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Ghana braids, like other braids, are known by a number of other names including Cherokee cornrows, pencil cornrows, invisible cornrows, and even banana braids. Fast becoming one of the most popular ways of wearing your weave for this year, the summer seems to show a hike in women opting for this sassy style, not just for the convenience factor but also for the protective benefits.

In case you needed any more persuading that this is your next go-to style, here are 51 best Ghana braids hairstyles we know you’re going to love!

1.Simple Ghana Braids Style

There are more benefits to opting for these amazing Ghana braids hairstyles than just good looks and protective benefits too. If you play your cards right and take care of them properly, this is a style that will last for weeks and in some cases, several months. If you don’t want a style that’ll have you running to the salon every few weeks, Ghana braids are definitely the way forward.

2. Ombre Ghana Braids

Here’s a look you may not have considered – ombre Ghana braids, a hairstyle that is both perfect for summer and super cool too. A really updated way of wearing these braided styles. Darker and working their way to light, with even a few reddish strands throw in for good measure, it’s a super fierce look that we can’t wait to try for ourselves.

3. Ghana Braids into a Bun

One of the easiest ways to deal with those loose strands at the nape of the neck is to do the simplest thing with it – wrap it all around and fasten with pins into the cutest little bun. The top of your hair is sorted – it’s all brushed back and braided away from your face. This little low bun helps to sort out the rest on this super hot days when your hair is the last thing you’ll want to deal with.

Small Ghana Braids into a Bun

Source: @_hairwifey

4. Blonde Ghana Braids

Have you ever wanted to go blonde? Well, Ghana braids hairstyles like this show you exactly how to do it. Going blonde when you’re braiding or using extensions is the easiest way! There’s no harsh lightening or bleaching treatments on your own natural hair, there’s no dealing with the dryness or breakage afterwards. It’s the best blonde idea you ever had!

5. Jumbo Cornrows

Not just a look that lasts the distance and looks great, Ghana braids hairstyles like these are great because they can be worn in thicker or thinner braids dependant on your preferences. The easiest way to enter the world of Ghana braids is with these jumbo beauties – easy, faster than with smaller braids, and much easier to take care of.

6. Black & White Ghana Braids

We immediately wanted to sing that old Michael Jackson song, Black or White, when we saw these fabulous braids and to be honest, there is something a little 90’s throwback about the style and colour. The 90’s are back. Haven’t you spotted everyone wearing those tight plastic chokers around their necks again?

Black and White Ghana Braids Style

Source: @braidsgang

7. Friends who braid together, stay together.

Long braids are always in fashion, and for a look that Beyonce would be proud of, wear yours with some added length. Super long braids need to be worn at least once in your life. We wouldn’t advocate them all the time however, the length can be very heavy and this will have a detrimental effect on your scalp. With repeated use of heavy extensions, you may find that you start to suffer with hair loss which may even end up being permanent.

8. Ghana Braids into an Elegant Updo

If you want to keep the hair up and away from your face for the majority of the summer,  a thick and twisted updo is a great idea. If you enjoy wearing your braids long and loose on the other hand, with the capability of styling them in the same way that you would style ‘regular’ hair, thinner braids are more than likely going to be the better option for you.

Ghana Braids into an Elegant Bun

Source: @iamorhair__

9. Ghana braids are also known as banana braids.

There has been some investigations into the history of Ghana braids and it is believed that they could date to as far back as 500BC which, as far as hairstyles go, is actually very impressive. It was Ancient Africans who rocked the look initially, with both sculptures and hieroglyphs depicting both men and women with braids in their hair, looking remarkably like the Ghana braids we’re showing you here.

10. Ghana Cornrows

Straight-back Ghana braids hairstyles were the more traditional look back in the ‘olden days’. The type and style would often depend on things such as ethnic background, social status, religion and even kinship.

11. Ghana Braids with a Pop of Caramel

For when blonde is a little too much, how about caramel? It’s a lighter shade but without being too obvious, perfect for the women out there who are looking for something different but not too bright. The caramel hues have cleverly been braided into the Ghana braids hairstyle, barely noticeable but still noticeable at the same time. It’s cute and we like it.

12. Ghana Braids with a Zig-Zag Parting

Zig-zag Ghana braids hairstyles like these were once reserved for slaves and to be more precise, a peaceful protest amongst slaves. The zig-zag nature was considered an act of defiance, and once upon a time, would have resulted in the hair being shaved off entirely. Luckily things have come a very long way since that day and we are all free to express ourselves however we see fit. Perhaps it’s time to pay homage with some zig-zag Ghana braids of your very own?

13. Braids on Fleek!

Another great benefit of Ghana braids, and just another reason why you should take a closer look at this iconic style, is that you need to do virtually nothing to take care of them. There is no combing involved, no worrying, no muss and no fuss. Once they’re in, they’re in, and as long as you condition them and make sure you’re not putting them under any undue stress, you’ll find they’ll be perfectly happy left to their own devices.

Ghana Braids for Black Women

Source: @mseziemela

14. Colorful Ghana Braids Style

Did you see the unicorn hair trend? Well, you can even rock those stunning pastel shades when you’re rocking Ghana braids too! This look is so pretty and colourful, we couldn’t help but fall in love with it. Why not ask your stylist for something a little different this time? Who wants normal Ghana braids anyway?

Colorful Ghana Braids Style for Black Women

Source: @braidsgang

15. Ghana Braids Updo

You may wish to amend the easy regime a little to get even more wear out of your new braids. Fashion, hair and beauty bloggers often recommend applying a root stimulator to your scalp.

16. Colored Ghana Braids

When your accessories are blinging with gold, it makes sense that your hair should too. The caramel and honey coloured tones, when braided together, almost look like streaks of gold and we won’t lie, we think the look is pretty fabulous! Why not adorn your Ghana braids hairstyles with gold accessories if you’re not brave enough to try gold braids… Although we definitely think you should.

Colored Ghana Braids Style

Source: @braidsgang

17. Pop of Red & Braid Cuffs

Or for those days when just gold isn’t enough, opt for gold and red, incorporating a third additional shade for added measure. When it comes to colour, the more the merrier, we say. How about you? Ready to rise to the challenge?

18. Gorgeous!

You don’t need to wash your Ghana braids but if you want them to stay in tip-top condition, you may wish to consider using dry shampoo like many others have advised. Washing the braids isn’t necessary but that doesn’t mean they won’t get dirty or smell a little funky from time to time. It helps to know how to keep them fresher for longer.

19. Long Ghana Braids

When you look a little closely at these braids, you’ll see that they are very similar to regular cornrow styles but done on a bigger scale. The hair close to the scalp is braided, usually all the way down, before the bottoms of the braids are left long and loose. It’s certainly an eye-catching look.

20. Side-Swept Ghana Braids

Although straight-back is the more traditional to wear these Ghana braids hairstyles, we can’t help but fall a little in love with these side-swept ones… Okay, may not a little. Maybe a lot.

Side Swept Ghana Braids

Source: @braidsgang

21. Pop of Caramel

We like the little strips of caramel you can see in these Ghana braids, a very slight and simple addition but one that changes the whole dimension of the style. We like that the colour flash doesn’t go right the way to the end of the braids – another look you might consider?

22. Blonde Ghana Braids

Beyonce recently rocked the heck out of blonde Ghana braids in recent commercials, and coming down to her butt we must admit they do look damn fierce. These ones are slightly larger than the slimmer lovelies Queen Bee rocked but we still think they’re awesome . How about you?

23. Beautiful Chunky Braids

If your hair is in dire need of a trim, or it’s been damaged from over-colouring, over-styling, or even sun damage, braided styles such as these Ghana braids are a really great idea. The braids themselves will last for a fair while if you take care of them properly, and because of that, your own natural hair is given a well-deserved break, allowing it to be rejuvenated beneath.

Chunky Cornrows Hairstyle

Source: @hairbyshune

24. Stunning Protective Style

Another great style that can be worn right through the ages, these Ghana braids are brilliantly worn adorned with various hair accessories. Traditionally, scarves are used to cover the hair, not only to make it look good but also to keep it protected, especially when sleeping. There are a number of other hair accessories you should take a peek at however, and just a few of the ones we would definitely recommend for your next Ghana braids hairstyles are hair beads and jewellery. They really stand out and we love them.

25. Thick and Thin Ghana Cornrows

A mix of thick and thin Ghana braids make for a great and unique hairstyle, a way to wear them that will really stand out from the crowd. It’s also a great way of dealing with the situation when you’re not sure what kind of look you’re going for, and to get make sure every part of your scalp is covered, as such. Sometimes you may have a problem with the thinner baby hairs at the edge of the hairline and these small braids help to deal with that problem.

26. Simple and Neat Design

Depending on how well you take care of them, these Ghana braids will usually last somewhere in the region of two to four weeks, the length determinate on how well you take care of them. There are a number of reasons why they might not last quite as long and one of the biggest is that frizziness you often get when you DON’T sleep with a protective silky scarf over your head. Otherwise your hair is rubbing against the harsh material of your pillow case all night, pulling it in all directions which will inevitably ruin the style.

27. Eye-Catching Style

If you want to attempt Ghana braids hairstyles at home yourself, you can do and you can even do it with your own natural hair if it is long enough. Alternatively, Rasta Fri hair has been recommended by many women who rock this fabulous weave, and this is one of the cheapest and easiest types of hair to get your hands on.

28. Light Brown Ghana Braids

With a slightly off centre starting point, there’s something very structurally beautiful about these Ghana braids, a slightly different take on the tradition straight-back style. It’s a very simple yet great way of bringing a different finished look to the whole style and we won’t lie, we think it’s pretty genius ourselves.

29. Yay or Nay?

Although often compared to cornrows, the two looks are actually quite different, despite looking the same to the untrained eye. Ghana braids hairstyles start with thinner segments to the start of the braids, leading to a more natural approach. Cornrows, on the other hand, have thicker starts and tend to be the same thickness all the way down rather than fluctuating from thin to thick to thin again at the ends.

30. Side-Swept Ghana Braids

Focusing on that off-centre starting point again, this one offers a very deep starting point, right over to one side almost to the ear. If you love Ghana braids and want to wear them a little differently than usual (without changing too much), this is definitely the right way to go about it.

31. Stunning Jumbo Braids

For those ladies who want an easy look to take from the office right through to an evening event, Ghana braids are the perfect solution. You can wear them in an elegant updo to see you through the office day, before releasing them for a glamorous look to get you through the night.

Jumbo Ghana Braids Style

Source: @iamorhair

32. Braided Ponytail

Looking for an easy to wear style that is trendy too? Then this next hair idea is for you. Here we have a braided ponytail. The ponytail sits high on the head and is worn to one side to show off the cool braided pattern underneath. It has been finished off with silver hair accessories too. It is a beautiful hairstyle that will look amazing on everyone.

33. Ghana Braids into Two Buns

Next, we have a hairstyle that will impress! These Ghana braids are styled into two high buns. There are also two braids left loose at the front and the hair has been finished off with gorgeous accessories. This is a stunning hairstyle that will make you stand out from the crowd. We love this look!

34. Braided Bob

One of the must-have hairstyles is a bob. Here we have a super stylish bob to show you. This one is asymmetric as one side is longer than the other. It also has chunky cornrows in a cool pattern and each braid is a light pink shade. The pink looks amazing and it will be perfect for the spring and summer. Recreate the whole style or try the bob in a color of your choice.

Ghana Braids Bob

Source: @futibraids

35. Ghana Braids into a Ponytail

Our next idea is another ponytail. The braids used for this ponytail are a little more bold because two different thicknesses have been used. By using multiple braids, you get a trendy and unique ponytail. A hairstyle like this can be worn for any occasion, from day to night. Choose long ponytail like featured or opt for a shorter one.

36. Braided Side Bun

You can make simple changes to your hair and create a whole new look. This hairstyle is a great example. Here we have Ghana braids that are styled into a bun. Instead of the classic bun, this one is worn to one side. Just by moving the bun to the side you have a trendy style you may not have worn before. It is a beautiful hairstyle that will suit everyone.

37. Long Ghana Braids

Next, we have amazing long braids to show you. These braids are chunky with a simple design and they are very long. The hairstyle is finished off with a trendy cord. It is an easy to wear look. You can recreate these braids or you could try them in a different color. Red braids would look amazing in this style.

