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A solid haircare routine is essential to wellness and overall well-being.
While haircare brands and companies prominently market to women, proper hair care benefits men. Establishing a wash-day routine promotes hair health in several ways. Preventing dryness, hair brittleness, and damage are common hair issues that people experience throughout their hair care journey. If not treated with the proper products, bigger problems could develop.
Hair loss is a significant issue that impacts many men. Research shows that more than 80 percent of men will experience hair loss in their lifetime. While baldness or hair thinning can be hereditary, alopecia is one of the main reasons behind hair loss in men. A study in the National Library of Medicine reported that the medical condition affects 30-50% of men by age 50.
Despite age, hormonal imbalances, and genetics being factors of alopecia, not maintaining healthy hair care habits can also play a role. Limiting the amount of heat, hair coloring, and other chemical uses helps prevent early hair loss and contributes to hair growth. Having a healthy scalp also impacts hair growth and retention. Scalp irritations, such as dandruff and inflammation, damage the hair strands sprouting from underneath. Following good hair habits using cleansing shampoo and hydrating conditioner supports a healthy scalp.
The Deep Clean Shine Starter Clarifying Shampoo by Mixed Chicks and the R+Co Cassette Curl Conditioner + Superseed Oil Complex contain those clean ingredients and hydration for scalps prone to dryness. Following up with the Uncle Jimmy Curl Kicker helps to lock in moisture for all waves, curls, coils, and kinky hair textures.
Creating a Hair Care Routine Based on Your Needs
On the other hand, establishing a proper hair care routine for beards looks different than the average regimen for caring for hair on the head.
Image Source: Getty Images
While convenience may lead one to assume that using the same products for hair on a beard works the same, that is not the case. The purpose of regular shampoo is to remove oil and dirt that builds up from the last wash day. The ingredients and chemicals in regular shampoos are not designed to prevent the harshness they may have on facial hair.
The skin on the scalp tends to be less sensitive than that on the face. As a result, the scalp can endure shampoo formulas. Because the skin on the face is more sensitive, different types of hair products are required to clean beards. Products specifically designed for beards have different ingredients that are more gentle than those found in hair products and protect facial skin.
Since regular shampoo is known to strip away oils, beard wash does not deprive the facial hair of its sebum oils. Sebum oil is a substance that the body naturally produces, and it helps keep a beard moisturized. Sebum oil also protects the beard from dryness, dullness, thinning, and dandruff. OKAY Pure Naturals for Men Castor Oil Hair & Beard Shampoo product is designed to cater to beard cleansing and hair and includes caster oil to restore that moisture and shine after use. Finishing with the Scotch Porter Beard and Hair Conditioning Spray seals in the hydration with nourishing oils like Argan, Marula, Avocado, Coconut, and Kukui. In return, the beard is left feeling soft and shiny.
The Difference Between Everyday Shampoo and Beard Products
The main ingredient difference between an everyday shampoo and a beard shampoo is the extra oils found only in beard cleansing products. In addition to the oils mentioned above, some products may contain shea butter or African black soap for extra protection. Every Man Jack Beard Butter is a product that includes natural ingredients that relieve irritation and itching and help keep the hair strands in place.
Avoiding ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates is crucial as they can damage hair, cause frizziness and dryness, and, in extreme cases, impact male fertility.
Image Source: @thebeardedathlete
Finding the proper grooming routine for hair and beards is a journey. However, knowing the correct ingredients to look for and understanding what elements the hair needs helps to achieve positive results. While growth may be a significant goal, maintaining a healthy scalp and hair makes a significant difference. Developing a regimen that prioritizes hair health promotes hair growth for beards and hair on the head.
Looking for the right products for your scalp and beard? Check out our recommendations for male hair care brands.
Uncle Jimmy Beard Growth Oil
Bump Patrol Aftershave Sensitive
SheaMoisture Men Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Full Beard Detangler
As March signifies Women’s History Month, celebrating outstanding accomplishments continues for women worldwide.
