Hair Basics #5: Top 6 Must-Have Accessories for Natural Afro Textured Hair

If you choose to wear your hair 100% naturally, you’ll need certain accessories to nurture your afro and add some flair to your style. Sometimes you want to look glamorous without the effort; other times you want an elaborate do for a special occasion. These are my favorite hair accessories that you may find useful, too. 

1. A Headwrap or Turban 

Headwraps and turbans often mean the same thing, but to me, a headwrap is worn “down”, i.e., closer to your scalp and tied at the nape, and a turban is worn “up”, i.e., high on your head. These accessories come in fantastic colors and fabrics, all representing African culture and heritage. It can take a few tries to wear them firmly but comfortably, but a few YouTube tutorials will definitely help. The best part? You can get away with a bad hair day, just wrap it in fabric! 

2. Hair Clips/Barrettes 

Hair clips and barrettes do the same thing: they hold hair in place by sliding through the strands. However, a barrette is a hair clip’s bolder, more glamorous cousin. You can create an easy frohawk with hair clips, or add a gemstone barrette to a half-up half-down style.

3. Headbands

I love headbands, but it’s hard to find anything that holds securely on my super springy 4C curls. So, I have two kinds of headbands: strips of cloth that I tie in a knot, and strong, elastic headbands that won’t spring back or slip off my hair. If you have softer natural hair (type 3 range), you can wear headbands made from soft, smooth fabrics, no problem. Tougher hair like mine needs a little extra reinforcement. 

4. An Afro Comb

I remember the classic afro comb of my childhood, a wooden tool with a carved fist on its handle. Today, afro combs come in all shapes and sizes, from fine-toothed ones for hair straightening to wider ones for fluffing your hair from the roots. You certainly can’t detangle your natural hair without one of these in your hands.

5. Scrunchies

Scrunchies are more gentle on afro textured hair than elastic hair ties. A scrunchie made from soft fabric secures your hair without tangling your strands, minimizing breakage. With so many color and style options available, you can glam up your ponytail or updo in no time. 

6. A Satin Bonnet

A satin bonnet is a must-have nighttime hair accessory. It keeps your natural hair moisturized, reduces friction on your bedding, and keeps your pillow clean–no more stains from hair oils or dirt.

Start With These Basics and Build A Collection!

These natural hair accessories are the bare minimum everyone should have, especially if you’re growing out your hair. Of course, you can have a whole collection of headbands, turbans, scrunchies, combs, etc., which you can style any way you like. Create your signature natural hair look with these accessories and look great every day.