I am known for always changing my hair (flip through the images above). I usually don’t keep the same hairstyle for long and will change a current style at any moment if I am bored. It’s fun for me to try new and different styles and I have been told that I can pull off any look 🙂 If you’re looking to switch up your look but don’t know where to start, let me help you out. When switching up your style there are a few factors to keep in mind – cost, level of maintenance, occasion and longevity.
Color. If you are thinking about a new color, choose a color that best compliments your skin tone – that’s a great place to start. If you are nervous about getting color, like blonde, start with a darker version of the color you desire until you get used to seeing yourself in color. One year I went blonde but I started off with a chestnut brown, then progressed to a honey blonde and then ended with a golden blonde. This was over the course of months though. Please wait at least two-four weeks between bleaching (I’m not a professional, but I’ve learned the hard way). If you are new to color I would suggest going to a professional. This is where the cost factor comes in. The boxed dyes at the beauty supply store are a good cheaper alternative, but if you want to ensure that your color is done right and how you desire, then I suggest going to a professional cosmetologist.
Length. My hair has been long, short and shorter. I think there’s a misconception that a short cut is less maintenance because I was forever straightening it and having to maintain the current style each morning if I slept on it wrong. For me it was just about as much maintenance as long hair especially because I was natural and because of the texture of my hair. It was anything but low maintenance for me. To determine what length will work for you, think about how much time and energy you can dedicate to maintenance and think about your hair texture. My hair is very fine, someone with thicker hair may be able to get away with maintaining a style longer than myself.
Sew-in/Wig. The possibilities are endless with a sew-in or wig. You can go short or long, black or blonde. This is what I love about sew-ins and wigs because my hair can be protected while I have fun. I rarely do anything to my natural hair anymore since my love affair with weave. Sew-ins and wigs can be expensive but they are a great investment. From the cost of the hair to the install of the weave or construction of the wig, you could find yourself spending hundreds but that’s several hundred that will last you over a year. I particularly love wigs because of the longevity. I still have a wig I made almost 4 years ago. The hair still feels like it did when I first got it and that’s because I take care of it. A sew-in or wig is probably my go-to suggestion for anyone looking to change up their look because you don’t have to do anything to your natural hair while still experiencing something new.
Braids. My second love. Braids, twists and faux locs are great protective styles when you don’t want to do absolutely anything to your hair. They are probably the lowest maintenance style and they are perfect for vacations, working out and just those moments when you need a break from doing anything to your hair. This is another one of those investment hairstyles. Getting braids, twists or locs will cost on the front end but these styles can last for a few months so, just like sew-ins or wigs, you will get your moneys worth. When it comes to braids I am very particular in how they look, the size and the length. Unless you know someone personally who does a great professional looking job, then I would suggest going to a professional if you want quality looking braids.
Because I can do my hair myself, I save money in terms of installs so if you can do your own hair then that’s great! If you don’t but would like to learn how, check out youtube! That’s how I learned how to do a lot of hairstyles myself and saved money that way. Another tip I want to share when changing up your look is to have fun with experimenting. If something doesn’t look right on you, then you can change it! Definitely take baby steps if you aren’t familiar with or used to changing things up. Like I said before a weave is the best way to experiment with different styles while keeping your natural hair protected.
Let me know if you’re thinking about changing up your look. I’d love to hear!
Until next time…