International Women’s Day empowers women worldwide by recognizing their achievements, raising awareness for gender equality, and championing change. This year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion.”
Inclusion is recognizing that there is space for every person to feel welcomed, especially in the hair care industry. Trailblazing women find new ways to disrupt traditional hair and beauty standards as society evolves. The power behind revolutionizing an industry to include a more representative version of the world fosters a more inclusive environment where people feel seen and heard.
Here are ten hair care brands transforming the natural hair care industry to uplift all hair types.
1. Rizos Curls
Julissa Prado founded Rizos Curls to fulfill a need for more curly hair products for other people and meet a need herself. Growing up, Prado found it hard to find a product that incorporated clean ingredients and sustainability. As a result, Rizos made those two qualities a priority for her hair care line. Her best sellers include Rizo’s deep conditioner and hydrating shampoo, which are amazing with any hair texture.
2. Curl Mix
Kim Lewis kept 4C hair in mind when she co-created Curl Mix. The hair care company simplifies the tedious wash-and-go hairstyle into four simple steps. Her Master’s Collection features products essential to defining kinky curls. These products cut detangling time in half and provide a heavy hold so natural hairstyles last for days.
3. Bomba Curls
After suffering from severe traction alopecia, founder Lulu Cordero used hair recipes native to her Dominican Republic hometown to promote hair growth and health. She found the right blend of ingredients to create Bomba Curls’ formula. Her products nourish the scalp, seal moisture, and encourage healthy hair growth. Her award-winning Forbidden Hair Mask, also seen in Vogue, is a deep, conditioning treatment with restorative properties for any curl type.
4. OLAPLEX
As one of the largest hair care brands in the world, OLAPLEX sets itself apart with its patent technology. Founded in 2014 by Dean Christal, its quality ingredients help restore healthy hair by repairing damaged bonds across all hair types. Cosmopolitan has deemed the N°3 pre-shampoo treatment a holy grail item for its ability to improve and strengthen hair strands.
5. Mielle Organics
Monique Rodriguez, founder and CEO, started her hair care empire in 2014 and has become one of the most recognizable textured hair brands nationwide. As highlighted in the name, the hair care brand uses natural ingredients to meet each curl pattern’s needs and achieve healthy hair results. Her Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil has nearly a five-star rating from reviewers who have raved about their hair growth since using the product.
6. Mixed Chicks
Wendi Levy Kaaya and Kim Etheredge created Mixed Chicks to meet the needs of multicultural people. To reduce the amount of products needed to wear their curls out and in their natural state, Mixed Chicks became rooted in being the one-stop shop for men, women, and kids with curly hair. Its leave-in conditioner is a fan favorite.
7. CURLS
Mahisha Dellinger wanted to bring something different to the natural hair care industry when she founded CURLS in 2002. Instead of creating a product to help women manage their textured hair, she designed CURLS to define those curly, coiled, and kinky strands. Tia Mowry, Ashanti, Alicia Keys, and many others have endorsed her products. The Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash has been recognized as one of CURLS’ top-selling products for its restorative properties.
8. TGIN
Empowering women to be their best version is rooted in Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN) origination. Created by the late founder, Chris-Tia Donaldson, her vision for TGIN was to redefine traditional beauty and hair standards. That vision has landed the hair care brand in Ulta, Target, CVS, and other national retailers. The Rose Water Hydrating Curl Cream is a crowd-pleaser for its hydrating, frizz-free benefits.
9. GirlandHair
Girl+Hair was founded by dermatologist Camille Verovic after she searched for products to help care for her natural hair after she had done the “big chop.” When she turned to protective styling, she realized the lack of products available to protect her curl type under her braids, weaves, or extensions. To fill the gap, she created a hair care brand to meet the needs of women on the go who desire to protect their natural hair underneath. Her Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is a favorite among all hair types in need of cleansing their scalp.
