Is It Time You Got Bangs?

Some hairstyles come and go, but bangs have been around since time immemorial. But, for whatever reason, choosing to get them is always a big decision. Unlike most other hairstyles, a fringe can fundamentally change how you look. 

So, should you get one? Here’s what to consider. 

Whether You Like The Look

The first thing to think about is whether you like the look. Some people can look fantastic with bangs, while others should have stayed at home and not bothered going to the stylist. 

In terms of hairstyles, bangs are polarizing. You either love them or hate them (or flip between the two!)

Therefore, you’ll want to be sure that it’s a good fit for you. After all, it’s hard to reverse the damage if it turns out to be the wrong decision. 

You can see if you like the look of bangs by wearing a wig with a fringe. This will give you an idea of how your finished haircut will appear, hopefully cutting down on the risk of shock!

You can also ask your friends what they think of you with bangs. Canvassing people helps to get immediate answers. 

Your Face Shape

When it comes to deciding whether you want bangs, you should also consider your face shape. Bangs sometimes complement your features, and other times they can make you look strange. 

Stylists are usually pretty good at telling you whether bangs would suit you. However, you can also try to figure out whether they are the right option for you in the mirror. 

People with large foreheads and pointy chins tend to suit bangs the most. Those with longer, thinner faces are less suited, but it can still work. 

The Time You Have

You also want to consider the time you have available to dedicate to your hair. If your weekends are generally free, you should be fine. You can go to the salon regularly for a trim to keep the bangs in the right place. However, if you have a hectic schedule, you might want to explore haircuts for fine wavy hair, or something that doesn’t consume as much of your day. 

The Amount Of Money You Are Willing To Spend

You also want to consider the amount you’re willing to spend on a haircut. People with bangs often have to pay more for styles overall because they need to return to the hairdresser more frequently. Bangs can grow out faster, especially if you cut them to just above the eyebrows. You don’t want to wind up being unable to peer through your hair. 

Your Hair Type

Unsplash – CC0 License

It’s also a good idea to consider your hair type when exploring the possibility of getting bangs. While some people can wear them with ease, others are always fighting a losing battle. 

Bangs tend to work best if you have thick hair. The extra volume helps the hair hang better from the forehead, giving you more coverage. You can experiment with bangs if you have thin hair, but it’s riskier. The bangs might blow easily to one side when outdoors, making it harder to maintain the look you want. 

Stylists can tell you your hair type, just by looking at it. You can also complete various online quizzes, designed to characterize your hair and tell you which type you have. 

The Celebrities You Follow Online

Another reason to get bangs is that you feel inspired by celebrities making the same hairstyle choices. Famous people often push the boat out when it comes to their hair, encouraging you to do the same. 

Look for celebrities with similar face shapes to you and see how their bangs fall. Knowing what looks good can make it more straightforward to figure out whether the style will suit you. 

These days, many celebrities rock bangs (but usually not for very long!) Therefore, you should be able to find pictures online you can show to your hairdresser. 

Whether You Look Good On Virtual Try-On Apps

Unsplash – CC0 License

If getting a wig with a fringe sounds like too much effort, you can also get virtual try-on apps. These take your face and let you try different hairstyles to see if they suit you. 

The sophistication of these apps is improving all the time. Many can now display video feeds for what you will look like once you get your bangs cut. 

Ultimately, whether it’s time to get bangs depends on you. For some people, it can be an excellent decision, while it might not work for others. 

Teyana Taylor, Iman Shumpert + Family Get Gorgeous Curls With Design Essentials

Teyana Taylor, Iman Shumpert along with their daughters Junie and Rue graced the April cover of EBONY Magazine with their natural curls on display styled with Design Essentials.

Hairstylist Tahira Zaus prepped Junie’s hair by washing with Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($12.99), Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner ($13.99) and did a 3 ponytail Mohawk using the Honey Curl Forming Custard ($17.99). For Iman and Teyana, Tahira opted for the Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner ($13.99) and finished off both their styles with the Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse ($16.99).

Creme of Nature Taps Celebrity Hairstylist & Master Wig/Weave Artist Kellon Deryck as Its New Brand Ambassador

With more than 15 years of professional experience under his belt, Kellon is one of the world’s leading celebrity hairstylists working with today’s hottest stars, such as Grammy Award–winning artist Megan Thee Stallion, music duo City Girls and multi-platinum producer and music icon Missy Elliott. Trained at the esteemed Aveda institute, he is well-versed in haircare and techniques for all hair textures. He also uses his platform as an influencer to mentor and train the next generation of stylists to help navigate their professional careers.

