If you’re preparing for your next hairstyle, this is for you. The fall season commences on September 22, and while many of us are ready to order that first pumpkin spice latte, the real question is: What is our next hairstyle? Because Black women are the true purveyors of hair trends.
To understand how we can fully show up this season, we consulted Marjorie Lightford because of her versatile skill set, creative vision, and amazing ability to transform hair. “Trends have a unique way of connecting people and creating a historical timeline for popular culture. For that reason and so many more, trends are necessary,” says Marjorie, master stylist and Redken Certified colorist.
Her motto is “Look good. Feel good. Do well,” and she believes she has a responsibility as a hairstylist to cultivate the internal beauty of her clients into a beautiful outward display. Her upbeat and open-minded personality coupled with her dedication to her clients and her craft sets her apart from most and continues to make her a well-sought-after hairstylist.
The stylist told xoNecole, “Trends are not one size fits all. I recommend finding your own aesthetic and uniquely incorporating trends into your personal style. This provides you with a customized look suited just for you that is still current and trendy.”
Ahead, Marjorie provides the fall hair inspiration sure to bring you joy!
Protective Style Trends for Fall 2022
Courtesy of Marjorie Lightford
1. Knotless braids with tousled, loose hair incorporated throughout the braids.
"There is a beautiful merge happening between braids and loose hair that provides protection, low tension, and volume. Knotless braids became popular because, essentially, they "saved our edges." On the contrary, the style did not maintain its freshness for as long as traditional box braids, micro braids, etc. Additionally, knotless braids lacked volume.
"The introduction of weaving loose hairs throughout random braids has not only eliminated that problem but also created a new era. This new look ages beautifully has volume, creates lots of dimension, and is point blank...sexy."
2. Feed-in cornrows with unique designs.
"Cornrows have and will always be great protection for our hair. The goal is to do it in a way that does not provide tension around the edges. Feed-in cornrows are great for that. Cornrows with unique designs are definitely making a comeback."
3. Sew-ins.
"While there are all kinds of new, loose hair extension techniques when it comes to protection, sew-ins are the only option. Other techniques leave the natural hair exposed while sew-ins braid the natural hair and attach wefts using the sewing technique. The beautiful thing about sew-ins is that these can be worn significantly longer than other protective styles before the look has to be redone."
Tip: Use nylon thread with your sew-ins. Traditional wool thread can create breakage at the root.
Favorite Hair Products for Fall 2022
Courtesy of Marjorie Lightford
1. Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Overnight Hair Serum
"This is an anti-frizz, overnight serum for dry hair. Hair is typically the driest between midnight and 6 a.m.; as we move into the fall, the temperatures outside will begin to drop. Hair will naturally become even drier as we crank up the heat in our residences." Marjorie adds that "using an overnight hair serum will soften and nourish the hair from mid-length to end and improve manageability for advanced night care."
2. Kérastase Sérum Thérapiste Hair Serum
"I love this product. It is an absolute must-have for all my clients. This serum repairs hair fibers and is also a heat protectant for up to 450°F. I have my clients use this every morning and night. It's essentially a cuticle sealer and helps to retain the length of your hair."
3. The Felicia Leatherwood Detangling Brush
"This Black-owned brush is the brush that every curly head of hair needs, not just for the fall but year-round. Detangling hair with this brush is easier and more efficient. Its firm, yet flexible technology allows you to detangle from root to ends truly. It is nearly indestructible."
The Best Hair Colors for Black Women in Fall 2022
Courtesy of Marjorie Lightford
1. Diffused blondes
"The hair color industry has been shifting for several years. People are wanting to come into the salon less and have a more blended grow-out. Within the melanated community, I find that we are choosing colors that blend better with our natural hair color or are choosing colors that are multi-dimensional.
"I truly believe anybody can wear blonde and when diffused throughout as opposed to applied all over. It really softens the entire look and is less of a contrast. It photographs beautifully and looks great in person too."
2. Warm browns
"I love a golden brown moment on melanated skin. It's our version of 'nude'. Golden Brooks wore it well on Girlfriends years ago, and it has definitely made a comeback. I hope it's here to stay."
3. Mauve and rose gold
"These colors typically look great on melanated skin because they compliment the gold and olive often found in our undertones. And while they are a little high maintenance because they fade fast, if you cannot get a touch-up often, they do fade to a beautiful medium to dark blonde. Essentially, you get two looks for the price of one."
The Trending Haircuts to Try for Fall 2022
Courtesy of Marjorie Lightford
1. Bob
"Always try a bob. It's like adding high heels to the hair and can be dressed up or down."
2. Curtain bangs
"They're versatile; long enough to be side swept or pulled back but also add softness around the face. I love pairing curtain bangs with a top knot."
3. Mullet
Marjorie notes that the mullet is "definitely an acquired taste and not for every head shape," but adds, "if you are edgy, consider letting the hair grow out in the back to give your hair a unique shape."
