Typically, spring/summer hairstyles take advantage of the warm breezes and extra sunlight that the season brings. Lots of color, highlights and movement are the order of the day, and 2004's styles definitely fit the bill. Salons are reporting requests for flips, highlights and funky, low-maintenance styles.
However -- perhaps due in part to the growing visibility of natural hair among black artists and performers -- "fried, dyed and laid to the side," is no longer de rigueur for African-American women. R&B sensation Alicia Keyes has helped make natural hair cornrows popular again, while singer Jill Scott and British duo Floetry have helped introduce twists and funky Afros to the mainstream. India.Arie, Lauryn Hill and jazz diva Cassandra Wilson have all worn variations of natural hairstyles.
"Low-maintenance natural looks and curly, funky weaves are popular," says Kenyatta Mitchell, co-owner of Why Knot salon at 851 W. Randolph. Mitchell has been doing highlights and lots of short twist styles for her clients. "People like styles that they can wear one way and then easily change it into another style," she says. Short twists that can later be loosened into a funky 'fro, Bantu knots and short, spiky cuts are hot. In terms of color, auburn, red and blond highlights are what's in for spring. "Everybody wants color in the spring. I've been doing highlights for locks, twists and [relaxers]," Mitchell says.
No matter what your hair texture or style concerns, there's a healthy spring hairstyle waiting for you.
