Tag:

African Hairstyles

No Hairpiece Protective Hairstyles

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 21 January 2022

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Not everyone is fond of using extra hair on their heads and this was me for the whole of 2021. Working in a hair salon, I would have hairstyles lined up with different new hair extensions for the whole year. To detox from such mentality, I decided to challenge myself and not do braids and twists with hair extensions. And, it was liberating.

I learnt so many different ways to style my hair because I had to style my hair very often. Sometimes 3 times a week especially when I did not use gel to style my hair. I show some of those hairstyles on my YouTube channel. And here is another of my recent one. I will most definitely do a compilation of all the hairstyles I did last year.

This is a version of a staple hairstyle that I have done over the years, either on twists or loose hair. This time though, I wanted to create a subtle low bun and I liked the outcome. What do you think? Please leave me a comment.

21 January 2022 0 comment

Hairstyles

Learn how to flat twist with inverted bun

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 16 April 2021

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Learning a new skill is always good. What’s even better is when that skill can actually put food on your table or just earn you that extra cash so that you can get that project finally started. For me, doing hair has been my source of income for so many years. Okay, I didn’t exactly get paid when I did hair when I was still in primary school. But all the same, I have been doing hair for a long time. When I was in college, I was in residence at the college, I would spend most of my weekends doing hair. That kept me away from mischief and I never ran out of cash as much as my clients were mostly cash strapped college girls. Those were the good old days.

flat twists on natural hair

In this post, I am showing you how to do a flat twist on natural hair. Flat twists with your own hair are the best protective style there is no matter how you look at it. when it comes to the health of the hair and scalp at least. They can also look cute and if you have the length and volume, you are really spoilt for choice when it comes to styles. There is no pulling of the hair, there is no tension on the hairline or scalp, so no inflammation of the scalp, the hair is tucked away and yet it is kept stretched to make sure single strand knots are kept at bay. Which other protective style ticks all the boxes like that?

Flat Twists with extensions

Actually, when recovering from a receding hairline due to traction alopecia, this is the best hairstyle to wear. So make sure to ask your stylist to do flat twists if you are trying to grow your hairline.

This is a very easy hairstyle actually especially if you are not adding any hair extensions. I always work on wet hair. Guys! there is no need to blow dry the hair just to do a hairstyle like this. For the sake of the health of the hair, work on damp hair.

If you can do 2 strand twists, then learning to do flat twists will be easier for you. Because, the flat twist version is actually just picking up hair along the section as you twist. How you are going to be hold the hair as well will be just a bit different. Check the video below on how I hold the hair. This allows for an effortless picking of the hair as you go along.

And yes, it becomes better the more you practice. You know you can get a practice head for under R100 in Jo’burg? Okay, it will not have a lot of hair on it and the hair will also be very straight and synthetic. But for the purpose of learning different hairstyles, you can start there before you can afford to get one that has a curlier texture and easier to learn African hairstyles on. Of course it comes at a heftier price.

For real beginners, concentrate only on doing a 2 strand twist while picking up hair as you go along a section. Do not worry about how tight or loose it is. Even how neat it is. Once you master how your fingers are going to be moving and working together to do the flat twist, then you can work on making it tighter and neater. I promise, you will get the grip of it with time. I did too.

flat twists on natural hair

Tips on how to flat twist well.

Find the direction that you are comfortable to twist in and stick to it. Rather work on perfecting that.
Make sure you are working on well detangled hair so that you don’t run into any snags or knots along a section.
keep the sections small until you master the technique
Keep your parts neat and clean. Use a gel or edge tamer if you need to
Practice, practice, practice. That’s the best way to better your craft.

Is there a hairstyle that you would like to learn? I may know how to do it. So, let me know in the comments below and I will see if I can do that for you. If I can’t, I may point you in the direction where you can get help.

I am also running Natural Hair Care workshops and Braiding classes at my salon. If you would be interested in learning, make sure to follow me on Instagram, @evemafupa where I will be posting the dates and more details.