Long Ghana Braids

Source: @glambymerry

38. Stylish High Ponytail

Love the braided ponytails? Then you need to see our next pick. Here we have a high braided ponytail with different braid thicknesses and two loose braids at the front. It is a chic and edgy style that will look amazing on anyone. You can recreate this ponytail or add some hair cuffs to glam up the look.

39. Edgy Feed In Ghana Braids

Our next hairstyle is very trendy. These are feed in Ghana braids with a simple and stylish design. This is a beautiful set of braids and they will suit everyone. Try a similar style to this or you can use smaller sections of hair which will create more braids. Either way, it will look gorgeous!

40. Cute Half-Up Bun

Another cool braided look you can try is a half-up bun. Half of the braids are left loose and half the braids are styled into a bun. It is a stylish look that gives you the best of both worlds, as you can have an updo and wear loose braids too. Recreate this look or opt for a different braided pattern. We love this hairstyle.

Half Up, Half Down Ghana Braids

Source: @glambymerry

41. Cool Green Braids

Jazz up your braids and add some color. These Ghana braids are styled into a high ponytail with accessories. The hair also has a trendy green shade running through it. By adding a funky color, your hair will be bold and stand out from the crowd. You can try a similar green to this or choose a color of your choice.

42. Long Braided Ponytail

Next, we have another gorgeous ponytail to show you. The braids are simple and are put into a high ponytail. It is an easy to wear hairstyle and it will look beautiful on anyone. Keep the hair minimal or you can glam it up with hair accessories. You can also go for a shorter ponytail too.

Long Braided Ponytail

Source: @ficky_xx_

43. Medium Length Braids

If you need a chic and elegant hairstyle that you can wear for any occasion, then this next pick is for you. The hair is styled into chunky Ghana braids that are medium length. It is just a simple and beautiful set of braids. We think these braids would look amazing in a bob style too, so this is something you could think about.

Medium Length Ghana Braids

Source: @mimi.irvin

44. Short Braided Bob

Speaking of bobs, here is a cute bob that you need to see. This bob is about chin length and has stylish accessorized braids. It is a trendy look that will be perfect for the spring and summer. Hair like this is great for the ladies who need a change and want to try something new.

Short Braided Bob

Source: @tebellz

45. Glam Braided Bun

Our next idea is very glam! These braids are styled into a high bun. It is such a chic and elegant look that would be perfect for a special occasion. Wear hair like this to a party and you will definitely steal the limelight. This is another style that would look amazing in a different color too. Red or blonde would look fabulous.

Glam Braided Bun

Source: @being_zeni

46. Accessorized Ghana Braids

Bored of your hair and want a new style that will wow? Then this is for you! These Ghana braids are long and also have accessories. The braids are decorated with cords and beautiful hair cuffs. It is an amazing hairstyle that will give everyone hair envy. You can accessorize with any color cords and you can add as many cuffs as you like.

47. Cute Two Bun Hairstyle

Earlier in the post we shared a hairstyle that featured two buns. If you loved that style, then you may like this one too. Here we have another two bun hairstyle, but instead of high buns, these ones are low. As you can see, by styling the buns low you can create a completely different look. We love the different braid thicknesses too. This is an awesome hairstyle that will suit everyone.

48. Sky High Ponytail

Want a hairstyle that is fierce and glam? Then this is for you. Here we have a sky high ponytail. The ponytail features braids with different thicknesses and it has accessories too. This is a stunning hairstyle and it is perfect for someone who is in need of a fabulous new look. Recreate this style or you could try adding a funky color. Ombre would look amazing with a ponytail like this.

Sky High Braided Ponytail

Source: @letylemoss

49. Stylish Long Braids

Next, we have a stylish braided look to show you. These Ghana braids are long and simple. There is also one blonde braid too. We love this style because the braid in a different color really makes an impact. You can recreate this or you can choose a different color for the one braid. Any color would look great!

50. High, Half-Up Bun

Earlier we featured a half-up bun. Here we have another version of the style. This bun is high on the head and the braids are chunky. It is a trendy look that will suit everyone. You can choose a similar style or you can try using thinner sections of hair which will create more braids. Either way, it will look gorgeous.

51. Trendy Patterned Braids

You can create so many cool patterns with braids. Here is a trendy example. Thin and thick braids have been used to create a super stylish pattern. Braids like these not only look great, but will also make your hair unique too. We love this look! You can use braids like these with ponytails, buns and more.

Big and Small Ghana Braids

Source: @fancy_claws

So… What did you think? Any of these Ghana braids hairstyles tickle your fancy? Be sure to come back and let us know which ones you tried for yourself! We can’t wait to see these lovely styles on you lovely ladies!

Bobs are iconic for a whole host of reasons. Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, for example, and Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. It’s a 21st century look often sported by spirited and passionate women, those who aren’t afraid to think outside the box and opt for short locks rather than luscious long ones.

If you need a hand finding your next haircut, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Chocolate Brown Lob Haircut with Layers

Keeping length at the front is very flattering for most face shapes, and those slightly highlights created with a balayage or hand blended method, really tops the entire design. It’s beautiful, manageable and super fashionable too. It ticks all the boxes.

Lob Haircut with Layers for Brunettes

Source: @cassderosa

2. Blonde Balayage Lob

And for those that aren’t a fan of dark hair, what about this one? A stunning blonde balayage lob which uses an ombré idea – hand panting from dark to light before styling with those wide ringlet curls. If you’ve ever wanted to go lighter, summer is definitely the time to do it and let’s face it, short hair is always cooler and easier when the temperatures are at their hottest.

3. Straight, Angled Lob Haircut

The best thing about these gorgeous long bob hairstyles is that they are as super simple as they look. Massive impact with not that much work necessary to keep it looking like that. This straight, angled lob haircut is easily recreated in the morning with hair straighteners and some smoothing serum. You can keep the face framing layers long to really soften the look, or opt for something blunt and edgy. That’s the good news – the choice is yours. And boy is there plenty to choose from!

4. Lob Haircut for Thick Hair

Thicker hair can benefit from high and lowlights in much the same way that thinner hair can, especially with these touseled waves. Keep the layers at different lengths, and ask your stylist to thin out your hair before adding lighter lowlights and a few highlights. It will help to lighten out the bulk of your hair, a big problem for those wanting to go for the chop with thick hair.

5. Curly, Angled Lob Cut + Caramel Balayage

A sharp bob is often too sharp and intense for some women. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is well known for her rounded business-bob, a blunt edge and super straight without a single hair out of place. We love this curly, angled lob cut, completed with a caramel balayage over the top to bring it all together. Just because you’re going for a short look doesn’t mean it can’t still be cute and girly.

Curly Angled Balayage Lob

Source: @hairbyelena

6. Blonde Sombre Lob

Sombre hair, in case you didn’t know, is ombre hair but softer – the softer ombre. Clever name right? It’s a very clever way of incorporating that ombre gradient but on a much more natural level, so you can barely make out the various shades individually.

Blonde Sombre Long Bob Hairstyle

Source: @habitsalon

7. Layered Lob Haircut + Honey Blonde Balayage Highlights

January Jones recently opted for a beautiful honey coloured lob, just grazing her shoulders. This is a similar look, and one that can be work in a number of ways. Even changing the parting from centre to side (or vice versa) can make the difference.

Long Bob Haircut with Layers and Balayage Highlights

Source: @alenm

8. Blonde Ombre Lob

Beyoncé is another fan of the lob look of late, opting for a balayage ombré in her design, much like you can see here. As far as long bob hairstyles go, we think this one combined with those colours might just be our favourite. Do you have a favourite yet?

9. Curly Lob +  Caramel Balayage Highlights

Rose Byrne was another lovely Hollywood lady to go for the chop recently, trimming her tresses to a shoulder-skimming bin with a dark roots and slightly fed tinged but caramel blonde ends. It’s cute, girlie and sophisticated. Did we mention super quick to style?

10. Messy Lob Hairstyle + Ice Blonde Balayage Highlights

Short hair can really be a brave choice for women who are used to rocking long locks, so opt for a long bob (or lob) to make the transition a little easier. If you love it, you could always trim / cut it shorter and shorter. You can always cut more hair off, but you can’t add hair back on when you don’t like the cut.

Messy Lob Haircut and Ice Blonde Balayage Highlights

Source: @romeufelipe

11. Blunt Lob Haircut

Long bobs certainly have their advantages. You might want short hair but still want some showing off capacity. You might want a look that takes just five minutes to style in the morning, yet also looks super cool. You might just want something the kids can’t grab at all the time. People often think that shorter styles often mean less playroom but this really isn’t the case. Just because you don’t have length on your side doesn’t mean you can’t still show off with a wide variety of tones and shades.

12. Wavy, Balayage Ombre Lob

This is a more obvious balayage ombre lob, a look that we must admit, is definitely one we’d love to rock ourselves. The lighter, blonder sections are more compacted towards the front of the face and sides of the look rather than the back, really concentrating that colour flash. Another great tip for those who want to play with colours and shades but don’t have length on their side.

13. Long Bob Haircut with Side Bangs

Bobs and bangs are hard work together, and you’ll also find that you need to wash and style your hair every day without fail unless you want the awful greasy-bangs look. It’s one of the reason we don’t have bangs ourselves even though we love them so. Side swept bangs make life a lot easier than short and full bangs. You can achieve this look by having shorter layers cut around the face, creating a faux-bang as such when you flick it all over to one side.

Long Bob Haircut with Side Bangs for Brunettes

Source: @sazan

14. Choppy Long Bob Haircut

If you do want to go shorter, add choppier layers around the ends of the hair to break things up a little. Long layers, when added in, can help to thicken the hair, but also stops it from being a blunt and awkward bob.

15. High Contrast Ombre Lob

High contrast, high impact – that’s what a lob look like this one offers. The length is actually quite long, just skimming below shoulder-length, giving you a mid-length cut that could easily be used as a transitional one. If you’ve had short hair before and want to grow it out, this could be the perfect in-between look. And if you’re going short but aren’t brave enough to go super-short, this is yet again a great in-between, transitional style.

16. Angled Lob Cut + Red Balayage Colourmelt

We love red hair, mostly because it’s so difficult to get right when you weren’t blessed with rosy red locks to start with. This angled lob cut has been perfected with a colour melt of reds and strawberry-blondes, using a hand-painted or balayage style to help make it look more natural. If you want to go for red hair but don’t like the idea of one-tone brassy red all over, this colour melt is a great place to start.

Angled Long Bob Haircut and Red Balayage Colourmelt

Source. @gysel_lira

17. Pearl White Balayage Lob

At the other end of the spectrum, blonde is big for summer and this pearl blonde is definitely one of our most favourite shades. It’s a clever mix of platinum blondes and warmer, ash blondes, all neatly mixed with a slightly darker anymore natural root.

18. Layered Lob Cut + Golden Blonde Highlights

The best thing about balayage blends like this beauty is that you can be as creative with the brush as you like. If you want your layers and tones of blondes to be choppy and a little unstructured, you’ll have a look that comes out a little like this one which, obviously, isn’t a bad thing. Golden blonde highlights are a great way to add some lighter textures and tones to a darker look – perhaps a dark grow-out idea?

19. Modern Pink Blunt Lob Haircut

She changes her hair like the wind but Rita Ora recently opted for a simple one length bob but this time in a pastel / candy flood pink colour and with a deep side parting. Nobody said your long bob needed to be a ‘boring’ and muted colour. Go as bold and as bright as you dare, although we’d definitely recommend starting with this pretty pastel pink pop.

Modern Pink Blunt Lob Haircut

Source: @domdomhair

20. Choppy Lob Cut + Blonde Balayage Highlights

As far as these looks go, this is one of the simplest and easiest, once again adopting that balayage style to really make the most out of the design. Kate Mara recently went for a beautiful ombre look like this one. Darker at the top, lighter at the roots, clever combinations of the two used to blend it all in the middle.

21. Blonde, A-Line Lob Cut

The A-line bob is very big right now and just as the name suggests, the hair is cut into an A-line shape, just like the skirt. There are loads of ways in which you can play around with this simple, staple cut but we love this blonde version and we think you might too.