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During the Los Angeles tour stop, which spanned three dates on May 21, May 23, with the finale on May 24, xoNecole had the opportunity to test out the glosses included in this soft launch, as SZA revealed in a statement that "this is just the start of other lip products, including plans to launch stains, liners, and creams all inspired by SZA's “infamous layered lip combinations.”
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So, what is included in the first Not Beauty launch?
The current Not Beauty products available are lip glosses that come in three shades: In the Flesh, Strawberry Jelly, and Quartz.
During my visit to the first LA Not Beauty pop-up activation, I not only had the chance to purchase all three glosses but also took a peek inside the blow-up log tent. Inside, fans got to experience SZA’s love for nature and her fascination with bugs, which are prominently featured in her performances for this tour. At one point, she even had human preying mantis prancing across the stage y'all.
There were blow-up photos of the beauty that is SZA for fans (myself included) to take photos, but in wooden-like tree trunks were a deeper dive into some of the ingredients featured in her products and their benefits.
For example, the glosses feature Hi-Shine Lip Jelly and Shea Butter as key ingredients and some of the listed benefits included are:
- Shea Butter - “A powerhouse ingredient, offering both functional and nourishing benefits.”
- Hi-Shine Lip Jelly (featured in the In the Flesh shade) - “Formula glides on with perfect adhesion to the lips without stickiness).
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What are in the products?
Featured in an orange package, with images of a bug and flower on the side, the back of the box reads: “It’s NOT BEAUTY, it just works. Developed by Solána “SZA” Rowe.
As someone who never leaves home without a good lip gloss, I loved how compact the wood panel packaging is. Perfect to slip into my purse, or in the case of the show at SoFi Stadium, into my pocket when I’m not carrying a bag.
Because I’m a sucker for a good black and brown lip liner and clear gloss combo, I decided to wear the Quartz flavor on night one of the Grand National Tour LA stop, and it did not disappoint. I’ll admit, it’s light weight feel made me nervous because it felt like there was nothing on my lips. However, when I checked my lips in my compact mirror several times throughout the night, I was shocked to find that my gloss was still intact. I only reapplied once out of the habit of looking cute and applying my gloss, but not necessity.
Here are some of the ingredients featured, but not limited to, in the Quartz flavor.
- Polyisoubutene
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)Butter
- Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
- Tocopherol
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Lip prep
I’m a simple girl who loves to stay true to her roots. So ahead of the show, I stopped by a local Inglewood Beauty Supply store and grabbed a Black and Brown shade lip pencil for just under $2 a piece.
Shading the outline of my lips with the black pencil first, I used the brown to lightly fill the inside of my lips before applying my Quartz Not Beauty shade gloss.
How to apply
There’s truly no right or wrong way to apply lip gloss (in my opinion), with this being a brush applicator sort of product, I simply untwisted the top and swiped the gloss around my top and bottom lip generously.
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Results
Again, my Not Beauty Quartz product stayed on my lips from the start of the show, which began with a fire DJ set from LA’s very own, Mustard, to the conclusion when Kendrick and SZA reunited on stage to send us home to their duet, “luther,” featured on the rapper's GNX album.
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This article is about crystals not Scripture, so when it comes to the latter, I’ll just briefly say that if you mosey on over to Exodus 28, you’ll see that a high priest breastplate is referenced; one that contains precious gems including topaz, sapphire, agate, onyx and jasper (and that’s just for starters!). Yeah, it really is important to not just throw judgments around like confetti — know of what you are actually speaking of first (because that’s what Matthew 7 is really all about).
I did think it was important to mention that for potential skeptics about why this article even exists. Because although there are Scriptural and evenscience-based individuals who roll their eyes at the power of what gemstones and crystals can (possibly) do, I’m pretty sure that some of you are not surprised that the holistic and Ayurveda worlds see it all very differently.In those realms, energy plays a big role in physical, emotional, and mental health, and crystals are believed to cultivate balance or intensify certain feelings or experiences through that said energy.
That said, when it comes to sex, specifically, there are certain stones (which are basically what crystals are;in fact, all gemstones are a type of crystal) that are believed to help make intimacy even more satisfying. If you’re curious about which ones are, I’ve got 10 for you below.
10 Crystals That May Enhance Your Intimate Life
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1. Garnet
Garnet is a rich shade of red that happens to be January’s gemstone. It’s considered to be one of the oldest gemstones around, one that Egyptians believed was a symbol of life and something that they oftentimes wore in their signet rings. As far as symbolism goes, garnet also represents love and vitality as well as energy, passion and even self-confidence — all of which are quite relevant when it comes to having an active and fulfilling sex life.
