The Easy Side Braid Curly-Haired Girls Need in Their Life

Heey curly girl! What’s poppin’? Well, besides that bouncy head of hair?! Straight-haired girls will admit we’re all sorts of jelly when it comes to your natural texture and drool-worthy ringlets (our obsession with curly hair youtube videos should serve as a tiny indication). Now with spring finally on the horizon, we’ve got the perfect side-braid hair flip to rev up your look and cause all sorts of curl power envy on Instagram! Read on for our handy tips to build in additional bounce and texture, exclusively for our gurrlswith curls (3C curls to be exact — that’s the professional term for well-defined curls). We seriously can’t get enough of this style! Slay girl, this hair is giving us LIFE!

STEP 1: DEFINE A DEEP PART

With a wide tooth comb or pick, create an exaggerated part to one side. This parting technique is a great way to add bounce and versatility to your look. 3C curls tend to be soft and on the finer side, so a deep part helps add fullness and enhance dimension.

STEP 2: WORK IN SHEEN

Natural curls are easy to style with proper moisturization and grooming techniques. Use an oil treatment like Not Your Mother’s Lock Luster Oil Treatment ($10) with argan and macadamia oil to reduce frizz and seal in smoothness. Work in extra oil at the ends as needed, twisting in place to further calm frizz and define bouncy ends.

STEP 3: WORK IN A 3D BRAID

Work in a reverse side braid (AKA a 3D braid), braiding from underneath so the additional volume makes it stand out in a sea of tight corkscrews curls. Braid backwards horizontally to add stunning dimension that pops.

Next, pin your braid in place roughly 3/4 of the way in so fluffy curls hang loose in the back, giving your style an added full and flirty touch.

To finish, softly spread apart (or pancake) your braid and curls for added volume, dimension and bounce. Dress strands with an additional dollop of dry oil for a sexy, polished look.

We’re so diggin’ this vibe! That braid is popping just like we thought it would.

Easy Easter hair? We think so! Bust this style out for any spring event (with your cutest color-blocked dress, of course!).

Got Curls? Be sure to share your curly girl style with us on Insta! We’re dying to see how you mastered this look for spring! Be sure to tag us and use #britstagram so we don’t miss any of the action!

Hair by Maritza Buelvas
Photography by Jennifer Coffey
Modeling by Kirsten Luiz
Makeup by Shannon Rodriguez
Wardrobe by Veronica Sheaffer
Location Veronica Sheaffer Studio

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Black women's hairstyles are some of the most diverse I've seen — we're known for wearing our natural hair one week only to show up to work with braids the next. As one of my former hairstylists told me as a pre-teen, "You have to keep them guessing!" And while it's always fun to switch it up, it also a great way to experiment and find a summer look that feels effortless. With that in mind, here are six Black hairstyles that I think we'll see a lot of this year, regardless of hair texture. Here's to finding your own next look, ladies!

Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Goddess Knotless Braids

Braided hairstyles are by far one of the go-to styles for summer. They help keep hair protected from the heat and other elements that may cause dryness or frizz while creating a cute style that lasts anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

While knotless braids have become a lot more popular, more people are opting to wear 'Goddess' knotless braids which includes an unfinished look or an addition of wavy or curly human hair extensions in between the braids. It's the perfect style for a summer vacation that includes a ton of beach or water park days.

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Short and Sweet Bob

Admit it — you've lowkey always envied Edna's luscious bob in The Incredibles. It makes sense because she is a succinct fashion designer that knows how to create looks. Even if your inspiration isn't Edna, chin-length bobs scream sophistication and can make any casual outfit look like a 90s off-duty model look.

Image via Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Classic Updo

Women can't get enough of classic updos, and I don't blame them. I have very fond memories of seeing older Black women wear them to special events so I have a soft spot for them.

If you're trying to figure out what what kind of updo you want to wear, take a cue from Keke Palmer! Her sleek updo manages to look soft as well as voluminous and it also frames her face.

Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Cute Pixie Haircut

Short haircuts are here to stay, especially when we know it's going to be hot during summer! Since I've cut my hair on three separate occasions, I know a few tricks that make sure my hair was razor sharp and shiny every time I stepped out. One of them is making sure I used a moisturizing shampoo and conditionerduring each wash day. This help me set the tone for styling.