10. Camille Rose
Created to combat her children’s eczema, founder Janell Stephens developed a formula to solve the most common problems that come with managing natural hair. Her recipe for beauty includes natural ingredients that address the dryness and roughness of textured hair. The Curl Love Moisture Milk is an award-winning product that nourishes strands and leaves them smooth after use.
Need hair care tips? Hear an expert on how to care for curls, coils, and wavy hair.
Cora Miller took matters into her own hands to fill a gap in the textured hair care industry.
Miller sought natural hair care products designed for boys and men to manage her young son’s curls and coils. To her surprise, the first-time parent discovered a lack of textured hair care products for Black males.
“There was not anything I felt my son could see himself in, and that bothered me,” Miller said over Zoom.
Her unsuccessful attempts to locate the necessary hair tools to style her newborn’s hair lasted nearly two years. Miller’s frustrations fueled her desire to find a solution that met not only her son’s needs but also those of Black and brown communities.
“I firmly believe in representation,” Miller said. “It’s so important for our young men to see themselves on shelves, in places and spaces where they are normally not included.”
To combat the hair care industry’s deficiency, Miller created “Young King” hair care with her husband in December 2019. Since its initial start as an online shop, the company has expanded onto the shelves of Target, Walmart, and CVS stores nationwide. The plant-based brand features conditioners, shampoo, curling cream, oils, and various products, including items for customers with locs and twists.
Young King hair care stemmed from Miller’s quest to fulfill a demand that impacted her and other parents with sons who have textured hair. Now, the business owner recognizes that the Young King brand’s purpose is bigger than serving as a bridge to close the gap.
Image Source: @youngkinghaircare
The intentionality behind Young King sets it apart from the available male hair products. Its clean, plant-based ingredients are specifically crafted and blended to hydrate textured hair. Free from sulfates, parabens, and other harmful elements, its natural ingredients add an extra layer of safety that also makes it useful for babies.
While Young King hair care’s physical components are a standout feature, the brand’s mission makes it resonate among customers. Miller seeks to flip the narrative of the unworthiness that society places on young Black boys. Young King also serves as a hair care tool that instills confidence by providing healthy hair, flawless curls, and growth results.
As young boys and men use these products to enhance their appearance, their self-love amplifies in return as they see a reflection of themselves to take pride in. In an industry typically geared towards women, Miller redefines traditional beauty standards by carving out space for young boys and men to be represented in hair care.
“That notion of ‘when you look good, you feel good’ is traditionally associated with feminine and feminine beauty,” Miller said. “We don’t talk about that enough with young men or what self-care looks like for them…We’re trying to change that narrative to ensure our boys and young men understand and can own their self-care journey.”
Striving to redefine male grooming is a pursuit that Miller unknowingly has been preparing for before becoming a full-time entrepreneur.
Before becoming a first-time businesswoman, Miller had a corporate background in social responsibility and impact. The skills she gained from her previous career, combined with her husband’s marketing experience, led the power couple to also develop online and in-person experiences for buyers to deepen their connection with “Young King” hair care beyond only purchasing products.
“Learning how to love and pour into yourself is a confidence builder,” Miller said. You can do that by having tools, resources, and products that speak to you and affirm who you are as a person.”
Young King also provides educational content to help parents understand how to manage natural hair and then teach those lessons to their sons.
“Not only do we speak to boys and young men and help them on their journey, but we also speak directly to moms and parents,” Miller said. “Sometimes, that gap in education does not translate to the boys because parents don’t always know what to do or what that self-care journey looks like for them.”
Hair guides are available on the brand’s blog and Instagram account and teach customers how to use their products. Miller also sends newsletters that feature natural hair tutorials and hosts pop-up events where she and her husband engage with parents about textured hair and recommend certain Young King hair products for customers.
Image Source: @youngkinghaircare
Miller has seen immense growth with Young King despite its early challenges.
