Warmer weather is here, and that means prom and wedding season is right around the corner. Formal occasions provide the perfect opportunity to showcase the beauty and versatility of natural hair. The updo is a timeless formal style, and there are many ways that naturalistas can achieve this look. Try one of these 13 natural hairstyles at your next event. Each video features a single look and a full tutorial showing you how to replicate it.
For longer hair:
In this video, Felicia Leatherwood shows you how to get the look that Teyonah Parris wore to the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2013.
I also love this take on the twisted pompadour:
Pro tip: use a cut pantyhose to achieve the perfect high bun/top knot!
This gorgeous take on the two-strand twist is perfect for any occasion:
For medium-length hair:
For a fun, curly look, try this style that only requires a few bobby pins, some flexirods and your favorite leave-in conditioners and oils.
This hilarious two-minute video by Heels to High Tops teaches her go-to style for when she’s running late. It’s also a great look for a beach wedding or semi-formal event.
For a tamer look, try this sleek updo, with or without the headband:
This style is more time intensive, but it shows that even two-strand twists can be elegant with the right styling:
This easy, breezy style can be adapted to accommodate various hair lengths:
For TWAs and shorter hair:
This Janelle Monae inspired look works well with any length, including short hair, since it uses kanekalon extensions for a fuller mane:
There are also ways to create an updo look without extensions:
The following summer-ready ‘do is brought to you by flat twists and finger coils:
You can achieve a nice puff even with a TWA when styling your stretched hair. This style is best done on an old twist or braid out:
