As a Black woman, there’s not a day that goes by when I’m not thinking about my hair and how I’ll style it the next time I’m in the salon chair. The winter season is perfect for a wake-up-and-go hairstyle simply because the weather is unpredictable, and I focus on doing as little as possible this time of year.
Depending on your region, the next few months can produce heavy rain and snow that calls for protective styles to save your natural coils or just a dry chilling cold that allows you to take advantage of a bone-straight bob.
Adding personality and individualism to a look is a challenge I look forward to, along with trying new styles I’ve yet to wear. Every year, there are hair trends that gain more popularity and those that are classic styles no matter the month or the season, and it's fun to make them your own.
Whether you plan to keep it simple, experiment with a fun new cut, or just don’t know what direction you're in the mood for, check out the following looks that are trending this winter for the inspiration you never knew you needed.
1. Blunt Bob
A straight, blunt bob is one of my favorite hairstyles. The versatility is unmatched no matter the time of year. It elevates one's persona by its sophisticated essence and appearance of maturity in the chicest way possible.
2. Braided Ponytail
Another sleek option for a low-maintenance look is a braided ponytail. I prefer the updo when in transition from one protective style to the next while still wanting to feel effortlessly chic. Dressed up or down, the braided ponytail snatches in all the right places.
3. Natural Curls
It's important to consider the outside elements when contemplating a natural hairstyle. During the winter, the air is colder, which makes it unwise to wear wet hair outdoors, which can lead to the risk of getting sick. A wig is a great way to protect your hair without compromising your natural journey. I love a curly wig because while I appreciate my curls, I can protect them with another natural-looking option.
4. Large Box Braids
Box braids have been a favorite for a range of Black women over the decades, and this winter, the size has become bigger and bolder. Maybe our patience has grown thin sitting for eight hours in a salon chair, so instead, we’ve chosen a softer life that dictates a quicker routine. You can style large individuals with an endless amount of looks.
5. Alicia Keys Cornrows
Inspiring the term, singer Alicia Keys was the first mainstream artist to popularize cornrows and, in particular, their designs. Another protective style, cornrows have become more intricate with patterned lines and shapes. These are not the cornrows I grew up wearing but more of an artistic take that keeps our eyes busy like a complex maze.
6. Slick Pixie Cut
Sexy, stylish, and cool is how I like to describe a slicked-down pixie. The bold short hairdo is adorned by women who don’t seem tied down to society’s rules about women’s hair and instead look at it as a work of art. Crafting the hair into soft feminine shapes, a pixie cut offers a fearless and creative take on shorter styles.
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Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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