The top 20 posts of 2016

Well, it’s time for one of those annual posts where I reflect back on the year. I know most of my friends have had a rubbish 2016 and are glad to see that back of it. For me, it feels like I can hardly remember it as it rushed by so quickly!

I just celebrated my birthday and it does not feel like a year since the last one.

2016, I’m not sure how I feel about you. You weren’t too horrible to me but my friends, and the world, have suffered a lot. I thought you were going to be sweet sixteen but I guess that wasn’t the case.

I really hope 2016 has been sweet for you. When I look back, there have been lots of great moments hidden in there – I finally wrote my book on curly hair that’s been in my head for years, which was a big achievement. I also hired a great graphic designer to refresh all of my ebooks and give them an update. There’s been some great travel for Mr & Mrs Romance, my blog with my husband, Jim. All things I’m really proud of.

I have lots of big ideas planned for 2017, and I’d love to hear from you to know what you’d like to see more of on Hair Romance. Is it videos, curly hair, product tips, beauty, makeup?? Let me know in the comments below or you can send me an email.

Now on to the posts you liked the most in 2016! This list is based on your clicks and I’ll start the countdown from 20…

The top 20 posts of 2016

20. The Double Knot Bun tutorial (that’s super easy!)

This simple tutorial is way easier than it looks and you can find the double knot tutorial here.

19. Get out of a hair rut with this braided ponytail tutorial

This year I played around with some hair extensions but you don’t need them to try this braided ponytail tutorial.

18. The easy way to find your perfect hair colour

Take a look back through some of my previous hair colours and find my tips on choosing your perfect hair colour. This year I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with some great brands and this was one of the posts I created with Schwarzkopf.

17. How to do a fishtail braid when you have layers

I’m always asked about how to deal with layers when doing braids or updos. This fishtail braid tutorial video explains the style and I also share my tips on how I cope with lots and lots of layers in my hair.

16. How to shampoo oily hair

My Open Palm technique for washing oily hair was a popular post and there are lots more tips for washing and styling oily hair here.

15. 10 beauty tips every brunette should know

This was part of a series of beauty tips for different hair colours and my tips for brunettes was the most popular by far, beating the blondes and redheads.

14. Two ways to wear a flower crown

I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving flower crowns and here are two easy ways to wear them.

13. My night time curls routine

Getting your curls right can be an art and then once they’re perfect, you sleep on them and ruin them! Here’s my night time curls routine that helps me keep my curls looking good for days.

12. Silicone-free heat protectants

I know many of you have been switching to sulfate free shampoos or trying the Curly Girl method. I rounded up the best silicone free heat protectants to protect your hair and minimise damage.

11. Rose Quartz Hair

When Pantone named Rose Quartz as one of the 2016 Colours of the Year, it sparked a huge colour trend. I love pink hair and my roundup of rose quartz hair colour inspiration has been pinned over 19k times. The Pantone Colour of the Year for 2017 is Greenery so not sure that’s going to be as hair friendly.

Now we’re heading in to the top 10 posts of 2016…

10. 5 things you shouldn’t say to your hairdresser

Part of my Salon Advice series, here are 5 things you shouldn’t say to your hairdresser, if you want great hair and great service!

9. 3 easy everyday hairstyles you can do in under 3 minutes

I collaborated with the gorgeous Karima McKimmie from Shameless Fripperies for this video tutorial on 3 easy everyday hairstyles. Thanks to Karima I also restarted my YouTube channel and will be posting more videos in the new year!

8. Top 10 dos and don’ts for curly hair

I like to keep it simple with my curls and this list of dos and don’ts for curly hair really breaks down all the confusing advice out there for us curlies.

7. 13 other uses for shampoo

Wondering what to do with leftover beauty products? These other uses for shampoo shows just how versatile it can be.

6. How to Man-braid

2016 was the year of the Man Braid. I think by the end of the year, this trend may be moving on but if your man is looking for hair inspiration, send him to this man braid tutorial.

Now it’s on to the top 5 posts of 2016…

5. The Friendship Knot tutorial

This sweet half up hairstyle looks almost like a rosette. It’s a great style for the holidays and you can find the Friendship knot tutorial here.

4. How to wash and style curly hair

This year I’ve been embracing my curls more and more and they’re looking much better for it! Here’s a video tutorial of my curly hair routine to explain every step of the process. I hope it helps you find your perfect curl routine too.

3. How to style curly hair with gel

I go into even more detail on one step in my curly hair process – how to use gel in curly hair. This has been a revelation for me as previously I hated that crunchy feeling of gel but this technique makes all the difference.

2. Five Faux braid tutorials

If you love the look of braids but still can’t do them, these faux braid tutorials are the answer. They’re also great if you have layers as they hold better in your hair than regular braids.

and the number one post of the year is…

1. 30 Days of Curly Hairstyle eBook

Thank you so much for making this my top post of the year! I put so much work into creating my 30 Curly Hairstyles in 30 days series and in my eBook I share all of my curly hair tips and tricks. I wanted to create a simple guide to help you have great curls every day and the feedback I’ve received is so wonderful. I even had a lovely reader, Anna, post all the styles in her hair and it changed how she felt about her hair.

You can find more about my 30 Curly Hairstyles in 30 Days eBook here.

Did your favourite post make the list? What would you like to see more of in 2017? (or less of!) Let me know in the comments below.

PS. Thank you so much for all of your support this year! I hope you have a Merry Christmas, or Happy Chanukah, or happy holidays and spend a lovely break with your friends and family. I know the holidays can be hard if you’re missing someone, so sending you lots of love. I’ll be back posting here from January 16, though you can always find me over on Instagram xx