Styles for Women of Color?

I'm a creative writing student and have recently developed a female character who happens to be African-American. When I embarked on this journey I didn't really realize how difficult it would be for me to explain her appearance, knowing nothing about hair styles for women of color.

I don't want to be stereotypical or anything, but are there any good websites out there? I know there's not just a bunch of Beyonce's running around with hair pieces.

Is it possible to have wavy/curly hair one day and sleek/straight hair the next with the use of product and a straightner or is that a more long term change that needs to be done with a relaxer?

Any help/suggestions/nods in the right direction would be appreciated! :)

Styles for Women of Color?

Yes, it's very possible to have wavy/curly hair one day, and bone straight hair the next. I do it all the time. =)

All black people don't have the same hair type. I, for instance, am perm/relaxer free, and have Type 4a hair, which is kinky/coily hair. But, another black person could have 3c/4a hair, and their hair would also be coily, but more on the curly side.

**In case that was confusing, here's a site to explain: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/hairtyp...

As far as styles, it would depend on what you want to do. Relaxed or natural, depending on the length of hair, black women (or men) can pretty much achieve every style any other race of people can. So if you were to create a character who is natural, I'd suggest looking at these sites: http://www.deeplyrootedhair.com/natural....

* You can look at twist styles, natural styles, or braided styles.

http://www.ehairbraiding.com/2002/qony_1...

* Under "styles", simply click on the styles to view the pic.

Other sites: http://www.geocities.com/acebrit/stylin....

http://www.khamitkinks.com/Home.html

*Click on "gallery", then click on "natural", "weave", etc. Whichever styles you'd like to look at.

http://www.universalsalons.com/styles.as...

*This site has all kinds of styles; natural and non.

Oh, and when I say "natural", that just means relaxer/perm- free. Natural hair can be braided, in an afro, or bone straight (flat-ironed); any other, just not done with chemicals. Hair color excluded, of course. =)

As far as your character having relaxed hair, the majority of black women in the U.S. relax/perm their hair. ***Don't know if you wanted or even needed this info: But after about 4-12 weeks, depending on the individual, a touch-up is needed. A touch-up simply means relaxing the 1in. or more of "new growth" that is unrelaxed. It does cost money, $50 + to get a touch-up, but some women self-relax at home with box relaxers that cost under $10. (can be dangerous, though)

I hoped that help. And if you need any more information, you can send me a message, and I'll try to explain/help as much as I can. Good luck!