Four 2016 Summer Style Tips For The Naturalista

Bored of the same old natural look? Well, there’s no reason to be! If there’s one thing you can change, it’s your hairstyle. There are plenty of ways to change up your look while still rocking natural.

Cut it

The hottest season of the year is here, so it’s the perfect time to start getting serious about letting go of some of your length.

In whatever form that takes, whether a sleek short style to lighten your load, or a complete do-over with a bold, close crop, summer is the season to stand out, so don’t let fear hold you back from unleashing a bolder, or a more flirty side of you.

If you’ve been transitioning, the thought of scissors marrying your lengths has probably been a nightmare tucked safely into the back of your mind. The truth is, the longer you wait to let go of your relaxed hair, the more potential damage you pose to your healthy new growth.

This is especially true if you’ve been wearing your transitioning hair out of protective hairstyles. If cutting your relaxed hair all at once sounds like a fate worse than death, then trim away the damage little by little every few weeks to avoid a mental breakdown.

If you’re brave enough to cut it all, then make sure you place your hair in the hands of a talented stylist who’ll give you a new look to inspire confidence on this next chapter of your natural hair journey.

It’s going to happen, one way or another, so why delay the inevitable? Instead, face the end of your transition with courage, by shedding the damage and weakness of your relaxed hair past and embracing the strength and beauty of your natural hair future.

Start over

Sometimes it’s just better to start with a clean slate. If your natural hair journey has been full of trial and error, it may seem heartbreaking to even consider another big chop.

However, damage is a sneaky little fiend that can spread up your hair shaft, so it’s better to do away with it completely than hang on to a growing little monster.

Nothing is better than a trim for maintaining the health of your natural hair. Health over length is the name of the game, so never hold onto split ends or damage while disillusioned about reaching your hair goal.

Besides there are few things in this world as chic as a sleek buzz cut. Model icons like Chastity Simone and Alek Wek have made the look timeless. Haute couture never felt so effortless.

In a few months as your healthy new hair grows, you can mix up your style a la Lineisy Montero, who has made the TWA the coolest new look on the runway.

If that lacks a little attitude, then follow the lead of Maria Borges who debuted her cool new cut in Mizani’s new campaign that’s as fresh as it is easy.

Make it your own with a fade or a zig-zag part and you can start your own trend that’s follower-worthy. So slip into flirty short curls or a sleek cut, along with your swimsuit this summer.

Protect it!

The girl in the thick of her natural hair journey learns early on that protective styling is the key to length retention.

This is serious business and to reach your hair goals should be a normal part of your routine. Summer gives the perfect opportunity to have some fun with protective styles like braids or twists that can bring an air of the exotic to your persona.

These are a classic protective style, so you can’t go wrong with either. Go for longer lengths with this style to look like the ultimate islander, but be aware, you might look hot but you’ll probably feel hot too as this style can weigh you down under the heat.

Don’t have the time to sit down for the hours it takes to achieve this look? I don’t blame you. Luckily, the hottest new trend this season is cornrows and they styes are endless.

These styles are super hot and they won’t weigh you down like long twists or braids. Plus, talented hands can get you in and out of the salon chair in just one or two hours, depending on how complex you want this style to be.

Color it!

Bright colors can be a really fun way to spice up your Summer. Blonde is go-to for Summer, but for those who are braver, playing with ash gray or even red can make a sexy statement.

Dyeing your TWA can be a great way to add personality while going through what can feel like a one-note phase in your hair journey.

Plus, as your hair grows out, the benefits of adding color will last your through your following hair growth phases, allowing you to rock a cool ombre look that will transform your awkward hair stage to a deliberately chic style.

Be warned that multiple deep conditioning* treatments should always be a part of your regimen, but especially so if you color your hair to prevent damage from dryness and breakage.

If the thought of adding color to your natural hair seems scary, then try out color in your protective styles as a worry-free alternative. Either way, color is an easy way to take your natural hairstyles from boring to stunning.

Try out these hairstyle tips this Summer for a transformation that you’ll love so much much that you just might want to keep it going through the Fall.