Till next time, stay blessed.

16 April 2021 0 comment

Hairstyles Videos

Needle & Thread Cornrows

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 6 March 2020

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

I have added a bit of spice to the usual needle and thread cornrows so it looks chic and really cute. You know, when you have just finished a job, in this case, a hairstyle, and you tell yourself, “Yeah, this is beautiful.” That’s what I felt when I finished this hairstyle. To tell you that when I started doing the hair, I had only a slight idea on how I was going to do the hair, otherwise the final look, even I was in shock. When I do hair, it is kind of an empty canvas and although I will be having an idea on what to create, the style changes as I go along. And this is what happened here as well.

I did a combination of techniques here to create this protective hairstyle but what I wanted to showcase is the needle & thread technique. I also used good old cornrows and crocheting of synthetic hair onto cornrows and African threading. Wow! that’s quite a combination. Didn’t realise it until I wrote it down. When I posted the video on YouTube, it got quite a good response and some of the comments are requests for me to post more beginner friendly videos of the needle and thread technique. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Here is the whole process in case you are unable to watch the video.

Are you subscribed yet to my channel? If not, please do. You know what, I will keep asking you to and most importantly, watching my content because that is how I get paid and manage to sustain this blog. So far, it is about R1000 over 3 to 4 months. And that is good because I can pay for hosting the blog among other things. If that could come every month, it would really be great. So, please share my videos, comment and give me a thumbs up if you think I put out content that is beneficial to you. If not, what kind of content do you think will give you more value? Please share in the comments below.

Same time, same place, next week. God bless you big time.

6 March 2020 0 comment

DIY Hairstyles Protective styles Tutorials Videos

A protective Style on a Budget

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 18 December 2019

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Hey! Hey! It’s the festive season and our hair, well my hair and a lot of people who have been visiting my Salon in the past days, also goes festive. The colour, the style and everything needs to reflect the season we are in. Right? I know, your budget may not allow for a lot of play when it comes to funky hairstyles and you may be feeling down and out. Well, don’t be. Come out to play. There is a lot that can be done with a limited budget. With just R80 or less, you can create this hairstyle too. If you have the crochet hook and thread of course. If you don’t have a crochet hook, a bobby pin will do as well. I’m not kidding. I did a video tutorial using a bobby pin to do crochet braids some moons back and you may want to watch it. Otherwise, get yourself a crochet hook. It’s not too costly. Get it here.

One million braid

In the video, I used just under 2 packs of Darling hair in colour T30 and that will cost you way less than R80 if you get it yourself from the shops and not from a hair salon. If at a hair salon, prices may vary. That’s also part of where they get their profit from. Sourcing hair for clients. You are going to need a bit of time as well to prepare the hair and do the installation. In total, about 4 hours. But, you’re probably on holiday anyway and that should not be a problem.

So, here is the process. I braided the straight one million Darling braid and then put it in hot water so that it could curl according to the braid. I then dried it and unravelled the braid to release some amazing curls and crocheted the curly hair to my natural hair. Viola. Watch the video. It is very visual and more step by step than I can ever be able to explain.

If I don’t get to writing/blogging again before Christmas, well, Merry Christmas and a blessed 2020 to you. Oh my God, it is already 2020. I remember back in the days in college, when we used to think 2020 is so far ahead and made goals that should be realised by year 2020. Well, it’s here. And I hope you will have a great one. Love you and may God bless you richly. Watch the video. Subscribe if you haven’t already and also leave me a comment. I will greatly appreciate that. Until next time, hugs.

18 December 2019 0 comment

Hair Hairstyles

Sleek Ponytail on Short Hair.