Over the last two decades, there has been tremendous growth in the multicultural haircare space with many Black Women opting to wear their natural hair, protective styles such as weaves, wigs and braids are now the norm to protect their natural textures underneath, while showcasing their individual style. According to a recent study, 45% Black Women are interested in identifying quality products to maintain their hair and scalp under their protective styles. Understanding the trend, Creme of Nature’s objective is to ensure that women wearing protective styles care for the natural hair underneath, which is often forgotten; as well as their desired hairstyle or look. “At Creme of Nature, we do not believe in sacrificing healthy natural hair and scalp care for a great hairstyle,” said Jolorie Williams, General Manager, Revlon Multicultural and Contract Services. “You can have both. Now, with Kellon Deryck on board, a coveted master stylist with a specialty on wigs and weave styling, Creme of Nature can drive that message to naturalistas on their hair chameleon style journey as well as attract and gain new consumers.”

“Ever since I was a young artist in-training, Creme of Nature products have been a household name and my go-to brand for various haircare and styling needs such as trendy braiding and weaving techniques or simply, styling a sleek blow-out. I have used the various collections, no matter if I was working at a salon or doing someone’s hair at home.” said celebrity hairstylist Kellon Deryck. “It’s very imperative that everyone follow a good haircare regimen, and Creme of Nature has always been synonymous with amazing haircare and quality products. I’m beyond honored and excited for this journey to share the brand’s legacy, innovation and newest collections fit for all textures to the community, and even the world. We want to show the entire community the best products Creme of Nature has to offer to promote healthy yet versatile hair.

As a celebrity hairstylist, Kellon is always on the road, whether styling notables and models on photo shoots, magazine covers or red carpets. He’s charged with and committed to caring for his clientele’s hair throughout many stages, from natural hair to protective styles, wigs and weaves. “For all of my client jobs, I make sure my styling kit is prepped and ready with all of the necessary haircare and styling products for whatever hairstyles I might be creating that day,” said Kellon. “I love to create head-turning and trendsetting hairstyles but above all, I believe in taking care of the hair underneath protective styles, the way it naturally grows out of the scalp.”

Under this partnership with Creme of Nature, Kellon will educate and communicate to consumers and community the brand’s product benefits across all social and digital communication and visual representation. He will also collaborate with various retailers on select campaign initiatives.

“Today, Creme of Nature is shining different. We are re-imagining the brand, from its look to the ingredients. Our partnership with Kellon Deryck represents a bold new step to highlight our legacy brand and connect to our community even more,” said Jolorie Williams, General Manager, Revlon Multicultural and Contract Services.

For more information about Creme of Nature, please visit cremeofnature.com.

Instagram (@cremeofnature)

Facebook (facebook.com/cremeofnature)

YouTube (youtube.com/user/CremeNatureOfficial)

Twitter (@cremeofnature)

DIY Beauty Projects from Los Angeles-based TV personality, Budget Travel and Lifestyle Expert: Lindsay Myers

Who doesn’t love getting pampered? But with this lockdown, we have had to figure it out ourselves! It’s always a great feeling to know that you can do it all if you have to! Here are some of Lindsay’s favorite DIY beauty projects:

Featured Photo from Domino Sugar

Natural Lip Scrub– I sometimes grab a pack of sugar and quickly exfoliate if I am in a time crunch. and need to apply some lipstick. But this is my new favorite natural way to get my lips super smooth!

Supplies:

1 TSP of Brown Sugar
1 TSP of White Sugar
1 TSP of Honey
1/2 TSP of Olive Oil

Directions: Just mix all the above in a small container. You can store and keep this for a while, but trust me after about 20 seconds your lips will feel amazing.

 

Bath Salts- I love a good bath, who doesn’t! This is really easy to make and a great way to unwind and get some self-care.

Supplies:

Coarse Salt

Epsom Salt

Baking Soda

Essential oil

Directions: Just take 6 part coarse sea salt and 3 part Epsom salt,1 part baking soda, and just a few drops of essential oil of your choice. That is it! This combo helps soothe the muscles, helps with skin irritation, and softens the skin.

 

Ombre Nail Manicure-I never go really big or bold with my manicure. But I have the time to figure out how to do it myself, why not!

