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'.