Alfredia Moorer Challenge 2 - Accessories, America's Next Natural Model jeffers, timolin, challenge 0
For centuries, Cowrie shells were used as currency and seen as a symbol of wealth. The Cowrie Headband is a great topper for a formal updo. I couldn’t help myself and had to wear one Cowrie Headband as a choker!
Instructions: One Cowrie Headband was placed around the base of the updo near the top of the head and tied at the back. The strings were pinned in place with hair pins. The other Cowrie Headband was placed around the neck and tied.
For centuries, Cowrie shells were used as currency and seen as a symbol of wealth. The Cowrie Headband is a great topper for a formal updo. I couldn’t help myself and had to wear one Cowrie Headband as a choker!
Instructions: One Cowrie Headband was placed around the base of the updo near the top of the head and tied at the back. The strings were pinned in place with hair pins. The other Cowrie Headband was placed around the neck and tied.
Hairstyle: Hair was cornrowed upward, two strand twisted, then placed in a lose ponytail holder. The hair was then separated and twisted in two large twists. The ends were overlapped and pinned in place with hairpins.
There is no other hair accessory like the Cowrie. It’s a symbol of spirituality, prosperity, longevity, nature, and fertility and used worldwide throughout history. I love the Cowrie Headband because of its versatility, which is something that I’m always seeking. Most importantly the smooth leather-like material doesn’t snag on hair or cause breakage, which is wonderful because natural hair can be prone to breakage. Also the ends are adjustable and durable so its really one size fits all.
For this challenge I sought to represent some of the many meanings that the cowrie symbolizes through a variety of natural styles and lengths. Variety is the spice of life after all and nothing’s spicier than natural hair.
Instructions: Two of the cowrie headbands were tied together end to end and placed on the head like a crown then slid slightly downward over the hair toward the middle of the forehead. The tied ends were placed at the sides of my head. I completely enjoyed this look because it easily jazzed up a simple bob shaped two-strand twist.
Hairstyle: Hair was first loosened with Jamaican Mango & Lime Coiling Crème Pudding™. Then it was cornrowed upward and the ends are two-strand twisted and flipped downward and curled with rollers to create a short bob shape. Roots were oiled with Roller Braid. It’s an excellent way to try a short style without cutting your hair.
In some cultures, the Cowrie shell is a symbol for femininity and fertility. With that inspiration, I accessorized this feminine pinned two-strand twist with two Cowrie Headbands.
Instructions: One Cowrie Headband was placed on head with the cowries at the front. The strings at the end of the headband were tied at the back of the head. Then the other Cowrie Headband was stacked and tied. The strings were then hidden under the loops of my hair. An alternative to tying the strings at the back of the head is to tie the ends before putting on the headband.
Hairstyle: Hair was first loosened with Jamaican Mango & Lime Detangling Spray™. Hair was two-strand twisted then each individual twist was looped with ends to scalp and pinned in place to create oval shapes. Roots were oiled with Roller Braid. A cool way to wear a short feminine style.
One of the things I enjoy the most about the Cowrie Headband is that the length of the strings makes it big head and big hair friendly, and I’ve got both.
Instructions: Tying the strings of the two Cowrie Headbands together end to end allowed me to accessorize my curly fro. As before the ends were tied then placed over the hair. Afros rock and accessorized Afros rock harder.
Hairstyle: Hair was twisted out and fluffed with Jamaican Mango & Lime Springing Gel™ to create body and tighter curls then parted at the center. Roots were oiled with Roller Braid.
Most of us know about the importance of conditioning our hair but often forget about the scalp. What good is healthy shiny hair with a dull dry scalp? Being natural, allows us to enjoy wearing a variety of styles but many of them leave the scalp exposed to the environment and at times results in dryness or itchiness. Roller Braid, a nourishing scalp oil product, is the solution. I love using Roller Braid before bed to soothe my stressed scalp and as needed during the day. A fabulous result of using the Roller Braid is that it kept the roots of my braids and twists looking fresh even days after they were done. There’s nothing like stretching the life of a hairstyle especially if you’re busy and don’t have the time or the money to professionally restyle. Roller Braid should definitely be an addition to your nighttime hair ritual. Also the small size of the bottle makes it an easy on-the-go product that can slip into a purse so you can avoid those embarrassing dry scalp moments. The rolling tip of the bottle makes for easy application to the scalp that slides through each hair partition. It comes out smoothly without dispensing too much product and is a much better alternative to squirt bottles that can be messy and run. The light natural light scent won’t scare away those of you with sensitive noses. Roller Braid can even be used for short hairstyles, so men it’s a winner for you too. Roller Braid is a must have. Remember, healthy scalp means healthy hair.
