A unique dynamic happens with Black women and their hair once the weather starts to warm up: pre-planning your next few hairstyles while one is already done.
It’s a commonly shared practice that comes with the territory of having textured hair. While we might be content with the style we spent hours in the chair to get, there remains a lingering voice in the back of our heads, nudging us to spend just as much time sourcing new inspiration.
Look no further than our screenshots and Pinterest boards for proof, but can you blame us?
The range of styles that have been pioneered over the last few decades, let alone within the last couple of years, have left us spoiled for choice. With new hair innovations and trends bubbling up at every turn, the seasonal scouting for summer styles is a tradition we’ve come to embrace — and there are plenty of looks to choose from.
We know that when it comes to the summertime, the last thing you want to think about is what we’re going to do with your hair. That’s why we’re taking the load off your shoulders to provide you with the must-try protective hairstyles to add to your summer-style roster.
Zoë Kravitz Braids
We wonder if Zoë Kravitz knew the hold that this hairstyle would have on us after becoming her signature look. Zoë Kravitz's braids have quickly become synonymous with being just as effortlessly cool as she is. The look below can be achieved with human hair bundles being sewn into the back half and sides of your hair, with small micro braids being added to your “leave-out” to give a braided, wavy look.
@thehairvine #zoekravitsbraids #braids #sewin #weave
Braided Baldie
If you love a hairstyle that can double as a conversation starter, look no further than the Braided Baldie. Created by LA-based hairstylist @TOOKIEDIDIT, this style gives the illusion of one never-ending braid that wraps and swirls around your hair is the perfect look to rock during the heat of the summer. It’s one for the bold types but is sure to turn heads.
@tookiedidit_ The BRAIDED BALD HEAD🔥 FULL VIEW! #tookiedidit #fyp #labraids #labraider #braids #fy #designbraids #braidstyles #braidstutorial #blackgirlluxury #kidbraider #feedinbraids #viraltiktok #bohoknotlessbraids
Mid-Back Goddess Knotless Braids
Knotless braids will forever be seen as a go-to look for beach days, vacations, and summertime flyness. While longer braids have been the staple, many knotless lovers are opting for a midback and shoulder length for a low-maintenance alternative.
Source: @derastyles_
Finger Wave Braids
What can’t an expert braider do? This cornrow style is inspired by the finger waves of the 1920s and 1930s, which give an illusion of having waves around the perimeter of your hairline. NYC-based braider @slayedinbraids shows us below.
Knotless Bob
There’s something about a bob that can give your face the perfect framing. Experimenting with shorter braids can add an extra touch of edginess to your next style.
Source: @ne.joel
Dolly Braids
Dolly Braids, created by @chocolatemilqq, is a style that the bob-loving ladies are going to love. Think 90s-inspired braids — similar to Brandy on Moesha — with flipped ends for added fun.
@chocolatemilqq how to style your Dolly braids 💗:
Freestyle Goddess Cornrows
Want to add a little extra sass to your straightbacks? Ask your stylist to do a freestyle set on your hair and add human or synthetic hair pieces to the ends for a hot summer look.
Ryan Destiny/Instagram
Bora Bora/Tree Braids
There’s something about human hair that adds a carefree aspect to your protective style and Bora Bora or Tree braids are the hairdos to pull it off. Achieving the look is all about adding high-density human hair and adding multiple strands to your braid as leave out. Spray down with water and mousse for a wavy look, or leave as is for a natural, untamed wave. @boraluxuryhair shows us how it’s done.
@boraluxuryhair #boho #bohobraids #njbraider #njhairstylist #fyp #trending
Freestyle Cornrows
One thing’s for certain: cornrows will always be in style. But if you want to turn your crown into a creative work of art, add a few flowers, spirals, zig-zags, letters, overlapped braids, braid bangs, and more to your freestyle cornrows.
Source: @saigeandbae
Half Lemonade, Half Twists Braids
Channel your inner Beyoncé with this style that comes two-for-one. For the front half, you’ll have a set of Lemonade braids, and in the back, add your choice of twists or box braids.
Source: @thekatzeffect_
Faux Locs
If you’ve always wanted the look of locs without the commitment, faux locs could be the look for you.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Delmaine Donson/Getty Images
RELATED
"When I graduated high school, I moved back to America, Georgia, and I ended up making, like, the oil, the Rose Galore oil, which is like the staple product of my brand. I don't know what made me make it, but I did, and it literally cleared my face up," she tells xoNecole in an exclusive interview.
"I end up selling it as a body oil first because, obviously, I'm 17, [and] don't have any background as an esthetician or anything like that. I just made a product that worked for me, but people bought it and was using it, and I reformulated it, and then it just stuck like with me."
While MoonXCosmetics is known for its facial products, it wants to expand to body care and home. It just released its new product, Moon-Gel body wash, and it's only up from there. As Mariee continues to grow the brand, it's more than likely that she will see more history-making moments. And so far she has.
Photo courtesy
When asked if she feels pressure to obtain more of those milestones, she says yes and no. "I did $1.8 [million] again, and then I did $2 million but I feel like now, currently, I don't look at that as one of my goals anymore because [of] the headache and just everything that came with it, but I was thankful and blessed to have that milestone, but now I'm looking for more," she says.
"I want to say more reach than more like fast-paced sales. I do want that. Obviously, every girl wants that, but I do want to have a better overall reach for my brand because I did take two years off so I was able to learn, [and] study a lot of different things. See how things have changed from 2020 to now."
"I did $1.8 [million] again, and then I did $2 million but I feel like now, currently, I don't look at that as one of my goals anymore because [of] the headache and just everything that came with it, but I was thankful and blessed to have that milestone, but now I'm looking for more."
Another part of expanding for any company is hiring people. Finding the right person to help you can be a hassle, especially for business owners who are used to doing all the work themselves. Mariee can relate to this, and she touched on this topic in her documentaryThe Million Dollar Story. She recommends having someone be your "right-hand man" who you trust to handle the ins and outs of the company.
"I could say, definitely get, like a right-hand man to help you within the process because that really was what helped me. I never had a job. I literally was 18 now, being like, you know, the boss of over 30+ employees at one point in time, and I didn't know anything. I didn't know anything about no W-2s, no taxes, no clock in, clock out because all I [have] ever known was my brand," she explains.
"So I definitely partner with people who are very skewed and versed in those areas, and they helped me get through it. Even to this day, I still have my same person helping me with hiring, firing, [and] doing everything that I can right now because I'm still learning. But obviously people get jobs young, so they have way more experience than me, but still learning."
And though she is still learning, one thing she makes sure to stay on top of is being consistent. Consistency is what trips many people up when it comes to achieving goals, but Mariee says it's all about scheduling. Whether it's when to post on social media or email marketing, scheduling it out can make a world of difference. That same practice also works when planning out her future goals for the company.
"Right now, future goals would be to drop at least five more products before the end of the year. We always do outreach, where we do drives and all that, but definitely do way more this year, she says. "Then really dive into body [care], and then hopefully open up MoonXBody underneath MoonXCosmetics to let that branch out and be open and definitely get back consistent."
For more information, visit moonxco.com.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy