Styling 101
Styling natural hair can be a fun and creative process, allowing you to showcase your curls, coils, and kinks in a variety of ways. Whether you're aiming for a casual everyday look or a stunning special occasion style, there are plenty of options to explore. In this blog, we’ll delve into various natural hair styling techniques, tips for maintaining healthy hair, and some popular styles to try.
Understanding Your Natural Hair
Before diving into styling techniques, it’s important to understand your hair type and texture. Natural hair is typically categorized into types 3 and 4:
Curly: Loose, defined curls that range from bouncy ringlets to corkscrew curls.
Coily/Kinky: Tightly coiled curls that can range from fine and soft to coarse and wiry.
Knowing your hair type can help you choose the right products and styling methods to achieve the best results.
Essential Tips for Styling Natural Hair
1. Start with Clean, Moisturized Hair
Cleanse Regularly: Use a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash to cleanse your hair without stripping it of natural oils.
Deep Condition: Regularly deep condition your hair to maintain moisture and strength.
Moisturize and Seal: Apply a leave-in conditioner and seal with an oil or butter to lock in moisture.
2. Detangle Gently
Tools: Use a wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, or your fingers to gently detangle your hair.
Technique: Detangle in sections, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
3. Protect Your Hair
Heat Protection: If using heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant to prevent damage.
Protective Styles: Opt for protective styles like braids, twists, or buns to minimize manipulation and reduce breakage.
Popular Natural Hair Styles (Low Manipulation)
1. Twist-Outs
How-To: Divide your hair into sections, apply a styling cream or gel, and twist each section. Allow the twists to dry completely before unraveling them for defined, bouncy curls.
Maintenance: Preserve your twist-out by sleeping with a satin bonnet or scarf and refreshing with a light mist of water and leave-in conditioner as needed.
2. Braid-Outs
How-To: Similar to twist-outs, braid-outs involve braiding sections of hair and letting them dry before unraveling. This technique creates a more elongated curl pattern.
Maintenance: Maintain your braid-out with a satin bonnet and light moisturizing spray.
3. Wash and Go
How-To: Apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining gel to soaking wet hair. Scrunch your curls to enhance definition and either air dry or use a diffuser.
Maintenance: Refresh your curls daily with a water-based spray and a light leave-in conditioner.
4. Bantu Knots
How-To: Section your hair and twist each section tightly, then coil it around itself to form a small knot. Once dry, unravel the knots for tight, springy curls.
Maintenance: Protect your bantu knots or resulting curls with a satin bonnet or scarf at night.
5. Flat Twists
How-To: Part your hair into sections and create two-strand twists that lie flat against your scalp. This style can be left in or unraveled for a twist-out look.
Maintenance: Keep your flat twists neat by wearing a satin scarf at night and refreshing with a light oil or cream.
6. High Puff
How-To: Gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie or puff cuff. Fluff out the curls for a voluminous look.
Maintenance: Use a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your puff at night and moisturize your hair regularly.
Protective Natural Hair Styling
Protective Styling gives you the option to protect the ends of your hair while retaining length. Examples of protective styling include knotless braids, quick weaves, sew-ins, twists with hair added, etc. With certain protective styles, please make sure to do further research to make sure the desired hairstyle is healthy for your hair type and installed by a licensed professional or you can run the risk of damaging your precious strands,
Accessorizing Natural Hair
Accessories can elevate your natural hair styles and add a personal touch. Consider incorporating:
Headbands and Scarves: Perfect for adding a pop of color and keeping hair in place.
Hair Jewelry: Clips, cuffs, and beads can add a touch of glam to braids and twists.
Bobby Pins and Hair Clips: Great for creating intricate styles or securing hair in place.