22. Blonde, Blunt Lob Haircut

Ferne Cotton, Jessica Alba, Lily Collins are just three names thrown into the long blond bob hairstyles mix. This blunt lob has been cleverly muted with a beautiful mix of blondes, giving you an easy and faster way to go from dark to light.

23. Wavy, Balayage Lob

To really bring your long bob hairstyles to life, consider ‘stacking’, a term used when layers of hair are ‘stacked’ one on top of the other to create a really full and voluminous finish. These stacked layers work brilliantly with lowlights, highlights, and the balayage ombre trend too.

24. Angled Lob Cut + Beige Blonde Balayage

An angled long bob hairstyle is great for when you’re not brave enough to go as short as you’d like to. You can still keep the length confined to the front to stop the look from being too harsh on your face, whilst still benefitting from the shorter hair at the nape of the neck, going as short as you dare.

25. Layered Lob Haircut + Honey Blonde Highlights

To really bring your ombre to life, add some bouncy beachy waves. Why? Because it helps to show off all the colours in your hair. Why wouldn’t you? Spiral curls are often too much for a delicate look like this one, and the loose waves help to stop it looking overdone. Just the right amount of bounce!

26. Wavy Lob + Chocolate Highlights

You can still use your regular curling irons even if you do want beachy waves. Just use some seal salt spray and you gainers to comb the curls through until they look more wavy than spirally. It’ll take a few attempts but you’ll get there and when you do, you’ll realise that this really is a look that takes just five minutes in the morning.

Wavy Long Bob with Chocolate Highlights

Source: @gina.devine

27. Curly, Layered Lob + Golden Highlights

Katy Perry is a big fan of the lob but she loves to wear hers with a crazy array of shades and colours. Her green look was a particular favourite of ours. If you’d rather rock a more neutral option, what about this one? Golden highlights that look good enough to eat!

28. Choppy, Chocolate Blonde Lob

Kerry Washington recently sported a look like this, a darker brunette at the top and a lighter, brighter but still with subtle red-fine mahogany. We have an actual crush on this hair. It’s summery but could still easily be worn right through into autumn and winter as it grows out, becoming a longer ombre look.

29. Messy & Curly Lob + Blonde Balayage Highlights

When your hair looks messy, embrace it. Boho waves are always in style, especially when it comes to the warmer months when the sun comes out to play. If you can get away with just running your fingers through your hair in the morning with some wax to create a few tousled waves, and off you go, do it. Your hair will thank you for the lack of heated styling tools and over-styling.

30. Blonde Lob with Dark Roots

And just like embracing the messy hair, you should also embrace your roots. There has never before been a better time to let your hair grow free and NOT worry about that touch-up salon appointment. When the celebs are rocking darker roots than the rest of their ‘do, you know it’s okay for you to do it too. Finally a hair style we can actually get on with!

Choppy Blonde Blunt Lob with Dark Roots

Source: @suedebrooks

31. Choppy, Beige Blonde Lob

And finally, back to blonde for another look that will take your breath away. It’s an icy cool blend of blondes, in a short bob but with longer choppy layers that help to break it all up. Without the layers and waves, this look would look quite limp, so if you have fine hair, this is a great one to hope for.

32. Chic Blonde Long Bob

Our next hairstyle features a chic blonde long bob. The hair is cut to a length that sits just below the shoulders. At the root, the hair is dark and then the hair changes to a light brown. The brown is also blended with a beautiful blonde shade too. It is a gorgeous hair idea and it will look amazing for the summer.

33. Pastel Blue Lob

Want a new hairstyle that will make you stand out from the crowd? If so, this could be perfect for you. For this look, the hair is black at the root and then it changes into a pastel blue shade. The blue color is trendy and beautiful. It is perfect for the ladies that want a complete hair transformation.

34.  Light Blonde Stacked Long Bob

A cool cut that you should consider trying is a stacked lob. When a long bob is stacked it will be cut on an angle, so it is shorter at the back and longer at the front. You can have very short layers at the back or go for something a little longer like the one featured here. It is a chic hairstyle that will look amazing on everyone. Try the blonde look or you can have a stacked lob in any color.

Light Blonde Stacked Long Bob

Source: @maggiemh

35. Dark Long Bob with Warm Balayage

If the bright blondes and bold colors are not for you then you can try something subtler like this. The hair is black with warm balayage and the shades range from a coppery color to a honey blonde. It is a gorgeous look and a color, and cut like this will give your tired hair a lift.

36. Sleek and Stylish Angled Lob

The next hairstyle we have to show you is sleek and super stylish! For this look, the hair is shorter at the back and longer at the front. It is styled straight and it is a stunning black color. We love this hairstyle because it is such a trendy and edgy version of the long bob. This is perfect for the ladies that are bored with their hair and want a new cut that is modern and chic.

37. Long Wavy Bob

The summer is coming so why not try a stylish haircut like this one?! This is another hair idea where the hair is longer at the back and shorter at the front. It is styled with textured beach waves too. This is a gorgeous version of the lob and it will give you a trendy boho look ready for the summer season.

38. Trendy Blonde Lob Hairstyle

If you are bored of your hair and want to try something new, then consider a trendy lob like this one. This bob is quit long and it is colored with a stunning bright blonde shade. A cut and color like this will transform your hair from being tired and drab to stylish and fab. A longer cut is also great for the ladies who have long hair and are nervous about going too short.

39. Cute Long Bob with Subtle Blonde Color

Our next hair idea features subtle blonde color. The hair is cut into a cute long bob and it is dark at the root. Towards the ends of the hair, the color changes to a soft blonde shade. The blonde is very low-key and it is easy to wear too. You can also recreate this simple long bob in any color.

Cute Long Bob with Subtle Blonde Color

Source: @cassderosa

40. Pink Lob

Next, we have another cute and stylish long bob. For this look, the hair is cut to a length that sits just below the shoulders. The hair is a dark color to and then it changes to a light, pastel pink. We love the pink color and the lob together, it is the perfect summer look. You can try a similar pink color on a shorter lob too.

Pink Lob Hair Idea

Source: @ans0403

41. Bright Blonde Long Bob

The next hairstyle we have to show you is another easy to wear look. This lob is cut to just above the shoulders and the hair is dark with bright blonde highlights. The blonde here is just beautiful, it gives the hair a sunkissed look. It is a chic and stylish hair idea and it will look gorgeous on anyone.

42. Caramel Blonde Long Bob

Another stylish haircut and color you can try is a caramel blonde lob. Here is a stunning example. The hair is beautifully cut and it has a gorgeous blend of color. At the root, the hair is dark and then it blends into a warm caramel blonde and finally into light blonde. It is an elegant look and it is one of our favorites.

43. Dark to Light Ombre Lob

Looking for a trendy new hairstyle? Then this could be perfect for you. This long bob starts black and then changes into a gorgeous icy blonde color. The ombre blonde looks amazing with the lob cut. You can recreate this look or you can choose any ombre color combination for your long bob.

44. Bold Blue Lob

Earlier in the post we featured a pastel blue bob. If you loved that idea, then you may like this one too. This long bob also uses bold blue color but instead of being pastel blue, the hair blends from dark blue to a light shade. The cut looks gorgeous and so does the color, it is one trendy hairstyle.

45. Trendy Textured Long Bob

Our next hair idea is trendy and edgy. This hairstyle is a gorgeous black color and it is cut into a long bob that is about shoulder length. The hair is then styled with textured waves. It is a beautiful hairstyle and it will let out your inner rock chick. You can of course recreate a lob like this with your own hair color too.

Trendy Textured Long Bob

Source: @ninezeroone

46. Long Bob with Blonde Highlights

If you love the boho hairstyles then you need to check out this idea. For this look, the hair is cut to just below the shoulders and it has stunning light blonde highlights. It is finished off with relaxed waves too. This is a beautiful hairstyle and it will be a gorgeous choice for the summer season.

Long Bob with Blonde Highlights

Source: @chiyukihair

47. Warm and Fiery Hair Idea

Are the blondes, browns and other dark colors not your thing? Then why not try a warm and fiery color like this?! This long bob is shorter at the back and longer at the front. It is colored in a dark red tone too. This is a beautiful hairstyle and it will look fab in the fall and winter seasons.

48. Platinum Blonde Long Bob

Want a complete hair makeover? Then this hairstyle is for you. Here we have a cute long bob with a length that sits just above the shoulders. The lob is also colored in a bright, platinum blonde shade. It is a super stylish hair idea that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Platinum Blonde Long Bob

Source: @_sassafrass

49. Boho Chic Lob

The next long bob we have to show you is one of our favorites! For this look, the hair is shoulder length and it has beautiful ombre color. The hairstyle is finished off with loose waves too. We love this style because it looks chic but it also has a relaxed boho vibe too. This lob would be perfect for the summer.

Boho Chic Lob Idea for Summer

Source: @domdomhair

50. Classic Long Bob with Bright Blonde Color

Our next hair idea is chic and classic. This hairstyle is like the bob we all know and love but the length is just a little bit longer. The hair is also colored with beautiful light blonde too. This long bob is easy to wear and it will suit everyone. You can recreate it with any hair color if the blonde is not for you.

51. Beautiful Dark Brown Lob

Next, we have a beautiful dark brown lob. The hair is a little longer at the front then it is at the back. It is also styled with light brown highlights and curls too. As the colors used almost match, it makes the highlights look natural. It is a gorgeous long bob and you can recreate it or try a shorter length too.

And there you have them – 51 beautiful long bob hairstyles that we definitely think you should consider for your next hair appointment. We love them, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with too! Happy chopping!

When looking at the best protective hairstyles for black women, you want something that’ll actually do the trick – give you a way to wear your hair how you want to while causing minimal damage and moisturizing or rehydrating the hair at the same time.

That’s where these beauties come into play – the best protective hairstyles for black women… Oh, and why they work!

1. Havana Twists

Using Havana hair extensions, these twists are created with two strands (rather than three with cornrows and braids). If you want bigger and fuller twists, you apply minimal tension. If you want thinner twists, you pull them tighter. Easy to wear but more expensive than other twist-styles, these will require quite a bit of preplanning and maintenance, something you’ll definitely need to bear in mind.

Havana Twists Protective Hairstyle for Black Women

Source: @adoreurface

2. Faux Locs

These ones have become increasingly popular over the years and it’s not hard to see why. Faux locs can be both temporary and permanent, giving you a beautiful way to protect your hair, the yarn or synthetic material woven around it. You can have human hair as well as synthetic hair and yarn, and you can pick from a wide range of colors giving you a million ways to wear them.

Faux Locs Protective Hairstyle

Source: @anthonycuts

3. Ghana Braids

An African style of wearing your hair just as the name suggests, Ghana braids are long-lasting braids, offering a way for you to have fabulous hair when time just isn’t on your side. These ones have simply been braided back and left loose at the nape of the neck at which point, you could easily bun them up or wear them in a pony tail.

4. Box Braids

Twist them over to one side, wear them loose, throw them back in a ponytail or weave them into a bun… There’s nothing you can’t do with the right box braids and even worn casually, they are beautiful to look at. For the days your makeup and accessories are on point, keep the hair away from the face like this large twisted and braided look.

5. Crochet Braids

When crochet braids unravel, they look beautifully curly and as long as you keep them well hydrated and maintained, frizziness will be at a low, ensuring you can wear your look for longer. These crochet braids are adorable and definitely follows the 90’s vibe which has hit this season with a vengeance.

6. Twists with a Pop of Color

We loved the side-swept nature of this larger twists, and we also love that red shade running through them too, another classic way of revamping a look you may have worn a thousand times before but making it look a little different. You could change your color every time you head to your stylist, and you could even add multiple colors if you wanted to. What color combos would you come up with?

Twists with a Pop of Color

Source: @faithketay

7. Custom Wig

Of course, you could just all-out cheat and opt for a custom wig to perfect your look. We love this one, a cute and curly style with just the right amount of caramel bronde running through for added measure. What do you think? Would you be brave enough to rock a big and bold look like this? We want to see your versions of it!

Natural Looking Wig Protective Hairstyle

Source: @ladyafrika

8. Double Halo Braid

We loved this double halo braid, fit for an angel of course! What we love the most about it is that solid pop of bright red running through the braids! Why not add a slightly subtle pop of color to your braids and twists? It helps you to stand out from the crowd and let’s face it, who wants to look like everyone else anyway?