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 12 November 2019

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

This is the second part of the hairstyles that I managed to do with my sleek low ponytail. Depending on the accessories I wore, I managed to wear my hair from a date night outfit to an African themed wedding. Since we are in the wedding season, end of year parties or just getting together to celebrate life, what to do with the hair is often a girls worry and sometimes we forget how versatile African hair is and that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to hairstyles. In my opinion, a sleek low ponytail is the best hairstyle that can fit many occasions. It is also very easy to do and can be done in minutes, soon after washing the hair. That way, no need to spend the rest of your day indoors just because you washed your hair. This hairstyle makes the life of a naturalista pretty easy and looking glamorous literally effortless.

sleek ponytail, Date night hairstyle

Sleek ponytail, African themed event or date night

For these two hairstyles, I used the same sleek ponytail that I did in this video and if you have not watched it, then go ahead and check it out. I also used Marley hair and I like using the Brown & Ayo Marley hair. Any kind of hair will do just fine though. Just that, the closer the additional hair is to your hair texture, the more realistic your hair will be looking. The accessories used are basically the pins and also the beads in the African themed hairstyle. I loved creating these styles and I hope you will get some ideas on how to do your hair as well.

The question I got the most is, what I used to sleek the hair down. I used eco styler gel. The green one with Olive oil. It has maximum hold and helps to keep my natural hair laid down. If you watch part one of the video, you will see what I do to sleek the hair down. The other question is, how long I can keep this hairstyle for? Well, that depends on my schedule. Sometimes I can do a hairstyle but need to attend an event where my hair should be out. In the end, I may remove the hairstyle earlier. Otherwise, one can keep the sleek ponytail for 8 days or even more. Tying a scarf when you sleep and also when you shower will preserve your hairstyle very well. You can also add some more gel, not too much, on your hairline and brush the hair down using a small brush, comb or a toothbrush that you have now upgraded to laying of edges.

sleek ponytail, Date night hairstyle

Taking down the hairstyle is also very easy. You just wet the hair and wash the gel out. That’s it. What can be easier than that? If you need hairstyle ideas, go ahead. Watch the video and let me know what you think in the comments. Please subscribe to my channel and give it a thumbs up if you liked it. Otherwise till next time, may God bless you big time.

sleek ponytail, Date night hairstyle

Sleek ponytail, African themed event or date night

12 November 2019 0 comment

Hair

Trending Natural Hairstyles This Spring at Nashe Hair Studio.

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 9 October 2019

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Working at Nashe Hair Studio has allowed me to see hairstyle trends in the natural hair space as they come and go. If you are bit in the rut and not sure what to do with your hair, here are some hairstyles that have been trending this spring at Nashe Hair Studio.

Half updo with added hair

The half updo with added hair has become a favourite at Nashe Hair Studio. This hairstyle is suitable for any occasion, from bride, bridesmaid to wearing it to work or play. That is why it is so popular because one can wear it for that special occasion during the weekend and then still wear it to work the next week without any issues. It also offers some versatility in styling your hair, from letting it down as shown in the picture to bun or a roll and tuck hairstyles with the hair at the back. The added hair at the back is Marley hair which looks very close to natural hair when combed out. It can be done using any type of hair which will alter the outcome a little bit but still look cute.

Sleek bun

sleek low bun, bridal hairstyle

The sleek bun as well is so popular with our natural brides and bridesmaids. This hairstyle is also allows you to get the most out of a special occasion hairstyle in the following week. The low bun allows you to play around with hats and other traditional head wear if you will also be doing the traditional wedding soon after the white church wedding as is quite common in South Africa.

Vixen braids

You would swear this is all her hair. These are vixen braids done using the crochet method with some leave out hair. The styles one can get from vixen braids is so much. But, maintaining the leave out hair can be tasking. The leave out hair may shrink and not look too similar to your added Marley hair. So daily maintenance will be needed.

A short afro wig

That’s where using coily hair that resembles shrunken hair comes in very handy. This afro wig has become a favourite with a lot of Nashe Hair Studio clients. In this heat, emergency hair can’t be any kinder and cooler. Not touching the shoulders, not in your face and so light on the head you will even forget you have a wig on. This wig leaves a lot of people drooling, thinking it is your actual hair. When I wear this wig, I have a hard time convincing people it is a wig such that, sometimes I just receive the compliment and move on.

