6 Ways to Wear Your Natural Hair this Autumn
There’s never been a better time for expression through our hair. Whether you’re braided or twisted up, loc’ed, bald, blown out or just flowing freely — we got hair inspiration for your unique head of hair, this fall and year-round.
Words by Asha Abdul
Image by Island Boi
As a young girl, I felt as if there were only two options when it came to Black hair: a perm or “natural hair.” My mother didn’t believe in perms, so seeing the brown skin girl with a press-and-curl on the Just For Me box was my childhood torture.
As I matured, it seemed that Black hairstyles matured with me. Going to college at an HBCU — North Carolina A&T State University — introduced me to styles I’d never had the pleasure of seeing before. Top buns with braiding hair, knotless braids (as compared to the traditional individuals), box braids with rubber bands on the ends, lace front wigs and endless “natural” styles…
What fascinates me most, now that my own career has begun, is Black women’s authenticity in bringing our cultural expressions into corporate settings. We’re refusing to shrink ourselves (or our hair) and, in doing so, forcing big business to adapt. More and more, Black women are defining ourselves, for ourselves through haircare — and it is truly a sight for sore eyes.
No matter how you choose to wear your hair, here is some inspiration for your next style:
1. Coils
Bound together by tight curls, coils are a gift to Black women. Strong strands that manipulate carelessly into long-lasting braids.
2. Curls
We are fans of all curls types, patterns, shapes and textures over here! Long curls or short curls, it doesn’t matter.
3. Blow Outs
Black women thrive on blowouts and press n curls during the Fall and Spring seasons, when the heat and humidity align perfectly to maintain our straight hair.
Search images by hair pattern for hair inspiration that looks like you.
4. Protective Styles
Protective styles come in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures. A decade ago, protective styles were known as braids and twists. Today, a protective style can be faux locs, weaves, wigs, crochet braids and beyond.
5. Locs
Traditional locs, freeform locs and sister locs — we love them all! There is nothing more refreshing than seeing a Black woman allowing her hair to grow in its most natural state.
6. Bald/Shaved/TWA
Black women with shaved heads are living and breathing proof that a Black woman’s beauty reaches far beyond her hair.
