Hair Style Options For an "all Natural" Woman

Today's article is about embracing your natural hair while most importantly, maintaining a healthy scalp. I chose to focus on very basic looks, keeping it simple and real so my readers can relate. I even took these pictures with my iphone. :)

When I first met this model, she told me that she sometimes wears her hair straight. The key word here is "sometimes..." i.e. she is not addicted to straight hair or hair extensions. So I went ahead and showed her different ways to style her hair where it won't damage her hairline.

The first look is in her natural state. 

For the second look I decided to blow dry her hair straight. If you wear your hair naturally curly and use a lot of hair oils, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo to remove any build up on the hair before blow drying. After a shampoo and quick towel dry, I added Kerastase Elixir Oil to help get her hair smooth and protect it from the heat. After blow drying it, I added a tiny bit of the Hamadi Healing Serum before flat ironing her hair.

The third look uses clip in extensions to give her length. Clip in extensions allow a woman to take them out and put them in whenever she feels like it. Buying the hair myself, I get to choose the right hair match and appropriate clips to get a perfect fit. This works better than buying extensions that already have clips on them. Just keep in mind, the overuse of extensions are very hard on the scalp, causing hair breakage and permanent scalp damage.

And for the fourth look, I added a fake bang, which totally changed her appearance! Again I bought the bang/fringe and blended them to match the rest of the hair.

           Below are a few tips from this model on how she styles her hair.

Antonio- What products do you use in your hair?

Alexius- I prefer TRESemme Moisture Rich shampoo to clean my hair followed by Pantene's Moisture Balance Conditioner -- I love how thick the formula is. For a deep conditioning I use Deep Moisturizing Treatment from Pantene's Curly Hair Series. After towel drying my hair, I use Mixed Chicks Leave in Conditioner to moisturize and maintain my curls.

What do you like about wearing your hair natural?
 I like looking in the mirror and seeing an untouched version of myself...especially after I've just washed my hair. The way my curls naturally grow from my scalp makes me smile.  Loving the raw version of myself, helps me love the uber-glam version even more because at the root, I appreciate the natural me.

Did you always wear it natural? 
No, I've been natural for about 7 years. I wore sew-in extensions in high school and had my hair straightened via perms since age 8. I had braces and acne in high school, so long hair extensions allowed me to literally hide behind my insecurities. I don't miss those hours in the salon.

What would you say to young women who have natural hair but still feel insecure in a world of weaves and extensions?
Embrace what makes you different. Having natural hair doesn't mean you are restricted to just wearing your hair natural. Wear your curls free in a 'fro, pin the sides and have a 'fro hawk, tuck and shape your hair into a bouffant a la Janelle Monae. Being natural doesn't mean you cannot utilize a wig to change up your look. Do a twist set, put on a wig cap and wear a fabulous wig while your style sets. Options are my favorite reason for being natural. You can easily get a blow out if you would like to wear your own straight hair as well.

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Tom Ford RTW 2013 Hair By Orlando Pita

Talk about fresh off the runway! Orlando Pita finished the Tom Ford show in London, flew to L.A. and just came straight to the salon from the airport. To my excitement he gave us a demo of the hair from the Tom Ford show.

As usual, it's a beauty of a hairstyle and as usual it was not easy to do. :) Orlando took long hair, sectioned it into two and tucked the hair into a smooth, clean twist on the lower neck.

Check out the below images showcasing both Mr. Ford's beautiful clothing and Orlando's amazing work.

Thanks Orlo!

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Michael Kors Fashion Week Hair by Orlando Pita

Great job Orlando Pita!!

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Oscar De La Renta 2013 Hair By Orlando Pita

Today was one of the most magical days in my life! At the Oscar De La Renta show Orlando and his old friends (Oscar and others) put together a show that was breath taking. The clothes were amazing, the makeup fab and of course the hair!! Orlando created for looks for the show and showed us in detail how to create all.

Hat's of to you Mr. Pita!!

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Carolina Herrera Fashion week 2013 Orlando Pita

Today we were at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Carolina Herrera and it was amazing! The look was inspired by the 1940's, but "not as low or as loose" said Orlando. It was a difficult look to create:)

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