9. Short Twists

Hair accessories are a very big thing for right now and we are one hundred percent in love with these cool corn row cuffs, or hair cuffs as they are otherwise known. Add them to your regular cornrows or twists to accessorise just like you would with earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other types of jewellery. Bling it up!

Short Havana Twists Protective Hairstyle

Source: @kiitana

10. Short Braids

Just because you can have length doesn’t mean you need to have length. The weight of all that hair causes stress and tension on your scalp and can damage the follicles so from time to time, go a little shorter than you usually would. These short braids are super awesome and still incorporate a beautiful braided look along with regularly short length.

Short Box Braids Protective Style

Source: @taneeone

11. Rope Twists

For when you don’t know how to braid, the rope twist or Senegalese twist is super simple and easy to do. It’s a twist with a twist! Cool right? The rope twist looks like rope, hence the name, and again, you’ll need to get the tension right to ensure these twists look the same all over.

12. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a super cool look if you can pull them off, very 90’s. But you know how fashion comes around – the 90’s look is back in again. If you’ve pulled your old neck choker out the closet, you need to rock the bantu knots too. Hair twisted around until it turns back on itself, you need to remember how uncomfortable this look could be to sleep in if you don’t take the appropriate precautions.

Braided Bantu Knots Protective Hairstyle

Source: @laeldivine

13. Big, Side Swept Box Braids

Box braids are super awesome when you’re looking for a good protective style and as well as giving you the opportunity to add some impressive length to your own hair, you can create some pretty stunning looks out of them too! Just remember the longer your weave, the heavier it will be and the more stress and tension it will be putting on your scalp. Longer doesn’t always mean better. Give your hair a break from time to time.

14. Yarn Faux Locs

There are many benefits to rocking protective styles like these – you’ll be protecting your own hair from the elements such as battering wind and rain and the heat of the midday sun. You’ll also be able to ensure your hair is well moisturized as long as you keep up with the care regime. You can keep the length you’ve always wanted while taking care of your own hair at the same time, and you can create beautiful and stunning looks easily. Do we need to carry on?

15. Cornrows Updo

Cornrows are always a classic look when looking at the best protective styles for black women, and one of the best things about them is the fact you can twist and turn them into a range of different looks. There are literally so many ways you can customize this look, you’ll never run out of ideas, all while protecting your hair at the same time too. Winner!

Small Cornrows Updo

Source: @myhaircrush

16. Elegant, Twist Updo

Wearing your hair up is actually a great way to protect it but this only works when you have the right tension on your scalp. Whether you opt for an updo or loose locks, twists, cornrows, braids or more, make sure you get them done by someone who knows what they’re doing. Incorrectly installed weaves will cause follicle damage later on in life and this in turn can lead to baldness.

17. Senegalese Twists

Also known as rope twists, Senegalese twists are an easily worn protective style often using Marley hair, Kanekalon hair, and also Toyokalon hair. Keeping the tension the same across the style is necessary to give this look the uniform twisted look. It’ll take some practice but does look simply stunning!

Senegalese Twists Protective Hairstyle

Source: @tupo1

18. Flat Twist Updo

Flat twists are great for those who are new to the world of these protective styles for black women, and they’re easier than cornrows and other types of braids because you only work with two strands of hair rather than three. If you can twist two strands together, you can create a flat twist and it can be fun coming up with new and interesting patterns and formations to wear them in.

Flat Twist Updo Protective Hairstyle

Source: tumblr.com

19. Crochet Twists

There are a few care tips you should know about if you fancy going for something like this beautiful crochet twists look. You should sleep with a silky or satin scarf over your head at night to keep frizziness to a minimum. You should let your hair air-dry over night where possible rather than using heated styling tools. Finally, make sure you apply hydration balms or natural oils to your scalp and natural hair before you start to work your magic and create your look.

20. Big Cornrows into a Ponytail

With the ability to rock a number of complicated and intricate designs and styles, why wouldn’t you take full advantage of that? We love these big cornrows pulled back into a simply ponytail – a real no-nonsense look for when you’ve got a busy day ahead. With everyone rocking thin cornrows, stand out from the crowd and opt for a thicker option every once in a while. Go crazy, why not?

21. Yarn Twists Long Bob

For an easy way to revitalize a look you’ve worn before, or perhaps you’ve been rocking for a while, is to add a touch of color when heading to the stylist. A color change can make the world of difference to your protective styles for black women, even if you’re rocking the same look you’ve been wearing for the last year!

If you’re a bold and brave girl, you need a bold and brave hairstyle and when it comes to colorful hair looks to inspire your next dye job, we think we’ve found the creme de la creme. From brilliant bold pops of color to slightly subtler pastel shades, we’ve got colourful looks that’ll blow your socks off.

Here are 31 colorful hair looks to inspire your next dye job:

1. Blue, Green and Purple Hair

If you want a look that screams ‘under the sea’, this is pretty much it. Combining all the brilliant colors of the ocean, you’ve got everything you could possibly want in this look.

The blues of the ocean with the bright greens and turquoise hand-painted blends work really well with the pastel pinks and almost mint-greens you can see too. A very brave blend of colors but one that works perfectly!

2. Pastel Blue and Purple Hair

We love this look too, an almost Frozen-inspired look with bright pops of lilac, bright purple, ice blue and a mint-green/baby blue mix.

Pastel Purple and Blue Medium Hair Idea

Source: @glamiris

Pastel colored hair has been all the rage recently and this blue and purple mix inspires us to try so many different combinations of color. Starting with this one of course…

3. Gorgeous Rainbow Hair

For those days when you just can’t make up your mind, what about this gorgeous rainbow hair? If it’s colorful hair looks you’re on the hunt for, you won’t get much more colorful than this one.

Dark purple to bright pink to electric greeny-blue, pastel yellow, toxic green, bright yellow, apple green, teal green and more. It’s a beautiful blend of colors that is definitely not for the faint hearted!

4. Teal Green Hair

We are 100% in love with this teal green hair look, one of this season’s hottest colors. A solid all-in-one color that catches the light in ways we can’t understand, it’s not difficult to understand why everyone’s raving about it.

We certainly are!

5. Dark Purple Hair

This dark purple look graduates from a bright purple to a darker tone in a very clever and subtle way, and if you wanted a discreet way to wear some of this season’s boldest shades, this is definitely the way to do it.

With a purple wash over the brunette, darker roots, the hair has been lightened towards the end to allow for those bright purple pops. All we’re saying is… It’s love!

6. Dark Blue and Light Blue Hair in a Braid

When you’ve got this many colors to show off in your newest look, why wouldn’t you want to show them off?

The braid is a great way to display every single color in your crazy hair palette and as you can see from this light and dark blue look, the different mixes of color intertwine so prettily, it would be hard to keep your eyes off it.

7. Light Pink Hair with Dark Pink Roots

Another ombre look, this time we’re talking bubblegum pink. Who doesn’t love bubblegum pink?

Light Pink Hair Color Idea

Source: @xostylistxo

You’ve got a brighter, bolder pink at the roots, heading to a lighter, more pastel and powdery pink towards the end. A clever way to achieve this is to start with your bright pink dye and gradually add conditioner to the mix. The more conditioner you add, the more pastel and powdery your bright pink will become. Smart right?

8. Colorful Tips

Have you heard of hair chalks? Well, the wash-in/wash-out color sticks will help you to get a look like this – lots of different colors on the ends of your hair, without the need for lightning treatments, bleaching, or lengthy salon appointments.

Simply dust the chalk over the areas you want painted and when you’re done with the look on Sunday night, ready for work on Monday morning, wash them out with a double-shampoo dose and you’ll be right back to normal with your regular shade.

9. Pink & Orange Hair

We think this colorful hair looks very much like a candy we enjoyed in our youth – the fruit salad. Pink and a coral-peach-orange color blended together, this is definitely a fruity look, and one that will get all the right looks for all the right reasons.

Pink and Orange Hair Color Idea

Source: @larisadoll

A darker pink, almost purple at the roots, the color has been graduated with a hand-painted effect towards the bright ends. We love it. How about you?

10. Fairy Pink and Blue Hair

Blue and pink are not two colors you’d generally put together when you walk into a hair salon and ask your stylist for what you want but as this stunning and crazy-colorful look shows, sometimes color clashes really do work very well.

Colorful Fairy Pink and Blue Hair

Source: @bescene

Another fairy/My Little Pony-inspired look, this is one we’d like to call Aloe Blossom after one of the cutest Spa Ponies. Blue and pink, the colorful blend of colors here is so pretty, we can’t help but want it for ourselves. Right now. Please and thank you.

If you’re bored of wearing your hair with loose braids or in curly or wavy styles and are looking for a little something new, why not consider a flat twist? Literally…

A slightly different way of up-do’ing your ‘do, they’re easier than braids, faster to do, and much less hassle than other ways of wearing your hair up, great for beginners or those without a lot of time on their hands.

You should check out these 21 gorgeous flat twist hairstyles:

1. Cute Flat Twists Updo

Are you looking for a way to keep your length without having all the hassle of long hair all the time? Flat twist hairstyles are the answer once again, just like this one – a cute flat twists updo that is designed to go diagonally across the head with the ends secured in place with bobby pins. If you want to wear your hair out of your face but still keeping it looking good, this is a great one to go for.

Flat twist hairstyles have a huge benefit over other ways of wearing your weave – it offers natural protection for your own hair. Going without the bulk, length and heaviness for a few weeks will do wonders for your scalp.

2. Flat Twists with a Zig Zag Parting

To get the super-straight and sleek edges associated with these flat twist hairstyles, use the pointed tip of a rat-tail comb. Once the parting has been made, you take small section towards the hairline and then split them into two equal sections, as you would if you were adding many cornrows, but just with two strands.

Although these flat twists look a little like cornrows, they only work with two strands of hair whereas the cornrows work with three. This makes them much easier for beginners to get the hang of, and also provide a quicker way of doing your hair.

3. Flat Twists at the Back, Twist Out at the Front

Making sure you have the right amount of tension so you don’t stress your hair, twist the sections around. If you use too much tension, the hair will be put under too much stress and will easily snap or break and if you repeatedly add too much tension to your ‘do, you will damage your hair follicles which can even lead to bald patches.

Flat Twist and Twist Out Updo Hairstyle

Source: @veepeejay

As you move further down your hairline, add sections of hair to the twists (almost as if you would when French-braiding your hair), and eventually (if you have long enough hair), you’ll get to a point where you are no longer adding hair and also are no longer working along the scalp.

You can use clips or grips to hold the twist in place or continue to twist until you get to the ends and this is when you can use natural colored hair elastics to keep the twist secure. You will need to continue doing this over the entirety of your scalp, dependent on the kind of style and design you’re going with.

4. Stunning Updo

You have the option of taking care of your own hair as well as protecting your braids, eliminating the need for over-styling with heated tools, and damage from those and the powerful rays of the sun.

Flat Twists Mohawk Updo

Source: @nenonatural

There’s also a few different styles and types on offer – two strand twists are classed as ‘regular’ twists and these can be worn loosely and long, and also flat twists which are considered better for those with un-natural hair.

5. Easy Updo Tutorial

If you want a super-simple look once you’ve completed the flat twists all over your head is to pull them back into a ponytail and secure in place. You could add them to pigtails (ponytails on either side of the head), often better for children rather than older women, or leave the flat twists hanging loose.

You could even add accessories such as hair cuffs – these look great in twisted and corn-rowed hair.

6. Big Flat Twists Updo

Before trying your flat twists, make sure you have done your prep work and this will involve washing the hair, adding a good protection layer of a hair oil treatment, and then allowing to dry to about 80 to 90 percent.

Big Flat Twists Updo

Source: @nenonatural

Some women find that their twists work better on dry hair, some find wet hair better. If this is your first time, don’t be afraid to play around and experiment to see which works better for you. Remember to play around with thicknesses too – these flat twists are pretty chunky ones but still look fabulous!

7. Two Flat Twists into a Bun

It’s simple, clean and elegant and more than all of those things, it takes just a couple of minutes once you’ve practiced two or three times.

Flat Twists Bun Updo

Source: @msrokia

Two flat twists on either side of the head, with the rest of the hair tightly pulled back into a neat ballerina ban, quite low to the nape of the neck, and you have a great daytime look that is easily jazzed up with some awesome earrings just like you can see here.

