I Wore a New Hairstyle Every Day for a Month—Here's What Happened
Photo:
Who What WearWelcome to I Tried It Month, where we'll be publishing a new fashion, beauty, or wellness article every day in January that features a first-person account of shaking up an old habit, pushing beyond a comfort zone, or simply trying something new. Follow along for 31 days of storytelling, including everything from going without a cellphone for 40 days to trying the polarizing low-rise pants trend.
Photo:
@kiatoppssI started this challenge with my hair in braids. At this point, they were two months old, so it was time to take them out.
Photo:
@kiatoppssNot knowing where to start, I went on YouTube to find this style. I separated my hair into six sections at the top, and from there, I tied each section with a colorful rubber band. Then, I twisted each section and pinned them all behind my ears.
Photo:
@kiatoppssThis style was super simple. I took two pieces of hair from the very top of my head and twisted them before adding gold accessories to each twist.
Photo:
@kiatoppssThese colorful hair clips went with my outfit and made for a cute, simple style.
Photo:
@kiatoppssWhen in doubt, throw on a scarf. It saves me every time.
Photo:
@kiatoppssThese were three-day-old curls, but my Eco Styler Gel and baby-hair brush saved the day.
Photo:
@kiatoppssI loved this half-up, half-down look.
Photo:
@kiatoppssFor this style, I did three Bantu knots at the top of my head and put the rest of my hair in a ponytail.
Photo:
@kiatoppssThis hairstyle was fun, but sadly, the only soul who saw it was the clerk at Trader Joe's.
Photo:
@kiatoppssGet into these mini French braids!
Photo:
@kiatoppssI did another set of Bantu knots thinking I would resemble Tracee Ellis Ross in the end. That didn't happen whatsoever, but the end result was these effortless curls. You would think I used a curling iron, but no—this is just the power of Bantu knots.
Photo:
@kiatoppssWe'll call this style a fro-hawk. I found a similar style on Pinterest, and while it might look simple, parting the back of my hair in a straight line took longer than I thought it would.
Photo:
@kiatoppssI love a good wash-and-go.
Photo:
@kiatoppssSimple but chic.
Photo:
@kiatoppssHere, I tried a roller set. I applied about 10 rollers to my wet hair and slept overnight in them.
Photo:
@kiatoppssAs a kid, like many other Black girls, my mom loved putting barrettes and ponytail balls in my head, so this style is an homage to her creativity. Love you, boo!
Photo:
@kiatoppssFor this style, I just added two braids to the front of my hair and secured the rest in a high bun.
Photo:
@kiatoppssI wish I could say applying these beads was easy, but then, I wouldn't be keeping it real. Foil is the secret. There, I said it.
Photo:
@kiatoppssI added these butterfly clips from Amazon to my hair on washday, and I think it counts as a fun style with minimal work. I was definitely unsure about this look until the girl working the drive-thru at The Habit complimented me. Wherever you are, thank you!
Photo:
@kiatoppssI wish I could take credit for this Sade-inspired look, but all praise goes to the most high (my mother) for creating it.
Photo:
@kiatoppssThis look took five minutes. I parted my hair on the side and braided it up. My hair looks pretty dry in this photo, but it's actually quite moisturized.
Photo:
@kiatoppssI'm extremely proud of myself for finally learning to cornrow my own hair. I'm privileged to have four sisters who can all braid, so I've never had to pay a professional to do it. However, when I have kids, I want to know how to braid, so I tried it. This was the result!
Photo:
@kiatoppssSometimes, I just want a quick updo, especially when I'm on day-three hair. I used Eco Styler Gel on my edges and lifted my fro up into a high ponytail.
Photo:
@kiatoppssThis '90s hair moment is dedicated to Tia Mowry and Nikki from Save the Last Dance. I always wanted to look like them when I was younger. I blame them for all of my dramatic antics growing up, but I thank them for inspiring this easy style. This is the closest I'll get to being part of those iconic pop culture moments, but I'll take it.
Photo:
@kiatoppssI don't even recognize myself! All I did was section off my hair and curl each piece with my one-inch flat iron.
Photo:
@kiatoppssThis was my favorite look. I kept my curls in from the day before and decided to do a quick updo. I saw this style on Pinterest, and it was actually the easiest look of them all.
Photo:
@kiatoppssAgain, I'm paying homage to all the '90s hotties. I've always wanted to have a hair-flip moment, and it's finally here.
Photo:
@kiatoppssYou can't go wrong with a part down the middle.
Photo:
@kiatoppssWhen in doubt, crimp your hair out. This style took 10 minutes to do using my flat iron.
Photo:
@kiatoppssA half-up, half-down look with beach waves is always the move.
Up Next: See How Our Editor Cleared Her Skin in Three Days Using an LED Face Mask
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.