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.
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
10 Different Ways Herbal Teas Can Fit Into Your Beauty Regimen
Is there ever a season when herbal tea isn’t an excellent option? In my opinion, not really. During the spring and summertime, you can make iced herbal tea, and when it’s fall and winter, there is nothing like a warm cup of tea with a teaspoon of honey (and perhaps a bit of almond or oat milk) in it. And you know what? The truly wonderful thing about all of this is that every time you consume herbal tea because it has lots of herbs in it, it’s something that you can feel good about — from the inside out.
There really is no telling how many tea articles I’ve written for the platform over the years (you can check out a few here, here, and here), yet I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned ways that consuming herbal tea can improve your beauty goals. So today, I’m gonna do just that. Below, I’ve got 10 teas that can bring about the best in your natural looks, along with some ways that you can use tea that you may not have ever considered before.
1. Jasmine Tea for Acne
If you want a tea that helps to keep your heart in good shape (which is important for Black women since we have the highest risk for things like hypertension, strokes, heart failure, and coronary heart disease), will help to boost your brain and can lower your risks for certain cancers as well as type 2 diabetes, you definitely should sip on some jasmine tea.
As far as your skin goes, between the antioxidants in it that help to fight off free radicals in your system along with the fact that it contains anti-inflammatory properties, this is why jasmine tea can also be a great dietary addition if you’re looking for an all-natural way to keep breakouts at bay.
Beauty Tea Hack: Make a toner for your skin by steeping two tea bags in a half gallon of water for 15-20 minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey (honey contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that can speed up the healing process of pimples) and then let it cool. Add 5-7 drops of tea tree oil and then apply it to your skin after washing it 2-3 times a week.
2. Licorice Root Tea for Hyperpigmentation
During the cold and flu season, pretty much everyone should have some licorice root tea in one of their kitchen cupboards. That’s because it’s been proven to soothe a sore throat, it can bring relief to upper respiratory issues (including asthma-related ones) and it can help to speed up the healing process of bacterial and viral infections.
What can licorice root tea do for you on the beauty tip? Aside from being an all-natural approach to eczema, some studies say that this tea also contains phytochemical properties that can reduce hyperpigmentation. As a bonus, it’s good for preventing tooth decay, which means it can help your smile remain brilliant.
Beauty Tea Hack:Place tea bags over your eyes to reduce eye puffiness and eye circle discoloration over time.
3. White Tea to Slow Down Aging
White tea, green tea, and black tea are all related; what makes them different is how they are processed. That said, white tea is a great tea addition because it is rich in antioxidants, can help to fight off heart disease, is able to reduce free radicals and chronic inflammation, and can also help to prevent cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth, and white tea can even help you to shed a few pounds.
Something else that’s dope about white tea is it has compounds that can slow down the aging signs in your skin. That’s because white tea has chemical compounds known as polyphenols that help to keep the fibers of your skin from being damaged (especially prematurely).
Beauty Tea Hack: Steep 2-3 tea bags, then place your face over the steam so that your skin can absorb the moisture as well as the properties that are within the tea.
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4. Rooibos Tea for Hair Follicle Strength
If you like your tea to have a robust taste to it, rooibos is what you’re looking for. A tea that hails from South Africa, rooibos is bomb because it’s caffeine-free, contains the type of antioxidants that reduce free radicals and heart disease, can help to keep your blood sugar where it needs to be, and can also help with digestion-related issues.
Something else that I should mention about this particular tea is if you happen to be anemic (or borderline anemic), this tea is also a good option for you because it’s low in tannins. Since tannins can sometimes affect how your body absorbs iron, if low iron is a personal health concern, you want to select a type of tea where that won’t be an issue for you.
This tea is a nice beauty addition because it also contains ingredients that can help to soften the appearance of wrinkles; plus it has been proven to keep your hair follicles in good condition so that you can maintain more length retention.
Beauty Tea Hack:3-Ingredient Hair Tea Recipe
5. Black Tea for Hair Color Depth
Speaking of hair health, if that is what you’re after, you also need to add black tea to your collection. Let’s address some other health benefits that it brings first, though. What makes black tea different from, say, green or white tea is it goes through a pretty intense oxidation process. The end result is the kind of tea that is very dark in color and, again, is rich in antioxidants. It’s also the type of tea that is good for your heart, can help to reduce your risk of having a stroke, can increase longevity, and contains the kind of amino acids that make it easier to concentrate and be more productive throughout the day.