8. Side Swept Style

If you want an easy and simple hairstyle to provide a brilliant base for more versatile designs, once again, these flat twist styles are a marvelous idea.

Elegant Side Swept Flat Twists Updo

Source: @ebonybomani

If you can put a parting there plus grab enough hair to get a twist started, you can flat twist it, and this opens up a mass of opportunities when it comes to hair styles and designs. Side-swept, centre partings, zig-zagged all around the back… You name it, you can probably achieve it. That’s what makes this hairstyle such a good one.

9. Flat Twists + Pompadour

We love it when two classic looks come together and this flat twists and pompadour combo is – modern, fabulous and sassy. Three things you definitely want your hair to be.

In order to get the best-looking flat twist hairstyles, make sure your hair sections are of equal size. If you thicker bits and thinner bits, the twists won’t look uniform across your head and this can ruin the entire look if a more sculpted and perfected look was the one you were going for.

10. Flat Twist Crown Updo

The way you twist your flat twist hairstyles will affect the way it falls around your face. If you want the twists to fall backwards, away from your face, you should twist them backwards away from your face.

If you want them to fall towards your face, twist them the other way – in the forwards direction of your face.

11. Elegant Updo

As well as making sure you have the right sized sections of hair for your flat twists, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the right kind of tension all the way down. This elegant updo uses different thicknesses and styles of braids in one but if this is not the look you’re going for, different chunks of hair won’t be good for you.

Two Strand Flat Twist Updo

Source: @codiejovan

If you change the tension as well as the hair-chunk sizes, the twists will change in appearance and size at various points throughout the design and once again, this will change the outcome of your hairstyle.

12. Flat Twists Pulled Back Style

Your flat twist hairstyles will last from between one to four/six weeks, and you can shampoo and wash them without the need to un-twist them and re-twist them again afterwards.

Fat Twists Pulled Back Updo

Source: @sashabasha2

If you leave the twists themselves alone and concentrate on cleaning the scalp rather than the length of the hair, your style will last longer.

13. Flat Twist Pigtails

Pigtails are a great way of wearing your flat twists, bringing a much more youthful look to the design. Two flat twists are a lot quicker and easier to achieve than rows of them all the way over your head, and will be much easier to maintain.

You can sleep with your flat twists in, just remember to use a silky-smooth scarf over your ‘do before you climb in between the sheets. This will help keep frizziness to a minimum.

14. Stunning Protective Style

For those days when you have some time on your hands, think outside the box and opt for flat twist hairstyles that are a little unlike something you’ve seen before. Twist them around, weave them into intricate styles, do whatever you want to do.

Flat Twist Protective Style

Source: @4adaniels

Come up with the latest, hottest new way to wear them. Sometimes it makes sense to stand out and this stunning protective style is super awesome for that.

15. Gorgeous Curls + Flat Twists

When you’re starting to notice fraying or un-doing of the flat twists, a few weeks after your look was first achieved, rock it. Un-twist the ends a little day by day, and embrace those gorgeous curls, keeping the flat twists close to the scalp for as long as possible.

Curls and Flat Twists Hairstyle

Source: @sashabasha2

Just remember to use a good oil treatment on the lengths of loose curls as the twists are released. You might as well make the best of the situation, giving your natural hair (or weave) a good conditioning treatment as you go.

16. Flat Twists Updo with a Pop of Color

For women who like to stand out from the crowd, why not add some coloured weaves to your ‘do, a very simple and super-quick way of livening up an otherwise out-lived style, perfect for when you don’t have time to get a brand new look.

All it takes is a few strands of a lighter, brighter color, just like the bold blonde you can see here, and the entire look is changed completely, without the need for amending the design of the flat twists too much.

17. Cute and Easy Look

Alternatively, just use one flat twist braid to border your hairline for an easy way to keep it away from your face in the hot summer months. Just make sure your eyebrows are on point and if that fails, a bright pop of color lipstick is always a fabulous idea.

Luckily, this beautiful with her cute and easy look has both.

18. Flat Twist Updo for Shorter Hair

Just because you don’t have length to your hair doesn’t mean you can’t rock the flat twist updo. This one for shorter hair is a perfect example of how to mix a combination of thicknesses to your flat twists to achieve a rocking updo without the heavy length attached.

Flat Twist Updo on Short Hair

Source: @eugeniasays

If you’re having flat twist hairstyles as a form of protection for your hair, losing that length for a while is a necessity.

19. Creative Flat Twist Updo

And if you have the length and thickness to achieve a creative flat twist updo like this one, why wouldn’t you? It’s modern, fresh and those partings are so sharp, we can’t help but want them for ourselves.

Big and Small Flat Twist Updo

Source: @ebonybomani

If you have length but don’t want to wear it loose for a while, this is definitely the way to rock it.

20. Natural Hair Flat Twist Updo

Your flat twists don’t need to all follow a uniform pattern either – this natural hair flat twist updo combines a mixture of designs, thicknesses and styles for this look – the swirl on top with something a little longer at the bottom.

Natural Hair Flat Twist Updo

Source: @nenonatural

Having sections like this look makes it easier to change small parts of it up from time to time. You could easily release the forward and top section of this look to create that pompadour-quiff we showed you earlier. You see – these flat twists are incredibly versatile.

21. The Jumbo Flat Twist Look

And for those days when you just want something simple, easy and to the point, one jumbo flat twist is a perfect idea, using the concept of a sideways-swept braid but with your larger flat twist instead.

A look that is both simple yet fierce, those killer earrings help to brighten things up, something we’ve decided is a definite must-have for an elegant or fresh flat twist updo. Sometimes it’s all about the accessories.

So there you have them – 21 of the hottest and most gorgeous flat twist hairstyles we think you should be rocking this summer! Which one’s your favorite? Let us know your views.

The short bob hairstyle is such a classic look and one that always comes back into fashion. For the summer of 2016, everyone seems to be going for the chop from Demi Lovato and her chocolate-brown sleek and shaped bob to Jemima Khan’s long and lazy lob – long bob. With more and more ways to wear this short style, and easier ways of growing the look out too once you want long hair again, there has never before been a better time to go for the chop and in case you needed a little more inspiration… Here are 31 short bob hairstyles to inspire your next look:

1. Inverted Bob Cut + Blonde Ombre

Just because you don’t have length on your side doesn’t mean you can’t play around with color and different tones and shades of color in your hair.

We love this look – the bob cut with blonde ombre, two looks that are very much on-trend right now and are set to continue right through the seasons.

2. Short A Line Bob + Blonde Balayage Highlights

Slightly more structured, this short A-line bob has been accentuated wonderfully with blonde balayage highlights, adding depth and dimension to a look that might otherwise come across quite flat and lifeless.

The balayage / ombre look is very much in-demand right now so this look is another that will make a statement for all the right reasons.

3. Messy Bob Hairstyle

For the girls that don’t want structured locks, or just want a way to wear their smart and sleek bob slightly dressier and edgier from time to time, this messy bob hairstyle is super awesome.

Use a curling wand to add those beautiful wide ringlets, and tease them out with your fingers. Heated rollers can be used to add some oomph at the roots if that’s your problem area, and some hairspray will keep the look in check. Remember, you don’t have the weight of long hair so the curls won’t fall out as quickly! Bonus!

4. Ash Blonde Slicked Back Bob

Still the simple bob but this time, worn slightly differently. The 80’s trends are coming back and just one of them was wet-looked slicked-back hair.

If that’s a little too much for you, keep things relatively simple with this look – the ash blonde slicked back bob. Simply use a comb and some wet-look gel (as much as you’re brave enough to use) to comb the hair back away from your face and back towards the nape of the neck, behind the ears. It’s a simple look and one that packs an impact, but definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted.

5. Curly, Burgundy Bob Hairstyle

Who wants subtle hair when you could have a stunning look like this one – a curly, burgundy bob hairstyle that is sassy for all the right reasons!

Short Curly Burgundy Bob Hairstyle

Source: @dmr319

That red color is absolutely beautiful and works well with her amazing makeup skills, plus those curls add a little something extra to the mix, offering a great way to liven up your short hair for a big date or occasion.

6. Asymmetrical Bob

If you have a round faced, a bob and, in fact, short hair in general can be very difficult to wear. There’s always the worry that the cut will make your face look rounder which, when you’re worried about it to begin with, is not a good thing.

Short Asymmetrical Bob Hairstyle for Black Women

Source: @anthonycuts

One way to counteract that round concern with short hair is to go for an asymmetrical style which helps to balance things out. The focal point won’t be in the centre of your head as it would be with a centre parting, and the off-centre location will help to offset the roundness of your face. It’s a very clever trick!

7. Textured Short Bob Cut

When all else fails, just add some texture. It helps to liven up any look as you can see form this graduated bob, longer at the front and shorter at the back, tousled with some mousse, some waves added with a curling wand, and a slightly off-centre parting thrown into the mix.

Textured Short Bob Haircut for Thick Hair

Source: @larisadoll

It would need just about ten minutes to perfect this look at home and in order to get that big volume you want, try blow-drying your hair upside down.

8. Cute & Wavy Short Bob

If you have a square face, layers are your best friend with short bob hairstyles, especially cute and flicked out curls that start around the jaw line and beneath that.

Wavy Short Bob Haircut

Source: @soraverly

If you have a one-length cut with a square face, you’ll make it appear squarer still and you may find that the bob look just won’t suit you. Opt for something lighter and feathered rather than sharp and sleek and you’ll have about the right idea.

9. Messy Blunt Bob

This look is very Kim Kardashian-esque and there’s a good reason for that – it’s bang on trend. Most of the Kardashian sisters have rocked the messy bob like this at some point, blonde, brunette and in the case of Kylie Jenner, even pastel shades too.

Opt for a blunt cut that falls just below the chin and have some choppier layers thrown to add texture and bulk. When you’re styling it, try using a textured wax to get that mussed up look.

10. Blonde Bob with Layers

If you’re a slightly older woman, a harsh bob can be too much for your delicate facial features and ideally you want a look that will soften your face rather than the opposite.

One way to get this with short bob hairstyles is to go for a bob with layers and in this case, a beautiful blonde bob with layers that will easily grow out to ombre mid-length hair with minimal maintenance.

11. Bronde Boxed Bob

Bronde is the go-to look for this summer, a mixture of brown and blonde to give a beautiful nude color that any Mac lipstick lover would be proud of. There’s only one thing matching your nude makeup palette this summer and that’s your hair!

This really is a stunning shade, and one that’s much-loved by the likes of the Kardashians. Even Jennifer Lopez recently rocked the bronde bombshell look.

12. Choppy Blunt Bob for Brunettes

For the non-blondes, here’s another example, a way of wearing a slightly layered (but one-length) short bob.

Choppy Blunt Bob Haircut

Source: @domdomhair

As you can see, some minimal lighter highlights have been added for depth but for the most part, this is easily a cut you could rock with your natural hair color, and a few sun-bleached highlights if you get to spend enough time out in the sunshine!

13. Chin Length Bob Cut

Chin length is a great length to go for if you have an oval face, and you can even rock a centre parting if you add those pretty little wavy curls.

There have been the addition of some blonder, lighter highlights towards the ends of the hair which helps to add some oomph to the style.

14. Short & Asymmetrical Style

There’s something very no nonsense about a short and asymmetrical style like this one. It’s a very powerful look, bold and brave, sleek and sharp.

The good news is that this hair can easily be made lighter and flirtier with the addition of a few simple curls, and you could even ‘punk’ the look up with plenty of volume at the roots, keeping the sides slicked back. Think faux-mohawk and you have about the right idea.

15. Curly, Beige Blonde Bob

For slim and oval faces, a side parting can help to round the face off a little more, again giving another way to wear short hair without worrying about the right shaped bob for your face.

Curly Beige Blonde Short Bob Hairstyle

Source: @_sassafrass

A one-length bob cut to just the chin with a heavy side parting is a great look for many face shapes, and it’s a hairstyle with quite the celebrity following too – Emma Roberts recently sported this look in a beautiful beige blonde.

16. Bob Hairstyle for Black Women

These deep parting is beautiful but only works when you make it super sharp and sleek. The one benefit you have with hair for black women is that you need minimal oomph to create volume, enabling you to create a look like this with ease.

You can use your hair straighteners to both straighten and curl with those look. Just flick the fronts out as you pull it down the length of your hair to add a few tousled twirls.

17. Voluminous Bob Style

If you have a full face, the best short bob hairstyles will be those that help to soften – think wispy ends and fluttery feathery layers and you have about the right idea.

You can even wear bangs with a look like this, something recently rocked by Katharine McPhee. Simply make the bangs wisp and slightly floating towards one side of the face and you’ll be good to go.

18. Short Bob Haircut with Bangs

Bangs can be quite hard work when you’re looking at short hair but there are ways of doing it so that it suits your face shape.

Short Bob Hairstyle with Bangs

Source: @yeessiie

If you have a high forehead, keep the bangs cut to above your eyebrows for a really quirky look. It’s very retro and vintage and looks great with sunglasses. Just make sure your eyebrows are on point.

19. Messy, Layered Cut + Balayage Highlights

Balayage and ombre highlights are the perfect accompaniment for a messy and layered cut like this one.

When you only have a short length of hair to work with, playing around with shades and colors can seem like hard work but with the right combo of colours, like these blonde and caramel waves, you’ll have a picture-perfect look in no time at all.

20. Curly, Short Brunette Bob

There’s something very vintage glam about this look, those side-swept curls and those big red lips. It takes barely any time at all to get a look like this once you’ve perfected the art of those curls.

Short Bob Haircut for Curly Hair

Source: @rosymelina

A wand is probably better than curling tongs for this look. With the hair already styled, with the side parting in place, simply take sections and curl them in all directions and angles. The waves are designed to be all the same so don’t make them that way.

21. Straight, A-Line Bob

This sharp and clean cut screams with class and style. A-line bob haircut is one of the most popular cuts nowadays… and we can see why.

22. Inverted Bob Haircut

If you have a heart face shape, your chin will often be much narrower than the rest of your face, making it harder to wear shorter hair styles. One way to counteract this is to go with a slightly longer bob, especially with some face-framing layers beneath the chin to help level things out.

Alternatively, you could go for a look like this one – the inverted bob. Adding longer layers at the front make them much easier to wear and less harsh on the face. This is one of the most versatile and simple ways to wear your hair short.

23. Bouncy, Blonde Bob

Charlize Theron recently sported a bob very much like this – a beautiful icy blonde and bouncy bob, layers thrown in to add volume, and additional lighter highlights to add more dimension.

Bouncy Blonde Short Bob Haircut

Source: @romeufelipe

If you have thin hair, this is the right kind of bob to go for – one that helps to add extra volume. With some heated rollers and your hair dryer, this look would be a breeze to recreate, and everyone knows shorter hair is easier to maintain on a day to day basis too.

24. Curly, Layered Bob Cut

If you’re not sure about taking the plunge and having your long locks chopped off, opt for something a bit longer than the average bob.

The lob, or long bob, is about shoulder-skimming length which is not only a more flattering cut for many women, but also helps to add some weight helping to be not so flyaway and also easier to manage.

25. Perfect Bob Cut for Thin Hair

The reason this bob is great for thin hair is because it helps to make it appear thicker. A clever combination of layers, the right length and some subtle highlights all work together to add a three-dimensional look.

Short Bob Haircut for Thin Hair

Source: @mizzchoi

That’s just what you’re looking for when you have thin and flyaway hair.

26. Choppy Cut + Blonde Highlights

Edgier and funkier than their sleeker cousins, this choppy bob with blonde highlights is seriously #hairgoals. We love the way different tones of ash blonde and caramel highlights have been used here, adding depth to a look that has already been pumped up with those ragged layers around the edges.

It’s seriously cool and we love it, a great way to wear short bob hairstyles but still having a colored edge to it.

27. Cute Bob Haircut

For an easy way to wear your bob that requires minimal effort, simply flick it over to the side just like you can see here with this cute bob haircut.

It takes a second to just flick it over, using a spritz of hairspray to hold it in place, and it adds a brand new and very easy way to wear your short bob hairstyles without even thinking about it.

28. Short & Voluminous Cut

Super short is very brave for many women and this one is no exception. The volume stops it from looking like a real severe and intense short bobbed haircut but make no mistakes, this is seriously short hair.

If you want a way to revitalize your hair and give it a new lease of life, a really good cut is always a really great idea. Is it time to ask your hairstylist whether or not you could pull off this fabulous look?

29. Messy, Textured Bob Cut

If you already have an asymmetrically cut bob, you should definitely go for the messy and textured look. It’s super easy with the right know-how…

Textured Short Bob Haircut Idea

Source: @romeufelipe

Apply mousse to wet hair and blow-dry upside down to give it plenty of volume and oomph at the roots. Then add some random ringlets with your curling iron and pull out with your fingers. Muss it all up with your fingers and add a touch of backcombing at the roots if you lack volume throughout the day and you’re good to go. A brilliant hairstyle that once again takes minimal effort.

30. Textured Blunt Bob

Even if you don’t have an asymmetric cut to your short bob hairstyles, you can still rock that textured, messy look. Just opt for blunt ends rather than feathery, light ones, and ask your stylist to throw a few choppy layers towards the ends for good measure.

Textured Short Blunt Bob Haircut

Source: @anhcotran

Follow the same rules as above, using mousse and your fingers to muss the look up and once again, you’re good to go.

31. Slightly Asymmetrical Bob

You can cheat the asymmetrical look if you’re not brave enough to go for the chop. When you flick your hair over in a deep side-parting, the hair will automatically look longer on one side over the other, faking the look.

Slightly Asymmetrical Short Bob Hairstyle

Source: @hugosalon

Plus it looks super cool and a side -parting suits pretty much everyone. It’s one of those super easy and simple styles everyone can rock.

Short hair is perfect for summer when you don’t want to worry about your long locks ruining your sunny fun. Go for the chop and give your long locks a chance to grow again from fresh, rocking one of these beautiful short bob hairstyles that, let’s face it, look utterly fabulous!

The only thing more important than the dress on a girl’s big day is her hair and when it comes to wedding hairstyles for short to mid length hair, it can be hard to get inspiration for something as equally beautiful as the rest of your big day should be. If you don’t want to rely on hair extensions and would much prefer to rock your wedding hair naturally, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Messy Pixie Hairstyle + Headband

The humble headband is an instant way to offer something new to any look and when you have short hair, you have the opportunity to rock something slightly more overstated than those with longer hair and an elegant or intricate updo.

The simple addition of this classic and elegant headband has worked perfectly with those curled tendrils peeking through this messy pixie hairstyle. A definite winner if you ask us.

2. Rolled Chignon + Hairpiece

The messy chignon is a very easy look to rock, especially if you have medium length hair. It’s a matter of rolling the hair over and securing in place, letting a few tendrils to hang down and add a curly, romantic tone to the whole look.

A hair accessory has once again been used here but this time, a simple brooch-style hairpiece. In fact, you could even use an old brooch or family heirloom in your hair to keep the spirit of tradition alive. Something old and borrowed…

3. Vintage Hairstyle

Vintage weddings are all the rage these days and this vintage wedding look is simply breathtaking – one that we’re definitely adding to our list.

Pin curls take a bit of practice before you get them right but are one of the most elegant style of curls, structured rather than messy and all over the place. Just because you don’t have long hair doesn’t mean you can’t still rock some beautiful curls.

4. Wavy Shoulder Length Hair with Flowers

For those weddings when natural hair is key, a few large-barreled curls are the perfect way to rock it, especially with the beautiful flower addition that you can see here.

If beachy wedding is your theme, flowers in the hair are a must, and this look shows you how to rock those floral delights without your wedding verging into the area of tacky.

5. Teased Updo

A very fifties / sixties vibe, the beehive is a great look for a classic wedding, and with some tousling and backcombing is actually a very easy way of adding to bulk to quite short hair.

The braid you can see used as a headband can be faked with a hair piece, and that simple chignon is both stylish and beautiful. We love everything about this look.

6. Bob Hairstyle + Braid & Headband

Bringing back the headband today, we love this lace addition to her hair, especially when you haven’t gone with a traditional veil.

The braid is a simple addition but one that adds a little something extra to the hairstyle. It also helps to cover up a large forehead if that’s what you’re worried about. You don’t just have the option of bangs as you can see here.

7. Simple & Romantic Hairstyle for Medium Length Hair

We’ve gone back to easy and breezy wedding hair here and this look screams bohemian, a super simple and romantic way to wear your hair with, once again, the simple addition of some floral beauties.

This time, a sprig of something pretty, perfect for when a big flower in your hair just won’t do, and you were hoping for something a little more back-to-nature.

8. Simple Updo with Sparkly Rhinestones

A wedding wouldn’t be complete without rhinestones and we love this simple updo with sparkly rhinestones.

Elegant Wedding Bun Updo for Short Hair

Source: @riawna

The hair is left simple, straight and with a few tendrils left to frame the face, with the entire bun covered over by what could be a hair piece / accessory, but also could be an old brooch or family heirloom once again.

9. Curly Short Hair + Flower Crown

For when you don’t have hair length to make a feature out of your hair on your big day, use flowers once again but with this bride, a floral halo or crown more than a simple addition poked into your loose locks.

This look is very pretty, but if you’re having an outdoor wedding, just be mindful of wasps and bees!

10. Simple Half Up Hairstyle for Mid Length Hair

Just because you don’t have long hair doesn’t mean you can’t still wear it up. This simple half up hairstyle for mid length hair is pretty, easy and doesn’t take too long to do.

It has been beautifully adorned with what looks to be baby’s breath – a flower that not only looks beautiful but smells delightful also.

11. Braided Pixie Hairstyle

If you want more of a rocky and edgy look for your big day, what about this one – a braided pixie hairstyle that not only rocks a super cool cut, but also a super cool color – that silvery / gray tone is to die for and we are lusting after it too much right now.

No flowers, no gimmicks, just simple hair with a simple braid – what’s not to love about this?

12. Finger Waves + Headband

Another headband to complete those big day vibes, finger waves are curls or waves that actually originated from the 20’s and 30’s, perfect for those looking for a Great Gatsby themed wedding event. Or even just a traditional, vintage one.

You don’t use any curling tools for this look – no straighteners, no curling irons, no curling wands, barrel tongs, anything. Just a lot of wet look gel, a comb and your fingers, using the tools you have to tease and set the waves with an S-shaped formation.

13. Retro Bridal Hair

Another wedding hair look, another hair accessory – this one continues to follow that vintage theme but this one has more of a 60’s or 70’s flare to it, another hair brooch or grip to nestle nicely in those cute and short curls.

Curly Retro Wedding Hairstyle for Short Hair

Source: @foxanddoll

We love that the curls look very natural in this look, all a little different and sitting a little differently from each other. A side-parting completes the look of course, and you could even use another hair accessory to keep your bangs out of your face.

14. Edgy Hairstyle for Bold Brides

If you’re more of a bold bride, what about this look – an edgy color, an edgy style, and even better than that, a super-slim edgy braid to add a little something extra to the look.

You wouldn’t normally associate this look with volume for a wedding day but we think it works pretty well. Not everyone wants to have beautiful and cute flowers and accessories in their hair.

15. Messy Updo

Sliding back into the more traditional and we come to this stunning messy updo, a look that (in our experience) takes a lot of practice to make something so messy!

Using a simple ponytail and some bobby pins to secure in place, tendrils have been swooped up and pinned in with loose tendrils framing the face and curled for added measure. This hair goes perfectly with those chandelier-style earrings. Every wedding needs a little bit of vintage glam-bling.

16. Cute Hairstyle for Brides with a Bob Haircut

If you have a bob, wedding hair can be hard to find inspiration for, especially when you have a short bob like this neck-nape skimming style.

Wedding Updo for Bob Hair

Source: @m_k_bridal

A few simple braids and some bobby pins is all it takes to recreate this beautiful look, one that is both messy and elegant all at the same time, and finished off with a simple set of pearl earrings, is very classy.

17. Long Pixie Cut + Beautiful Headband

If you have a slightly longer pixie look, why not rock the headband again but this time, an all-round headband as you have the option of showing it off the entire way around.

Great Gatsby Pixie Wedding Hairstyle

Source: weddingsonline.ie

Another clever idea to bring back the traditional effect – something borrowed could be a pearl necklace similar to this one that you could wear around your head as a hair accessory rather than an actual necklace. Great idea, huh?

