Styling thick, curly hair can sometimes be challenging. Not only are the thick hair strands difficult to manage, but also the choices of hairstyles for thick, curly hair are limited. At times, the hairstyle you choose can be so time-consuming that you need to plan a better part of your day just to accomplish it. Fortunately, the time you spend is worth it, once you see the outcome.
Side-Swept Headband Hairstyle
Show off your long curly tresses by letting them fall down gracefully on one side. At the 2000 Spring/Summer Pret-A-Porter (ready to wear) fashion show, fashion designer Michael Kors featured runway models with side-swept hairstyles. Adding headbands and barrettes complemented the models’ outfits and made their hairstyles more visually appealing.
To accomplish this look, apply styling mousse or liquid gel to your damp hair, and then brush your hair to remove the knots and tangles. Pulling your top hair with a brush will make your crown sleeker and smoother. Sweep your hair to one side so that it cascades down to your shoulder, across your chest. Add a scarf, bandana, headband or barrette to anchor the top part of your hair and tame the frizzes and wayward hair.
Corn Rows
The corn row or cornrow hairstyle is braiding hair flat against the scalp, according to the PR Log website. It is a common way of styling African hair, which is usually thick and curly.
A pick or rat tail comb is ideal in styling corn rows. Relax your tight curls by using hair food, hair grease or hair moisturizer that does not break down easily. Divide your hair into several small sections, approximately 1-inch wide each. Starting at the center, divide the first section in three even strands, and then make one or two stitches of regular braid as you go. Pick up additional hair to complete each row. Secure each row with a small clip or elastic band at the end.
If you prefer to create only partial corn rows, braid each section until you reach the crown area. Then, add bobby pins to secure each section in place. Either let the rest of your tresses to fall down gracefully or use a crimping iron to add flair to the rest of your hair.
Ringlet Updo Style
Create an updo with ringlets that you can wear to a prom, wedding or a hot date. Dampen your hair and apply styling mousse. Pulling up your hair to the back just above your nape will create a midway updo. Tie your hair into a ponytail by using an elastic band. Pull each 2-inch wide section of hair from your ponytail and create ring-like curls by twisting your hair around your index fingers or curling iron. Loosen one to two 1-inch wide sections of hair on each side of your head. Create ringlets using your index fingers or curling iron. This will give you an updo with dangling ringlets that will frame your face beautifully. Apply a firm-hold hairspray to hold the ringlets in place.
Photo Credit
- girl with curly hair image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