And just why will your hair appreciate black tea so much? Well, studies reveal that the caffeine in the tea can help to block the hormones that are directly associated with hair shedding and loss. Not only that, but if you’re looking to darken your hair color (in a subtle kind of way), black tea is an awesome all-natural hair rinse. I’ve tried it before. I’ll vouch for it in this lane.
Beauty Tea Hack:Hair Tea Rinse Recipe
6. Green Tea for Weak Tooth Enamel
Green tea just might be the most popular tea of all of these. That’s because it contains properties that do everything from helping you lose weight and boost brain power to lowering the risk of lung, breast, and ovarian cancer and increasing your days on this planet. Something else that I really like about green tea is that although it does have caffeine in it, if you happen to feel anxious, research shows that it can actually help to decrease it.
And since a radiant smile completes the look of any woman, if you want to keep your teeth’s enamel strong (which does indeed become an issue as you get older), green tea can help you out. It does this by reducing oral inflammation, strengthening your teeth, helping to prevent gum disease, and even playing a role in remineralizing teeth.
Beauty Tea Hack: DIY Matcha Mouthwash Recipe
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7. Hibiscus Tea for Nail Health
Hibiscus tea literally comes from parts of the hibiscus flower. It’s good for your system because it’s packed with antioxidants, beta-carotene, and properties that help to reduce inflammation as they fight off free radicals, too. If you’ve got some type of bacterial infection, this tea will help to heal it. Hibiscus tea is also great when it comes to helping to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Since hibiscus tea is also full of vitamin C, it’s the kind of tea that can help keep your nails nice and strong. The connector here isvitamin C, which is a nutrient that helps to produce collagen within your system, and collagen is a protein that keeps your nails from breaking.
Beauty Tea Hack: Learn how to use a tea bag to “fix” a split nail (I’m not kidding) here.
8. Dandelion Root Tea to Detoxify
If you’ve always wondered if dandelion root tea is as literal as it sounds, the answer is yes. It is made from the dandelion weeds that grow in your yard — and yes, they can be very good for you. Dandelion tea is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, calcium, and potassium. It also has antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress. If you’re looking to lower your blood pressure or blood sugar, dandelion root tea can support you there. It’s also the kind of tea that helps to strengthen your immune system, keep your bones strong, relieve constipation, and support any weight loss goals that you may have.
Beauty-wise, dandelion root tea can reduce some of the fat that is stored around your liver, which makes it a solid detoxifying tea. And when your system is “clean,” that causes your skin to experience fewer breakouts, UV damage, and premature aging — for the record, dandelion root tea is known for assisting with these three things too.
Beauty Tea Hack: 49 Tea Detox Recipes
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9. Chamomile Tea for Stress
Got digestive issues? Drink some chamomile tea. Feeling nauseated? Drink some chamomile tea. Dealing with PMS symptoms that are absolutely driving you up the wall? Drink some chamomile tea. Got some common cold symptoms that won’t seem to go away? Drink some chamomile tea. Yeah, chamomile tea is the kind of herbal tea that is “all things” on so many levels.
Since it’s also a tea that can keep your skin from becoming dehydrated, promotes sound sleep, andit can keep your stress levels at bay — yes, chamomile is another “beauty tea.”The breakdown here is stress increases inflammation, decreases oxygen levels in your body, and can damage your cells and tissues. So, the less stressed out you are, the more youthful you will appear. So yes, sis, drink up!
Beauty Tea Hack: Honey Chamomile Tea Latte Recipe
10. Passionflower for Sleep
It really is kinda wild that if you want to experience uninterrupted sleep, you should stop drinking about two hours before bedtime. At the same time, enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea can give you some of the best rest ever thanks to the amino acid known as L-Theanine that’s in it; that’s because it has the ability to tell your brain to relax and de-stress. And if that tea happens to be passionflower, even better because it also reduces pain and bodily discomfort while also elevating your melatonin levels.
And since 6-8 hours of consistent sleep helps to do things like rebuild body cells, regulate your hormones, help to prevent (premature) fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark circles underneath your eyes, and even give your complexion a natural glow — if you want to look your best, rest. And if you need help resting, it’s passionflower to the rescue. Tonight.
Beauty Tea Hack:DIY Sleep Time Herbal Tea Recipe
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Hmph. As if you actually needed another reason to drink some herbal tea, right? And yet — here they are. So, the next time you pull out an herbal tea bag, think about how it’s not just comforting your soul, but it’s making you more beautiful too.
As you can see, yes, very much so on the literal tip.
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Featured image by Willie B. Thomas/Getty Images