Oh hey, curly girls! We know you’re excited for summer, but also a little apprehensive. As temperatures climb, it can become hard to rock natural curls. The threat of humidity and sporadic thunderstorms loom with every day hotter than 90, and no one wants to be a frizzy mess on a sweltering day. Buuut, there’s no need to break out the styling tools to look great at every barbecue, beach trip and city picnic. Here’s a look at some of the prettiest natural styles to take you through the dog days of summer in the state of perfection you are.
1. Scarf Wrapped Updo: Some days, curls just can’t be tamed. Channel your inner wild child and let curls flow free, but keep flyaways at bay underneath a scarf. (via Delightfully Tacky)
2. Half-up Twisted Halo: This twisted style allows your tendrils to attract attention without being in your face. Pair with a flowy dress to give boho-babe vibes. (via Cosmopolitan)
3. Braided Topknot: Summer activities are no match for this well-contained mane. Rock this cute topknot while you bike, on the beach — really, anywhere you’re headed. (via Hair Romance)
4. Sea Salt Spray Styled Waves: Have beachy waves on and off the sand with a spray that’s meant for textured hair. (via Naturally Curly)
5. Double Headband Updo: Looking to keep things simple, but still look like you made an effort? This double headband ‘do is a great way to spice up the messy bun. (via Refinery29)
6. Curly Faux Hawk: Fact: Having curls makes you look like a rockstar. Own that hair and go on with your bad self when you style your locks in a chic faux hawk — leather jacket and tattoos not included. (via Seventeen)
7. Elegant Updo: While it might not be instinctual to leave hair natural for special events, keeping away from the straightener can have truly beautiful results. Case in point? This updo that’s perfect for every summer wedding. (via Once Wed)
8. Pretty Messy Knot: Swirly locks always look adorable when piled high, and this cute knot is no exception. Strategically placed bobby pins can go a long way. (via Brit + Co)
9. Turban Headwrap: If your tresses are totally out of control, just wrap it up. This tutorial will take you through 21 ways to wrap a turban, making it impossible to consider this style anything but versatile. (via Curly Nikki)
10. Unfinished Braid: This style gives the best of both worlds. A braid keeps some hair under control, while leaving the rest loose helps create woodsy, princess vibes that are at home at any festival. (via Refinery29)
11. Half Bun: Who knew this middle school throwback could be so pretty? Be sure to leave a few face-framing pieces out, then prepare to stun everywhere from the farmer’s market to fancy yacht parties. (via Anouk Yve)
12. Double-Twisted Pony: Give your typical pony some added oomph with twists that also keep curls out of your face. (via Loxa Beauty)
13. Twice-Twisted Bun: This office-friendly look will keep images of lion manes far from everyone’s mind. Heat, you’ve met your match. (via Cosmopolitan)
14. Curly Side Braid: This kind-of braid/kind-of pony is definitely awesome. This low-key look is sure to become a go-to style. (via Hair Romance)
15. Flat Twists With Marley Hair: Hair twists are a great protective style and also look super cute. Plus, with all that hair pulled back, everyone can see your pretty face! (via Hair and Health)
16. French Roll: Lots of little buns make for a pretty style that is basically begging to be worn out. Prepare to look great on date night. (via Hair Romance)
17. Two-Way Braid: Keep things neat with these braids that keep hair out of the way and under control. Only wanted frizz around here, folks. (via Refinery29)
How will you be styling your curls this summer? Let us know in the comments!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.