Long bangs and hair styled around the face can sometimes cast shadows into lines and wrinkles, causing you to look older. Styling hair up and away from the face can help you look younger, and a hairstyle that rises at the temples or has volume at the top can give your face an instant lift.
Never wear a hairstyle that causes any kind of pain or discomfort to your hair or scalp. Avoid heavy accessories, tight ponytails, tight braids, or tight anything. Any style that pulls the scalp or puts stress on the hairline is not the right style for you. Wearing the wrong hairstyle can lead to headaches, tension bumps, hair loss, thinning and irreparable damage--it's not worth it. Be comfortable and always choose hair and scalp friendly styles.
A braid-out is a great way to add waves to straight hair or stretch and lengthen curly hair without using a heated styling tool, such as a curling iron or crimper. A braid-out is a healthful style choice for your hair, and it is easy to do. First, wash and condition your hair. Second, part your hair into sections (four sections will usually suffice, but you may want more depending on your preference--the smaller the braid, the tighter the wave pattern will be). Third, gently comb each section and then braid it. If your hair is prone to frizz, you may want to add a small amount of styling gel to each section before braiding. Remember not to braid your hair too tightly--you do not want to have any tension near the scalp. For the safest and healthiest option, let your hair air-dry (time will vary depending on climate and hair texture, but thick hair usually takes at least 12 hours). If you don't have time to let your hair air dry, you can use a blow-dryer with a diffuser or a hood dryer (time will vary depending on texture, but thick hair usually takes at least 60 to 90 minutes). After your hair is completely dry, unbraid each section and let the styling fun begin. Results will vary depending on texture, but you should have some luscious waves to work with--the possibilities are endless.
Although many work environments encourage creative and fashion forward hairstyles, some jobs still require a conservative appearance. Regardless if you wear your hair straight, curly, natural, braided, or in an afro, you can be sure that your hairstyle is work appropriate if you can answer yes to the following questions:
1. Does your hair look clean with no visible dandruff?
2. Other than subtle highlights, is your hair basically one color?
3. Does your hair color look natural for someone with your skin tone?
4. No matter if your hair is straight or curly, is your hair texture the same from roots to ends?
...and no to the following questions:
1. Do you have any visible white flakiness, stickiness, or unsightly buildup from styling products such as gels, pomades, or hairsprays?
2. Do you constantly have to touch your hair or move it out of your face?
3. Does your hair look as though it could easily get caught in a door or office/work equipment due to its extreme length or volume?
4. Does your hair give off an obtrusive odor?
5. Do your styling products drip or smudge onto your clothes, cubicle walls, or office/work equipment?
Be honest with yourself and tress for success.