5 Formal Natural Hairstyles To Try

Glamazons, As you know, going natural means learning your hair all over again. For example, when it’s time to get ready for a holiday party, the hairstyles I used to rely on when I had relaxed hair don’t work out too well. And as much as I love a twist-out or wash-and-go moment, some events call for a fancier look, which means you need formal natural hairstyles on deck.

Some naturals straighten their hair for big events but you can also experiment with textured ‘dos that will give you a gorgeous, dressy look.

Here are five of my favorite formal natural hairstyles:

1. Twisted Updo

This works well with hair that is loose or in two-strand twists. You divide your hair into sections, from the front to the back. Then you pin twists toward the crown of your head and slick down the sides. Natural hair guru Felicia Leatherwood created it on the red carpet for Teyonah Parris.

2. Curlformers

Curlformers are a great way to create springy spiral curls without using heat. After co-washing your hair and applying your favorite leave-in conditioner, wrap your hair around curlformers and let it dry. (If you don’t mind heat, you can also sit under the dryer for approximately an hour). You will have a head full of curls to go with pretty romantic holiday dresses. Naptural85 has a great instructional video for using curlformers here.

3. Bantu Knot-Out

Bantu knot-outs are a beautiful way to create lasting curls. To create them, twist your hair in two-strand twists. Wrap each two-strand twist around in a clockwise motion to create a bantu knot. (You can secure with bobby pins if you’d like). Let your hair air-dry and voila, pretty spiral curls.

4. Top Knot

Brush your hair towards the center of your head. Tie with either a string or a ponytail holder. From there, separate a section in the center of your ponytail and create a loose two-strand twist. Pin it toward the back of your hair. Form two strand twists with the rest of your hair and pin them back to create a bun. Brush hair again to smooth down any fly-aways. Nicole Marie Melton of Essence.com has a great video for creating a top knot here.

5. French Roll

So for a recent wedding, I gave myself a french roll (which you can either rock with your hair out or in two-strand twists). The process is simple! After washing my hair with Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo, I detangled with their Knot Today (a godsend for tangles!). Finally, I added the Curling Custard and a little gel for hold. I let my twists dry in a ponytail after (to stretch the curls) for about an hour.

After my hair I was dry, I pulled it back and away from my face and created a roll going upward starting at the nape of my neck. I secured it along the way with pins. At the top, I twisted my hair and pinned it in a circle for a pretty finish. You can opt to leave a few curls out at the crown of your head like I did for added gorgeousness. Voila.

Kisses,

Glamazon Jessica