Launching only three months before the COVID-19 pandemic, Miller had no idea of the difficulties ahead of her. Due to the worldwide shutdown, establishing a community as a new brand and supply chain issues were the entrepreneurs’ most significant problems.
Still, Miller and her husband persisted with building Young King because they knew the brand’s purpose was bigger than the adversities they initially encountered.
Young King has flourished since its start and has cultivated a community on a national scale.
Image Source: @youngkinghaircare
In 2022, the brand partnered with Marvel to distribute a limited collection of products inspired by the film, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” That following year, the entrepreneurs appeared on the ABC show “Shark Tank,” but their dissatisfaction with the investors’ deals led to Miller and her husband rejecting their offers.
Although the last few years have been a whirlwind experience for Miller as a first-time business owner, her perseverance is anchored in the legacy that Miller and her husband are cementing for their children.
As Young King reaches its five-year mark, the dedication and commitment behind redefining male grooming remain at the forefront of the entrepreneurs’ industry-changing pursuits.
“We can change the narrative and make beauty inclusive for young men of color,” Miller said.
Are you ready to shop these empowering products for young boys? Check out their newest LOC’D IN collection which debuted this month for braids, twists, and locs.
The resurgence of mullets is steadily rising, and Black women are at the forefront of its comeback.
The eccentric look is a choppy hairstyle where the front, top, and side areas are cut short, and the back of the hair flows with length. Dubbed as the hairstyle that embodies the mantra “business in the front, party in the back,” rocking a mullet upholds a reputation of rebelling against conventional hair and beauty norms.
Instagram: @themyahphair
The mullet has a long history, and its origin has been linked to ancient Greece, Rome, and the Viking Age, as well as connections with certain Indigenous tribes that have been traced back centuries. The emergence of mullets in pop culture derived from the 1970s punk rock era, where freedom of expression and individuality were driving forces behind the movement that brought prominence to the unique hairstyle.
Edginess, unpolished, and boldness represented the punk rock era’s hair concepts, fashion pieces, music, and attitudes. Famed musician David Bowie inspired the rise in popularity of the mullet after being seen onstage and in public wearing it with pride. His public display led artists like Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, and others to sport the haircut, which helped catapult mullets into becoming a mainstream hair trend.
As mullets spiked throughout the 80s, the immense popularity grabbed the attention of athletes and other musicians. Tina Turner and Michael Jackson participated in the fad until its peak ended in the following decade. The craze over the mullet hairstyle dwindled and faded in the early 90s.
Image Source: Getty Images
As the style continues to evolve, Black women have found new ways to reimagine the original style and modernize the haircut.
The hairstyle has expanded since returning as a trend in 2023. Instead of restricting mullets to straight and textured hair, Black women are creating mullets with protective styles. Across social media, Black women are online showing how they are reviving the 70s and 80s trend. Mullets are now being integrated into braids, locs, and twists, unlocking a new level of creativity for the iconic haircut.
Image Source: @gina
Image Source: @iamlocd
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In 2023, many Black women candidly shared on TikTok the step-by-step process of achieving their mullets with a quick weave.
Image Source: @jadathestylist
To avoid experiencing the various cutting techniques that were once required to attain the desired style, they used quick weaves as a new method that drove the same results. Braiding the natural hair underneath, putting on a wig cap, and gluing or sewing extensions on top were the go-to options for those who did not want to fully commit to the cutting that comes with having a mullet.
Black women have since adopted the old-fashioned style, altering the look in distinct ways that explore the endless realms of creative hair designs. Throughout the years, Rihanna, Zendaya Coleman, Teyana Taylor, and Ryan Destiny are among the crowd of celebrities who have shown off their version of fearlessly wearing a mullet.
Image Source: Getty Images
Image Source: Getty Images
Rihanna was first spotted with the hairstyle in 2013, with a modern twist incorporating the top of her hair to resemble a pixie cut. She revisited the style in 2020 and wore a different variation that was more fuller than before.
