Long Time No See / New Discount Code

It's been so long, hasn't it?? No worries, we will be back with lots of updates soon!

Although I haven't been blogging much, I've obviously still been styling Miss A's hair. And, yes... we are still using our beloved Bee Mine Products, in-case you were wondering. Speaking of, we have a new discount code for our fabulous readers. (see below)

Preview / Styled with Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer

Preview / Styled with Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer

You can use discount code SUMMER14BBB to receive 10% off your purchase only at www.beemineproducts.com

Don't forget to follow us on instagram! @beadsbraidsbeyond and check us out on Facebook!

Enter to WIN! Lily & Beads Hair Accessories!

Updated: CONGRATS TO CHIQUITA WARD!

Lily & Beads offers a variety of cute hair accessories and styling tools for your children at affordable prices! 

Lily & Beads has generously offered one of our readers a nice sized lot of hair accessories (see photo below). Entering is easy! All you have to do is "like" them on Facebook. Be sure to enter via Rafflecopter below. This giveaway runs from Monday, July 22nd - July 29th. Best of luck and big thanks to Lily & Beads for this awesome giveaway!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little Girls Natural Hair Style: Flat Twist Ponytails with Twisted Bangs & Rainbow Beads

By: Carrie Fay of Amaro Baby

With hair as amazing as Violet's, it's easy for me to get carried away with new styles.  Sometimes I lose track of the fact that my daughter is only 3 years old and does not (in my opinion) need to look any older thanks to the too-fancy styles that I can't seem to resist.  So it's refreshing when we find those styles that are simple enough for me to do, sturdy enough to last a week or two, and CUTE enough to make her look like the adorable 3 year old that she is.  

This is one of our "go to" styles:  Flat twist ponytail(s) with twisted bangs and rainbow beads.  

Flat twists have always worked better on Violet's hair than cornrows for keeping the fuzzies away, and some type of bangs just seem to suit her.  It adds a feminine touch and protects her hairline better.  Beads aren't something we normally do, but when we do them, it's usually a "color explosion" kind of thing.  (Once, my five year old son asked me, "Can we just put Violet's hair back the way God made it?  You know, with rainbow beads??")

We opted for heart snaps at the end of each twist this time.  Last time we did beads, we used rubber bands and saw a bit more breakage on the ends than I would like to see.  Snaps fall out occasionally, but I'd rather that than cause damaged hair.  

Anyway.  This is our style for the week.  The pigtails and colors suit her fun personality and her age.  And most importantly, Violet is a happy camper.  She loves her rainbow beads, skipping and jumping around the house to feel those pigtails swinging (and as a direct result, we can hear every. single. step she takes... another wonderful perk of a head full of beads!).  

Have a great week, everyone!  

Top 10 Most Popular Natural Hair Styles for Little Girls

Braids, twists, cornrows, twist outs, beads, oh my! I know how overwhelming it is looking for natural hair styles for little girls on our blog with hundreds of styles to choose from. I'm here to share with you the top 10 most viewed (on Beads, Braids & Beyond) natural hair styles for our curly and kinky haired gals!

Number 1 - Natural Hair Styles for Little Girls: Cornrows & Twist Out - Flat Twists & Twist Out
I guess it's no surprise that a simple but pretty hair style like this one is number one at 44k+ views. This style is very easy as long as you know how to cornrow. Basic cornrows with a twist out topped off with some cute bows from Gymboree and your little lady is good to go! Read more...

Number 2 - Little Girls Natural Hairstyles: Twist Out's + Puff with Twisted Bang

With 28k+ views and counting this post showcasing three completely different little girls hair types comes in a strong second. Cornrows, twist outs, puffs, what's not to love here? Read more...

Number 3 - Half Cornrows & Twist Out

Over 21k+ views! As you can see, cornrows and twist outs are very popular for African American and biracial little girls. I'll echo what I said for number 1, this style is very simple as long as you know how to cornrow. The cornrow pattern is slightly different here but nothing too intricate. Read more...

Number 4 - Side Cornrows into Sister (Rope) Twists

One of my personal favorite hair styles for my little girl! Coming in fourth at 20k+ views. Inspired by singer and actress  Jill Scott and the beautiful Tiashauntee of Her Best Hair. Not only is this style cute, but it stays put for up to two weeks if cared for properly. We love protective styles for little girls as long as they are not done too tightly. Read more...

Number 5 - Natural Box Braids

Ah, yes. Back to the basics. Over 18k+ views, natural box braids comes in at number 5! What little girl doesn't love to swing her braids? Not a care in the world. Dress the braids up with beads or barrettes or keep it simple with bows or a headband. Curl the braids. Put the braids in ponytails. The possibilities are endless! The best part? They can last 4+ weeks with proper care! Happy mommy and child! Read more...

Stop by later this week to see the remaining styles in our Top 10 Most Popular Natural Hair Styles for Little Girls series and see if your favorite style made the cut!

Of course these are just the top 10 most viewed styles on our blog so these may not be your top 10 hair styles for natural little girls. 

I'm curious to know; did your favorite hair style make the list? If so, which one? If not, what is your favorite natural hair style for your little girl? Better yet, feel free to share pictures of your favorite style on our new Facebook page, Beads, Braids & Beyond. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Introducing New Guest Blogger: Carrie Fay

By: Carrie Fay of Amaro Baby

I never in a million years thought that "cornrow" would be a regular part of my vocabulary.  Seriously.  Let alone flat twist... beads... bantu knots or the hundreds of other words that float around our house.  

But then Violet joined our family and my world was turned upside down in a thousand perfect ways, not the least of which is caring for her amazing hair.     

With practically no hair on her head the day she turned 11 months (also they day we met!) she and I have learned this process together, step by step.  Slowly, steadily, and to both of our great delights.  Now we eagerly anticipate hair days.  We collaborate on styles, colors, and the movies to include in our movie marathons.  (Hair days are fun for lots of reasons, people!)   

I get a little too excited talking about hair, can you tell?  So excited that I forget to write about what I'm SUPPOSED to write about:  A little about myself.  I am a proud mama to Violet (3 years old) and Daniel (5 years old).  I am a wife to the most ridiculously amazing husband out there.  I have experienced motherhood through adoption and through pregnancy.  I am a photographer and am relentless in my attempts to stop time (or at least slow it down!) through photography.  I am totally in love with Jesus.  Also, ice-cream.  I am a part of a family where no one matches - four skin tones, four hair types, four different stories - and we love it.  I began homeschooling our two kiddos a few months ago and am daily floored by the experience - it's beyond my wildest expectations.   

I am beyond thrilled to guest post on one of my all time favorite hair blogs.  Violet and I owe so much to the online community of natural hair care supporters/educators and it's my hope that I can encourage the mamas out there who are just starting out, just reaching out for information about natural hair.  You CAN do this!  One cornrow at a time.  

Now, if you'll excuse me.  Hair day is tomorrow and Miss Violet is in the next room, trying to decide on bead colors for her yarn twists.  It might not be the most important decision we'll make all week, but I wouldn't miss it for the world.  

New Blog:  In the works!

Old (Outdated!) Blog:  www.amarobaby.blogspot.com 

Reader Mail! "Just an appreciation for your website"

Crystal's girls

I just received this email from a reader, Crystal. I absolutely love it and had to share. Her girls are complete dolls! :)

I love hearing from you all! If you would like to share something email me at beadsbraidsbeyond@yahoo.com

-Nikki

Hi my name is Crystal, I have two daughters (6&8) both with natural hair. I do not know their type but to me it's a headache. In the pictures I sent, you can see the various styles I try on their heads n this is just a few. Every summer I give them braids w/beads because it's easier and less maintenance and they r on a swim team so its easier for the pool. During the school year it's mainly ponytails ranging from 1-20. I do their hair every morning. I have been searching for the right hair products since their age of 2. Looking for the right grease that does not dry out the hair, shampoo that does not leave the hair in a tangled mess, and the right kind of moisturizer that will keep their natural curls for the day at least. 
I am soooo happy that I found your website that can guide me in the right direction for not only my girls hair but mine too. (Now I can stop asking people on the street 20 questions about their hair) :-) Thank you so much for your concerns for others and their hair. 
-Crystal

Intricate Cornrow Updo on Natural Hair

By Aisha of Braid with Me

We're back!! I haven't blogged much lately because we've been enjoying the summer and getting some much needed family time by taking a vacation!! 

This time we decided to do a beautiful updo that can be worn for any special occasion. A pretty updo is a must for the hot summer months when you want the hair to be protected! If you want to see more fabulous updo styles, head on over to Beads, Braids, and Beyond and check out Miss A's Natural Flower Girl Updo with Cornrows and Twists.

Now let's talk about the style! I started with clean, moisturized, and detangled hair. Next, I began parting the hair. I made an off-centered part in the back and I also created a smaller section of hair in the front that led  down to the lower left side of her head. I then began to make free style cornrows as if I were making a Mohawk. I did not continue the braid all the way to the end. Once I reached the center part, I discontinued the braid and let the rest of the hair remain free. The hair that remained free was later formed into one large cornrow that started from the nape and continued to the front of her head. The cornrow was then formed into a rosette and pinned into place. I also used the remainder of the hair on the left side to form more cornrows and two more rosettes.

Day 1:

Day 2: 

As always, we would LOVE to hear from you!! Leave a comment below to let us know what you think. Don't forget to "Like" our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on our latest styles!!! 

Products used: 

Spectrum Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter

Hair pins (for rosettes) 

Beautiful Nubian Princess Braids

By: Aisha of Braid With Me

Beautiful!! This is the word that comes to mind when I look at my baby girl with this style! The design + the wooden beads + the Anisa in her natural beauty = Beautiful Nubian Princess Braids! 

To achieve this style, I removed Anisa's previous Box Braids that can be seen here and here. Next, I finger detangled her hair using coconut oil in preparation for a cowash. I continued by using our routine and by banding her hair overnight. 

I began by parting her hair from side to side directly behind each ear. The back portion of her hair was secured with an ouchless band while I braided the front. The front section was styled with free-form braids and adorned with wooden beads. 

I left the back section down for a little while before I placed it into a huge puff. 

 Harajuku Mini for Target: http://www.target.com/p/harajuku-mini-for-target-girls-one-shoulder-top-pink/-/A-14010059

For bedtime, I finger detangled the back section with coconut oil and made several large, two-strand twists. I rolled the ends of the twists with satin covered sponged rollers and protected her hair with a satin bonnet. 

The next day, I removed the rollers and twists and was a bit surprised to see that the back of her hair was basically flat. We had a fun day planned so it was okay. 

As you can see, Anisa was VERY active at the festival that we attended. 

 Before bedtime on day 2, I decided to add flat twists to the back instead of regular two-strand twists. I also used flexi-rods instead of the satin covered sponge rollers. 

Similar Styles

Braid with Me - New Protective Style

Charlotte's Avenue - Choca's NUBIAN INSPIRED Beaded Style!

If you enjoyed this post, let us know by leaving a comment below! As always, be sure to "Like" our Facebook page to see more updates for this style!