Supplies:

2 different nail polish colors, and clear topcoat

Any sponge (you just need a bit, cut off a section from a larger sponge)

Plastic wrap

toothpick

Directions: Paint your nails with the lightest color. Let it dry. On the plastic pour our a little of each color right beside each other so they touch. Take the toothpick and swirl/blend just in the area where the two colors meet. Next, take your sponge and dab it directly over this mixture and then dab the sponge directly on your nail. Keep going on all the nails. If you want to go back over the nails to make the color stronger just make sure the first coat is dry first. Finish with a clear topcoat.

 

Hair Mask– It is SO easy to make a simple hair mask with everyday things in our kitchen. Why don’t we do it more? Maybe now we will!

2 hair mask options:

  1. All hair types:

Supplies:

Avocado

Honey

Directions: Simply scoop out half an avocado and mix it with a tbsp honey and apply it to hair. Leave this on for 20 mins. Rinse in the shower.

  1. Dry Hair Mask:

Supplies:

Eggs

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions: Mix 2 eggs with 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and apply to hair. Leave this on for 20 mins. Rinse in shower.

 

Facial: I have grown to love my facials, but they are expensive and now we just can’t get them. Why not learn how to do it yourself?

Supplies:

Chamomile Tea

Honey

Nutritional Yeast

Directions: Brew one cup of the tea with 2 tea bags. Let cool. Stir together 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of nutritional yeast. Add just enough of the tea to the bowl to make a paste. You want to be able to spread it on your face, but not be watery. Let sit for 20 mins. This is calm and restores your skin.

 

 

Nia Long Protective Twist Braids: Photo of The Day

Nia Long showcased her new summer hairstyle. We all remember the days of mom braiding our hair for the warmer months.

It was a protective style and you knew better than to sweat out your braids when playing outside with your favorite cousin!

That reason alone is why this picture gives us “all the feels” and her perfectly laid edges are icing on the cake.  Nia Long will always be a 90’s favorite and epic actress for our time!

Ladies, what’s your favorite protective hairstyle?

Photo Credit: Instagram

Beach Day Hair Care: Carol’s Daughter Products For Summer Hair Routine

Don’t let the fun in the sun dry out your hair. Keep your tresses hydrated and happy with nourishing good-for-you products. Throw these in your beach bag or make them part of your summer hair routine for the sunny days ahead. 

 
 

Featured Photo from BuzzFeed.com
 
Prep your mane for long, sun-filled days with Carol’s Daughter Coco Crème Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask. It helps add deep moisture, touchable softness and improves manageability.
No time to deep condition before your beach day? No problem. Spray Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner in between your swim/tan rotations.
Give your curls a boost with Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray. The lightweight mist remoisturizes, redefines and renews hair without weighing it down.

Manage Beautiful and Voluminous Curls with These Frizz Fighting Products

As the days heat up, our hair… grows outwardHair is naturally porous which allows for humidity to seep in expanding our strands making it poufy and frizzy. Instead of fighting it with high heat, embrace it!  With the right products, you can own frizzy hair and unveil naturally beautiful and voluminous waves and curls.

 

Renpure Whipped Coconut & Peony Shampoo & Conditioner ($7.99, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods) Formulated with pink jasmine and creamy coconut to help to stop hair breakage, fight scalp conditions, tame frizz and soften hair, while clementine leaves hair looking youthful and shiny. The collection is specially designed to enhance curly hair for a noticeably healthier look!

 

Gold ‘N Hot Professional Conditioning Heat Cap ($47.50, Amazon, ULTA): Restore hair’s natural beauty with the Gold ‘N Hot Professional Conditioning Heat Cap. With three thermostatically controlled heat settings for expanded versatility, the heated cap delivers ultra-deep conditioning that leaves hair sultry-soft and revitalized. The Reusable/Washable Inner Liner Cap cleans up easily after use, and the Adjustable Chin Strap ensures a snug, effective placement.

3 Easy Tips for Treating Afro Hair

After decades of spending small fortunes on relaxing and weaving their hair – read, stressing! – many women have decided to finally call it quits by going back to their natural roots and letting their afros come out to play.

With the rise of racial bias, hairstyles such as the afro and braids have increased in trend with celebrities such as Beyoncé setting an example of what it means to own and find empowerment, in one’s cultural identity. If you’re ready to grow out your afro and are navigating the best ways to take care of it, follow these three tips by renowned hairstylists specializing in afros.