Image Source: Getty Images
Also, in 2020, Destiny shared her rendition of the everlasting style with fans. The actress embraced bangs with flared shorter pieces of hair in the back to still achieve the style’s length component.
Beads, colored braiding hair, clip-ins, and other accessories included in the protective styles have contributed to a reimagined version of the mullet. Although the trend has not always centered on Black women, they continue to cement their stamp on the legendary hairstyle and redefine the various ways a mullet can be displayed now and in the future.
Need help figuring out what haircut is best for your curls? Get inspired by these different styles.
1. Bigen GB6 Golden Blonde SemiPerm Hair Color
2. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, & Twist Gel
3. Treasured Locks H2G Hair Growth Shampoo
Will you be trying out a mullet protective style? Let us know in the comments.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and a new haircut is one of the best ways to shower yourself with love.
In the midst of scheduling those reservations at fancy restaurants or crafting flower arrangements, deciding what new haircut to sport for the romantic holiday should not be another task to add to the agenda. Revisiting past trendy hairstyles is a great option for inspiration, and the one trend that is bound to make a comeback for February is Drake’s Certified Lover Boy haircut.
In 2021, Drake’s heart-shaped hairstyle became the Internet’s latest obsession, sending social media users into a frenzy for its bold and distinctive look. The rapper displayed the heart-shaped pattern sketched into the hairline of his low cut as part of his rollout for his sixth studio album, “Certified Lover Boy.” Months later, social media users joked about the haircut after Drake posted a now-deleted photo of himself with another new hairstyle: a cross between a bowl cut with a side swept bang that still incorporated a heart-shaped pattern on top.
Although the rapper received mixed reviews about the style after it went viral, the heart-shaped design garnered massive popularity. It quickly became a trend, and people started to duplicate the pattern and incorporate it into their different hairstyles.
Image Source: @fadeologist_24
Image Source: @dreamcutsbarberlounge
There was also a rise in men requesting the rapper’s Certified Lover Boy pattern as an added treat to include in their fade. From incorporating the heart-shaped design onto their hairline or having their barber shave it on the back of their head, the trend represented a form of self-expression.
Image Source: @dizzy_cutz
That creativity found its way into protective styling as well. Hair stylists soon found ways to include the famous pattern into braids, twists, cornrows, and locs, making it more versatile for various hair textures and hairdos.
Instagram: @_braidsbae
Image Source: @creationsbymanii
Image Source: @ophelia__7
Drake’s impact on heart-shaped hair trend is not the first instance where a celebrity’s influence propelled the direction of a particular hairstyle. Hair painting has taken over social media feeds recently, and other male celebrities have joined the fun. In 2020, NBA legend Dwayne Wade made headlines after dyeing a portion of his hair red and blonde to resemble a flame on the back of his head. Adding his personal flair to the artistry, Wayne, alongside other public figures, pushed the culture forward for current and future generations to follow.
Image Source: @hairbyjaredesg
Known for its bold colors, eccentric shapes, artistic prints, and unconventional designs, hair painting is not a new technique. It draws inspiration from hair culture in the 1990s and 2000s.
Image Source: @c0mptonkitty
Image Source: @mademyjackiebieber
Rapper Lil Kim is known for pushing the needle when establishing a one-of-a-kind style. In 2001, the trendsetter debuted one of her most iconic hairstyles: a blonde straight wig with the Versace logo monogrammed throughout. Within that year, she repeated a similar look but wore a teal wig with black undertones and the Chanel emblem printed across its bangs.
Lil Kim’s boldness and vision to stray from conventional hairstyles make her one of the initial influences that made this genre of hair creativity mainstream. Celebrities such as Cardi B, Saweetie, Megan Thee Stallion, and many others have found ways to integrate similar hair designs into their public personas.
Image Source: @iamcardib
The impact of Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” heart-shaped haircut is no different from what celebrities have recreated in the past that current generations follow today.
