Natural Hair Trends To Watch Out For In 2016

The Natural Hair Community is aflame with creativity!! The versatility of our texture makes it so easy to switch styles and give illusions of varying types of lengths. 2016 has started off with a BANG! and so many hot styles are being served and yes my beloved Crochet braids has gained some more staying power with an amazing array of extensions that are now on offer.

Having said that, these are some of the trends I see gaining ground in 2016.

1. Short Funky Cuts:

Last year I bumped into beauty blogger Barbara of Barbara1923 at the Beauty Africa exhibition  and I gasped in amazement - she had chopped off all her hair! Now I'd had the honor of styling her natural tresses a couple of years back so you can imagine my confusion when I saw her with really short hair. She laughed at me and said 'yea I cut it' I asked why and she said because she wanted
something different! She definitely pulls it off pretty well.

Source: Barbara1923

So this year when popular natural hair YouTuber Miss Kendrak debuted her short cut complete with an absolutely dope undercut, I knew this was something that will probably catch on this year.

Source: @clippergod on IG

Already I've had one of my customer's walk into the store with a shorter look and shaved sides so it's definitely catching on.

I know I don't have the balls for this especially because I look so much like my Dad that I'll probably end up looking like a guy! lolll




2. Crochet Locs, Crochet Jumbo Twists, Crochet Poetic Justice Braids!
Ah! Crochet has never been so good! While they are not exclusive to the natural hair community, they are very popular with naturalistas. So many many options are being created daily it would seem to satisfy the hunger for this wonderful versatile protective style. Janet Collection it would seem is leading the pack in bringing us so many types of looks. They recently launched the 2X Havana Mambo Faux Locs after the amazing success of their 2X Havana Mambo Twist.

Installed and Curled. Source: @JanetCollection on IG

Installed. Source: @JanetCollection on IG

In addition to this, there is also the 3s Havana Mambo Box Braid. Then you also have the Bobbi Boss Bomba Dreadlocks which have a more 'authentic' dreadlock look

Source: Sam's Beauty

Recently popular VJ Stephanie Coker launched her line 'KrochetKulture' which features chunky twists in the style she's known to wear regularly.

Stephanie Coker and Models sporting her line KrochetKulture. Source: Bellanaija

Then you have the 3D Cubic Twist (Innovative stuff I tell ya loll)

Installed - see how intricate those twists are?

Unravelled for a fuller look.

3. Chunky Flat Twists:

There's just something about a flat twist that gives natural hair an exceptionally beautiful look. In my opinion, they are a step above regular cornrows lolll. They are gaining more ground especially here in Nigeria and this year I expect to see different variations of these stunners.

4. The 'Minnie Mouse'

Lol I think this is such an apt name for this look.

 I did this sometime last year and in recent times, I've been seeing it more and more on IG feeds. Most recently popular Natural hair YouTuber 'NaturallyTemi' sported the look and her gorgeous, lush hair looked amazing!

 It's super easy to do, and will definitely stand you out in a crowd.

5. Fold /Twist Tuck and Pin
While this has been around for a while, it's gaining more ground as more creative twists are being added to it for an even more fabulous look. We've definitely been creating some amazing styles using this method and we plan to do even more this year!!

So, what hairstyles/techniques do you think will be gaining ground this year?