The Face Behind The Talent

ABOUT ME

You Are Your Hair! 

"I think the best thing a woman can have, next to her talent, is of course her hairdresser" 

My name is Onika Cooper and I am often described as charismatic and persuasive. I am 21 years of age and I live at St. Mary's Village Moruga Road, Princes Town, Trinidad. This blog focuses on promoting and sharing my natural skills as a hairstylist and also attracting new clients. My expertise is essentially in photography, public speaking, advertising and media, journalism, community relations, youth work and hairdressing. I am particularly equipped with natural skills for braiding, styling, crocheting, interlocking and a lot more. I am also an innovative hairstylist, successful at experimenting with new approaches, techniques, and styles for various types and textures of hair. I thrive under pressure and I am inspired by an artistic challenge.

I started doing my own hair at the age of eleven and eventually began braiding family members and my close friends' hair as well. Hairdressing is an intrinsic skill I developed and mastered through practice. I can do practically any style a client presents me with, taking into consideration that I do my own hair most times as well. I am intact with nature as a conscious female hence the reason I always promote natural hair or at least extensions and styles that may posses a natural look or 'effect'. Nevertheless I style absolutely any type of hair and I gain joy and love in doing so.

Also, because of my photography expertise, I possess excellent graphic skills through advertising my photography and hairstyles. I am familiar with what makes a great shot or powerful image and employ diverse technical knowledge and artistic abilities. I am specialized in wedding, fashion and Events photography. I strive to be a superb leader and teacher by sharing my skills as a hairstylist and various techniques that women can apply to their everyday hair styling. This blog will also offer photographic, as well as video tutorials on how to do a variety of hairstyles including the senegalese twist, box braiding, crocheting and may more. I do hair by appointments since I balance a full time job, nevertheless feel free to contact me to book your appointment today. In all, I am highly motivated and I specially enjoy transforming women hair and facilitating their 'hair confidence'.

Collaboration: Dance Hairstyle

Collaboration: Dance the Night Away.. With your perfect 'Bun Hairstyle' Of course..

 Knowing a lot of different hairstyles techniques in your competitive dance careers is essential for your dance success. Here are some techniques to keep in mind for your competition hairstyle. After interviewing professional Latin/Ballroom dancer Jermelia Young, she asked that I recommended a hairstyle from a professional standpoint that would be perfect and appropriate for dancing. Being a hairstylist for quite a number of years, i've learnt that beauty should never be painful. With that being said, a woman must be comfortable in her hairstyle at all times. A simple high bun is what I may recommend for any female dancer. This is so that you may be more comfortable without having any long flowing hair interrupting your eyesight due to swaying movements. When all your hair is held back you are more free and able to move comfortably. Since Jermelia is also a frequent dancer, I decided to put together some video tutorials as well as picture tutorials to aid in making her bun fit and perfect for dancing. This post will also be beneficial to anyone who is having problems making a perfect bun whether with their usual hair or braid. Feel free to also visit her blog and get you latest dance tips. https://passiontherhythminsideyou.wordpress.com/ 

Styling your box braids

Ways To Style Your Box Braids

Men

ALL ABOUT THE MEN

Hey some men got hair too! These are some simple styles men can do to their hair whether short or long.

Cllaboration: 4 Products that will Enhance Your Hairstyles

Collaboration #2: 4 Products That Will Magically Enhance Your Hairstyles

As a professional Hairstylist, it is my duty to recommend products to my potential customers as well as suppliers. As such I met with CEO of Secret Splendor, a beauty blogger and so recommended some hair products for her Beauty Blog that would meet the needs of her subscribers as well as customers. Fell free to contact Nerissa at any given time through her facebook page and blog to get a wide variety of products for you hair skin and body. https://www.facebook.com/trendy.jade?fref=ts

                                             1. LETS JAM/ SHINE N JAM'

This is the ideal Product for the famous senegalese twists.
 This product is recommended for lock n twists, dredlocks, curls, senegalese twist, as a grooming sheen and alot more. This product is recommended for all hair types and textures.






2. BRAIDING SPRAY        
                                                   
This is a Spray that is used for dry sclap and to maintaain your braid installation. It also acts as a sheen and an anti itch spray and can be used for all hair types.



3. SOFT N SILKY STYLING GEL

     This is gel that I recommend for smooth edges and extra hold. Your style may lasts 24hrs when you use this specific product. It is recommended for hair types and textures as well. Ideal for curly hair, as it keeps curls intact while simultaneous gives it a shine.

4. MEGA GROWTH TEMPLE RECOVERY  

  Simple formula for receding hairlines. Prevention and Cure!

