Jahmekya of Santa Monica writes:
Dear Curly Nikki & Fellow Curlies,
I am typing this email as I search the web for prom dress, shoes and makeup ideas. Yet I know that finding all of those items will be easy. Slowly finding its way into my daily stream of thoughts is the question with a unforeseen answer “how to style my Curls for the big night”. I have been naturally curly since the day I cut off my locs- – prior to watching the latest barney episode at the age of 3. Since that time, I have battled with trying to be an advocate for natural hair despite remarks from others. The Curly Nikki Community has given me a great sense of hope and guidance for the future of my curls and myself. But now I am faced with my greatest challenge: Prom!
I’m reaching out to you in a desperate plea for help. If you guys have any suggestions on styles or a stylist who won’t press the life out of my curls lol, I would be so elated.
Thank you so very much!
do the esperaiza spalding style:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKzS34rIDAA&feature=relmfu
You could also check out khamitkinks.com Check out the bridal styles section. Some very nice styles.
I'm a fan of elegant updos, but big and wild is cute too.
Lots of beautiful style ideas in here!
I would opt for a flat twist out or a long fishtail braid that starts along your forehead
stuffed twist
http://www.youtube.com/user/PRETTYDIMPLES01#p/u/89/6SSeMPmykHs
you could do a flexi-rod set and then do a very nice updo
The best thing I did for prom was do my own hair! I had a texturizer at the time but even then I never really trusted stylists to do my hair since I HATE the flat straight look like everyone "wants" for formal events. And since I know my hair best, I know exactly how many bobby pins and stylers I need to keep my hair up all night.
If you want to wear your hair out and down, I think a twist/braid out with a pretty hair pin or clip is always elegant. If you have an edgier style you can substitute a classic flower or bow with a minitop hat or pillbox hat for an unexpected twist.
Vintage updos are also really classic, formal and there are lots of tutorials on youtube. Puffs can be really pretty and fun too! Especially if you want to wear a crown! Since the front of your hair is so flat the crown REALLY sticks out.
If you don't want to wear your hair out, most braiders can do some really impressive braided and twisted updos that you can keep in for a few weeks after prom. There are some really pretty ones here (and some gorgeous loose hair too!)
Have a fantastic time!
Alice
Alice in Nappyland
I love to adapt straight and wavy styles I see online w/o heat. Instead I do coils or coil outs, twists/twist outs to change my coil pattern or smooth out my hair, or I do the style with my curls as is. For extra length/volume I add extensions. One of my faves is the Brigitte Bardot messy chignon with side/back tendrils and a side swoop bang which I do with a coil out or twists
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ceVsuMMK098/S_QHSWdi5XI/AAAAAAAAAbM/rCzDk1ictJM/s1600/bb1.jpg
or her poofy half up/down pomp
http://stylebell.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/brigette-bardot2.jpg
http://www.hollywoodcultmovies.com/assets/images/BrigitteBardot1.jpg
I also recently had my stylist do this braid w/extensions:
http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1H4d35746c81837012.cde/page/23
There's also lipstick alley's natural hair gallery that includes a lot of model/celeb and non-model/celeb pics
http://www.lipstickalley.com/f38/natural-hairstyle-gallery-100341/index5.html
or HJI's supplement:
http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1H4d35746c81837448.cde
Or you may just want to do a large, teased out cloudy puff w/a new wild color like blue or bright red.
I'm in NYC so have no salon recs for Santa Monica but check the forum, please send final pics!!!
I like this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1N7ZZHYMHQ
And this one is similar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1sTO3QOyEQ
Styles 1,3, & 5 from this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuN-nNVk0iw
Alternately, if you have a bit of a 70s style dress, a full-on 'fro is always fun.
I did a press n'curl for my prom because I was trying for a bit of a Rita Hayworth vibe. That said, my go-to formal hair now is a retro bun.
It's super-simple:
1. Side-part the hair.
2. Start styling on the side with the least amount of hair. Starting at the part, roll the hair at your hairline into a simple twist. Move down the side of your head, pinning the twist tight against your scalp as you go. Stop when you reach your ears or just behind.
3.Repeat the process on the other side
4.Gather remaining hair into a low bun. I like to put the bun on the side opposite the part, but that's just me; you might prefer your bun centered.
5.Accessorize to taste.
one of my favorite site, bglhonline.com has TONS of style posts…maybe search their "updo" (http://bglhonline.com/gallery-2/updos/) or "natural bride" section (http://bglhonline.com/category/natural-bride/)
also- koos has a really cute double buns style she does that was featured on here (http://thefeistyhouse.blogspot.com/2009/08/hyh-challenge-double-buns.html). i think she just kinda put it together on a whim but i bet it can be refined a bit
have fun 🙂
Taren916 on YouTube has a lovelyyyyyyyy sultry Bantu knot out style, please do check it out. And i was gonna also suggest the cinnabun but i gt beaten to the inch!
Hey, check out CollegeCurlies. She has many styles that you could modify for a beautiful prom night!
http://collegecurlies.blogspot.com/p/styles.html
i always do a fro-hawk for special occasions. doesn't sound elegant but people love it.
for prom i got a weave. i found it easier to work with because at my school there was a senior trip, prom and graduation all in the space of 2 weeks and after being in the pool with the chlorine my natural hair was left brittle. my idea is a pretty curly weave that closely resembles your hair.
There is a girl on you tube that has a very classic BEAUTIFUL style on you tube…I have been waning to re-create but never had an occcasion to do so (or the time) heres the link BTW she has some beautiful make up tutorials as well
http://www.youtube.com/user/SimplYounique#p/u/3/wxlgfNwx8o4
the url above i think you could be more creative in the back depending on your length and do a cinnabum type bun
http://www.youtube.com/user/SimplYounique#p/u/6/FJ2ATbFEv9M
this one is simple but elegant and i have worn it to work and gotten compliment. Look for a nice barette to compliment this style especially if your hair is all one color
Thanks guys I really like the Naptural85 style! It's my favorite so far.
I second that Naptural85 style eleGANT!
Check out some of the channels from natural hair youtubers. They do all kinds of styles for their natural hair. Here are a couple that would be good for formal occasions that you can do yourself:
The Cinnabun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP8FdTTsSk4
Naptural85 Wedding Day Puff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygAQj_ITtsI
Twist Rollerset:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVg7_P_DIVg
I would suggest looking at the "Natural Brides" hairstyles on here. They have a different variety that are beautiful and maybe helpful. HTH!!!