Next, I recommend using a heat protectant spray that won't dry your hair out if you plan to use a blow dryer and curling iron. If you plan to let your hair air dry, you could also mold and set your hair using a good foaming mousse!

No matter how you choose to wear your pixie haircut, it's sure to look glorious when you properly prep your hair.

Image via Rob Kim/Getty Images

Middle Part Sew-In

It wouldn't be right if I didn't refer to this look the way the TikTok and Instagram girlies do. Known as one of the most popular Black women's hairstyles, this is actually referred to as a 'bussdown' middle part — and it looks fabulous on Ciara. Truthfully, anyone can wear this style because it's universal (love it) and isn't specific to one group of women. I mean, even Law Roach has been know to wear a good bussdown middle part, and we love him even more for it!

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Curls Out

Not everyone will reach for braids, short hairstyles, or extensions though. Some women will be rocking their natural curls, allowing them to be on full display this summer. If you plan to be one of them, make sure you try Beyonce's Cécredline to give your curls the volume and shine they deserve!

Black women's hairstyles should be fun and look carefree during summer even if the process of achieving certain looks takes a while!

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Lead image via Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Shawn Mendes — and his ever-complicated love life — has been all over the news lately (hello, VMAs love triangle 👀). From Camila Cabello to Sabrina Carpenter to those rumors that he may not even be interested in women at all, there's no shortage of topics to address. And finally, Shawn decided to put the rumors to rest...sort of. Here's what the singer had to say at his Colorado concert this week!

www.tiktok.com

Shawn finally addressing his sexuality! #shawnmendes #friendsandfamily #redrock

Shawn entered the spotlight as a teenager, quickly becoming a heartthrob — and a controversial topic of conversation. For years, people speculated that he was actually gay, leading him to a lot of frustration, according to his conversation with Dax Shepard on the Armchair Expert podcast. But now, he's finally addressing the rumors head on.

During his show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Shawn addressed the crowd pretty directly. The musician shared, "Since I was really young, there's been this thing about my sexuality, and people have been talking about it for so long." He continued, nothing that he thinks "it's kind of silly" in general that people were so focused on it because he thinks "sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s so hard to just put into boxes."

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

The star elaborated, "It always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me, something that I was figuring out in myself, something that I had yet to discover, and still have yet to discover." Throughout the speech, Shawn played his guitar, eventually noting that writing "The Mountain" — a song that calls out the rumors about his romantic life — "felt very important" to him because he "could address it [the rumors]" in a way that made sense to him.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

Finally, Shawn opened up. He said, "The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that, man, I’m just figuring it out like everyone. I don't really know sometimes, and I know other times. And it feels really scary because we live in a society that has a lot to say about that."

Closing the whole speech out, Shawn finished with, "I’m trying to be really brave and just allow myself to be a human and feel things. And that’s all I really want to say about that for now."

We're so happy for Shawn, and hope he feels a little more free to live his truth – whatever that may be!

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The holiday season offers plenty of opportunities to get dolled up to celebrate. We apply the most dramatic makeup looks and change up our coifs (with sparkling accessories to boot) for all the special occasions on our social agendas. While some might consider this time of year to be blowout season, centering around straighter, smoother styles, there are also plenty of ways to highlight textured tresses. To get into the spirit of the season, a few of our favorite celebrity stylists shared their go-to holiday hair ideas, with a variety of curl patterns in mind.

1. Serious Sparkle: This crystal-encrusted look that Vernon Francois crafted for Amandla Stenberg is sure to steal the spotlight without much effort. “This is an amazing way to upgrade your ponytail by using accessories on the front part of your head,” he says. To nail the look for yourself, slick your strands back into a high pony with a little bit of gel and tease out the texture of your tail. “Remember to give lots of volume to the ponytail, this makes for a better statement,” he says. Finish the look with lots of crystal-covered bobby pins, like the Kitsch X Justine Marjan Classic Rhinestone Bobby Pins ($49) or the Sincerely Jules by Scünci Crystal And Pearl Bobby Pins ($8). (Photo via Amanda Edwards/WireImage/Getty)

