Tag: hair spotlight

5 Easy Zoom-Ready Hairstyles for Black Women

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Don’t get me wrong: work from home life has been great. Working in my pajamas or sweats, eating all day long, and best of all, no bra! Yes, I’ll throw one on for a Zoom meeting here or there along with a work-approved top, but the outfit isn’t the only thing that has to be camera-ready. Let’s be honest: if I’m not leaving the house, my bonnet usually doesn’t leave my head. 

Sure, a lot of women just throw their hair up in a ponytail and keep it moving, but for Black women, it’s a whole process that requires proper planning. If my hair is natural, am I going to do a whole wash and go for a 30-minute meeting? Do I need to have my frontal baby hairs laid to the gods every day? 

One of the most significant benefits of this quarantine is that my hair has grown so much due to the low-maintenance styles I’ve been rocking, and just because I have a Zoom meeting doesn’t mean I’m going to mess that up. Here’s how:

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1. Braids/Twists/Faux Locs

Let’s start with the obvious. The OG protective styles: braids, twists, faux locs, etc. The first few months of quarantine, I kept my hair in knotless box braids because with all the stress of dealing with a pandemic, the last thing I wanted to do was my hair. I loved the ease of being camera-ready in literal seconds with no daily styling needed. 

2. Wigs

Yes, wigs can be high maintenance, but hear me out. Make or buy a good quality human hair closure or frontal wig that will last. Style it and keep it on a wig head ready to go. Braid or flat twist your natural hair and rock that when bumming it on the couch. Zoom call in 5 minutes? No problem—grab that wig, slap it on, and boom, you’re ready to go. 

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3. Individual Twists

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Taking the time to do neat individual twists after washing your hair will pay off in the long run. Twists are no longer a style that is only meant to be taken out. From chunky twists to tiny twists, the style is super cute, protective, and lasts at least a week until wash day. Bonus: consider this a two-in-one style if you choose to wear it as a twist out near the end of the week. 

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4. Flat Twist Up-do

Part down the middle for two twists pinned up or do a side part with a couple on each side. The options are endless when it comes to this easy hairstyle. I love that this style is easy and good for your hair while also looking somewhat elegant because it’s an updo. Pair with baby hairs, cute earrings, and Fenty Gloss Bomb lip gloss for the finishing touch. 

5. Classic Puff 

I can’t make a list of easy hairstyles without including the classic go-to: The Puff. I usually like to do this style the day after a lazy wash day where all I did was let my curls air dry without any styling. If your curls are already defined, just grab a spray bottle along with your favorite gel and slick them up (or back, depending on your mood). Don’t forget to tie your edges with a scarf to really slay this look. *chef’s kiss*

Featured Photo: @seraya

The Natural Hair Products That Will Turn Your Curl Game Up A Notch

Published on by Lee3 Comments

As Black women, we take our crowns seriously, no matter the style of the crown. Our natural hair is a means of showcasing the beauty of our roots. Whether you’re a 3A, 2B or 4C, your curls matter.

Being a naturalista is no easy feat. You have to be up to the minute on all of the latest natural hair products to ensure you’re giving your curls the love they deserve. Our curls comes in all different shapes, sizes and textures so we have to meet them where they are but not leave them there. With humidity coming for all the hard work we put into maintaining the perfect curl and avoiding frizz, we gotta stay ready so we don’t have to get ready.

Keep reading for some natural hair products that will have your curls screaming, “Yasssss!”

*This list is specially curated by the BeautyLeeBar team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, BeautyLeeBar might earn a small commission.

Aveeno Oat Milk Blend Shampoo

Did you know that oat milk is great for soothing your scalp? Because it is rich in protein and lipids, it adds a smoothness and shine that your curls will thank you for. Depending on your scent preference, you may love or hate the fragrance but we guarantee you’ll love how your hair feels after a good shampoo. $7 Buy Now

Oyin Handmade Hair Natural Moisture Dew

Celebrated as the leave-in to believe in, this Oyin product will kick dryness in the ass. The castor oil and squalane provide hydration and moisture for your coils and kinks. $20 Buy Now

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque

SheaMoisture is an illustrious collection of products perfect for repairing damaged hair. If you’ve been using heat and/or coloring your hair more than you should, this Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque will reduce shedding and allow your hair to grow free of harsh chemicals. $12 Buy Now

