5 Runway Hairstyles That Prove Natural Hair is Here To Stay

The fashion industry has joined the natural hair movement and Spring 2016’s Fashion Week runways were littered with a variety of natural hairstyles that were just hot!

From pressed, slicked back hair to huge, picked out fros, these models have given us some much need hairspiration for new Spring hairstyles to match the trends witnessed on the runway. Here are five of the best looks from the catwalk:

Soft & Flirty

The sides of Shelby Hayes’ curly frock were softly pinned back behind her ears, creating a fun, flirty hairstyle that was juxtaposed against Proenza Schuler’s straight lines and netted silhouettes.

This hairstyle can be easily recreated using a few strategically placed bobby pins* to pull back the sides of your mane, just an inch or two above your ears. To achieve the same flirty touch, pull two or three curly strands down over your eyes, so that they dangle loosely.

TWA Stunner

Lineisy Montero has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry since her debut last year as the face of Prada’s 2015 Spring/Summer collection. Known for her short, softly rounded TWA, her look is simple, yet stunning, and does not distract from the beautiful features of her face.

This is one of the perfect hairstyles for the bold Spring trends which graced the runway, touting a “more is more” philosophy that was evident in the collections by Versace, Gucci, and others who paired vibrant matching ensembles covered in bold patterns and even sheer slips resembling lingerie over static, oversized suits such as Miu Miu.

It’s no wonder that Liniesy made the most appearances of any other model, featured in shows for 68 separate fashion houses, earning her the coveted title as Top Walker. The distinct simplicity of her hairstyle makes just enough of a statement, and does not compete with Spring 2016’s fearless designs.

Girlish Streak

Selena Forrest made her runway debut on the Spring 2016 catwalk for Proenza Schuler, styled in a simple, slicked back braided hairstyle with middle part that echoed the clean lines of the top designer’s Spring silhouettes.

The style added a feminine twist to the look she modeled, and was the perfect juxtaposition to the seriousness of the oversize white pant suit ensemble that she strutted down the runway in.

This hairstyle is timeless and adds a refreshingly youthful touch when paired with a formal outfit or pant suit by translating girlish playfulness into an otherwise austere exterior.

Wild Wonder

Although Dutch-born newcomer Damaris Goddrie was spotted on the runway for several different fashion houses during Spring 2016 Fashion Week, her signature short, tousled curls remained the same. The wild, feminine hairstyle is just gorgeous, creating an air of wonder and edginess that leaves you uncertain on whether she wants to cuddle or start a fight.

This innate opposition is what makes this hairstyle a hit, as the large curls lend her a softness that is complicated by the length of the cut, which imparts on her a certain toughness as it hits just below her ears, drawing attention to her lovely jawline.

This look can be recreated with large bantu knots, which after setting and unraveling, are then mussed up to create this messy, feminine look.

Afro Chic

Karly Loyce, one of the new faces of French fashion label Cèline, sports a beautiful, classic blow out that was featured on the runways for fashion houses like Alberta Ferretti, Stella McCartney, and Max Mara.

This breathtaking hairstyle has the versatility to impart elegance or ferocity, depending on how it is dressed.

When juxtaposed against soft flowing layers, in dresses like the Alberta Ferretti gown pictured above, the hairstyle sits atop her head like a crown above her beautiful features, and is the epitome of strength and grace.

When paired with more structured lines and sharp tailoring, as in the metallic green silk blazer dress she wore for Fausto Puglisi, her blow out delivers a shocking punch that gives her an air of danger and chicness.

This look is easily recreated when hair is wet, and can also be done safely. Use a pick to comb out the hair while using a blow dryer* on a cool setting until the hair is about 70-80% dry. At this point, change the setting on the blow dryer* to medium heat and use a round brush to recreate the softly curled edges of her afro until hair is completely dry.

In conclusion we have to mention that one of the things we love the most about the direction of natural hair this year is how free it is. No harsh or laid styles, mostly carefree locks that show off natural hair in its most natural state. We love that beauty is being redefined! What do you think about natural hair on the runway, is it a sign of even more changes to come?