18. Curly Updo for Short Hair

Curls work really well on short hair that’s been growing out for a while, and as long as you don’t go for a tight spiral perm, you won’t lose too much length with the bouncing waves either.

Some of the soft curls have subtly pinned back in this look, just by pulling random strands back and securing them in place with blonde-colored bobby pins but you could just leave it loose if you wanted to. We think it would look just as cute.

19. Modern Vintage Hairstyle

This look is so very lovely and, we think, almost a little latino too! There’s something very sassy about this look and we think it has something to do with that thrown-over curl / wave at the front. What Jessica Rabbit probably would have looked like if she’d had short hair, you know?

Modern Vintage Wedding Hairstyle for Short Hair

Source: @cheri_chung

We can’t help but think this sassy look would go hand in hand with a wedding dress that shows off the shoulders, perhaps something bodice or corset-inspired with nothing around the arms. What do you think?

20. Braided Headband

What about the brides that don’t want flowers or accessories and would prefer to keep things slightly more au naturel? Well, then you verge into using your own locks as a hair accessory just like this braided headband.

Starting from one side, taking a piece that’s a little below your ear (if your hair is long enough), start braiding and as you go, take it over the top of the head, adding more to the braid but leaving it loose as you go. Pin the end on the other side of the head to where you started and pull out / tease loose tendrils to give you a wavy and romantic look and you’re good to go.

21. Curly Bob Hairstyle with Wedding Hair Accessory

Another wedding hair look, another headband and we’re sticking with that floral theme that so beautifully accompanies a good wedding.

Curly Medium Length Wedding Hairstyle with Headpiece

Source: modwedding.com

Having a veil is considered very old-school now and brides are choosing more and more to leave the conventional headpiece behind in exchange for new and improved looks including headbands such as these, tiaras, and many other hair accessories.

22. Pixie Cut + Side Braid

Another bold look, this is another example of how the pixie cut and side braid go very well together for a big white wedding, keeping everything else simple, straight and without the need for hair accessories at all.

We love this look, using a braid underneath the top and side section to add a little hidden something edgier to the mix. Would you rock this look? Or do you prefer accessories to braids?

23. Old Hollywood Waves on Short Hair

Old Hollywood glam is perfect for an elegant and sophisticated wedding and this hair is movie-worth, that’s for sure. Large waves achieved with large rollers during drying, and finger / comb-teasing when styling, work great with classic eyeliner flicks and red lipstick.

Adorably cute and sexy / sassy too, what’s not to love about these old Hollywood vibe?

24. Braided Updo for Short Hair

For an outdoor wedding, you don’t want all your hair to be blowing in your face and getting stuck in your lipgloss or eyelashes. What about keeping your hair short and braiding it all back adding, once again, some cute hair accessories such as feathers or flowers?

Simple yet effective, it’s the perfect compromise for wedding day hair.

25. Elegant Updo

Sometimes all it takes is a twist and a flick, something perfectly displayed by this elegant updo, simple, easy, pretty and classic.

Elegant Wedding Updo for Thin Short Hair

Source: @wissakl

It’s basically a re-take of a simple chignon, twisting the hair around and tong-curling the face-framing tendrils.

26. Cute Curly Hairstyle with Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers – they smell pretty, they look pretty, and for wedding day hair, they just work. We think we have proved that point.

Curly Wedding Hairstyle with Flowers for Short Hair

Source: @crafthair

It doesn’t always need to be big flowers with bright and colorful petals though – simple sprigs of small woodland florals can have just as much of a big impact as brighter and bolder ones.

Tuck your floral sprigs into loose braids, tong-curling the remaining loose hair and what do you have? A cute curly hairstyle with fresh flowers, perfect for a natural wedding.

27. Lovely Updo with Headpieces

If you wanted something a little more glam, what about this one – a beautiful updo with stunning hair pieces thrown in. What’s a wedding without a little sparkle anyway?

To achieve this look, once you’ve achieved your parting, take the face-framing hair and twist it back on itself, securing with bobby pins as and when needed, curling up into a chignon at the base of the next which you will, once again, secure in place with blonde bobby pins (if you have blonde hair of course). Add your sparkly flowers and let a few strands free and you have a beautifully romantic look for any blushing bride.

28. Perfect Look for Brides with a Pixie Cut

Another day, another pixie look but this time, we’re mixing a headband with lace and sprigs of fresh flowers, combining a number of looks in one.

Short Pixie Wedding Hairstyle

Source: weddingsonline.ie

Short hair can often be seen as boring hair with no real way of dressing it up but this shows you how wrong that misconception is. This hair is adorable!

29. Simple Vintage Waves

Kicking back with the vintage vibe once again and we fell head over heels in love with this blonde look – simple vintage waves with no accessories, no gimmicks, no muss and no fuss.

Just simple, classy and elegant, everything you’d want your wedding hair to be.

30. Cute Bun Updo

When you have just long enough to slip into a cute little bun, why wouldn’t you?

Another look instantly given a new lease of life with that oversized hair accessory, the bun is a very underestimated hairstyle that, when rocked in the right ways, can actually be one of the perfect wedding hairstyles for short to mid length hair.

31. Retro Waves

And back to the retro waves one last time before we leave you today. If you have great condition, glossy locks, long or short, wear them down, no buns, no chignons, just use your natural wave and enhance it just like you can see here.

Simple, effective and actually much less hassle than it looks, this retro wave look is perfect for the bride that wants her dress to do all the talking on her big day.

And there you have them – 31 wedding hairstyles for short to mid length hair. How many of them have you wanting more? How many have you added to your maybe list for your big day? We’d love to know what you thought so feel free to leave your comments below or check out the Facebook page for more details and hair inspiration for any occasion.

Coffin nails are called coffin nails because they look like coffins…. In case that wasn’t obvious. Long, thin, and with a straight tip, they’re a relatively new nail shape but one that has taken the entire world by storm since Kylie Jenner flashed her beauties all over Instagram.

If you’ve been thinking of giving coffin nails a try, or just need a little inspiration for your next nail look, check out these 31 trendy nail art ideas for coffin nails:

1. Neutral Coffin Nails with Gold Glitter

It’s always a good day for glitter so get things going off to a sparkly start with these neutral coffin nails with gold glitter.

Nude nails are the best start when trying any new nail design. Everything looks great and sparkles against a simple and clean backdrop.

2. Matte Coffin Nails + Sparkly Rhinestones

A matte topcoat is an absolute essential if you want to be in trend and, as you can see, it’s a simple and stunning look that takes just minutes.

Rhinestone additions or not, you need a matte top coat in your nail polish collection. It’s a three minute way to revitalise any old, tired nail paint.

Matte Coffin Nail Design with Rhinestones

Source: @mindyhardy

3. Gold Glitter Ombre

Glitter ombré tips are so stupidly simply, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.

Leave your base coat neural with just a slick of clear gloss, and using a sponge, dab the gold glitter effect just towards the tips.

4. Snazzy Pastel Design

Spring is coming and let’s face it, spring was made for pastel pops. Pinks and blues make the perfect color combo here but you could go for any pastel hue. With those decals, you could spice up any muted tone.

Pastel Coffin Nail Art Design

Source: @elize_nails

5. Mint Coffin Nails

Mint is a must-have shade for the up and coming spring and summer and if you haven’t tried this greeny shade for yourself, it’s about time you did.

Mint and gold are two colors that go hand in hand so mix your minty-mani with gold accessories for a bright look everyone will want.

Mint Green Coffin Nails with Gold Details

Source: tumblr.com

6. Black Matte Nails with a Pop of Gold

We’re singing that song right now – Black & Gold by Sam Sparrow. It was a great song and these are really great nails. Matte nails are perfect for coffin nail shapes and the black and gold design work just helps to bring it all to life.

Black Matte Coffin Nails with Gold Details

Source: @chaunpnails

7. Army Green Design

If you’re proud to be a military wife, or you just really like khaki green, these army green designs for coffin nails are another modern style to try.

The look is kept feminine with embellishments and decals but we can’t help thinking these would look amazing with negative space detailing also.

Army Green Coffin Nails with Golden Details

Source: @elize_nails

8. Super Long, Matte Burgundy Coffin Nails

Super long nails might not be the most practical but these long, matte burgundy coffin nails are definitely to die for. We think these would look amazingly sophisticated without the decals but they add a little something extra for a big event.

9. Pink & Neutral Design with a Pop Of Glitter

On the days where you want to keep your coffin nails simple, romantic and girlie, these pink and neutral nails with a pop of glitter are perfect.

Adding one featured glitter nail is a trick that not only takes a couple of minutes, but can totally transform your talons too.

10. Black Matte Nails + Lace Accent Nail

Black and lace go so well together, as you can see from these beautiful black matte nails and lace accent nail.

11. Neutral & Mint Coffin Design

We’re back to those beautifully minty shades here with these mint and neutral coffin designs.

It was Kylie Jenner who first made these nails so popular, Instagramming her latest must-have look. If it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us.

12. Matte Red Nails

When you want nails that pop, red nails are a must have. Passionate, fiery and romantic, there’s nothing you can’t team with classic red nails.

We love these matte red delights and those floral decals make them perfect for spring and summer. We can’t help but think they look a little oriental themed and that’s just fine with us.

Matte Red Coffin Nail Design

Source: @mindyhardy

13. Easy Purple Glitter Design

Don’t fancy red? How about purple? How about glittery purple?

On the nude, non-purple nails, simply add that ombre glitter to the tips, and you could even layer up gold and purple glitter for a more 3D effect.

Purple Glitter Coffin Nail Design

Source: tumblr.com

14. Grey Matte Nails with Golden Studs

We’re all wearing studs on our shoes so it just makes perfect sense that you accessorise your coffin nails with studs too, in this case a really luxurious grey matte with golden studs to add that pop of color.

With pointed studs, keep things to a minimum, perhaps one nail only? You don’t want to accidentally spike yourself.

Grey Matte Coffin Nail Design

Source: @riyathai87

15. Black and Red Glitter Coffin Nails

Black coffin nails are a bit gothic but all the celebs love them. If you want to try them, spice things up with a red glitter. Red and black always go hand in hand, and let’s face it, it just looks perfection.

Black and Red Glitter Coffin Nail Design

Source: @NailsByEffi

16. Nude and Navy Blue Nails with Rhinestones

Nauticual theme nails are a little too much for some but these nude and navy blue nails with rhinestones are a way to wear them on a more grown-up and sophisticated level. Keep things simpler with plain colors and plenty of gloss, or add rhinestones to feature nails to make them stand out. It’s up to you.

Nude and Navy Blue Coffin Nails

Source: @kayciekyle

17. Long & Neutral

They might have a pretty creepy name but there’s nothing creepy about these stunning long and neutral coffin nails, complete with rhinestones and negative space chevrons. In fact, negative space and chevron designs are two you should definitely keep an eye out for right now. We predict they’re going to be a big thing!

18. Blue Matte Design with Rhinestones

For nails that really stand out for all the right reasons, you seriously can’t go wrong with this lust-worthy royal blue matte designs with rhinestones. A steady, even layer is what you’ll need for nails this good, so try to concentrate on two or three coats of polish rather than one or two really thick ones. Otherwise you’ll have smudges, smears and uneven patches and that’ll just ruin the look!

Blue Matte Coffin Nails with Rhinestones

Source: @chaunlegend

19. Neutral Coffin Nails + Rhinestone Accent Nail

If you want to get imaginative, why not use those rhinestone gems to create a feature or a shape? Here you’ll find a simply teardrop design but you could come up with any shape that you liked. You could create that feature nail by using squares, hearts, stars, circles, any shape you like in fact.

Neutral Coffin Nails with Rhinestone Accent Nail

Source: @riyathai87

20. French Tip with a Twist

We all love the French manicure but these days, it’s a little boring don’t you think? There are so many different ways to wear your nails so it would be a shame to go with the same kind of design you’ve been rocking for the last few years. If you’ve always worn square tips, it might be time to make the chance. Go for something a little bit more abstract like these French tips with a twist.

