Nine Natural Hairstyles — And Some How-To Videos — for Stylish Boardroom Looks
Written by
Tanvier Peart
Published on
March 25, 2013
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Are you a part of the naturalista club? It can sometimes be a frustrating journey to maintain the mane, but it yields a carefree life (once you get the hang of things) full of natural beauty. You will come to find out there are so many hairstyles to try that instantly turn you into a glam diva, rocker ,or the everyday girl. While some of these do’s are awesome for a night out, the question will soon arise, “What is appropriate for the office?” No one expects you to conform to the image of corporate America, BUT it’s still very important to maintain a well-groomed appearance.
Face it – there will more than likely be whispers about your hair – that’s a given. So silence the haters and the uneducated with these nine natural hairstyles perfect for the office. As a bonus, there are links to video tutorials for you to try out the look.
(AP Photo/Jeff Christensen, file)
Pompadour
This classic hairstyle, often associated with royalty and all things glam, has evolved over the centuries. Accentuate your look with dangling earrings to lengthen your neck. Helecia shows us how to create a pompadour roll with a tuck and pin.
Goapele (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Invision/AP)
Topknot
Hello goddess! Topknots have become a real fashion statement redefining the elegance of a woman. It’s chic and adds volume to your look. Natural gals can achieve this updo with bobby pins, some twists and a little time. Essence online beauty editor, Nicole Melton has an easy to follow tutorial.
Jill Scott (ESSENCE Magazine, September 2012)
TWA (aka “teeny weeny afro”)
When making the switch to naturalhood, many women decide to do away with all permed hair, otherwise known as “the big chop.” Once the smoke clears and the hair settles to the stylist’s floor, you are left with the start of a teeny weeny fro. This is one style that is bold, but pays off to those who dare. No filter needed on this style – just wear it proudly.
Source: Shutterstock.com
Dreads
Show naysayers how lovely dreadlocks can be with maintained textured coils. Locs are a protective option to natural hair with tons of styling ideas. Ariane Roberts of BlackNaps.org treats us to hairstyle tips for them dreads.
Lisa Arrindell Anderson (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
Two-strand twist
Don’t want to commit to dreads, but don’t want to leave your hair out during the day? Head into the office with an easy, two-strand twist style that requires little maintenance throughout the week(s). Klassy Kinks gives a super simple tutorial on how to twist up your natural hair.
Sophie Okonedo (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Low bun
Want a more polished presence around the office? Work a bun. Low buns are timeless and evoke a seriousness and professionalism. This is a great hair escape if your mane is unwilling to cooperate. Be sure to keep old socks or hair donuts nearby as Alicia James will show you how to perfect a low bun.
Corinne Bailey Rae (Photo by Jon Furniss Photography/Invision/AP)
Bantu knot out
Bantu knot outs promise great volume and loose, spiral curls. It’s a gorgeous look that is totally heat-free and works on practically all hair types. Not sure what a bantu knot is or how to achieve a bantu knot out? Check out this tutorial from the divas at My Natural Sistas.
via Tracee Ellis Ross’ Facebook page
“Milkmaid” braid
If you have natural hair, you gotta rock at least one braided hairstyle to work. One that has taken 2013 by storm is the milkmaid braid that takes those ordinary double braids and turns them into something whimsical. Yes you kinda need a good amount of hair as the tutorial on Krissbang will show, BUT Megan has an alternative option for those with shorter manes.
Yaya DaCosta (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
Twist out
Once you are done with those two-strand twists, create a new style with the twist out. Twist outs are a top go-to hairstyle for natural gals as it’s easy to execute and gives your hair visual thickness. There are tons of style options with a twist out as you can pin your hair up, only leave the front out or wear all of your hair out for a fierce statement and much more. Napturally Curly gives the low down on long-lasting twist outs.