Featured Photo from BET.com

Treat it Well

Our hairs’ natural oils take longer to absorb into curly hair, so it is important to keep your tresses moisturized to stop it from frizzing. There are various hair-products specifically for natural hair available on the market but the best oils to treat your hair with are usually the ones you already keep in your kitchen: coconut, olive, castor, jojoba, and avocado oil will work wonders on your hair.

These oils are extremely nourishing and inexpensive and will help you get your hair to look as though you have just walked out of the salon.

Wash your hair then follow up with a conditioner, letting it soak in for at least five minutes ensuring it reaches all the way down to the roots. Once you’re out of the shower, treat your hair with your moisturizing cream or oil of choice and let it soak into your hair, being careful not to use too much to avoid droopy, wet-looking curls.

Pump up the Volume

An afro should be voluminous and one of the best ways to ensure the full look is by braiding your hair prior to going to bed. This will ensure that your hair isn’t flattened while you sleep and will instead spring back into its voluminous form once your release it from its braids in the morning.

One of the most important things to keep a check on when it comes to afro-maintenance is your split ends. Schedule a standing appointment with your hairdresser to avoid skipping your monthly trim. Split ends will make it difficult for you to style your afro and will travel up to mid-length causing further damage to your hair.

Also, try to add some natural volume to your hair.

Invest in a Silk Headscarf

All that moisturizing care you have been putting into your natural hair will be for nothing if you don’t protect it with a silk headscarf or pillowcase while you sleep. Instead of your hair absorbing all the oily goodness, your pillow will and come morning, your afro will be back to a state of dry frizz. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before you go to sleep, will retain the moisture, allowing it to work its magic on your hair while you sleep. Your hair is also prone to more breakage during the night time as you are constantly moving against your pillow, the fabric of which can cause our hair to get caught and damaged. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf or investing in a silk pillowcase, will protect it from breakage throughout the night and you will wake up to healthy-looking hair that is easy to comb.

 

Recreate The Look: Met Gala Hair and Yara Shahidi

Yara’s hair made a classic but bold and voluminous statement for last night’s Met Gala.

Inspiration: Naivasha was inspired by “Whimsical Texture.” She wanted to celebrate texture in the most glamorous way with a 60-inch ponytail.

To Recreate the Look:

  • Start by saturating the hair in quadrants and tame any frizz by using the John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse and brush through thoroughly with a paddle brush
  • Part hair into a 3 section triangle and apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam to enhance curls and create a touchable-soft style. Brush each section smoothly to the nape
  • Next, gather the 3 sections and wrap tightly with a hair bungee to secure a sleek ponytail. Take a section of the hair and wrap around pony to cover the bungee
  • Then, gently mist the ponytail with John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioner to give the hair moisturized and keep it hydrated through the night
  • As a final touch, Naivasha added a veil to Yara’s look

@JohnFriedaUS

#YourHairTalksMakeAStatement 

Smooth ‘N Shine Straight and Curl Collections: Celebrity Stylist Larry Sims

Smooth ‘N Shine has evolved and expanded with 18 new products featuring a reformulation of their fan favorites, Straightening Hair Polisher and Edge Smooth Pomade, and more. Backed by Celebrity Stylist, Larry Sims the Straight and Curl collections are formulated with all hair types in mind – straight, wavy, curly and coily.

Designed to treat your tresses with whatever style you’re feeling – rock your natural curls, or go for a sleek polished look.

The Curl Line is created to empower women to embrace their natural curls. Featuring Camellia Oil and Shea Butter, this line will ensure your curls, coils, zig-zags and every texture in between are moisturized to perfection! From detangling to curl-defining, this line has your curls covered. Formulated with fine botanical oils including:

  • Camellia Oil – This virgin oil is known for its benefits of being highly restorative, quick-penetrating and aiding in moisturizing hair
  • Shea Butter – With no added chemicals, this butter soothes sensitive skin and scalp with its natural moisturizing properties

Available at Drugstores nationwide & Amazon in late-February/March; $5.99 each

The Straight Line is designed for women who want straight and sleek styles without damaging their hair. Featuring ultra-hydrating Black Seed and Coconut Oils, these products will condition and nourish hair while leaving less hair breakage. Formulated with fine botanical oils including:

  • Black Seed Oil – Known for strengthening hair, this oil works to promote hair growth and help in regrowing certain thinning areas on your scalp
  • Coconut Oil – stimulates hair growth while adding luster, shine, and softness

Available at Drugstores nationwide & Amazon in late-February/March; $3.49 each