DevaCurl Deep Sea Repair Seaweed Strengthening Mask

DevaCurl created a treatment ideal for defining your curls while also improving elasticity. Try using this product once a week to power-pack your curls with the strength it needs for any style. Word on the street is that this DevaCurl option is a great option for transitioning curls. $51.20 Buy Now

KareCo Tangle Buster Brush

Your coils need a brush that is gentle and efficient. The Tangle Buster has your back from its flexible paddle to the easy glide bristles. Whether using it on wet or dry hair, you can flawlessly detangle your hair in one hour, giving you more time to style your hair. $10.96 Buy Now

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SOULTANICALS Fluffalicious Nutricious

With a name like Fluff-a-licious, how can you go wrong? A little goes a long way as you style your bantu knots or twist out. You can depend on this product to keep your hair supple for days on end. Not to mention, the wheat germ oil and blue malva herb gives thick curly strands maximum nourishment. $16 Buy Now

Afro Sheen Crown Defining Curl Cream

Sometimes our curls need a little help – think of this curl defining cream as the curl support system. It lacks grease, is full of fatty acids and reduces split ends. When lathering the cream, you are sure to notice an instant softness. $21 Buy Now

R+Co Cassette Curl Shampoo 

Everyone hates frizz so, when we find a product that tames frizz, we are sold. Between the flaxseed and rice oil, you’ll want to treat this product like your favorite album that you can play and walk away. It will strengthen your hair from the follicle to the ends. $29 Buy Now

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR GO-TO NATURAL HAIR PRODUCT(S) THAT TREAT THE CURLS, GIRLS?

SWITCH WIG, MAKE HIM FEEL LIKE HE CHEATIN’

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Wigs have been around since the late 17th century. As a black woman that has beautiful kinky coily curly hair, I can say that wigs serve many purposes. I for one do like to switch up my hairstyles whenever I’m in the mood and wigs are a great essential for that. Just don’t forget to take care of your beautiful natural hair under the cap. Over the last 2-3 years, my wig collection has grown expeditiously.

If it were up to me and not my bank account, I would have a room full of wigs named after my favorite celebrities. From Cardi B to Viola Davis, wigs have become a mainstay for boss women not only because of their convenience but also for their undeniable flair. If you want to try a new style or color, you can always rock a wig to try it out before making a permanent decision.

In the past few years, the negative connotation with wigs has been replaced with that of opulence and class. Back in the day, wearing a wig was seen as a way to go undercover or as a hair loss solution. While you can keep those on the list of pros of rocking a wig, they offer so much more in this day and age.

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Before even jumping into the wigs I bought from HerGivenHair.com, let us talk about how it is important to start with a good quality wig. As far as human hair wigs go, they do tend to look extremely natural however, they can also run you a few hundred dollars (at least). If money is tight, some synthetic ones are much cheaper and are pretty impressive on the appearance tip too. If you opt for a monofilament wig, they do look like the hair from your wig is growing from your scalp while a hand-tied is less dense and also looks more natural than machine-wefted or stitched wigs. Just make sure to keep in mind that the less money you spend on a synthetic wig, the less likely you’ll be able to use heat styling tools (because they will melt the hair). Also, please avoid wigs that have that crescent moon type of hairline; the more natural the hairline the better.

If you opt to go to an actual beauty supply store, the customer service agents there should be able to assist you with finding a wig that best fits your hair and personal style. But if you’d prefer to order a wig online, there are plenty of naturalista pros out in the YouTube world who can totally help you out. Some videos worth checking out are located here, here, here and here.

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I understand that finding the right wig for you can sometimes be a challenge. Not every hair brand is trustworthy and not every Instagram Influencer/model is trustworthy. Sometimes they only care about the quick money they can make. BeautyLeeBar for one isn’t going to mention a product if the quality and quantity are not up to par. I have been wearing braids for a couple of months now and I am itching to rock a wig again.

I say all of this because I am admitting to being influenced by the beautiful Afro Latina Amara La Negra. Around July, Amara La Negra announced she was a partner with hergivenhair.com. That is when I decided to make a purchase. Amara is known for her honesty, and I truly believe she wouldn’t work with just any hair brand. When her pictures came out, I couldn’t help but be in awe.

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FYI, the wigs are expensive but I have bought way more expensive wigs that the quality of the hair didn’t match. I am not saying just blow your money away though, still, be smart.

(Oh, and if you’re looking for some real-looking affordable wigs, check out these videos here, here and here.)

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Back to hergivenhair, even though the wigs are on the pricey side I can confess the hair texture is perfect and the hair itself is full and bouncy. I purchased the wigs already bleached and plucked which made applying the wig on top of my hair easier. You can not tell that it is a wig which I am living for. Honestly, it is hergivenhair.com for me.

Below are my faves from hergivenhair.com:

Brown Ombre headband wig-HBWIG06

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture:Coily
Hair Length: 16 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 185g
Wig Type: Machine-made Weft

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

– Beginner Friendly
– Full Protective Style With No Leave Out
– Protect Your Edges Well
– Super Natural and Convenient With No Lace And No Glue
– Different Styles According To Your Mood

Big Hair No Care Unit-LFW59S

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture: Curly
Hair Length: 20 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 260g
Wig Type: Lace Closure Wig

Her Story:

Your bad hair days are finally over! Come get this long full look with an amazing dome shaped curls in our 20 inches Curly Lace Closure wig. This voluminous hair is the way to go! It’s impossible not to look fearless with this look! Your friends will scream, “this is everything and I need this ASAP!” The hair is very defined and curly and great for the summer. The special cut layer of this unit is designed to achieve a full textured look, it’s a girl’s amazing curly dream. Our customers think so and you can see that many people are ranking this look at number one for their favorite post!

Something about Mary Unit-MSW01S

The “Something about Mary” unit was inspired by Msnaturallymary as her signature wig. With fusions of her favorite natural hair elements, this unit was created to enhance the protective styling experience. It does not require any leave out and looks super natural, making it the most ideal protective style. It is shaped and customized in a manner to mimic a diva cut/ heart shape design; both of which are a natural girls dream. You’ll be sure to turn heads in this wig.

Texture:Coily
Length:14″,16″ and 18″ were used to custom make this unit.
Volume Of Style A: Before Styling 275g
After Styling 270g
Volume Of Style B: Before Styling 355g
After Styling 350g

Getting the Most out of Your Unit Directions:
Step 1: Co wash
-Aussie moist 7 in 1 conditioner
Or
-As I am co wash
Step 2: Apply Styling products
-Aloe Vera Juice
-Dark n lovely Aue Naturale Curl Defining Glaze
-Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
Step 3: Use Denman brush (Felicia Leatherwood) to define curls
Step 4: Allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser to dry the hair
Step 5: Be fabulous

Diva Curly Unit-LFW20S

For Sample Pic:

Pic Hair Length: 14 Inches Hair Volume (Before Styling): 170g Wig Type: Lace Front Wig

“The Flame Within” Coily Unit-TLW33S

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture: Coily
Hair Length: 14 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 200g
Wig Type: Lace Closure Wig

Blow-out highlights Headband Wig-HBWIG08

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture:Kinky Blow out
Hair Length: 16 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 185g
Wig Type: Machine-made Weft

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

– Beginner Friendly
– Full Protective Style With No Leave Out
– Protect Your Edges Well
– Super Natural and Convenient With No Lace And No Glue
– Different Styles According To Your Mood

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If you’re planning to get a protective style or simply want to experiment with natural looking hair extensions, I totally recommend HerGivenHair.  Feel free to check out their website by clicking here and subscribe to their YouTube channel for awesome content. Hopefully one day you’ll see me on their page! 🤍

9 Iconic ‘Clueless’ Beauty Moments To Reminisce Over — AND Maybe Copy, Too

Published on by Lee2 Comments

The ’90s are famous for churning out hit teen movies one after another. If you weren’t lusting over Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You, you were probably taking fashion notes from one of the era’s biggest blockbusters: Clueless. You surely know (and might have even recreated) the matching plaid skirt-suit sets main character’s Cher and Dionne wore and even Cher’s red slip-dress, but now, in honor of the movie’s 25th anniversary, it’s time to appreciate the most iconic beauty moments from Clueless, as well.