To replicate his trendy haircut, visiting a barber trained and skilled with shaving designs is essential for accomplishing this desired pattern. A barber can either freestyle the design or outline the shape before cutting. Consider adding a pop of color or a set of hearts to stand out more and show off your February haircut just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Want to experiment with hair dye at home? Learn how to prepare your curls for color.
Layers are one of the best beginner options when you need help figuring out where to start when getting a haircut. The versatility of layered haircuts makes them trendy and adored by many celebrities. They come in many different shapes and sizes and work well with any hair texture when executed properly. One major benefit of sporting a layered cut is how flattering the results are when framing the layers to a person’s distinct face shape. Volume, movement, shape, and fullness are a few other qualities that make having layers appealing. Layered hairstyles are a great alternative when not ready for a big chop.
Whether you’re in the mood for a layered haircut with bangs or feel confident trying out a bob, scroll through our styling recommendations for face-framing layers on coily, curly, and wavy hair.
1. Curtain Bangs and Long Layers
Image Source: @nisamarandajones
Bangs can be tricky because they can go one or two ways: you either love or hate them.
Curtain bangs are an option that achieves a similar frame without having to do the risky traditional chop. Carol’s Daughter recommended that the best way to achieve this desired look is to cut gradually on dry, defined hair. When deciding the length, the hair care brand also mentioned starting long and cutting more if needed.
2. Middle Part Coiled Afro
Image Source: @naptural85
Definition and shape are crucial to accomplishing this fun and flirty hairstyle. For a fuller and more voluminous look, consult with a stylist when deciding the best way to cut layers and shape an afro. Finger coiling is a low-maintenance styling technique that can last up to two weeks. Although it is a tedious process, the results are worth it!
3. Heart-Shaped Wash and Go
Image Source: @curlygirlcrissy
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, this fun style requires cutting the hair in layers to achieve the heart shape. Cutting at a vertical angle is crucial to getting the maximum volume and depth out of this style. After defining, scrunch the front parts of the wash and go to mold and shrink the curls right above the eyebrows.
4. Shag Haircut for Curly Hair
Image Source: @hairbyravenc
This ’80s-inspired haircut emphasizes the curl’s texture and is flattering for many face shapes because of its versatility. A leave-in conditioner helps maintain this style by keeping the curls moisturized and frizz-free. Scrunching different pieces with your hands adds the distinct shape that makes this haircut stand out.
5. Deep Side Part
Image Source: @naturalfrecklesandcurls
One of the many benefits of curly hair is the ability to repurpose a hairstyle and create a new look. Add more drama by parting the hair lower than where it naturally separates on the side that fits your face frame the best. Reshape the hair’s symmetry and adjust it to your liking.
6. Curly Wolf Cut
Image Source: Getty Images
A blend between the mullet and the shag, this hairstyle has become very popular and has been seen on many celebrities walking the red carpets. Master hairstylist Naté Bova told Instyle that cutting layers around the face frame, sides, and back ensures that the top of the hair is flatter and not round. You get the best of both worlds with a curly wolf-cut!
7. Wavy Hair Short Layered Bob
Image Source: @styled_by_carolynn
Bobs will always be in season all year long. Different ways to style this include parting the hair down the middle or on the side with a part of your hair tucked for a more chic look. Cutting long face-framing layers creates this look. Add mousse to give it extra movement and body!
8. Fringe Bangs on Choppy Wavy Hair
Image Source: Getty Images
Any hair type and texture can pull off this two-for-one cut, especially those with wavy hair. Asking a hairstylist to taper the sides of the bang so they blend into the remaining parts of your hair makes for the perfect pairing.
9. Tousled Wavy Layers
Image Source: @simoneashley
Rocking a tousled hairstyle is not as messy as it sounds. This other popular style is often achieved with a curling iron, but the look can still be achieved without heat. Simply wet the hair, split it down the middle or on the side for your desired part, and braid the pieces. The braids must be completely dry before unraveling and brushing them out.
