Natural Hair How-To: Protective Style Two Strand Twist Updo

Hey guys!

It’s the funniest thing how it seems that the most random of hairstyles draw the most attention. I was hoping to get my hair braided to give it a break from all the maintenance, but it fell through and and this style is what I came up with as a replace for a protective look.

Ironically, I’ve been getting stopped. A lot lol And I’ve had quite a few people tell me that they’d –never be able to do something like this. Lies! It’s SO easy that I wanted to do a quick how-to!

Step 1: Section off the hair.  There are three ways that I typically stretch my hair: blow dry, flat-iron or bantu knot. In the case of this style, I had just washed my hair so I had already blow dried it, and it was already paired off into sections. I generally split my hair into 10-12 sections of two strand twists and I determine the part based on whichever way I want the style to fall.

Step 2: Stretch and/or smooth the section. I flat-ironed each two strand twist from the root to about halfway to the end of the section.  I did this because whoever is braiding my hair moves a lot faster with the hair smooth at the root. *Feel free to skip this step, but I will add that I’ve really liked watching the style progress from a more sleek look to a more textured look due to the rain we’ve been having over the last few days. It’s like two styles in one 😉

Step 3: Twist, Tuck & Roll. So at this point there are 12 sets of two strand twists. To get the crown affect, decide which side you want to work on first and have you bobby pins ready. Then twist the two strand twists with the next two strand twist section, working your way towards the nape of your neck and pin at the center. Repeat the same motion on the other side adjusting accordingly moving down towards the nape of your neck and pin.

Step 4: Final Tuck. At this point, you may have a little hang-time at the nape of your neck from the two sides. I generally tuck each piece into the opposite side and pin. 

*Disclaimer: This is my first how-to so please don’t hesitate to ask whatever questions or offer suggestions that may be helpful. I’ll definitely take more photos of the process and even record a quick video so you guys can have more visual aids!

I hope this was helpful! Have a great week!

Peace, Love & Sunshine ~ Chels

THE BEAUTY REVIEW WITH MEAGAN BALL-JORDAN

Ruby-Woo MAC lipstick (Matte)

Red Lipstick MACRed is one of my favorite colors. Red is the color of love, fire, heat, and passion. I used to love watching my Aunt paint her nails fire-engine red with flaming red lips to match. Growing up, my sisters and I were never allowed to wear red anything because my dad thought that color was too grown for us. They say, if you want a man’s attention, then wear red! My dad may have been on to something by not letting us wear much red but as soon as I was grown and on my own, I bought my first tube of red lipstick and I have been in love ever since!

 

Most people are afraid of red lipstick because of its vibrancy, the attention it draws to the mouth, and the fact they think it just doesn’t look good. Red lipstick actually makes the teeth look whiter and can instantly add a pop of color to any makeup palette or outfit. One of the red lipsticks that I adore and drives the men insane is Ruby-Woo by MAC. It is a matte red lipstick which I prefer because it doesn’t have that extra shine or sheen to it and it is only $14. Ruby-Woo has blue undertones and compliments my dark-brown skin (I am African-American). Not all reds are created equal.  There are true reds, red with blue undertones, and red with orange and pink undertones.  Most people are wearing the wrong hue for their skin tone and finding the right hue is essential to  pulling off the red lip.  Life is about taking risks; Take a risk, put on that new lipstick and paint the town red!

 

Purchase at MAC stores or online at www.maccosmetics.com

 

Meagan Ball-Jordan is a beauty connoisseur and grad student currently residng in Dallas, Texas. Keep up with her on Twitter @MeaganElyce!