Medium braids with highlights

Medium braids

These braids with highlights and curled at the ends are trending as well. Made small enough for great movement and so that they are neither too heavy nor too hot for the wearer, these medium braids are so loved these days. Other people prefer them in one colour though and I think both ways, they are so so cute. My next hairstyle. I hope.

Marley twists

The curls can also be enjoyed on Marley twists. Gone are the days of just plain Marley twists. A lot of people are requesting some curls at the ends on either short or longer length Marley twists.

Spring twists

Last but not least, the spring twists. These are just coming in and they hit the road running. We often run out of stock of this hair because the moment we get stock, it just goes like that (fingers snapping). We are also in so much love with them.

What’s your favourite hairstyle? Is there more trending hairstyles this spring that I left out? Tell me about them in the comments. You can even leave a link so that I can check them out as well.

Until next time. Blessings to you and yours.

9 October 2019 0 comment

Hair Videos

African Threading with Extensions

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 18 September 2019

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

This hairstyle is as easy as it looks. Basically African threading with some added hair so that I can have more options when styling it. The added hair makes a big difference guys. Especially if your hair is not long enough to tie a bun or style it in any way. Adding the extra hair also helps with volume. Makes African threading look chic even if it is just 4 sections like the ones I did.

From short hair and extra long hair

I mean, 4 sections are normally done as a night routine when stretching the hair for the night, to minimise shrinkage the next day. That is actually how I landed on this hairstyle the first time. I had washed my hair and did not have time to do chunky twists even. So, I decided to do African threading for the night and see what I can do with my hair the next day. And then a thought came to me to use a bit of gel on the hair and also add some extra hair. I was literally playing with my hair. Was not expecting a real style to come out of it. I tied my hair with a scarf and went to bed. The next morning, my edges were so laid and the African threading was looking so good. Of course I took some pictures and posted on social media and from that came the requests for a tutorial. Here are the pictures I posted.

The ones I did now are actually a better version of the African threading because I put more thought into it and created a procedure for you that is easy to follow. The first time I did this, I did not follow any set procedure at all.

African threading

In the video, I am using XQ Marley hair. You can use any type of kinky textured hair as well and it should come out fine. Just make sure the colour of the hair and the type is as close to your natural hair as possible so that you can be able to create that illusion that it is your natural hair that is so long. I also used normal knitting acrylic yarn and for laying my edges and the sections, I used eco styler gel. Please do watch the video to get to know how I do it. The thing that can be of great interest is how I join the hair extension to my actual hair and to make it look like my hair is super long.

And to say I enjoyed this hairstyle is an understatement. I loved it and I am sure going to do it again. What do you think about African threading? Is it a style you could do? Are you a fan? What are the tactics that you use to make your African threading hairstyle more stylish? I would love to know. Comment below and let’s talk and celebrate about African threading. It is part of our heritage you know. Our African heritage. No wonder is it called African threading. Not just hair threading.

Otherwise, from me to you, hugs and kisses. Stay blessed.

18 September 2019 4 comments

Hairstyles Videos

Needle & Thread Flat Twist Tutorial

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 28 August 2019

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Alright. I don’t know what happened there seriously. I posted a video on YouTube and never got to let you guys know that there is a new video on my channel. How could I? I think the more you need to subscribe and turn on the notifications so that you don’t miss any videos I upload from now. But I will also try my best not to let life get in the way and always follow protocol. Who said running 3 businesses while being a mom and wife is easy? That’s why I am a woman right. I have the WOMAN super power. But eish, even when you have super powers, somethings slip in the cracks of your duties. Ngiyaxolisa.

So, back to the video, it was actually requested by some of you. That’s the reason I did it. In the video, I show you how I did a flat twist look alike using a needle and thread and I also used some added hair or hair extensions so that her flat twists look fuller and the hang at the back of her hair is longer. I had never done a flat twist using a needle and thread with added hair extension to it. So, I was figuring it out as I went along. It came out really nice and I am glad I recorded it even the first time doing it because we learn the lessons together.