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Yes, you read that right: The 1995 film is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. Though it wasn’t anticipated to reach what is now its classic status, the teen movie that follows Beverly Hills’ best friends as they play matchmaker (which is loosely based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma) grossed more than $56.6 million at the box office. And along with producing iconic lines like “as if” and introducing the world to the dreamy Paul Rudd, the movie is a certified style look book — from clothing to the signature ’90s beauty.

Of course, the stars of the movie, Cher Horowitz (played by Alicia Silverstone) and Dionne Davenport (played by Stacey Dash), have the most iconic beauty moments with things like monochrome pink makeup and ribbon braids, respectively. Yet, supporting characters like Amber Marines (played by Elisa Donovan) also have some drool-worthy looks — like amazing pigtails.

Take a trip down memory lane and keep reading for nine of the best beauty moments from Clueless (and maybe garner some inspiration, too).

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Cher’s Brown Lipstick

When Cher is in the beginning stages of luring in her first love interest Christian Stovitz, she gives some pointers on how to get men’s affection, one being “Anything you can do to draw attention to your mouth is good.” And in this scene, her brown lipstick is working, if not to make Stovitz fall for her then to have a seriously flawless ’90s beauty moment.

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Dionne’s Flower Hat

It could be argued that Cher’s best friend, Dionne, has the most covetable — and funky — style from the movie. Case in point: The tall white, black-brimmed, black-bowed, pink-flower-adorned hat she wears in her first scene appearance. It’s large and in charge, and says Dionne is not here to play with her style. And though she wears many a hat throughout the movie, this one is quite the showstopper.

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Chunky Headbands

Blair Waldorf who? More than 10 years before Gossip Girl even crossed people’s radars, and consequently, character Blair Waldorf’s signature hair accessories, the girls of Clueless were wearing chunky headbands. While Dionne has a sporty feel in crisp white color, Cher’s could be plucked out of today’s runways with its velvet material.

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Amber’s Pigtails

Amber Mariens’ character may be on the snobbier side, but she has incredible beauty moments — one of which being this pigtail situation. The double ponytails are placed high on the crown of her head with cascading curls falling to her chest; they’re cute and playful without being too infantile. And it would be remiss to not mention her bangs, which find themselves closer to baby-bang length throughout the rest of the movie (clearly ahead of her time).

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Cher’s Monochrome Pink Makeup

Unlike other movies such as Moulin Rouge, makeup is not the beauty hero of Clueless. However, it had a serious moment when Cher donned an entirely monochrome pink face (and outfit and earrings and hair clip) when trying to win over Stovitz. Though her punchy pink lip, flushed cheeks, and a few swipes of the hue for eyeshadow didn’t get her the boy, it was still an iconic look (and one that continues to trend in 2020).

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: The Girls’ Wedding Looks

There’s no better way to culminate a movie than with incredible hair. Tai Fraiser’s (played by Brittany Murphy) is simple, not straying from her normal curls seen in the movie, whereas Cher and Dionne go full ’90s for the wedding scene. Cher’s blonde tresses are ribbon curled with the front clipped up while Dionne has hot pink and baby pink puffs scattered throughout her strands.

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Everyone’s Barrettes

In recent years barrettes have made a serious comeback, but they were once a tried-and-true hair accessory of the ’90s. This scene, in particular, had about six barrettes make an appearance in under 20 seconds. Most notable are Dionne’s kitschy, pink sunflower versions followed by the two blue ones situated on either side of Tai’s head (and even most of the background characters are wearing some type of barrette in this clip).

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Cher’s Voluminous Hair

Let’s be honest: The star of Clueless was Cher’s hair. It was always perfectly coiffed with a decent, but the not overwhelming, amount of volume — aka ideal. The blonde locks were frequently left down and straight in the movie with small blips of updos and accessories; however, as little as Cher’s hair seemed to take on new iterations, hairstylist for the movie Nina Paskowitz told Mashable Cher’s hair was different for every outfit change — sometimes as small as shifting the part.

Most Iconic Beauty Moment From Clueless: Dionne’s Ribbon Braids

Once again, Dionne takes the crown for the best hair accessories. This time around she intertwined pink and green ribbon into her braids that also happened to perfectly match her top. It was simple but added just the right amount of flair to make a Dionne look complete. And with hair scarves on the rise in 2020, maybe ribbon will get a Dionne-approved resurgence too.

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