2. Amethyst
Queen Cleopatra and Leonardo da Vinci are just two powerful figures who were big fans of the purple gemstone amethyst. Interestingly enough, it is February’s birthstone — the month that Valentine’s Day falls under. Another interesting fact is many early Christians relied on this gem in order to increase their spirituality while many Greeks used to see it as a stone that provided protection. When it comes to intimacy, amethyst is also associated with love and devotion as well as feelings of calm and reduced anxiety — and since the less calm you feel, the easier it is to climax…well. #wink
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3. Orange Carnelian
Looking to experience more joy and happiness? Or maybe you want to strengthen your friendships. Or perhaps it’s time to increase your pleasure levels or to go into deeper levels of sensuality. For all of these things, orange carnelian is a top-tier pick. As I did a bit more research on this stone, it’s considered to be a royal one and something that can bring forth peace. One of my favorite things about orange carnelian is it comes in different hues of orange — the deeper the color, the more passion it exudes. Just an FYI.
4. Rose Quartz
If you want to take your romantic relationship to another level, rose quartz has a solid reputation for helping to make that happen for you. In fact, this pink crystal is oftentimes referred to as being the stone of unconditional love because it encourages the wearers of it to both give as well as put themselves in the position to receive love too. Since rose quartz is also tied to things like emotional healing, restored trust and harmony, if you’re looking to make a much deeper intimate connection with your partner, this just might be the stone for you.
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5. Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a red-rose colored stone that I personally hold dear. I say that because, as a survivor of sexual abuse, it is one that helps recovering individuals to work through sexual trauma (and trauma, in general). It is associated with love, compassion and strength as it helps you to process your emotions in a positive way, so that you are able to effectively release past pain and deal with any PTSD that you might have. You know, I know a wife who sexually struggled in her marriage for years because she had been sexually assaulted in college and never told her husband.
A stone of compassion is a precious one — including when it comes to dealing with sexual trauma and intimacy challenges and learning how to face them. Salute to this stone right here.
6. Citrine
Citrine is November’s birthstone and its rich yellow color explains why it represents things like abundance, prosperity, radiance and happiness. Aside from this, whether you’re seeking clarity, you’d like to be more creative or you’re interested in becoming more sensual, citrine encourages all of this. Sensuality is a dope word because it’s all about appealing to all five senses; especially during intimacy. To learn more about how to do that, check out “How To Incorporate All Five Senses To Have The Best Sex Ever.”
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7. Red Jasper
While doing my own research on what red jasper represents, what I liked the most is it’s something that encourages emotional stability which is always a wonderful thing to have. Although it is a fiery red color, it also contains grounding properties and it symbolizes strength, courage and, another word that can always make sex more pleasurable: stamina. Since stamina is what helps both men and women to last longer during sex, anything that is a “stamina hack” earns an automatic mention when it comes to sex-themed content — including this.
8. Clear Quartz
A fun fact about quartz is it’s one of the most common minerals on this planet. When it comes to clear quartz, specifically, I like the way that it looks because it’s either a cloudy white or something that you can see straight through. As far as its symbolism is concerned, if you want to reduce physical discomfort, remove distractions and focus more on heightened levels of yourself, this crystal represents all of that. Clear quartz also encourages healing, spiritual growth and balance. To me, it seems like if you want to cultivate a spiritual or meditative (check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”) experience with your partner, clear quartz is a stone to try.
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9. Shiva Lingam
I ain’t got no lies to tell you — when I first happened upon this particular stone, the first thing that came to my mind was an article that I penned for the site back in the day entitled, “Blow Your Man's Mind By Giving Him This Tantalizing Massage.” That’s because it explains what a lingam massage is and, as you can see, this crystal has that word all up in it. The history of lingam is a bit layered (you can read about it here); however, because it is considered by many to be a phallic symbol and that typically represents the penis — shiva lingam is a neutral-colored crystal that represents both sexuality as well as fertility. Shocking, right? #sarcasm
10. Pyrite
It doesn’t escape me that it’s kind of funny that I’m closing this out with a crystal that has the nickname “fool’s gold.” That’s due to its appearance. That said, it’s also a stone that has some interesting symbolism to it. Since it comes from a Greek word that means fire — of course, it’s a crystal of passion. Since it also taps into things like heightened energy, self-esteem, creativity, awakened senses and the removal of toxic thoughts — if any stone should be in your “let’s get it on” crystal collection, pyrite would be the one!
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Know what’s kinda wild? While I was on Etsy’s site looking for another moonstone, a sake popped up in my feed on what the merchant calls their “libido crystal set” — and six of the 10 stones that I’ve mentioned throughout this article are featured in the collection.
Yeah, I’ll take that as a confirmation that whether you purchase a piece of jewelry that has one (or more) of these stones or you buy a piece of crystal itself to place somewhere in your bedroom — just putting your own energy into wanting a better sex life is a powerful step in the right direction to achieving it.
And what science can’t refute is the benefits of positive thoughts and actions — crystals or not.
So, if precious stones are totally your thing — enjoy, sis. Enjoy!
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