Natural Hairstyles for Grown Women: Re-introducing Your Natural Hair

Three weeks ago, someone asked me what my real hair looks like under my wig. In that same week, my husband, mother, and friend all told me that my wig is tired and that I needed to get a new one. Yeah, I knew it was time to change my look. Natural hairstyles for grown women are really hard to find. Almost everyone around me has a relaxer, wig, or braids. However, don’t get me wrong, I love a protective hairstyle, but when I search for natural hairstyles online or on YouTube, I see a lot of Gen X hairstyles. Nonetheless, I ventured into the land of Pinterest and YouTube to find what looked like natural hairstyles for grown women and made them my own.

Now the journey has started. My natural hair’s re-introduction into society—at work. The first week, I simply wore my hair up in a huge bun with a side bang (two-strand twist). When I walked in that first morning, I got mixed reactions. Everyone stared; some folks said they loved it, some folks simply stared from a distance. I could tell they were wondering if that bun was all my hair. It was, so I smiled quietly inside. Then I started to become greedy for this attention; the thought of me doing my own hair and it looking good made me want more. I spent my evenings scouring YouTube for more ideas I could make mine.

Furthermore, the following week, I added natural hair extensions. This time, I wanted to see who would figure out that it wasn’t my hair. Some did, others did not. Like the week prior, I kept changing the hairstyle every 2-3 days. In addition, the following week, I added different extensions, creating a very long ponytail. This started to become tiring. At the same time, the use of gel on my hair every week caused itching and flaking, which I despise. So naturally, I had to wash my hair on the weekend.

I can’t say that I’ve found the right remedy, but I will say that releasing the wild beast that is my hair for these past three weeks has been freeing. It is truly great to be authentically you and be accepted. Finding natural hairstyles for grown women without looking matronly is more difficult than one would think. So alas, my search continues.

A Few Tips

Know Your Hair Type: Understand your hair’s texture, curl pattern, and density. This knowledge will help you choose styles that enhance your natural beauty.
Stay Updated with Trends: Follow social media influencers, hairstylists, and natural hair communities to stay informed about current trends and styles suitable for young adults.
Embrace Versatility: Experiment with different styles like twist-outs, braid-outs, bantu knots, and wash-and-gos to find what works best for you.
Accessorize: Use hair accessories like headbands, scarves, and clips to add a fun and youthful touch to your hairstyle.
Try Protective Styles: Opt for protective styles like box braids, cornrows, and faux locs, which are not only trendy but also protect your hair from damage.
Keep It Simple: Sometimes less is more. Simple styles like high puffs, buns, or ponytails can look chic and age-appropriate.
Consider Your Lifestyle: Choose styles that fit your daily routine and activities. For example, if you’re active, opt for styles that are easy to maintain and won’t get in the way.
Add Color: Experiment with temporary hair color or highlights to give your hair a fresh and vibrant look without committing to a permanent change.
Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure, visit a professional hairstylist who specializes in natural hair. They can provide personalized advice and style your hair in a way that complements your features and age.
Be Confident: Whatever style you choose, wear it with confidence. Your attitude and confidence will always enhance your overall appearance and make any hairstyle look great.