I know that natural beauty tends to make a stronger impression than an over the top glam look, and when it comes to hair and makeup, less is always more. When a formal occasion graces the social calendar, women want to appear effortlessly beautiful, not like the disco era, spray-painted pageant queens. However, the desire to avoid looking too dressed up shouldn't deter you from turning up the glam notch, just a smidge. Sometimes a one night only, a dramatic makeover that contrasts your everyday look can be exciting and fun!
Which is why I feel compelled to make a confession- I love a good pack of hair extensions. I used to never understand the appeal of extensions, until a few months ago, when I received the worst haircut in my life. I thought I had made it very clear to the stylist that I was in the process of growing my hair out, therefore I only wanted a mild trimming of my ends. However, most of the hair somehow managed to end up on the floor, leaving my head a frighteningly awkward maze of sharp angles. Just as I was about to dump out all the contents of my purse and walk out of the salon wearing it as a hat, I got a reminder text about a big event I was due to attend that very evening. In a panic, I called my girl Nikki for advice on what to do,
"Girl- you don't have any Yaki?"
I had no idea what she was talking about until she showed up at my apartment a couple of hours later, her arms filled with bags of hair. Just when I thought I was going to have to cancel all my plans for a night of Buzzfeed quizzes, my girl came through with a variety of temporary hair styling solutions. Nikki had so many packs of hair, each varying in texture, length, even color, giving me plenty of options to play with. Using the synthetic hairpieces, I was able to experiment with a number of protective styles I hadn't ever attempted before, and not only did they look beautiful, but the addition of faux hair meant there was less stress on my natural hair. Dry winter days are not conducive to natural curls, because the exposure to an excessively dry climate can create brittle ends and excessive breakage. When styled properly, temporary extensions can mean less of a strain on natural curls, ultimately stimulating healthy hair growth.
Here are some DIY Protective Styling Hair Tutorials using faux hair, by My Natural Sistas
What you will need for each style:
- 2-3 Bags of faux hair extensions
- Hair Ties matching your hair color
- Bobby Pins
- A moisturizing styler (to smooth out edges)
Twisted Faux Hair Bun with Natural Hair *source: youtube.com, My Natural Sistas
How to Get the Perfect Bun *source: youtube.com, My Natural Sistas
Elegant Faux Hair Bun with Natural Hair *source: youtube.com, My Natural Sistas
Still hesitant to add a package of faux hair to your personal collection of beauty supplies and hair accessories? Check out some celebrity looks that were amped up with a little something extra!
1. Alicia Keys
*source: dailymail.co.uk
2. Angela Bassett
*source: blackhairmedia.com
3. Mary J. Blige
*source: blackhairmedia.com
4. Janelle Monae
*source: i2.wp.com
5. Ilana Grazer from Broad City 
*source: bitchinwardrobe.files.wordpress.com
*source: tvatemywardrobe.files.wordpress.com
6. Phaedra Parks from The Real Housewives of Atlanta 
*source: pinterest.com
*source: ronerickeysmileymorningshow.files.wordpress.com
So curly girlies, there is no shame in trying something new, as long as you love what God gave you too!
Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
All images sourced via Pinterest
