These Five Instagram Influencers Show the Versatility of Natural Hair

Welcome to Five on Five, where we introduce you to the best and brightest accounts within Instagram's vibrant beauty community. In this edition, digital editor Jihan Forbes asks five natural haired Insta-fluencers to answer five questions that reveal their biggest inspirations, must-have products, and more.

Thanks to social media, hair-care tips and options for people with kinky, curly, highly-textured strands are more accessible than ever. All it takes is the search of the right hashtag and few scrolls down with your thumb, and you're in a world full of inspiration and information. Believe me, there is a lot out there to take in. Loc updos, box braids in unicorn ombrés, braid crowns adorned with golden cuffs — this is just a sampling of what any natural looking for hair-care and styling ideas may find on Instagram.

You could really lose yourself searching all day for accounts focused on caring for, styling, and showing off textured hair. But, of course, there are a few must-follows to consider, accounts from influencers who always get it right when it comes to hair. @NaturallyTemi breaks down her wash day into steps even a lazy girl won't mind taking. @Jewejewebee's edges are pretty much baby hair goals. Kersti Pitre's rainbow braid styles are the shot of color your timeline needs, while Freddie Harrel will serve you 'fro goals and give you a route to achieve them. Nneoma of Nne's Corner serves otherworldly hairstyles that look like they came straight from a dream sequence. But no matter what you're looking for, these five influencers are changing the beauty game, demonstrating just how versatile natural hair can be.

1. Temitope Adesina aka @NaturallyTemi

Who she is:

Adesina describes herself as a "natural hair enthusiast," but really, she's so much more. Her Instagram account takes you on a journey that includes "lots of hair with a beat face," she says. You'll see wash-day routines featuring different hair-care products, everyday hairstyles like the chunky braid-out, and more elaborate ones, like a Black Panther-inspired updo that will transport you directly to Wakanda. It's the kind of account that has something for lazy naturals and those who may be more diligent about hair-care. Oh, and if you want more detailed hair videos, you can check out her YouTube channel, too.

Who are your biggest beauty inspirations?

"My biggest beauty inspiration is myself. Not to toot my own horn, but I've learned that making myself an inspiration [keeps me from comparing] myself with others."

What are your top three must-have beauty products?

"Hair ties, because I am always losing them, lashes, because they complete every look, and Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade because we need to snatch those brows."

Why is being a part of Instagram's beauty community important to you?

"It's important because I get to inspire. I inspire [people like me] to grow their hair and actually take care of it. I love when they tell me that they went natural because of me."

What beauty trend are you loving right now?

"The beauty trend I'm loving right now is the gold bobby pin look. They look really funky, plus you can go crazy with them and they'll still look great."

What Instagram accounts are you most excited about right now?

"Accounts that I'm absolutely loving are @lola.akw, @asiyami_gold, and @desiperkins."

2. Nneoma aka @Nnescorner

Who she is:

If you follow Susan Oludele, aka @hairbysusy, Nnemoa will absolutely look familiar to you. The 22-year-old content creator, YouTuber, and influencer has collaborated with the hairstylist on several stunning looks, like this puffy pigtails and braids combination, adorned with beads and cuffs. If you're not one who can execute such elaborate looks, you might want to try Nnemoa's DIY jumbo braids, flourished with the ever-classic bubble hair ties, crochet braids, or even peep her lesson on laying down a lace-front wig. Whether she's doing her own hair or has a stylist getting her crown together, Nneoma shows that switching up your looks as often as your outfits doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to your edges.

Who are your biggest beauty inspirations?

"I would say @RonkeRaji, @HairBySusy, @HairByMizstush, and so many others. These ladies just seem to get it right when it comes to daily beauty inspiration [and] talent [for] makeup/hair and creative, trendy looks."

What are your top three must-have beauty products?

"Artist Couture X Jackie Aina La Peach highlight, Morphe 35f eye shadow palette, and clear lip gloss. It's a part of my everyday, natural-glowy look and it keeps me sane in this ever-changing beauty world. I stick to these products because [they] can get me together for any day/night or casual look."

Why is being a part of Instagram's beauty community important to you?

"I love how supportive, creative, and inspiring the beauty community can be. Just being a part of it is so cool. Being able to express who I am and what I use/wear with a big community like this is refreshing."

What beauty trend are you loving right now?

"Body shimmer glows. I think it's perfect for the summer and everybody deserves to glow and shine this year. We're living our best lives."

What Instagram accounts are you most excited about right now?

"I would say everyone I follow. Everyone seems to have something special to offer my newsfeed, and I love it."

3. Kersti Pitre aka @kersti.pitre

Who she is:

The Los Angeles-based influencer knows her way around a pack of kanekalon. Whether she's creating box braids, jumbo Bantu knots, or some straight backs with a little Fulani flair, Kersti Pitre does it with a dose of color. Her hairstyles typically come in bright hues, and offer tons of inspiration for those naturals who want to play with color, but aren't about that bleach life.

Who are your biggest beauty inspirations?

"There are many women who inspire me and feed the particular vibe I’m feeling that day. Three women who really inspired me are @mahoganycurls, @naptural85, and @_sherrelljackson. They've each had a significant role in how my social media platform has developed over the last two and a half years."

What are your top three must-have beauty products?

"RastAfri braiding hair, because they have the vibrant hues I'm always searching for and their hair is ultra soft on my fingers when I braid. Tres Flores Pomade: This gel-pomade is the only product that keeps my hair from frizzing up when I install my protective styles. It doesn’t flake either. [I also love] hair accessories, because they separate you from the crowd. People stare a little harder at my hair when I add hair jewels, beads, and the signature hoop I wear on my middle braid."

Why is being a part of Instagram's beauty community important to you?

"The number one comment I get on my videos is “how does she braid her hair all on her own?” So many women are surprised and claim they could never do it. My goal is to teach women how to be confident in their braiding and styling abilities so they never have to go through a beauty shop horror story or shovel out hundreds of dollars for something they can do themselves, with practice."

What beauty trend are you loving right now?

"I’m loving DIY protective styles. I hope more women get the courage to embrace their hair and try new things."

What Instagram accounts are you most excited about right now?

"Currently, I’m following @guin_gui. I love her originality and raw talent. Her work is what inspired me to begin doing more with the braids I do on myself. I’m also following so many of my current supporters to see their braiding progress. I’m excited to watch everyone’s journey."

4. Freddie Harrel aka @freddieharrel

Who she is:

Freddie Harrel is all about voluminous hair and remaining unbothered. Her clip-ins company, Big Hair No Care, helps you achieve such aspirational heights. The 31-year-old influencer's enormous 'fro made me insanely jealous when it first caught my eye, but when I discovered she'd started a brand for greedy gals like me who want more hair out to there, I couldn't wait to try the clip-ins. Spoiler: they're amazing. But besides having great hair, Harrel also serves you some fierce outfits, if you like a little dose of fashion with your hair inspiration.

Who are your biggest beauty inspirations?

"Solange Knowles. I love her bushy and brushed upwards brows and her natural finish."

What are your top three must-have beauty products?

"M.A.C. Strobe Cream, Fenty Match Stix Trio, and Taupe lipstick by M.A.C.."

Why is being a part of Instagram's beauty community important to you?

"Representation. Dark skin and kinky hair are magical too, so I'm pleased to [represent]."

What beauty trend are you loving right now?

"Highlighter. Did I say I want all the glow?"

What Instagram accounts are you most excited about right now?

"@Myleik, @BadasBoz, @Asiyami_Gold, @theslumflower."

5. Jewelliana Palencia aka @JeweJeweBee

Who she is:

If you've got kinky-curly hair — and a lot of it — Jewelliana Palencia knows all about that life. The 25-year-old D.C. resident fills your feed with images of her perfectly-defined ringlets and swooped and slicked-down edges, but also shares missteps in her journey, like her heat damage from flatironing or the evolution of her baby hair styles. But what Palencia is really all about is healthy hair. So even if you weren't blessed with a crown as thick as hers, you'll find tips on how to make yours flourish.

Who are your biggest beauty inspirations?

"I don’t currently have one, so I’d have to say myself."

What are your top three must-have beauty products?

"Gel, because it keeps my hair frizz-free and lays my edges. A great, creamy leave-in is the best for moisturizing and hydrating my curls, and translucent powder [is another must.] I’m naturally oily and sometimes use oily hair products, so powder helps to keep me from looking greasy."

Why is being a part of Instagram's beauty community important to you?

"I love that I can connect with other men and women to help them embrace their natural beauty. It makes me happy when people say that I’ve inspired and empowered them [to embrace] their hair and themselves. I also love when people tell me that my product recommendation has become that beauty staple they thought they’d never find."

What beauty trend are you loving right now?

"Something I’ve been loving and rocking lately is dewy, radiant skin and voluminous hair."

What Instagram accounts are you most excited about right now?

"@organic_olivia and @aaronwhitela."

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