The hair and beauty industry has witnessed remarkable advance­ments over the years, with evolving trends that enhance both aesthetics and versatility.

One of the most significant transforma­tions in hairstyling is the shift from tradi­tional weave-on extensions to modern closures and frontals.

In the late 1990s, weave-ons were the preferred choice for women looking to add length and volume to their natural hair.

However, with contemporary inno­vations, closures and frontals have emerged as the new standard, providing a seamless, natural appearance while allowing for greater styling flexibility.

These hairpieces have become an essential part of hairstyling for various occasions, including weddings, parties, religious gatherings, and other social events.

Understanding Closures and Frontals serves the common purpose of enhancing hair volume and styling options while creating a natural-looking hairline.

They differ in structure, coverage, and styling versatility:

Frontals: A frontal is a hairpiece that extends from ear to ear, usually measur­ing 13 inches in width and 4 to 6 inches in depth.

It provides a full hairline and allows for diverse parting styles, offering the illusion of a completely natural hairline.

Frontals are typically sewn onto bun­dles or used to construct full wigs, allow­ing for maximum styling flexibility.

Closures: A closure is a smaller hair­piece, often measuring around 4×4 inches, and is placed at the crown or front section of the head. Unlike fron­tals, closures offer limited parting space, making them suitable for more defined and structured hairstyles.

However, closures are low-mainte­nance and provide a realistic finish that seamlessly blends with natural hair.

These innovative hairpieces offer a more seamless and natural look, elevat­ing confidence and allowing for versatile styling options.

As the industry continues to evolve, closures and frontals remain a preferred choice for women seeking sophisticated, stylish, and convenient hair solutions.

By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim

Footwear trends have evolved over the years, and one of the most practical yet stylish options for women is the block heel.

This versatile shoe blends elegance with comfort, making it a preferred choice for corporate settings, churches, and social gatherings.

Unlike stilettos, block heels offer stability, making them easy to walk in.

Corporate fashion

Traditionally, corporate fashion often included wedge heels or classic pumps.

However, the fashion landscape has shifted to embrace block heels as a stylish and practical alternative.

These heels provide a broader sur­face area, distributing body weight evenly and reducing strain on the feet.

As a result, many workplaces have accepted block heels as part of formal attire, allowing employees to wear them comfortably throughout the workday.

Versatility

Block heels are not limited to corporate settings. Many women pair them with their church outfits, show­casing various designs and colours.

Available in shades like pink, pur­ple, blue, yellow, silver, gold, and black, these heels complement dif­ferent looks, whether for a religious gathering, lectures, presentations, or parties. Top brands such as Pretty Little Thing, Walmart, Fashion Nova, Amazon, DSW, and Macy’s offer a wide range of block heels catering to different budgets.

Why Block Heels?

Compared to stilettos or kitten heels, block heels provide better balance, making them an ideal choice for beginners and experienced wearers alike.

Short block heels, in particular, are recommended for those new to wearing heels, as they offer comfort and ease of movement.

Tips for Walking in Block Heels

1. Practice regularly – Consistent practice will help improve your bal­ance and confidence.

2. Step heel to toe – Walk natural­ly by placing your heel down first, followed by your toe.

3. Take small steps – Walking slowly in small steps ensures better control and stability.

4. Lean back slightly – This helps maintain an upright posture and prevents unnecessary pressure on the feet.

5. Follow an imaginary straight line – Visualising a straight path can enhance walking precision.

6. Ensure a proper fit – Wearing well-fitted block heels enhances comfort and reduces foot fatigue.

Block heels are special shoes with thick heels that make walking easy. If you are new to wearing heels, start with short block heels.

They have become a staple in women’s fashion, providing the per­fect blend of elegance, comfort, and versatility.

By following simple walking tech­niques, anyone can confidently step out in block heels and enjoy both fashion and function.

By Georgina Boadiwaa Ntim