10 Minute hairstyles You Will Love!

10 Minute Hairstyles LADIES Will Love

As we ladies all know, sometimes we may be in quite a rush whether for work, school, to run our daily errands etc. As such I've put together some Do-It-Yourself 10 minute styles that can make your day much easier, it's simple and quite effective! Do not miss out on these styles!

Collaboration: Interview Hairstyles

What is Appropriate for Work and Interviews: 

Hairstyles (Collaboration #1)

Part of being Caribbean people, mean we have so many different textures of hair; not denying the fact that we tend to be drawn towards outrageous hairstyles at times. We can sometimes have brightly coloured hair and really large styles. Now I acknowledge that is a part of who we are but we must simultaneously find a balance with professionalism. So to bring you some professional advice,I consulted a fellow blogger Shivanee Loach, who is an extremely talented adviser when one is preparing for an interview. She has chosen some appropriate styles done by me that can double as being stylish and can also be professional for an interview. For More Interview tips visit Shavanee's Blog at https://findingameaningfuljob.wordpress.com/

kids

ALL ABOUT THE KIDS...

Hey, kids like hair braids too and any hair braid style I do for you, can be done on your young ones if they are able to handle the time it takes to do the job. I suggest some of the simpler styles that take less time.

                                   

Box Braid Tutorial

Do your own Box Plats Today.. Step by Step Tutorial

Rock A Fro

WOULD YOU ROCK A FRO?

Afro, sometimes called 'fro' or 'natural' is a traditional as well as modernize hairstyle, that is worn by many people. From being just a short kinky style to a long flowing look, an afro is always fashionable. This 'afro' hairstyle can be created by either shaving down your natural hair to fit a short hairstyle or combing the hair away from the scalp, allowing it to extend out from the head in a large rounded shape, much like a ball or halo. 

For persons who possess naturally curly or straight hair, the hairstyle can be created with the help of creams, gels or other solidifying liquids to hold the hair in place. This is a style that was particularly popular in the African American community in the 1960's but has now made prominent all over the world by many. To maintain the Afro style, the hair is often shaped with the assistance of a wide toothed comb also known as an 'afro pick'.

Senegalese Twists

Senegalese Twists/A Classy Look

         If you are looking for something that would 'turn heads' and that has a very classy look, then the Senegalese Twist is right for you. This is a particular technique that can be mastered through practice. The twist can either be done long or short depending on your preferability. In order to get a tight and close twisting effect, you must ensure to use a product named 'EXTRA HOLD JAM' to do the job. Jam, is somewhat a stiff styling gel, that is great for keeping the twists tight and secure. After twisting, a crucial part of getting a good effect again is ensuring to dip the ends in boiling, hot water. This seals the twists and prevents it from unbraiding or loosening. 

        This twists can create an absolutely attractive and elegant look and most women prefer to wear it to weddings, graduations and important events. It's up to you to take good care of your twists so that it can last a long time. The longest time I recommend to keep this twist is 5 weeks. It takes up to 6 hours to install, sometimes less or more depending on the size of the braid you are installing. You can use any type of braid to get this type of twist done, but the specific type that creates the best effect coming from a hairdresser's perspective, is the X-Braid or Super-X braid. The Marley, Jamaican, Havana and Cuban Braid works well also, but for a smooth effect the Super-X braid works best. My average Cost for this installation is TT$280-$300. However depending on the length and size of the braid, prices can fluctuate accordingly. You can book your appointments and have your senegalese twist done today. 

Check out more Senegalese Twists at 

https://www.facebook.com/1534484670172644/photos/a.1536749253279519.1073741828.1534484670172644/1544340055853772/?type=1&theater

Cornrows

   THE SECRET BEHIND CORNROWS

Cornrows, also known as rows, braids, or canerows in the Caribbean, are a traditional african style of hair grooming where the hair is braided very close to the scalp, using an underhand, upward motion to produce a continuous, raised row. Cornrows are often formed, as the name implies, in simple, straight lines, but they can also be formed in complicated geometric or curvilinear designs. Often favored for their easy maintenance, rows can be left in for weeks at a time if maintained through careful washing of the hair and regular oiling of the scalp.

Cornrowed Hairstyles are sometimes adorned with beads or shells. Depending on the region of the world, cornrows are typically worn by either men, women, or both. To me, inorder to create unique cornrow designs you must have a wide imagination and is willing to experiment. Many of the styles I do are what I basically think up in my mind. The skill of cornrowing is easy nevertheless and I will later demonstrate using video tutorials. Stay tuned.

 

Box-Braids

Everything you need to know about ROCKING box-braids!