21. Nude Pink Coffin Nails with Rhinestones

For the days when you can’t make your mind up, nude is the perfect nail. It goes with everything. It doesn’t matter how you wear your makeup that day, or what outfit you have thrown together, your nude nails will always go and this nude-pink shade is perfect for making that pearly shade pop. The rhinestones also help of course.

Nude Pink Coffin Nails with Rhinestones

Source: @chaunlegend

22. Burgundy Matte Nails with Black Details

We told you negative space nails were going to be big and here’s another example, mixing glossy burgundy, matte burgundy, and a feature nail, left nude but with black detailing.

23. Nude Coffin Nails with Silver Shattered Glass

Did you ever see shattered glass nails? Or broken glass nails as they are also otherwise known? Well, remember we told you that nude coffin nails were the perfect base? This is why… Just by adding one feature nail with those silvery shattered glass, holographic pieces, you have a brand new design, a brand new look, a brand new way of spicing things up.

24. Purple Ombre & Negative Space Coffin Nails

These nails are amazing for all the right reasons. Firstly, that purple and white combo, especially with the black outer line, is absolutely fantastic. You could do the same with red for bloody Halloween nails too! But the whole look is brought together brilliantly, negative space with black as the detailing, that beautiful matte purple which has been used to create that flashy ombre. It’s just a great look from start to finish. Definitely on the lust-list.

25. Matte Ombre + Glitter Accent Nail

Coffin nails, unlike the creepy name, don’t need to look Halloween-esque. You can counteract the sharp shape with beautiful features such as the little hint of glitter and the natural smooth ombre effect. You could wear this glossy or matte and it would look fantastic either way. Great nails for work too – discreet enough to call your own.

26. Pink and Nude Coffin Nails

If you love Mac nudes then you’ll love these nudes. That peachy pink, nude and glittery combo is perfect for any occasions. Wear the nudes to work, mix it up with the pinky tones for when you’re feeling fresh and funky, add a couple of embellishments and that wonderful glitter pop for the Friday night funk. Start on Monday and end up with a masterpiece on Friday. What a great idea!

27. Bold Black Design

If you’re going for a bold shape such as these amazing coffin nails, you’ll need a bold style to counteract them. Go big or go home, right?

Opt for a two-tone nail to really make a statement. This bold black design has just the right amount of white lining to bring it all to life.

Bold Black Coffin Nail Design

Source: @chaunlegend

28. Matte Purple nails

Just because you have the room and shape to play around with intricate and explosive designs, doesn’t mean you have to. We love the simplicity of the one-colour matte purple, and those rhinestones and decals stop them looking exactly the same as the nails you had last week. One color nails also make it easier to touch up at home if you get chips or smudges so there’s no need to keep rushing to the nail salon.

29. Blue Glitter

It’s the blue tips we want to focus on with these amazing coffin nails. The blue glitter tips in chevron design helps to elongate the nails and make them appear longer and thinner. The tapering effect is a very clever trick and when used with this light-defecting blue glitter, gives you a simple look that makes a big statement. Think of the different colored glitters you could use for this look.

30. Matte Burgundy + Cool Accent Nails

See, here we are again with those cool chevron nails. You’ve got the space to play around with a more complicated design so why not play around a bit? Use the black and white chevron as a cool background for those decals, and keep the rest of the nails simple and matte burgundy so that it doesn’t look too overdone. It’s just the right amount of bling – not too little, not too much.

Matte Burgundy Coffin Nail Design

Source: @mindyhardy

31. Pink & Grey Design

Who wants muted and boring anyway? For those days you don’t want to be the same as everyone else, go big and go sparkly, just like these amazing pink and grey designs. The pink and silver-glitter ombre nail is our particular favorite and it all reminds us of Barbie a little – girlie, feminine and super cute. We think these coffin nails would make great nails for a special occasion… You know like Valentine’s Day or your anniversary perhaps?

These 31 trendy nail art ideas for coffin nails are brilliant but we know there are a hundred and one ways they can be tweaked to achieve a completely different and brand new look. When you want unique nails, think outside the box. Mix color combinations you wouldn’t normally try just to be brave and see how it looks. Would you have thought of using pinks with silvers and muted greys? No, but the look was fabulous anyway, wasn’t it? Get creative, get inventive, we want to see your coffin nail creations!

We’re all excited because spring and summer is on its way. What we’re more excited about than the prospect of sun, late nights and lapping up the hot rays, is summer hair.

You need to see these 21 stunning summer hair color ideas that we predict will be HUGE this summer!

1. Beige Blonde Balayage Colourmelt

Did you know that the word balayage is a French term and it means ‘to sweep’? That should give you some idea of the kind of hair style you’ll be getting when you opt for a look that ‘sweeps’.

This beige blonde balayage colourmelt is great because it enables you to keep some of your original, natural hair color in whilst changing things up at the same time.

2. Melting Copper Hair

Everyone loves a redhead but just because you’re going red, doesn’t mean you need to go for bolshy, one-toned reds like Rihanna loves to rock from time to time.

This stunning melting copper hair is a balayage-ombre look which allows you to gradually float from your natural browny-red to a more bold and dazzling shade. Just like the blonde before, it’s a great way to play around with a new color if you don’t want one-tone all-over locks.

3. Caramel Blend

And here we provide you with another classic example of playing around with soft tones. We showed you the blonde, the redhead, and now we’ve come to the brunette.

If you want to go blonde but not too blonde, or you don’t want the damage associated with all-over blonde hair, this caramel blend is a beautiful idea, taking you from dark and glossy shades of brown to almost strawberry blonde hues.

4. Apricot Balayage

In fact, that’s what makes these beautiful summer hair color ideas so great. Designs that are balayage or hand-painted allow for more errors, and they also allow for a little longer between salon appointments too.

Apricot Balayage Hair for Summer

Source: @xostylistxo

This beautiful apricot balayage is such a bold color but think about it… It could easily have been a much brighter red than this and this could have been the process of the grow-out. The darker roots certainly indicate that and more than that, the darker roots look great.

5. Blonde Ombre Hair

Growing out much blonder hair? Perhaps you just want to go from lighter back to your more natural darker shades but you want to do it gradually rather than all in one go? Ta-dah! Blonde ombre hair!

Start with a balayage and work your way up from there. You can add more color (or less) over time giving you a much easier, less drastic way to make a big change.

6. Honey Blonde Balayage Highlights

If you want to try going a little lighter but aren’t sure whether or not it will suit you, this lets you play around with light at the ends while still keeping things simple around the face.

The color changes are so subtle here but the three-dimension of tones and shades bring it together into a thicker, more volume-infused mane.

7. Hair on Fire

We’re totally singing the Alicia Keys song right now but this bright hair on fire look is not only stunning, but super lust-worthy too.

If you’re trying to go from red to blonde again, or maybe you’re just stuck in that strawberry blonde phase, don’t try to brush it under the carpet.

8. Dark & Light Beige Tones

Balayage looks give you much subtler looks which makes them great for using those really brave and daring colors you wouldn’t have been brave or bold enough to try before just like this mix of both dark and light beige tones.

Dark and Light Blonde Beige Hair

Source: @maeipaint

Using more hand-painted techniques over foils and other methods gives you the opportunity to be in completely control of the color mix – the blend, the gradient, everything.

9. Chocolate & Caramel Highlights for Dark Hair

Just like balayage, ombre is a slightly different affair, still with the hand-painted theme, but instead shading or graduating the color, normally with lighter on the bottom and darker on the top but it can vary between styles and designs.

Chocolate Caramel Balayage Highlights for Dark Hair

Source: @paintedhair

There are plenty of celebs who’ve rocked a look just like this one over the years and it’s becoming more and more popular. With the likes of Miley Cyrus, Drew Barrymore and Giselle going for hair just like this, we think it’s the next one to add to our list.

10. Light Blonde Highlights

Adding light blonde highlights to your hair, whether it’s blonde or darker browns, you’re going to add a summery, happy glow to it. When these balayage highlights are done properly by a hair stylist, the look can life your hair, making it look lively and full of bounce, something you may have struggled with before.

Here’s a little trick for you – if you have thin hair, or want to add some ‘oomph’ to lifeless hair, go with highlights. It helps to add more dimension.

All the celebs have been rocking pastel hair of late and it’s encouraged many of us to give the try a shot for ourselves. If you’ve been thinking of trying out these new and unique pastel hair color ideas for yourself but aren’t sure where to start, how to go about it, and what colors to even pick in the first place, we’ve got all the info you need to know.

Check out the 21 pastel hair color ideas for 2018 you need to know about:

1. Pastel Rainbow Asymmetrical Lob

There are three things you should definitely do before you try and opt for a colourful blend such as this one. Firstly, get a good cut and work out the right style (taking into consideration the color design you want) with your hairstylist. Secondly, work out what shades will work better on your skin tone and thirdly, condition as much as you can.

Short Pastel Rainbow Hair

Source: @xostylistxo

Colourful hair won’t be colourful for long if you don’t take care of it. Bad condition hair will cause the shade to fade quicker. Plus it will look straggly rather than glossy.

2. Pastel Purple Hair & Silver Holographic  Highlights

If you really don’t know what color to go for, this holographic looking design isn’t a bad shout. It’s all different shades of pastel pops – lilacs with blues, silvers and pinks.

For spring time hair, you can’t beat pastel hair and with hair this good, everyone will be looking for all the right reasons.

3. Magenta to Pastel Pink Hair

If we’re talking pink, we’re not just talking candy floss pink just like Emma Stone recently rocked. Although who could forget that stunning powdery shade with that pretty pink lipstick?

Magenta to Pastel Pink Hair

Source: @xostylistxo

If you want to rock pink yourself, you’ll be happy to know that these lighter, pastel shades are easily achieved and there’s plenty of brands out there offering these colorful delights. Have a look around online and you’ll soon start to learn that some brands have a better rep than others. You’ll always want to know with the best, healthiest and highest-quality hair dye in order to get the best results.

4. Mixing Vivids and Pastels

Who said you couldn’t mix vivid hair colors with pastel beauties? We love this look, one that definitely combines the two but in such a way that it looks awesome and not too much.

Rainbow Pastel Hair Color Idea

Source: @bescene

Rainbow hair is very much on trend right now and with so many different colors to play with, why not just a few of them at once?

5. Dark Purple to Pastel Purple Hair

This look could almost be Elsa inspired and let’s face it, we all loved Frozen. Braids are a great way of showing off the many colors and shades in your locks so learn how to get braiding!

Dark Purple to Pastel Purple Hair Color

Source: @bescene

Start with one big braid and add more as you go. Didn’t you see Kim Kardashian-West recently? She’s all about the braids!

6. Dark Blue to Pastel Sky Blue Ombre Hair

We’ve seen brighter blues with the likes of Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall rocking a really rich, dark and bright blue pop.

What about trying something a little pastel themed if this is your first time? Pastel colors are easier to wash out and fade than their brighter counterparts. Plus, pastel colors are beautiful. Enough said.

7. Pink and Purple Pastel Hair

When you’ve got a ‘do this good, you want to keep it in tip top shape for as long as possible. You’re going to want to avoid washing your hair as much as you normally would as this will cause the color to fade quicker.

Make sure you’re taking care of your locks too with plenty of conditioning treatments designed for color treated hair.

8. Fairy Dust Hair

Sweet as sugar, this pastel pop of fairy dust hair is perfect for anyone wanting to make a real statement. If you’ve got long, glossy locks and want to show them off, this is most definitely the way to do it.

You have more length to play around with so why wouldn’t you play around with it? Work different blends and shades together for a look that is completely different to anyone else’s.

9. Holographic Hair (Dimensional Silver Violet)

Curly hair is perfect for showing off that perfect array of pastel pretties so grab your curling tongs and get whirling! The curls in this look help to reflect the light on those beautiful silvery, blue and violent tones. It’s a breathtaking look and one that we’re all coveting.

If you don’t have curling tongs, you can use your straightening irons to achieve a similar effect. Rather than pulling them down, twist them and curl them or flick them out to play around with different looks. You can create so many cools from something designed to straighten!

10. Soft Pastel Perfection

Think My Little Pony and you’ve got about the right idea for these pastel hair looks. Once reserved for punks and rockers, brightly coloured hair has never been so in fashion so think of the craziest colour combo you can and then add a few more shades just to be sure.

Soft Pastel Rainbow Hair

Source: @a_kool

Why not? You only live once.