Holiday hairstyles, from Ryan to you!

For me, when I think of the holidays the first thing that comes to mind is always (yep, you guessed it) hair! I spend Christmas with my cousins, who are interracial as well, and the default topic of conversation is always our hair… what products we’re using on it, how we’re wearing it, whether we should go natural, put a texturizer in, or just throw in the cards and relax it. It’s always fun to compare notes.

So with hair on the brain (sounds gross!), here are a few holiday hairstyle recommendations for women with thick, curly hair or natural black/interracial hair like mine (I’d say 3b-4b hair textures). These are styles that you can do on your own that don’t take a ton of time. Pull these out when you’re glamming up for your holiday or New Years parties :)

WARNING: These styles will make your hair look and feel soft like a pillow, and therefore people will try to touch it. Strangers even. They think it’s okay to touch your hair. They think you like it. So if you don’t like it (and I’m sure you don’t), tell them that you are not a Chia Pet. Tell them to back off the 'do.

1. Pretty Poof
Requirements:
- Hair tie(s)
-Comb
- Light moisturizing cream and styling mousse/gel (nothing that leaves your hair crunchy)
I love puffs and poofs—they’re both adorable and sophisticated at the same time. For an exceptionally regal look, put the poof high on your head.

Nadia Turner from American Idol (left) leaves her curly-cues intact, while Kathleen from ANTM Cycle 8 (top right) picks her hair out a bit. Both looks are fly, in my opinion. To add some color or sparkle, I think a very thin headband would look nice as well (nothing too chunky or clunky, and NOTHING plastic).

If you’re in more of a puff mood, try jazzing it up with a zig zag part (another fave of mine).  

2. Side ‘Fro
Requirements:
-Bobby pins galore
-Comb
- Light moisturizing cream and styling mousse/gel (nothing that leaves your hair crunchy)
A fun and flirty style. Be sure to pin down one whole side of hair and pick out the hair on the other side. I recommend wetting the side your pinning down and smoothing it with styling gel. The style should come out looking something like this (Jill Scott didn't pick her's out):
   
 

3. Faux Hawk
Requirements:
-Bobby pins galore
-Hair clips
-Comb
-Shellac! Thick hair gel to keep things in place

Nadia Turner… man she ROCKS this 'do.

To be honest, I haven’t yet discovered how to achieve this kind of faux hawk greatness. I’ve been separating a chunk of hair out in the front and pinning it higher on my head, bouffant style. But I’m going to try to mimic Nedia’s style for New Years… might be a little too “cutting edge” for company holiday parties.

4. Braid-lined ‘Fro
Requirements:
-    French braiding/cornrowing abilities
-    Hair tie
-    Light moisturizing cream
-    Bobby pins

Cornrow around your hairline to create a headband effect. Then pin the back down and up off of your neck. And then tease/pick out your hair as much as you’d like. This is a favorite style of mine—one that works great for any kind of party or night on the town.

Do anything special with your hair for the holiday (party) season? Or got and special style tips? Let's hear 'em!

Comments

[vonzell]

I really appreciate you posting these hair styles for us textured-haired women to c.
It is good to know your options. And you gave us e-z access to them. So thankss :]

[Jane]

Great styles, I especially like the first "pretty poof" pic. Here are some more great pics of American American hairstyles: http://www.hairstyleswatch.com/sub/black-hairstyles

[Messina Steed]

Even I do the same in my christmas holidays. I think most of the people do the same as we both. Day-by-day, people are changing themselves with the latest fashions and many of them are concentrating on their hairstyle.