The Old School

The super-long, rope-thick style of braids and twists we're seeing right now is a direct throwback to the '90s--when stars like Janet Jackson and Brandy,  made them their signature look. To this day the style is oftentimes casually referred to as the 'Poetic Justice,' after the movie in which Janet Jackson made the hairstyle iconic. This style in the '90's was often rocked in a high ponytail or flowing down the back. 

The New School                    
  Since Solange Knowles started wearing her hair natural in '09, she's alternated between rocking her bountiful afro loose and locking it into butt-length box braids. Her older sis Beyonce followed suit this summer, swapping her weave for braids in the signature blonde we've basically come to accept as her natural color. With the above history of box braid, we can vividly see that it is one of the most significant hairstyles for many. Some countries that this style serve prominence are USA, Nigeria, Ghana, Trinidad, Jamaica and many others. The braiding style is very effective and to me, the neatness of the braid sends the greatest effect. The neatness of the braid includes, the tightness of the braid itself as well as the parting or sectioning off of the scalp. These parts should be straight and even throughout the client's head to create an effective look. Another important factor of rocking braids, is maintaining that neatness. Your hair and scalp should always contain a rich shine while rocking your braids. There are various products that you can apply to it to create such look. These may include Mega Growth Temple Recovery, VitaminE oils as well as Coco Butter and Avocado oils. These are the products that I use and would recommend to anyone who wishes to maintain their braids. The  above pictures are examples of satisfied clients who rocked box braids that was done by Onika Cooper. Below are pictures of my recommended products that you can purchase at any pennywise/cosmetics store worldwide. Get yours today. 

Visit my Facebook page for more pictures of my work and book your appointments today! 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natural-Touch-by-Onika-Cooper/1534484670172644 

Get Your Wedding Look!

Your Wedding hairstyle Counts..

The hair is the richest ornament of women.  ~Martin Luther

Meet my two favorite clients, Christelle Mcknight- Strachan and Kyle Strachan.  The pictures, published to the left, are images of my most recent wedding hairstyles for both bride and groom. This lovely couple recently got married in January, 2015 and I had the pleasure of styling the hair of both individuals. To me, your wedding day is by far the most important day of your life, so why not celebrate with 'hairstyle'? 

After contemplating a unique style for both clients on their big day, i decided to do something in contemporary design. These hairstyles were put together using the clients' natural hair, no addition or extensions. Since the bride possessed somewhat a 'narrow' face structure, I thought that a total 'updo' would compliment her face and so when put into play, the style came out exactly how I imagined. 

 A good hairstylist will make your hairstyle look good from EVERY angle the camera captures.  It's easy to do your own hair and make it look good from the front or the back, but there is no telling what angles the photographer will capture.  A professional hairstylist will know how to make your hairstyle look balanced, full and flattering from the front, back, sides, top, whatever angle the camera captures.

Get your wedding look booked today! 

About Me

ABOUT ME

You Are Your Hair! 

"I think the best thing a woman can have, next to her talent, is of course her hairdresser" 

My name is Onika Cooper and I am often described as charismatic and persuasive. I am 21 years of age and I live at St. Mary's Village Moruga Road, Princes Town, Trinidad. This blog focuses on promoting and sharing my natural skills as a hairstylist and also attracting new clients. My expertise is essentially in photography, public speaking, advertising and media, journalism, community relations, youth work and hairdressing. I am particularly equipped with natural skills for braiding, styling, crocheting, interlocking and a lot more. I am also an innovative hairstylist, successful at experimenting with new approaches, techniques, and styles for various types and textures of hair. I thrive under pressure and I am inspired by an artistic challenge.

I started doing my own hair at the age of eleven and eventually began braiding family members and my close friends' hair as well. Hairdressing is an intrinsic skill I developed and mastered through practice. I can do practically any style a client presents me with, taking into consideration that I do my own hair most times as well. I am intact with nature as a conscious female hence the reason I always promote natural hair or at least extensions and styles that may posses a natural look or 'effect'. Nevertheless I style absolutely any type of hair and I gain joy and love in doing so.

Also, because of my photography expertise, I possess excellent graphic skills through advertising my photography and hairstyles. I am familiar with what makes a great shot or powerful image and employ diverse technical knowledge and artistic abilities. I am specialized in wedding, fashion and Events photography. I strive to be a superb leader and teacher by sharing my skills as a hairstylist and various techniques that women can apply to their everyday hair styling. This blog will also offer photographic, as well as video tutorials on how to do a variety of hairstyles including the senegalese twist, box braiding, crocheting and may more. I do hair by appointments since I balance a full time job, nevertheless feel free to contact me to book your appointment today. In all, I am highly motivated and I specially enjoy transforming women hair and facilitating their 'hair confidence'.