Entering a new month is a good enough reason to justify trying a new hairstyle, including a fresh haircut. The range of possibilities that layered hairstyles provide makes these popular looks more inviting. Keeping textured hair moisturized, free of frizz, and bouncy makes all the difference.
Interested in learning more? Find out which hair care products work best for your coils, curls, and wavy textures!
1. UNITE BOING Moisture Curl Cream
2. Rucker Roots AntiFrizz Silkening Growth Serum
3. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray
We’re loving all these face framing layers, which one will you try this season? Let us know in the commetns!
Last year’s “girlhood” became a trending topic that infiltrated food, finances, and fashion and is crossing over into 2024. Girlhood represented the shared mindset of relatable experiences distinctly between women. The early beginnings of the social frenzy started with “Girl Dinner,” a viral fad where users showed their evening meal with random food items or light snacks to substitute for cooking or lack of groceries. “Girl Math” became famous for its amusing TikTok videos where women jokingly explained justifications for personal spending habits. Now, the latest expansion of the phenomenon is one that is not only familiar but also nostalgic for Gen Z as they resurrected hair bows from a childhood accessory and turned the style into a fashion statement.
Image Source: @miucaiah
In the past, hair bows were primarily used to keep hair in place. Ponytails, high/low buns, puffballs, and plaits remain everyday hairstyles for which young girls use these accessories.
The traditional boutique hair bow is looped and tied to create the centerpiece, adding an innocent, playful appearance that comes in various colors catered to children.
Getty Images: Peter Adams
More varieties of classic designs, such as the thin tassel version and even tuxedo-style bows, appealed to young girls.
Getty Images: Kevin Fishel
Getty Images: Johnny Greig
Inadvertently, the designs and various fabrics of the different bows added dimension and vibrant colors that turned any kiddy hairstyle from basic to decorative.
As “girlhood” transcends into other facets, the reboot of the hair bow is its latest addition to its growing evolution. Gen Z is rebranding the hair tool as an ornamental accessory, making it a must-have item. With the growing obsession with vintage fashion, this timeless piece provides the feminine and retro aesthetic many Gen Z content creators aim to cultivate.
Image Source: @.akayogirl
Image Source: @taylormiree
Image Source: @nico1eodeon
Image Source: ashleescurls
Social media influencers have also shown their version of following the trend with the hashtag #ribbonhairstyle. Popular influencer Monet McMichael filmed herself placing a large black bow into her hair in a half-up, half-down updo in a video, contributing to the viral TikTok trend with more than 254 million views.
Image Source: @monetmcmichael
Hair, beauty, and fashion influencer Olivia Emanuel did a braided ponytail hairstyle that she shared with her 204,000 Instagram supporters, giving a step-by-step on how to achieve the look.
Image Source: @olivia_emanuel
The versatility of it being worn as a clothing item or hair clip made the bow’s resurgence multifunctional, inviting adults to experiment with modernizing the accessory. A hair bow’s ability to add dramatic or subtle elements makes it easier to switch up any look conveniently. Despite being a childlike tool, the multifaceted use of hair bows has made them accessible for people of all ages to use at their disposal.
Adults are adding their twist to the trend. Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, Quinn Wilson, and other celebrities have been seen on red carpets wearing hair bows as part of their ensembles or hair do’s.
Getty Images: Taylor Hill
Image Source: @badgalriri
Instead of holding hairstyles together, they are now used as fashion pieces to compliment outfits, adding a youthful flair.
Getty Images: Kevin Winter
This popular trend will be around for a while, from wearing hair ribbons as fashion statements to finding creative ways to include bows in different hairstyles.
The options are endless when trying to achieve an effortless look for your curls to flourish underneath the hair bows. Using a curl custard adds definition to curls, coils, and waves. Top it off with hair oil for moisture and a refreshing sheen mist for shine before adding the hair clip.
1. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
2. ORS Olive Oil Girls Oil Moisturizing Hair & Scalp Lotion
3. Coconut Restore Moisture and Shine Mist
Like what you see? For more inspiration, check out these accessories for your next hairstyle!
