Black Hair Styles

Natural Hair

While some stylists use the term natural hair to refer only to Afros, others use the term for any hair style without chemical treatment, including Afros, updos and all types of braids. Since the chemicals used to straighten and relax black hair can be damaging to the locks as well as to the scalp, many people prefer a natural approach. It allows the hair to grow longer since it is undamaged and can also be combined with hair extensions.

Straw Set

If you are transitioning to a natural hair style from a chemical treated look, consider a straw set. In a straw set, you use drinking straws or small perm rollers to wrap your hair in ringlets. Once you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, wrap small sections around the straws and secure it with hair pins. Dry your hair under low heat with a bonnet hair dryer, or with very low, diffused heat with a hand dryer.

Roller Wrap Set

For large curls or waves, use large rollers to roll your clean, damp, conditioned hair. Dry your hair under low heat with a hooded dryer. When it is completely dry, you can remove the rollers and brush the hair into smooth waves.

You may find these smooth natural black hair styles easier if you use one of the "natural" relaxers available on the market such as Naturalaxer.

Relaxed or Straightened Black Hair Styles

Natural short black hair style

The chemical processes used to relax hair can make for beautiful sleek tresses, but they can also cause dryness, thinning and breakage. If you have your hair chemically relaxed, make sure you discuss the best shampoos and conditioners for your situation with your stylist; some leading black hair stylists recommend Nexxus hair products as well as the Dudley product line.

If you desire long and lustrous straight black hair styles, remember that there is no miracle pill for hair growth and that every process to which you subject your hair has an impact on it. Relaxers, hot curlers, hot combs, and color can all damage your hair and using more than one of these can make the problems exponentially worse. Remember, if you are planning to color and perm, you should always do your perm first or the color is likely to change dramatically.

Since straightening your hair removes elasticity from the hair shafts, the straighter your hair is, the more fragile it will become. If you want it bone straight, you will have the best success with very short styles. On the other hand, if you are relaxing but leaving a fair amount of curl in place, you can successfully have a longer hair style.

Braids and Extensions

Braided style

The different types of braided black hair styles available are nearly limitless. Cornrows are small, tight plaits, close to the scalp; locks or locs are small coils that grow into larger twisted coils. Twists are similar: groups of hair strands are twisted into soft plaits that drape. A lubricant, such as Aveda Humectant Pomade, is usually used for the twist. Of course, braiding is an art and it takes a substantial amount of time. Make sure you find someone you trust and that they understand the style you are going for. If often helps to look at pictures to indicate the style you are seeking before your stylist starts.

When you wash your braids, make a diluted shampoo and water solution and work it gently into your braids. Then, use your shower to work it first through, then out of your hair. Repeat the same technique with your conditioner.

Keep in mind that braids can stress your hair; if they are put in too tightly, the hair is constantly pulled at the roots and this can result in breakage.

Other Hair Styling Tips

• Looking for a new hair stylist? Ask women with beautiful hair who their stylists are.
• Make sure you keep split ends trimmed; they will not get better and can only further damage your hair and your style.
• Be kind to your hair; allow it to rest after braids or chemical processes before subjecting it to more treatments.