

9 Fall Hair Trends We Can't Wait To Try
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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Featured image by Jena Ardell/Getty Images
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Black women are not a monolith. We all are deserving of healing and wholeness despite what we've been through, how much money we have in the bank, or what we look like. Most importantly, we are enough—even when we are not working, earning, or serving.
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Try These 7 Card Games For A Deeper Emotional Connection With Lovers And Friends
So you’ve been dating your new boo for a few weeks now, and things are going smoothly. Your dates are well-planned, the texting is consistent, and the chemistry is evident. But you’ve started to notice that when it’s time to dive into deeper topics around your shared values, future ambitions, and perspectives on the world, the conversations seem to go… flat. While one part could be due to personal reservations and boundaries, another possible reason could point to the need for the right prompts to promote vulnerability and closeness.
In other words, you might need some help queuing up the intimacy levels.
Cultivating intimacy in relationships is often a gradual process that requires effective communication, empathy, and a willingness to be open and vulnerable with one another.
The beauty in forming deeper levels of intimacy is that it can come in different forms depending on your relationship dynamics. With emotional intimacy, a couple may find themselves forming a connection by sharing their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities with another person. Through empathy and a sense of mutual understanding, partners are able to become more open and honest with each other and feel safe and accepted in return.
Physical intimacy, on the other hand, involves physical bonding and affection between individuals. In a romantic context, this can include activities like holding hands, hugging, kissing, and sexual intimacy, but can extend beyond romantic relationships and include the caring touch between friends and family members.
While the needs and love languages of each partner may vary, engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas, and sharing beliefs and a sense of purpose within your relationship can serve as a vital tool to build and strengthen healthy emotional attachment.
Intimacy card games are the latest trend to help fortify relational bonds between your significant other or even close friends. From spicy prompts to insightful conversation starters, you can start pulling back the layers and digging beyond the surface in a fun and meaningful way with this array of intimacy card games.
Let’s Get Deep Card Game
Amazon
Discover the depths of your companion with a set of couple cards designed to spark meaningful conversations. To play, divide the 400 cards into "Ice Breaker," "Deep," and "Deeper" piles, and the initiator of the relationship draws cards from each category for engaging discussions, starting with an ice breaker and progressing to deeper questions.
Love Lingual Level 2: Card Game
Love Lingual
The Love Lingual is a relationship-building tool designed to enhance human connection by prompting meaningful conversations between couples. It offers 150 cards categorized into Family, Intimacy, Couple, Individual, and Past & Future topics, allowing partners to deepen their relationship in various aspects of life. Each question aims to accelerate intimacy and create enjoyable conversations, making it a perfect gift for couples or for use in marriage counseling.
Lulu & You Affection Couples Games
Amazon
Spice up your love life with this date night box game filled with question cards that will ensure better quality time together and a stronger connection. It's not just a game, it's your ticket to laughter, intimacy, and a closer bond!
Drunk in Love: Original Couples Drinking Card Game
Amazon
“Drunk in Love" is the relationship litmus test you've been waiting for. Draw cards, face dares, or take sips; it's like truth or dare but with a twist. Share laughs, secrets, and a couple of drinks — your date night is about to get a whole lot more interesting!
We’re Not Really Strangers - Couples Edition
Amazon
If you’ve ever asked yourself how well you know your partner, this deck will give you the answers you need to unlock new levels and uncover new layers in your partner.
BestSelf Intimacy Deck for Couples
Amazon
Elevate your date nights and dinners with these prompts from BestSelf. Each question will turn small talk into soulful conversations by exploring hopes, dreams, and shared aspirations. This deck is perfect for all relationship stages and will spark those "aha" moments you'll treasure.
I Know Collection Conversation Cards
Amazon
Strengthen your relationship's foundation with these couples’ conversation cards. Whether you're newlyweds or seasoned lovebirds, these cards make communication a breeze and are perfect for date nights or just a cozy evening in.
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