Popular Black Hair Trends of Summer 2020

Now that lockdown regulations have been eased in the UK (for some of us), it is time to show up and show out for the summer we have all been dying for! 

I'm sure we can all agree that after being isolated indoors for months on end, a sense of normality can be restored with a much needed post-lockdown makeover. With that being said, here are some of top hairstyles that trended online while we were quarantined  that you MUST wear this summer:

Pop Smoke Canerows

Instagram: _stylesbyporchej

To honor the legacy of the late up-and-coming, young artist, many ladies have imitated his signature parallel canerows in homage to his short-lived, but impactful, music career. I have seen this hairstyle done on both human hair wigs and with synthetic extensions interwoven with real hair, and I think the notion behind this ‘do is a lovely one.

Chunky Braids

Ghetto-fabulous, chunky braids have been in fashion for a while, but this style is a gorgeous twist on the classic. Usually parted down the middle, the braids are also knotless and parted into thicker segments, some even opting to accessorise with beads on the ends. When executed well, this hairstyle is just *chef’s kiss* saucy and makes any babe look set and put together; the longer, the better.

Exaggerate Edges

Twitter: @cyberglitter

Loops, curves, flicks, swirls, sideburns left out - the whole gag! Some ladies even choose to add little diamantes which (disclaimer) may not be everybody’s cup of tea, nevertheless, we should respect the bravery of those who dare to pull it off. Of course, likewise with any style of edges, please do not lay your edges completely dry as you risk ripping them out; nobody wants to be an edgeless babe, especially not in a hot girl summer.

Laid Short Hair

This hairdo comes with the mandatory requirements of being slicked, waved, laid for the gawds. Many have taken the opportunity with this hairstyle to experiment with colour, the most common being on the blonde to brown spectrum. Whether you only lay your edges or go all out and gel your entire head, it is entirely up to you, nonetheless, don’t feel as though you must fully conform to what is trendy; be a trailblazer and put your own spin on it if you so wish!

Plaited High Ponytail

Instagram: mikaimikai

For this up-do, your real hair is pulled up in one with a bundle of extension, the synthetic kind being the extension of choice for a more natural look. It is simplistic and very sleek with the potential to be dressed up or dressed down. This is the perfect hairstyle to show off those exaggerated edges, too, if that’s your style.

Rubber-band, Half-up/Half-down

Normally styled on a wig (not exclusively, however), this hairstyle definitely screams 90s - y2k vibes. It is fresh, playful, very girly, and you can use a variety of bright-coloured elastics to make the hairstyle really POP and exude that youthful energy. If your hair is straight and you want to zhoosh it up, feel free to curl the ends with a tool, or bring out your natural curls with defining products! 2020 has been a hell of a year so it would provide some respite to throw it back to what felt like simpler times with this nostalgic hairdo.

Of course, it is not and never will be business as usual after this surreal period; many have lost loved ones to the pandemic and police brutality, may my sincerest condolences be shared with those healing during this time. Although I should not have to remind people, I could not stress enough the importance of social distancing, washing your hands and wearing your mask at this point in time. Do enjoy the space in your local parks; host that long-awaited BBQ in your garden with your people; make that trip to IKEA, but remember to be safe and stylish while doing so.