After another strenuous and stressful year, the determination to start 2022 with a positive outlook is non-negotiable. A fresh mindset, accompanied by new stationery and a meticulously detailed vision board, can make the start of the new year feel like your own personal playground. It’s a brand new year with new goals, new vibes, and new…whatever you want, really. Many of us thrive on the idea of a fresh start and the opportunities afforded with it; a way to put actions behind the self-work we did all year.
For many of us though, this can be achieved by implementing simple habits and routines that effortlessly enhance your day-to-day. An uncomplicated way can be by cultivating an everyday look that breeds confidence while maintaining a level of comfort. Especially if you’re still working from home, looking your best is a surefire way to feel good and perform at your best. A bright sweater on a rainy day or an oversized blazer on a meeting-heavy day can effortlessly uplight and enhance your mood.
Aligning the unique energy of each day with your wardrobe can make you feel prepared, self-assured, and focused. Keep scrolling to see a week of my life through outfits that make me feel ready to tackle the new year.
Monday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"Since my weeks start meeting-heavy, I gravitate towards looks that make me feel self-assured and put together. Nothing says that like tonal dressing, so I paired my favorite chunky knit with my favorite trousers for an elevated WFH ‘fit."
Where to Shop: Re Ona Sand Trousers (Black-owned), H&M turtleneck, Nike Air Forces, Telfar Mini Oxblood (Black-owned).
Tuesday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"For snow-filled days, the assignment is easy: Stay warm. So when I did venture outside, I reached for this baby blue puffer without hesitation. It’s pretty lightweight so I wore a thicker long-sleeve bodysuit underneath, paired it with faux leather leggings, and topped it off with the pièce de résistance: Oversized white combat boots."
Where to Shop: Express Faux Leather Leggings, Black bodysuit, Steve Madden Boots, Telfar Mini Cream (Black-owned).
Wednesday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"Causal vibes for humpday, especially when it’s below freezing outside. Since I opted for my satin blue joggers to elevate the look, I dressed it down with a white sweater and camel teddy coat. To keep an element of style to the look, I added my retro 1’s and Pillow Tabby Coach bag."
Where to Shop: TIER satin blue joggers (black-owned), H&M white sweater, Jordan 1’s, Zara Teddy Coat.
Thursday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
"If I had a ‘winter uniform,’ this would be it. There’s something so simple and marvelous about a perfect pair of denim and a structured blazer. I opted for a cutout high-neck top and Doc Martin-style boots to add a bit of cool."
Where to Shop: American Eagle loose denim, Zara white blazer, All Saints Boots, Urban Outfitters top.
Friday //
Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
" Date night is here and sis is ready! I love to play with ‘less is more' during the winter, especially on date nights. I adore this peephole turtleneck for that exact reason. When paired with this midi-length faux leather skirt, the silhouette can’t be beaten. I added the leopard platform shoes for a bit of sass, and my Telfar mini to keep it all the way cute."
Where to Shop: Undra Celeste turtleneck (black-owned), SHEIN leather skirt, Jessica Simpson leopard platforms, Telfar Cream mini.
Featured image by Courtney Simpson/xoNecole
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Let’s start with some pro tips from Breanna Knights, a Brooklyn-based stylist with over a decade of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, specializing in goddess braids. She takes pride in maintaining the beauty and longevity of her clients' goddess braids, focusing on ensuring their scalp and curls remain healthy and hydrated.
Knights’ expertise extends to understanding the tension level, hydration needs, and proper cleansing techniques for goddess braids.
Hydration Is Key:
Moisture is essential for maintaining the integrity of your goddess braids. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to hydrate your scalp and braids. Pay attention to the ends of the braids, as they tend to be the driest part. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the braids and cause buildup.
“To maintain neatness and longevity for goddess braid styles, I recommend treating the goddess hair just as you would your natural curls," Knights tells us. "This consists of putting up your hair at night in a bonnet. I also encourage using mousse or a bottle of water mixed with conditioner to make the curls bounce back. These two options depend on if the curls are a synthetic blend, or if it’s 100% human hair."
When it comes to keeping the goddess curls refreshed and hydrated, Knights’ favorite mousse brands include:
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse
Bumble and bumble
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse is a lightweight mousse that enhances curls with a blend of oils and butters, providing long-lasting volume, and bounce without stiffness.
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil
Amazon
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil is a fave amongst the girlies. Reviewers say, “Product works well taming frizzy curls as well smoothing natural hair, human hair, and synthetic crochet or individual braided hair. Adds shine without looking or feeling greasy.”
Knights also recommends using Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment mixed with water in a spray bottle. “These products are sure to bring curls back to life," she adds.
If you’re looking for particular techniques or tricks to alleviate tension or discomfort often associated with wearing goddess braids, Knights shares that knotless goddess braids are usually done with less tension at the scalp, rather than traditional braids. “I highly suggest gauging tightness throughout your braiding session with your stylist. Should your braids end up too tight, one of my favorite go-to's is the Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser's Invisible Oil. It provides a cool sensation on the scalp, without over saturating the scalp with oil,” Knights says.
The stylist also suggests a spray bottle with water to relieve tension. Additionally, less styling in the first few days of installing the braids to avoid scalp irritation.
Gentle Cleansing:
One topic that can be confusing when committing to goddess braids is the washing process. Should I wash my braids? How often should I wash them? We had all the questions, and Knights came with the tea. “Everyone’s wash [day] routine is different. To each client’s discernment, by weeks 3-4, if your scalp is itchy or shows signs of dandruff, it would be safe to wash your braids.
"I highly recommend paying more attention to the scalp rather than the braids itself. Keeping the braids up in a bun while saturating the scalp will keep the curls from matting and tangling during the wash process. After washing the scalp I recommend reapplying mousse and tying the hair down with a scarf to help tame any frizz that may occur after washing.”
Protect Your Crown:
One of the biggest keys to the longevity of goddess braids is having a braid bonnet and shower cap to ensure that the braids are dry. Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your goddess braids while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz and flyaways. Additionally, tying your braids with a silk scarf can help preserve their shape and prevent them from unraveling.
“Combing through the loose curls with your fingers and having a routine to ensure that the hair isn't matting or entangling into one another can help with longevity as well," Knights shares. "The same way you’d care for your curls after a successful wash day would also promote the longevity for any 'goddess' style!”
Courtesy
Regular Touch-ups:
As your natural hair grows, your goddess braids may begin to loosen or develop new growth around the edges. Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your hairstylist to re-braid the edges and ensure a seamless look. Avoid leaving braids in for too long, as this can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakage.
Minimize Manipulation:
While it's tempting to constantly touch and style your goddess braids, excessive manipulation can lead to frizz and premature loosening. Limit the use of styling tools and refrain from pulling or tugging on the braids. Embrace the natural beauty of your braids and allow them to flourish with minimal interference.
Nourish from Within:
Maintaining healthy hair starts from within. Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration to promote hair growth and vitality. Incorporate foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water into your daily routine for optimal hair health.
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