Natural Hair Styles for the Holidays

I'm looking for a special holiday style to wear for Xmas and New Years. Really, these style can really be worn any time of the year. Here are four styles I came up with: finger coils, French braid, half-braid/half-down, coil out. I think most of these can be used on short, medium and long hair.
 
Finger Coils
1. On freshly washed hair, separate hair in 4 sections.
2. Working on each section, take a small to medium amount of hair, two strand twist the root (so it doesn't unravel). Next, gently twirl the hair around your finger in a clockwise fashion.

Note: I got lazy and only did the back of my hair, however, it still turned out fine. I just pinned the top back for a voluminous look.

A helpful video on finger coiling: Finger Coil Video

Messy-Chic French Braid

1. Separate hair into three sections, top, middle and back.
2. Start braiding downward from the top.
3. When you are 3/4 done, add in your middle section and repeat until you reach the bottom section. Attach braid with a hair tie.

Note: This style was done on stretched hair.

I couldn't find a video on single French braid on natural hair. Here is a helpful video by Naptural85, she does it on shrunken hair. I suggest trying it on stretched hair and separating your hair in a mohawk fashion: French Braid How To

Half-Braided

1. Separate the hair into two sections: 1 large bottom section and 1small top portion of your hair, this is the section you will braid.

2. (optional) To add a little dimension, rub a little water on two small front sections, two strand twist them and roller set/flexirod them. This will add volume to the side.

3. French braid the top section, leaving about 1/4 loose. 

4. Pin the braid to hold it in place, release the bottom section, fluff till your liking. 

5. (optional) Add a cute head band.

 

November Hair Dates: Protective Styles + Rhassoul Clay

November

What is the current length of your hair?
The back of my hair is shoulder length when wet/stretched. My sides almost chin length length when wet/stretched. The front is almost ear length when wet or stretched. In other words: Total natural MULLET! I don't plan on cutting it into a style, because I've learned my hair naturally grows in layers. I'll just keep disguising the mullet until I reach my desired length (mid back).

What products are you currently loving?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil- This will always be my top oil. Nothing gives me shine or penetrates my hair quite like olive oil. I mix it in my conditioner, use it as a skin moisturizer and make-up remover. Aah I heart you EVOO.

Rhassoul Clay - See my past posts for the deets.

Aussie Moist - Mixed with some EVOO, this stuff moisturizes, as the name implies!


What's your current wash regimen?

• Cowash 1 time per week.
• Shampoo (using my special mixture) or by rubbing diluted vinegar on my scalp, once per month.
• LOC (leave-in, oil, conditioner)
• Style, preferably protective

How have you been styling your hair?
Twists. My hair has been in two strand twists for the past two weeks. This is the longest I've ever kept twists in!! I'm primarily worn them up, because I prefer them to be a little longer and heavier if I am going to wear them down.
I even cowashed my hair in twists last week! It was cool, they weighed down my hair more so they had more stretch to them after the shower. I'm going to wash my hair today or tomorrow, will be nice to play in it again!

What challenges have you faced?
Not many, I still try to manipulate less to make sure my edges aren't getting thinner. That and time. On wash day, if I style my hair in twists, it takes me a total of 3 - 3.5 hours. After that I don't style for another 1 to 2 weeks, however.


Any drastic changes to your regimen or hair?
Holding styles longer than I could a few months ago. Being consistent about taking a daily vitamin.

Would you like to offer any hair advice for this month?
Try to drink enough water. Now in colder months, it's just as important, especially if you live in a dry climate like myself. Generally, I'm less thirsty in winter, but notice my skin and hair tends to be dryer. I try to drink 1 liter of warm lemon water per day. I find it warms me up and keeps me hydrated.

What hair products do you hope to receive in your stocking: 
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Moroccan Oil Deep Conditioning Mask, a silk scarf to wrap my hair.

Hope you had a happy November! Any fun holiday plans? Any hair products on your Xmas list?