By crown, I mean that hair!
I talk so much about clothing and wardrobe, but there is another element I don’t like us to forget—HAIR!
I Love-Love-LOVE HAIR! I love hairstyles, hair color & hair texture of all kinds! I even love the close, shaved head! A close-cropped or shaved head is the opportunity to show the shape of your beautiful head, allow ease to your lifestyle, and paint that face!
When the Selfie and now the Slofie are so important, make sure you got that crown Right & Tight!
TEXTURE
I advocate for natural hair texture for all women with naturally curly and kinky hair of all ethnicities. Some of us have hair that will not grow down but grows out, and that’s okay too! ALL HAIR IS GOOD HAIR! We must embrace what grows out of our head, in its natural form. Never be ashamed of what makes you! There is nothing wrong with enhancing your natural beauty, but what makes a true queen is to be unapologetically herself! Remember, the ability to grow hair is a blessing in itself.
Glorify your hair and hair’s texture by purchasing products that moisturize and help you enhance the taste. Textured hair tends to be dry, so keeping it moisturized to improve your texture is essential. Being aware of your hair’s ability will strengthen the nose itself and your ability to know how to wear it and thus your confidence.
There’s always a new IG or YouTube Hair Guru, who offers advice on techniques and products. Try to pay attention to the comments and experiences of others. If they’ve had adverse reactions, you have to be aware. Spending hard-earned money and time on things that don’t benefit will only upset you, and you will become less likely to try something new next time. Ask other people how they enjoyed the product and if you have the opportunity if they would suggest it for your hair type. Haircare is very expensive, so experimentation should be researched. Moving slow and being methodic is the best way to maintain that crown. Once you’re satisfied with your learnings, be it a styling technique, shampoo, hair care products, or hair styling tools knowledge, will help you spend your hard-earned funds wisely.
MAINTENANCE
Maintaining your appearance with the help of hairstylists is essential for professional color, conditioning, and cuts. I love doing my hair, but nothing will ever compare to allowing a professional to take care of my curls, on a scheduled basis.
With a close-cropped or bald head, a professional is extremely personal. The hair and hairline maintenance is crucial to your appearance, so chose wisely and never skimped on cost. If you maintain your hair/head yourself, remember your razor should be clean and sharp. Make sure to change your blade regularly to avoid razor bumps and poorly cut surfaces.
Think of the fact that the professional can see your whole head, something we as humans are unable to do. While professional use can be expensive, it’s up to you to decide how much you want. Think of the professional as a base-layer or touchstone, then choose how often you continue to use them for your maintenance. This advice goes for all hair types.
STYLES
I am someone who enjoys having different hairstyles for different outfits. Things don’t always work out, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop trying.
Using media to get new ideas is very helpful. A plethora of ideas on so many different types of people bringing concepts to the table and breaking them down to simple techniques are vast for the “Average Josephine.” New bun ideas, braid on braids, twist versions, and the combination of twist-braids & buns for all hair types is fun and exciting.
With work, chores, and sometimes just a lack of imagination, it’s great that there are people out there who can only offer a new vision of “Hey, how about this?”. Use the internet and magazines to bring you ideas for updo’s, curl or straightening techniques and color.
While I’ve done articles, focusing on your signature look, if part of your signature is your hairstyle then, this may not be your focus, but there is still an opportunity in detail for the signature look.
Playing with bangs, two or three different ponytail modifications, and twist ideas only add excitement to your overall appearance and coordination to our Put Togethers.
ACCESSORIES
For queens who have signature hairstyles, adding a new type of scarf, barrette or headband can be transformative.
Scarfs are always great. They can be used to tie your ponytail, as a headband, cover the entire head with a choice of hair showing in the back or twist the scarf to the rear with hair showing in the front. Scarves also have a range of tie ideas; another area where that useful ole internet can be helpful.
Barrettes are simple and easy yet impactful. Barrettes coming in a range of size, width, materials, and colors, you can use one or one hundred to get a unique appearance.
Headbands can come in a range of width fabrics and hairstyles. Think about the different metallic colors, beading, and application ideas even with a basic bob or ponytail offering a new look.
There are still so many different items that can be added to your hair for fun! Jewels, bobby-pins, beading in braids and bows of all sizes and color. I recently helped a girlfriend add mylar fringe to her ponytail for a Lady Gaga concert! Imagination and time are great resources for your tresses.
COMPLETION
Another essential thing to remember is your finishing. Make sure you keep the right combs, brushes, and pins to create your look. Make sure to have the right gel, mousse, lotion, or anything else that might be suggested, to help with the perfect crown.
Make a habit of planning out the intricate details before you start to achieve your masterpiece with all the right equipment.
Time management is essential.
Martha Stewart says never to try a new recipe on the guest. I say never try a new hairstyle 1st thing, of a busy morning. Try it out the night before or on the weekend when you have free time. Once you see how long it will take you to finish your new hairstyle, how much gel and hairspray you’ll need, you will work faster and better every time. Muscle memory will react better on your 2nd and 3rd time you attempt your crown perfection, and that hairdo that might have taken you 15-20 minutes hopefully can be knocked out in 7 minutes flat with practice.
Whether you decide on detailed updos, fantastic curls that grow out with a bit of color or twist which make you feel at ease, remember that you are a queen, and your crown should always be reflective!
Enjoy your reign!
