2014 Hair Trends for African-American Women

By, Valerie Washington

Happy New Year to all you beautiful sistas’ out there! The big, year-end holidays are finally over and now is the time to explore the 2014 hair trends for African-American women. Today’s post is big – HUGE! There’s some old, some new and lot’s of color, layers and braids! It’s a year that’s sure to be full of surprises and great-looking hair. So let’s look at what the experts are saying will be hot this year and how Elevate Styles can help you achieve those same looks for yourself.

Fishtail Braids
Braids are always in, but this year you’ll see big, mussed braids that hang long to one-side. This is an easy style for even the most novice person and looks great for work or going out. Check out these fishtail braids being sported by Angela Simmons and Gabrielle Union.

Get This Look:
To achieve this look yourself, you need medium-long to long length hair. If your hair is short, invest in some extensions or even a lace-front wig. Fishtail braids require that the hair be parted into two sections, not three, like in traditional braiding. Leave some hair out at the top and on the sides if you want bangs to frame your face. Start twisting the hair at the nape of the neck, continuing until you’ve almost reached the end of the braid. Secure the hair with a rubber band, hair clip or even a fashionable barrette for children. If you have short hair, you can easily get this look with one of our fashionable lace front wigs – already braided – or you can get a straight lace front wig, or put in some hair extensions, and braid it yourself! 

  Equal Braid Hairline Lace Wig Avery                                      Motown Futura Lac Front LFE- Julian

          

Edgy Bob’s
Let’s be real ladies, the bob hairstyle never really left the building, it just got a makeover. And for 2014, the bob style many things – chic, sporty and edgy – all at the same time. This year, your bob can be short, medium-length or long. Edgy cuts in varying lengths, curly bob’s or graduated bob’s are the way to go. Check out these happenin’ sisters showin’-off their bob’s below. From short to long – choppy, whispy, curly and colored – bob’s are a favorite choice in 2014 black hairstyles.

(Pictured below: actress Elise Neal,Photo credit: theglamourouslife.com; and singers Rihanna, Photo credit batchplease.com; Nicki Minaj, Photo credit: evawigs.com; T-Boz, Photo credit: stacksmag.net and Keri Hilson, Photo credit: Getty Images via becomegorgeous.com)

 

       
Get This Look:
To achieve this look, hair can be short, medium or long lengths. For graduated or asymmetrical bob styles, it’s probably best to get you hair cut into that style. The easiest way to wear a bob, whether it’s straight, wavy, curly or brightly colored is to sport a wig. You can have fun with daring asymmetrical cuts without ever touching your real hair.

CURLY BOB: Compare to Nicki Minaj’s Bob. Just color, tousle and go!
 

Bobbi Boss 100% Human Hair Lace Front MHLF-D

SHORT BOB: 

Short and sweet, but still elegant – just like Elise Neal’s!

(Shown in order: Sensationnel 100% Human Hair Lace Wig Dayna, Vivica Fox Remi Lace Front Wig Elegant-V, Equal Synthetic Lace Front Wig Baby Hairline Cici, Vivica Fox Weave Cap Synthetic Wig WP-Makari-V)

Retro Hair
The days of flappers may be over, but their style is just as edgy and sexy as ever! Retro hair is back (again) and full of color!

Marcel Waves

 

Marian Anderson (1897-1993): Marian Anderson was an international superstar of her time. She was the fist African American – ever – to sing at the Met Opera in New York. You go girl! (Photo credit: Bettman/Corbis, Image circa 1920s-1930s)

It’s always great to see then-and-now pictures – check out Rihanna’s tribute to Marcel waves with high gloss – Marcel waves can be worn by anyone – short hair, long hair or in between. (Photo credit: Getty Images via sohairobsessed.com)

 
Marcel Waves: Timeless and beautiful, short or long!

Get this Look: (Shown in order: Bobbi Boss Synthetic Wig M241 Nicki, Janet 100% Remi Human Hair Full Lace Wig Mimi, Sensationnel Empress Natural Front Lace Wig Amy, 

Marilyn Monroe Curls

Marilyn Monroe – still iconic as ever – made waves with her sexy loose curls. (Photo credit: Michael Ochs Archives via marieclaire.com)
Get this look.

It's a Wig Synthetic Simply Lace Wig Monroe – Platinum Blonde Not your thing? That’s okay – we have 11 other colors to choose from!

Mermaid Hair

Mermaid hair styles: Mermaid hair comes in two forms: waves and long flowing curls. Whichever you decide to get, you’ll be the prettiest mermaid in the sea!(Shown below: Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America; Tiffany Hines, Photo credit: Photo by PR Photos)

Get This Look: Getting a mermaid hairstyle is just as easy as putting on a lace front wig from Elevate Styles. You can have beautiful diva style in minutes!

(Shown in order: Saga Remy Lace Front 100% Human Hair Loose Deep, Royal Imex Hollywood 100% Human Hair Lace Front Wig HRH-Ashanti, Janet Synthetic Full Lace Wig Cambell)

One thing is for certain, 2014 promises to be a year to remember, have fun this year – experiment and play with different hair cuts, lengths and colors. Go wavy one day and bone straight the next. There’s always something new at Elevate Styles to help you look your best. Stay true to yourselves divas and always remember to feel as good as you look!

(Like these 2014 hairstyles? Why not share your before and after pics with Elevate Styles – you may be featured in our next blog!)