We all love how versatile natural hair can be. Twists, braids, buns, ponytails, straightened, curled, name it – chances are that your hair can do it. But if you want to take your styles even a step further, natural hair accessories are your besties.
Why ‘natural hair accessories’? This is because coily, kinky, and curly hair (especially the first two) need accessories that are gentle and specially made to avoid snagging. Using the wrong accessories for your hair can cause breakage and stress resulting in thinning. In this article, we’ve sourced 7 accessories that are natural hair- friendly and that would take your hairstyles up a notch. Ready? Let’s go.
7 Cute Natural Hair Accessories for You
1. Silk or Satin-Lined Hairbands
Standard cotton or elastic headbands absorb moisture right out of your hairline and create friction that breaks off your delicate baby hairs. Instead, opt for wide hairbands that are lined with satin or silk. They glide smoothly over your coils, keeping your hair out of your face without causing tension or dryness.
2. The Mighty Bonnet (Night & Day)
Bonnets are not just for sleeping anymore! While a high-quality, adjustable satin bonnet is absolutely mandatory for nighttime length retention, many brands now make gorgeous, Ankara-print bonnets lined with satin that you can confidently wear out of the house on a bad hair day or while running errands.
3. Satin Scrunchies
Throw out those thin, rubber-based hair ties immediately. Rubber bands wrap around coily hair like a trap, and taking them out usually means ripping your hair out with them. Oversized silk or satin scrunchies are the perfect alternative for securing your puffs and pineapples. They are incredibly gentle, slide right off when you are done, and add a chic, voluminous look to your updos.
4. Snag-Free Barrettes
Barrettes are making a huge comeback for adding a touch of elegance or a pop of color to flat twists and wash-and-gos. However, you must look for barrettes that have smooth, seamless clasps. Avoid anything with sharp metal teeth or exposed hinges where your hair can get caught and snap.
5. Smooth Styling Clips
Whether you are sectioning your hair on wash day or pinning up a side of your afro for an asymmetrical look, you need the right clips. Alligator clips with a smooth, toothless grip, or classic snap clips that don’t have jagged edges, are perfect for holding thick, kinky hair securely without pulling.
6. Coated Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are a staple for tucking away ends and securing protective styles, but they come with a warning. Always check the tips! You should only use bobby pins that have the little rubber or plastic protective balls still fully intact at the ends. If those tips wear off, the sharp metal will scratch your scalp and slice right through your hair strands.
7. The Versatile Silk Scarf
A large, square silk scarf is the ultimate multi-tasker. You can use it to lay your edges flat after applying your favorite gel, tie it around the base of a high puff to create structure, or fold it into a stunning, vibrant head wrap for days when you just want to tuck your ends away entirely.
Takeaway
The right accessories elevate your styles and spruce up your look while protecting your tresses. On the other hand, accessories that are not meant for coily, kinky, or curly hair may look cute but would cost you your hair. So investing in quality and safe accessories is well worth it.