Spring 2011 Hair Trends for Women of Color

Changing your hairstyle is a great way to transform yourself this spring. According to New York City hair stylist Dana Gibbs of Dana’s Loft Hair, the key word for African-American women’s hair is “reinvention.”

Rihanna/Photo credit: Getty Images

"Try something you’ve never done before or were afraid to,” says Gibbs.

Using celebrities and hair icons as inspiration, here are Dana’s top style picks for the season:

Color Me Bad

Keri Hilson/album art

This spring, pump up your style with a touch of vibrant color.  Go rude girl red like Rihanna or try platinum locks like Beyonce or Keri Hilson.

Product Picks: 

Kerastase Reflection Bain Miroir Shine Revealing Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair, $35

John Frieda Radiant Red Color Captivating Daily Shampoo, $5.15

Short and Sweet

Halle Berry/Photo credit Hairstyles.com

Halle Berry’s signature hairstyle is the most enviable short and sassy cut ever. Her pixie is an inspiration to women of color who want no-fuss, get up and go hair.  With the right cut and a little bit of pomade, this look can be versatile and will keep you cool in the hot summer sun.

Product Picks:

Dana's Loft Hair Tex Me Pomade, $14

Bed Head TIGI Manipulator Styling Cream, $17.95

A Real Head Banger

Serena Williams/Photo credit: InStyle

Heavy bangs are a hot trend for women with medium to long hair. What makes this look contemporary is that the part starts further back in the crown of the head to give it a 60’s Mod feel.  This fashionable style is great worn in a neat bob or a rocker chick bed head look.

Tennis champ Serena Williams opts for chin-length tresses with bangs. But if you can’t commit to chopping your locks or don’t have the natural length to trim, try a human hair wig or bang clip-ins.  We won’t tell and with the right extensions, no one will know the difference.

Product Picks:

EasiBangs Clip-In Hair Bangs, $99.76

Jama Human Hair Wig by Beverly Johnson, $169

Love Me, Love Me Knot

Alicia Keys/Image credit: SheKnows CelebSalon

Instead of a basic pony, women of color with longer hair might opt for a sexy topknot to keep hair swept off the neck on steamy summer nights. Alicia Keys favors a polished version during award season, but you can opt for a messier version when you replicate the style at home with a boar bristle brush.

Product Pick:

Rickys NYC Double Bungee, $3.99 

Naturally Curly

Tanika Ray/Image credit: SheKnows CelebSalon

Curly styles are a carefree option for women of color with natural, un-chemically processed hair. This look is low maintenance, holds up well in heat and humidity, and volume can be added with human hair extensions.  “American Idol” Jordin Sparks and entertainment reporter Tanika Ray rock their curly styles with funky flair.  The key to this fun look is to make sure that your hair is cut into a great shape, and adding color adds the wow factor. 

Product pick:

Kinky Curly Curling Custard, $17 

Right Down the Middle

Zoe Saldana/Photo credit: IMDb

The middle part has made a comeback!  The key to the center part -- which was popular in the 70’s and then again in the 90’s -- is to make sure you have the proper length fringe, which is chin length or longer. Any length that is shorter will make your face look rounder and fuller than desired.  Zoe Saldana wears her center part with panache.

Product picks:

Dana's Loft Hair Smooth Me Leave-in, $12

Sedu Revolution Tourmaline Ionic Styling Iron, $160