The double standard of cosmetology training between Black and white hairstylists is an ongoing issue that is not only seen across beauty salons but also felt by consumers with textured hair.
Black women are among those consumers who have endured negative experiences from professional stylists not trained to work with curls, waves, or coils. This has led consumers to go to beauty salons that they know specialize in their hair type, many of which are predominantly led by Black stylists or people of color. As a result, a division between hair salons created a segregated environment between Black and white hair care professionals.
The discrepancy between Black and white hairstylists traces back to the educational gap. While Black hair stylists understand how to treat textured hair and are trained to work with other hair types, their white counterparts are not held to the same standard. New York legislators are addressing this inequity by requiring all hair stylists to be trained in “various curl and wave patterns, hair strand thickness, and volumes of hair” to become licensed professionals.
Source: thegrio
Bill S6528A was initially introduced in April by Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey, who shared his experiences of needing a quick haircut but needing to be more comfortable walking into an unfamiliar barbershop. On Nov. 17, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law and is slated to take full effect in six months. The law also requires that questions regarding servicing all hair types are included on exams.
While a person with finer hair can be serviced at any salon of their choosing, those with textured hair are left with the burden of being unable to walk into any salon without being denied service or fearing their hair may be damaged. Textured hair customers often face requirements before their hair appointment to make it easier for the stylist to complete their job. It continues to be more common for hair stylists to charge extra fees for the thicker and denser curl patterns. From demanding clients to show up with their hair washed, detangled, and blowdried to making derogatory comments about texture, salons’ inequalities force more textured hair consumers to leave behind salons altogether.
Barber Shops run into similar issues.
White clientele was the primary group served when Black barber shops arrived in America during the 19th century. After emancipation, Black barbers could serve who they wanted, which shifted their clientele to more Black customers. Still, the disparity remains. Black barbers can cater to clients of different backgrounds. On the other hand, white barbers are often not trained or unaware of the different tools and common conditions, like razor bumps and ingrown hairs, that more clients of color are prone to.
The frustration from the lack of knowledge has led to many sharing their unpleasant encounters online, including models and actresses who have dealt with similar issues behind the scenes with stylists not knowing how to handle textured hair properly.
Source: @thecrownact
In a 2022 interview, actress Storm Reid described the hair disparity as “dehumanizing” and “heartbreaking.” She noted that it was not until she worked with Kim Kimble while filming “A Wrinkle In Time” that her hair was appropriately treated.
Historically, cosmetology schools did not include educational lessons on styling textured hair. Straight hair was the primary hair type, and unless one sought additional training from a Black beauty school or other resources, learning how to do different hair types was not required. It was not until 2020 that the Milady Standard Cosmetology Textbook – one of the primary guides that beauty schools use to compose their curriculum – was updated to include more sections about working with textured hair.
Despite the prevalent bias in the hair industry, progress is being made to rectify the disparities. New York was not the first state to alter their training requirements for hair professionals. In 2021, the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology standardized all licensing exams to include a section on cutting textured hair. It made Louisiana the first state to implement textured hair education in cosmetology schools’ curriculum.
Significant changes continue to be made as both regulations align with part of the CROWN ACT’s mission to “extend statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles” in professional environments and public schools. The act also works to prevent discrimination against natural hair and has been legislated in 23 states since its creation in 2019.
Source: Instagram @thecrownact
Image Source: @thecrownact
While these advancements will not be quick fixes to a generational issue, they target the root of the lack of diverse training in beauty institutions. This can be a game-changer for consumers because it can ease the hair styling experience and release the burden of subjecting customers to a particular hair establishment.
Even with the progress, however, it does not erase the generational trauma that has ensued from non-Black hair stylists. But, it can potentially reimagine the future of salons and barbershops for new hair professionals.
Join us in sharing your salon experience and how this new bill impacts you and your curls!
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