Many people have resorted to doing their hair at home due to the lockdown, from celebrities cutting their hair to social media content creators flaunting their self-made braids.
At this point many of us are sitting at home counting down the days until we can get our hair done. The problem is that you know that you won’t be able to get to a hairstylist for the foreseeable future since the government announced that in the upcoming Level 3 that hairdressers will still be closed. So what to do?
Out of the at-home hairstyles we've seen, Sho Madjozi garnered particular attention for doing this braided updo style herself:
Yal bettttttttttttttttter tune in to my Live on Instagram at 9pm tonight because:
— #SenaAla (@ShoMadjozi) April 23, 2020
1. I just hit a million followers ??
2. I spent a ridiculous amount of time doing my hair yesterday ??
3. I have a couple of special guests [Thread] pic.twitter.com/YP1RETbi86
While this is, of course, an advanced style, there are some hairstyles you can do yourself that fall in the beginner range.
Here we suggest five of the easiest hairstyles you can dress up or down without having to ever leave your house.
READ MORE: The extraordinary lengths these hairstylists go to keep businesses open amid coronavirus
All you need is a comb, hair ties, all the hair pins you can find and hair scissors if you will be doing any cutting. If you can comb hair, you probably can do these styles yourself.
Twist and tuck
Step 1: Part your hair in half or as desired with a rat tail comb
Step 2: Gather as many pins as you can
Step 3: Start twisting the smallest bits at the beginning of your part, gather more hair as you go back and pin, then repeat on the other side.
For braids and dreadlocks, section a third of your hair from the front and once you have that section in a triangular-like shape start twisting upward and gather more hair to the direction of the back of your head. Secure hair with pins as you go, then repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Once you have reached the ends, if your hair is on the short side, twist your ends and tuck them in the secure with a pi. Otherwise, tie pigtails with a hair tie at the end and make a bun on each side if your hair is on the long side.
Here's a visual guide:
A similar concept can be seen on Tessa Thompson's hair look during her Men In Black press tour.
READ MORE: Protective hairstyles to add to your hair inspo moodboard for winter
Cornrows
This style is similar to the tuck and pin but you will need to be able to do a basic flat braid. You can do two, four or as many cornrows your biceps will allow. This is how you can achieve the style.
Step 1: Part your hair in half with a rat tail comb
Step 2: Gather three big chunks of hair and make a three-part braid, picking up big chunks of hair until you meet the back of your head. Then repeat on the other side.
For braids and dreadlocks, gather a three locs or braids at the very beginning and make a three-part braid, picking up the gradually until you meet the back of your head. Then repeat on the other side.
Step 3: Tie each of the ends in a puff/ponytail or make a bun on each side.
Here's a visual guide:
Elevate the look by adding length and volume with hair extensions as seen above on actress Jessica Williams.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots can be achieved in a couple of ways, the method is up to preference really. But this is a great style to keep because it not only protects your ends and keep your hair tidy, but it can leave you with beautiful curls to turn into a new look once you unravel them. The magic to making this style look great is in the parting.
Step 1: Use a rat tail comb to do you parting sections
Step 2: Use hair ties to secure each section at the base
Step 3: Either Twist each section into a knot OR braid each section before wrapping into a knot
Here's a visual guide for you:
READ MORE: "I love my natural hair but my mom hates it – and it’s racist"
Simple box braids
If you are skilled at any type of braiding, this style will be a walk in the park for you.
This style works well if you have four sections but if you’re adventurous you can section your hair into six or more parts. With clean parting and embellishments in the form of beads, rings or clips, you’ll look good enough to walk the runway.
Step 1: Create equal partings and detangle each thoroughly
Step 2: Braid each section all the way to the ends in the direction you want the braid to fall, and repeat
Step 3: Add accessories of your choice
Here’s a video that can help guide you:
Low bun
If you desire a sleek look but don’t want to compromise your hairline, consider doing a low bun as opposed to a high bun.
Thorough detangling is the name of the game if you want to ace this look. If you have natural and/or thick hair, you may want to keep a tub of hair gel close for an extra sleek look, otherwise wrapping your head for a few hours once the style is complete may serve you well if you’re going for a less structured look.
Step 1: Gently and thoroughly detangle you hair from tip to root
Step 2: Make a straight or zigzag middle parting with a rat tail comb that’s roughly 5cm long
Step 3: Brush you hair down and secure a ponytail close to, or at the nape of your head
Step 4: Wrap the ponytail/puff in a bun
Here's a video to guide you:
If you want to add something extra, make a braid with your hairpiece of choice and wrap it where you would put a hair band, and secure it with pins - as seen above on Kiki Layne.
Happy styling!
Have you been doing your own hair at home? Send us your pics here.
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