When it comes to hairstyles, Africa is the place to be. From Algeria to Angola, from Benin to Botswana, from Egypt to Eritrea, the whole continent is popping with an abundance of gorgeous traditional hairstyles.

Some of them can be rocked (with cultural sensitivity, of course) just about wherever you are. But some are totally unique to the peoples they originated with, and remain exclusively local hairstyles.

We don’t have time to show you all the hairstyles that have come out of Africa – got all day, anyone? But we’ve picked six of our favorites. Whether you want to go for an African-inspired style for your next look, or just admire the beauty of these women’s hair, these pictures are awesome to look at.

You can look to the stars for inspiration on how to rock your dreadlocks or faux locs and the latest trends and styles. However, one thing they don’t tell you is how to maintain and upkeep your dreads.

One thing’s for sure – if you want the best kept, well conditioned and nourished dreadlocks, there aren’t many sources to turn to. But breathe easy, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve put together a guide on the best products to keep your locs happy and healthy, and how to use them for the best results. Click below to see more info on each:

• The Best Dreadlock Shampoos
• The Best Dreadlock Conditioners
• The Best Cream For Dreads
  
  Continue reading

Many black women swear by coconut oil and oil distilled from nuts, like jojoba and castor oil. That said, sometimes these products aren’t for everyone, especially if you suffer from a nut allergy.

Even if you don’t have an allergy to coconut oil, removing nut based products from your hair regimen can actually add moisture, bounce and shine. That’s right; cutting out coconut oil might actually improve your hair.

And there are so many amazing natural hair products on the market that use ingredients like peppermint and eucalyptus, your hair will be fresher than ever! Let’s check out the best below.

I ought to rename this piece ‘how to avoid major injury’! Just thinking of the last burn I gave myself is causing me to shudder. Ouch.

If you’re sick of explaining why your ears are so red, or how you got that mark on your fingers… then it may be time to learn how to properly and efficiently use a good quality flat iron. You know, before they start a domestic.

But, whilst we know that flat irons really hurt when they damage you, just imagine how your hair feels! Time after time we’ve been rushing, late for work or school, forgetting heat protectant and just frazzling our hair. Frazzling is an understatement – we could smell the burning and we were choking on the fumes. I think that’s cause enough to use the word fried.

That’s why we absolutely had to write this piece. To save your fingers as well as your curls, we present to you our ultimate top tips for using a flat iron.

We all want perfectly moisturized curls, and of course, that all starts in the hair product aisle. But if scanning the shelves makes you bite your lip and think, “I’m in over my head here!” you’re not alone. Back in the day it was simple, right? Get your shampoo, conditioner and grease, and you’re out of there. But these days? There are so many products on the market – from serum to masks, from placenta to protein, from treatments to hair butter – it can be difficult to know where to start.

So your hair’s been feeling a little dry lately. Welcome to the club. You’re in the hair product aisle with a hat covering all that dry, looking at about 200 different products that all scream ‘for soft, smooth manageable curls’. Deep conditioner… hair mask… deep conditioner… hair mask… You’re puzzling between the two before you even realize you don’t know what the difference is between them.

Don’t worry. We’ve come up with a few ways you can tell the difference and choose the right product for you.

If you’re looking for ideas on some of the best protective hairstyles for black women, you’re in the right place. Whether your hair is long or short. Whether you’ve natural hair or relaxed hair 4a, 4b or 4c hair, we’re a protective style that’ll inspire and suit your needs. 🙂

Before we dive in and check out these awesome styles, let’s just do a quick definition check.

Even the organic natural hair products at your favorite beauty supply store are often full of harmful chemicals such as sulfates and parabens that will damage your hair. Plus, they’re way too expensive! If you want to save money and improve the health of your hair, consider making your own natural hair care products yourself.

Coconut oil has hundreds of uses. But as a woman who wants to use it in your hair, is it really any good for you? Or should coconut oil be avoided at all costs?

This is what we explore today, so have a look below and discover the truth.

If you’ve found yourself nodding along in a conversation about yarn braids, having pretty much no idea what anyone’s talking about, you’re in the right place. In this article we’re going to break down everything you need to know about yarn braids, including how to do them.

We’re also going to be showcasing plenty of styles with picture examples throughout this article, so you can have fun picking out your next style.

braiLauryn Hill. Lisa Bonet. Zendaya. Ava Duvernay. The list of amazing black artists who’ve rocked dreadlocks is long – and you can pull off this stunning style too!

All you need is a little bit of locking cream and a lot of patience.

Within six months, you can have tight and beautiful dreads just like your favorite stars. Here’s how.