In August I mostly... 30 days, 30 ways recap

In July I set myself a challenge of coming up with a different hair style every day for 30 consecutive days. In August, I did it. Most of the styles may not have required the highest level of skill, and it may have taken me until November to actually post them, but the point is, I did it.

I did this to get myself out of the styling rut. I was getting very bored with my same old twist/braidout worn loose every single day. I wanted to prove to myself that I can do semi-decent styles, and encourage myself to vary my look a little bit more. I wanted to show that it is not that difficult if someone as hair style-challenged as I am can think of and do 30 different styles in as many days, no matter how hit or miss. Finally, I wanted to show that contrary to the general view in Nigeria, natural hair is NOT boring/messy/unprofessional/unstylish/inelegant.

It was a real hassle sometimes, for a few reasons. 

First of all as those of you who know me well know, I generally HATE posting pictures of myself hence my general struggles with this blog (I last changed my Facebook profile picture 4 years ago). 

Secondly, I HATE projects of any sort. Projects, challenges... basically anything that needs seeing through to the end is a struggle. I hate setting a challenge and sticking with it to the end. I'm always extremely enthusiastic in the beginning, and then halfway through I become annoyed, feel trapped and am almost resentful of all the people who didn't promise to take a picture of a different hairstyle every day.

I need to do things like this more often and get over it.

In any case, this challenge has taught me (or rather confirmed to me) that:

1/ Anyone can style- it may not look exactly like what you’re trying to emulate, but you just have to put your own spin on things and rock it with confidence. Most of the styles I came with took 10 minutes or less.

2/ There is no need for lengthy wash processes all the time. You can sometimes skip stages in between.

3/ Protective styling does NOT have to be boring.

4/ Our hair is SO versatile.

5/ If I want to go into this self-photography thing full time, I should learn to pay attention to things like background, and not post pictures of myself framed by grotty hotel shower curtains.

6/ I definitely do NOT want to go into this self-photography thing full time.

So to recap, Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you... 30 days, 30 ways!

The fat twist updo

The "I'm not wasting this twistout"

The "Humidity Defy-er"

The Rosette & Bun

The Turban

The "Cinnabun-gone-wrong"

The "Humphrey". Geddit??! (Although there are actually 4 humps. Ah well, back to the drawing board)

The "High Puff"

Fun with scarves

The "Make it work"

The "Make it work again"

The high puff/high bun "High-brid"

The puffy flat twist

The "Old reliable"

The "Flower power"

The "Infinity knot"

The "Olive Oyl"

The "Walnut Whip"

The "Walnut Whip - Reloaded"

The "Boho Twistout"

The "side-swept twistout"

The "Braided band"

The "Pineapple"

The "Tintin"

The "Emma Brown"

"Birthday hair"

The "Pool recovery"

More scarf play

The "Side-swooped bang"

The "Tilted bun"

PS: Someone buy me some new earrings please. Sheesh!

30 days, 30 ways...Day 30

Few people will understand the relief and excitement I felt on typing the number "30" 3 times in this post title. At last, we reach the end!!

I love high messy buns, and this off-centre one was inspired by my favourite artist of the moment, Liane La Havas. A proud moment on which to end what has otherwise been a rather tedious challenge.

30 days, 30 ways...Day 29

Just a casual day. I swooped the hair at the front forward, and put the back into a bun.

30 days, 30 ways...Day 28

Gave my hair a proper wash to make sure I was rid of that nasty chlorine, and again funkyfied my fat twists up with a scarf.

30 days, 30 ways...Day 27

This was my actual birthday, and the continuation of the night before.

Athough it was the same night and I hadn't been anywhere, I had a different hair style because of course I inadvertently ended up in the pool. Fully clothed. Without having first soaked my hair in water and conditioner to prevent chlorine damage (yes people, before you jump in a pool, make sure you soak your hair in water, and if possible apply some conditioner. The more clean water that has soaked into your strands, the less damaging chlorinated water will be able to). 

Being the obsessive that I am, when the possible danger to my precious strands dawned on me, I actually got out to wash my hair, and spent the rest of the festivities with this wash and go pulled into a high ponytail. I'm still astounded by the extent of my shrinkage.

I have to say I'm quite impressed that I remembered to take photos of my hair for the blog, considering I didn't even manage to remove that face paint before going to bed.

30 days, 30 ways...Day 26

Birthday hair!!!

I was way too busy being the birthday girl to worry about taking pictures for this challenge, and the photographer STILL hasn't sent me any of the day. Now I know how it feels when I make you wait for blog posts. Sorry.

So for now, you'll just have to make do with this one long-range shot.

I had the front in a hump, and an interesting puffy/bunny hybrid going on in the back. But you'll just have to take my word for it.

30 days, 30 ways...Day 25

I had a wedding to attend, and I knew there was no way I was going to be able to be creative with dirty, tangled hair for a day longer. So the night before, I cowashed, deep conditioned and put my hair in flat twists. It was still slightly damp when I unravelled, but I didn't mind, as I was just going to put it in a bun anyway, and let my fabulous hat take centre stage (by the very talented Emma Brown, of Emma Brown Couture, who I went to school with, and who I am desperately trying to convince to stay natural).

Dress by Grey. 

I have some very creative friends!

30 days, 30 ways... Day 24

Slept in yesterday's style (VERY bad habit! DON'T do this!!), woke up and pinned the front.

Easy peasy!

I love the Janelle Monae/Johnny Bravo/Tintin vibe of this.