2. All Tied Up: Scarves are synonymous with the season, but they can also serve as an exceptional accessory for your hair, according to New York-based stylist and Ouidad Curl expert Jessica O’Brien. To achieve a style like this one that Crystal Starr wore, start with damp hair and slather on a layer of Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream ($26) and add the Moisturizing Styling Gel ($26) on top. Diffuse hair until it’s dry and add sheen with Ouidad’s Shine Glaze Serum ($20). Next, slick the sides with the curl cream, section out the bang, and brush the rest of the hair into a loose ponytail using a WetBrush Shine Enhancer brush ($12). “A quick way to get smooth hair after it’s [been] styled is to run hot water over a boar bristle brush,” she notes. “The wet brush helps to smooth the hair back nicely.” Loosely wrap a hair tie or elastic around the hair once and finish by adding a headband or silk scarf — like the AEO Blush Velvet Headband ($13) — that matches your ensemble. (Photo via Allen Berezovsky/WireImage/Getty Images)

3. Haute Half Up, Half Down: This versatile ‘90s look has proven its range from casual cool to formal and fabulous, depending on the outfit you pair it with. For Janet Mock’s turn on the red carpet, stylist Andrew Fitzsimmons prepped her curls by applying TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier ($19) before drying them with a diffuser. After sectioning the hair from ear to ear, he smoothed the top half into a small ponytail, adding a little ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Gel ($5) to tame any flyaways. With a spritz of hairspray, he finger-combed the rest of her curls to boost body. But the pièce de résistance came courtesy of a Chloe + Isabel Bun Cuff ($48) used to cover the ponytail’s hair tie. “[It] gives this look a little extra festive touch,” he says. (Photo via Andrew Fitzsimmons)

4. Basket-Weaved Bobby Pins: According to Creme of Nature stylist Kara Williams, the lead-up to the holidays is the best time to go red. In fact, that’s how she started this look with a bit of the brand’s Moisture Rich Hair Color with Shea Butter ($6) in Vivid Red. While you can work with your own natural texture, you can also change up your curl pattern by applying the Heat Protector Smooth & Shine Blow Out Creme ($7) before blow-drying it straight. After drying, curl your tresses with a wand and break them up a bit with the Coconut Milk Essential 7 Treatment Oil ($6). Next, use the Coconut Milk Edge Tamer ($7) to smooth the right side of the hair, securing it in place with gold accent pins. Finally, apply the edge tamer over what’s already been slicked down, creating an eye-catching basket weave effect secured with more gold pins. (Photo via Creme of Nature)

5. Split Decision: If you prefer something a tad more low key, this look that Jessica Williams recently wore can “add a little holiday spirit or ‘living the best life’ flair” throughout the year, according to celeb stylist Tym Wallace, whose work has been seen on the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Tiffany Haddish, and Mary J. Blige. After washing and conditioning, he suggests starting by making a deep side part and then applying Creme of Nature’s Pure Honey Moisturizing Whip Twisting Cream ($8) to damp hair and using the Texturizing Curl Setting Lotion ($8) as you two-strand twist the hair. Once dry, release the twists with your fingers and use a pick to define the parted hair, combing along each side of the part to create stacked coils or fluff them out further for added volume. Finish the look with a touch of the Pure Honey Moisture Infusion Edge Control ($5) for added hold. (Photo via Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

6. Simple Yet Sophisticated: Stylist Eloise Cheung, who counts Awkwafina, Victoria Justice, and Chavi St. Hill as her clients, offers an elegant updo idea that looks similar to Zazie Beetz’s that you can achieve when you’re in a time crunch. Begin by prepping damp curls with a dollop of John Masters Organics Volumizing Foam ($28) and diffusing with the T3 Micro Cura Luxe Dryer ($285) and Soft Curl Diffuser ($30). Once fully dry, pull the hair into a loose ponytail just below the crown and begin to twist into a bun, leaving the ends out. Next, secure the bun with French hairpins and arrange the curls to your liking, pulling a few shorter pieces out to frame the face. To lock everything in place, finish with a blast of R+Co’s Outer Space Hair Spray ($17). “It will make your look last until the end of the holiday party,” Cheung says. (Photo via Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images)

7. Gold Standard: Ifyou have braids, twists, or another protective style to keep your ends intact, a bit of gold can add extra glamour to your holiday party look. Need proof? Check out how Francois added some light-reflecting accents to pair with Lupita Nyong’o’s gown. “I knew we wanted to use gold string [but] in what capacity that was not clear until we started binding it around a handful of the Senegalese twists,” he shares. “This is also a great look if you’re at the end of wearing this hairstyle [because it’s] such a [gorgeous] way to take it to the next level before you take them out.” Gather a few braids or twists into one-inch sections throughout the hair before wrapping Magic Collection’s Gold Braid String ($1) around each section, crisscrossing down the length (closely or more spaced out, you choose), and triple knotting at the ends to tie it off securely. (Photo via Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

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The holidays are slowly approaching, and thank goodness, because it means all of the yummy fast food holiday menus are on their way. If you can’t get enough of a seasonal drink (perhaps a little peppermint action), listen up: Dunkin’s holiday menu for 2024 was just officially announced!