Don’t forget to comment and thumbs up this video.

I have done the hairstyle on very short hair at the salon, Nashe Hair Studio before and numerous times before then, growing up as an African child who knows to do hair. It was a style used when the hair is extremely short and you still want it plaited. Maybe you are a bride’s maid, flower girl at a wedding, or you went to a school that insisted on short hair even for the girls and you want some form of hairstyle for the holidays. Needle and thread hairstyles were a go to style for you. Otherwise, you’ll be told to grow your hair a little bit more for any other style. Of course it can also be done on longer hair and if you would like to give this method a go, check out the video.

Need and thread flat twists on very short hair

Don’t forget to subscribe hey! I will appreciate that. And let me know what you would like to see more of on the channel. Was thinking of introducing some business tips considering I have been in business quite a bit and I mentor a number of ladies on business as well. What do you think?

Otherwise, thank you for your support thus far. I will see you in the next offering. God bless you and yours. *hugs*

28 August 2019 0 comment

Hair

Bubble Ponytail Tutorial

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 26 June 2019

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

One of the things that I promised myself I would do after exams was play in my hair. So, I’ve been trying out different hairstyles that I’ve been dying to try but had no time on my hands to do so or I would feel so guilty doing instead of studying. The bubble ponytail is one of those which I tried out some time earlier this month and it was such a wow moment for me actually. I posted the images on Instagram and Facebook and a lot of people loved it as well. So, I decided to do a tutorial for you guys so that you can see how I do it. And, you never know, you may find some hairstyle inspiration as well.

I did the hairstyle on stretched hair which I stretched using African threading, aka Benny and Betty, aka amaphondo, aka mabhanzi, aka mangongo. Wow, it you don’t know what that is after all the explanation, then you just have to watch the video so you can see this heatless method that is used to stretch African natural hair. I also used Marley hair for my ponytail, which I think is not just a ponytail but actually a mohawk with a ponytail. I also used hair ties to secure the Marley hair onto my hair and also to do the bubbles to make it a bubble ponytail.

Here are some pictures so that you can see the one I did earlier in the month and the one I did in the video. Not exactly alike but close enough. I hope you like the video and if you do, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel to see more content like this one and other stuff. Share my video on WhatsApp, and if you get to try the hairstyle, please do tag me as well. I would love to see it.

All the best for you and yours and may God bless you.

26 June 2019 0 comment

Hair Hairstyles

Tutorial | Half Up-do Hairstyle | 1 year after big chop

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa 12 June 2019

written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Hey hey! It has been long hey! Although I have been posting blogs here and there, I have not been doing videos for quite some time now. It’s all for a good reason though. I have been studying. I wanted to finish my honours in Procurement as quickly as possible so everything else was sidelined t concentrate on my studies. Now that I am done and they are out of the way, I am back. I last uploaded a video 8 months ago and that’s very long. Even editing this one was quite a challenge. I had forgotten some of the things I used to do to quicken the process. But ah well, here it is.

Half updo hairstyle on African hair

In this video, I am doing a half up-do hairstyle that I did some time back and a number of you girls asked for a tutorial. So, for my first video after a thousand years of no video uploads, I decided to do this one. Because it is easy and can ease me back to filming hair tutorials gently

I also big chopped, kind of, in June last year. You can read all about it here So, this month marks a year since I cut my hair. Although I am not on a hair growth journey at the moment, my hair has grown quite some, especially at the back of my head and on the sides. The top of my head is still thin a bit. Not sure if this is age related since I am now on the other side of 40. At least it is not easily noticeable unless one looks closely.

I am also planning on giving you more content that is not just hair related on video. Please do let me know what you think and what kind of content you are interested in. Please, I beg you oh, do engage, comment, ask questions and share the video with your friends and family. I will greatly appreciate that. If you are not subscribed yet, subscribe, it is free and will help you big time to see more content from me, especially if you click on the notifications button, then once I upload, you will get notification in your inbox.

Until next time, God bless you big time.

12 June 2019 2 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts