them in the summer! This one turned out to be a birthday hair style. It really was as simple as hopping in the shower, wetting it down, and done. Before doing the wash n go my hair has straight.  A few days prior I went to a salon to have my ends trimmed. Whenever my hair is straight before I do a wash n go the curls turn out differently. It's definitely not a bad thing, but different.



I have a few of "those" friends  ^_^"

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What I used:

• Bobby Pins

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To style I simply let some curls hang for a bang, then pulled back a section, and then secured with bobby pins.

Quickie: Stuffed Twisted Updo

I saw this style while surfing YouTube videos last week and decided to try it. The channel I saw the video on was PrettyDimples. You can find a link to her channel under my "Links" tab up top!!

I've been celebrating my birthday, my friend's birthday, and other Virgo's birthdays ALL month! I wanted to do something different with my hair for the last party we would be having. This style was simple enough to do, and didn't require me buying anything for it.


What I Used:

• Rat-tail comb
• Hair clips
• 1 pack of braiding hair
• Eco Styler Argon Oil Gel (find out more about it H E R E !! )
• Bobby pins
• Lighter

I started by washing my hair, adding leave-in conditioner, then blow drying it. A small section on braiding hair was folded in half, and then the fold was heated with the lighter, molded with my fingers to make a point, and then lined up with the beginning of the parted twist. Each twist has a piece of braid hair that I used to stuff the twist. After forming the twist as far as possible incorporating your own hair, keep twisting tightly to make the braid hair roll. You'll start to get the crazy twisted coils. Keep twisting til you're at the end of the braid hair, then secure with a bobby pin.

The finish results were my variation on the how-to video. I prefer bigger twists to smaller ones. Making big twists limited how much hair was left over to twist into the spirals pinned on the side. If you used smaller twists then the spiral section, in the end, will be fuller. Over all I'm happy with this style. I've gotten SO many compliments on it from friends, co workers and even strangers.

The entire style took me about 45 minutes total to do. I always multitask when it comes to doing my hair, so it usually takes me longer than if I just focused on it. The twisted updo is one I'd suggest for someone who's transitioning, wants a protective style, or just something different.

It's day 4 with this style and it's still holding strong. At night I use a satin hair scarf to protect the edges of my hair, and then cover the remaining hair with a satin hair bonnet. I also sleep on a satin pillow case-- if you don't own one, get one!! It'll be one of your hairs best friends  ^_^"