After rumors about the Dunkin’holiday menu for 2024 had been swirling around online, the Dunkin' Instagram account just confirmed a lot of the drink and snack predictions for the lineup, and they look extra good.

Plus, one of Dunkin's menu items is filling the void in my heart from a missing drink on the Starbucks rumored holiday menu. Hint: it involves toasted white mocha!

The Dunkin’ holiday menu for 2024 is speculated to drop on November 1, six days before Starbucks’ rumored holiday menu will hit. Scroll on to see everything joining the Dunkin’ menu!

When will the Dunkin' holiday menu for 2024 drop?

Meredith Holser

According to some menu leaks and rumors surrounding the Dunkin' holiday menu, a new lineup of drinks and snacks will become available starting November 1, 2024.

The famed foodie account, @markie_devo, broke the news about the Dunkin' holiday menu leak first.

Drinks On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Holiday Cookie Signature Latte

This festive new latte is made with brown sugar cookie and toasted almond syrups and topped off with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles. Sounds like a totally sippable dessert to me!

Dunkin'

NEW! Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte

Allegedly only available to order through the Dunkin' app, the Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte sounds like it'll combine brown sugar cookie syrup with oat milk and chai to usher in the holiday season. Based on previous menu offerings, you should be able to get this drink iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Latte

The Peppermint Mocha Latte is a classic when it comes to the Dunkin' holiday menu, so I'm not surprised it's returning this year. This bev features peppermint and mocha syrups, espresso, and milk, topped with a hefty serving of whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Bring it on!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Latte

No shade to Starbucks, but their rumored holiday menu for 2024 kind of broke my heart when I saw the Toasted White Mocha from years past wasn't coming back. Luckily, Dunkin' is filling the void with their Toasted White Chocolate Latte: a sweet, white chocolate-filled sip topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon sugar topping!

Dunkin'

White Hazelnut Bark Coffee

Available hot or iced, this coffee is prepped with a Dunkin' toasted white chocolate swirl, hazelnut flavoring, and cream. Any seasonal drink that has nutty notes wins in my book!

Dunkin'

Spiced Cookie Coffee

Another reported "in-app only" drink joining the Dunkin' holiday menu, the Spiced Cookie Coffee will likely also be available to order hot or iced. I expect this bev to taste just like a snickerdoodle cookie!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Cold Brew

I am so excited about this cold brew drink coming back for the holidays at Dunkin'. The Cookie Butter Cold Brew is made with brown sugar cookie syrup and topped with cookie butter cold foam and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles for extra crunch. Stay tuned, because there's a sweet snack joining the menu to match!

Dunkin'

Toasted White Chocolate Coconut Cold Brew

This rumored app-exclusive cold brew will include notes of white chocolate and coconut – I need it now.

Dunkin'

Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate

This anticipated app-only sip nixes the expected espresso for a very chocolatey (and peppermint-y!) effect.

Snacks + Food On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

Dunkin'

NEW! Hash Brown Brisket Scramble

Dunkin' has tested a number of breakfast Scrambles over the years, which is why I'm not totally shook by this food item coming to the holiday menu for 2024. This iteration will feature hash browns, scrambled eggs, shredded brisket, smoked cheddar cheese, poblano peppers, caramelized onions, and of course, a rich Texas queso.

Dunkin'

NEW! Almond Croissant

The holiday menu will also bring the Almond Croissant to Dunkin's breakfast lineup. It's a butter croissant filled with chopped almonds!

Dunkin'

Cookie Butter Donut

Yep – I need this in my belly ASAP. The Cookie Butter Donut is packed with a cookie butter filling, slathered with maple-flavored icing, then dipped in a delish speculoos cookie topping (tastes just like Biscoff cookies)! Sweet treat, anyone?

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the official Dunkin' holiday menu once it drops!

This post has been updated.

After news broke of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter, Shiloh, changing her last name from "Shiloh Jolie-Pitt" to "Shiloh Jolie," the whole world is wondering just what happened between this superstar family. Almost 10 years after Jolie and Pitt's divorce, it seems like the pair's children continue to draw a clear line in the sand, choosing to only remain close to their mother, and distance themselves even further from their dad.

Obviously, there's a lot of history to uncover from Jolie and Pitt's whirlwind (and controversial) romance, short-lived marriage, and abrupt breakup. Here's everything we know about what exactly is going on, and why this drama is unfolding between this high-profile Hollywood family.

How long were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie together?

Francois Durand/Getty Images

The couple was only married from 2014-2016 when Jolie filed for divorce. Although they were only married for a short while, their relationship lasted much longer than that, having been together and starting a family long before their legal nuptials.

The iconic couple met in 2004 on the set of the famous movie, Mr. and Mrs. Smith — and despite Pitt being married to the Jennifer Anniston at the time, Jolie and Pitt fell in love. After this, the pair had a whirlwind romance over the years, filled with many movies and many kids. They decided to get married in Miraval in 2014, only to file for divorce about a year and a half later in 2016.

How many kids do Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney

The couple shares six kids together! Their names are: Shiloh, Pax, Vivienne, Knox, Zahara, and Maddox. Zahara and Maddox were their first kids that they had (and actually were adopted!), then Shiloh was their first biological child, after that Pax was adopted, and lastly Angelina gave birth to the twins Vivienne and Knox!

Why did Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt separate?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

After Jolie abruptly filed for divorce from her husband, news started circulating that an incident might've happened on a plane between Jolie and Pitt in front of her children. In an FBI report given to CNN, Jolie accused Pitt of "injuring her and verbally abusing their children during a heated encounter aboard a private jet in 2016." This report has since been heavily redacted, but states that Pitt had been "drinking heavily" at the time of the incident, when he verbally attacked one of their children, and when Jolie confronted him, he “grabbed her by her head,” “grabbed her by the shoulders,” shook her, and was yelling very aggressive statements to her in front of their family. Angelina suffered many injuries from the abuse, even giving the FBI documentation of the bruises. Right after this, the FBI investigated Pitt's actions, but ultimately there were no charges were filed against Pitt.

Immediately following the investigation, Jolie requested full custody of their six children.

Have any of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's kids chosen a side?

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

While Jolie requested full custody, Pitt came back and requested joint, which he was then granted in 2021. While he may have visitation rights and custody, most children are completely estranged from Brad and choose not to see him. Pax is also very publicly protective over his mother, so although we don't know if he's chosen a side, per say, we know he loves and protects his mom. The youngest ones, Knox and Vivienne, are still required to visit Brad for the time being, due to the joint custody agreement.

Have any of their children changed their name?

Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images for Marvel

Their daughter, Zahara, has publicly declared her new name while at a ceremony for her sorority at Superman College. In the viral video, she announces herself to be "Zahara Marley Jolie" effectively removing "Pitt" from her name completely — though the change has not legally been made yet.

In regards to their other children, People recently announced that Shiloh was removing the "Pitt" as well, simply going by "Shiloh Jolie" legally. The rest of the kids' names remain the same for now.

How is Brad Pitt handling the estrangement?

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Pitt has dropped sources and quotes over the last few years hinting at how he feels isolated from his children, and their decision to remain estranged. People recently reported that a source very close to Brad says, “He’s aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name." The source continued, "The reminders that he’s lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. It’s very sad."

While Pitt may be upset, it's clear the kids are very frustrated over something that occurred in the family — plane incident, or otherwise — so it's ultimately up to the children, and how they want to proceed with (or without) a relationship with their father!

We know this must be hard on the whole family, but we hope their all able to find peace and happiness in the future!

Why are their children staying away from the spotlight?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC

On October 27, Angelina spoke with E! News at the premiere of her new project Maria. Though she was there to celebrate the film's debut, she didn't shy away from answering questions about the future of her and Brad's kids. Though their parents are famous, Angelina knows her kids aren't drawn to that lifestyle. "No, I think they're especially shy, very private people," she said. "...they want to be private."

An anonymous source told People how hard Angelina's worked to make sure the kids have a sense of love and normalcy these days. "In the past few years, she's been able to create a life for herself and the kids that make them all happy. It was a struggle for a while, but Angie is proud about how resilient and strong the kids are."

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Header image via Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney