How to || Heatless Blowout on 4B/4C Natural Hair

Watch Nyla's tutorial for a heatless blow out on thick 4B/4C hair.

Description: overnight braid out on damp hair followed by threading (worn for only a few hours).
Tools: thread, brush (or wide-tooth comb)

Absolutely NO HEAT! :o)

How to Preserve "Out" Styles - An Alternative to the Pineapple

Having trouble maintaining your twist-out, braid-out, bantu knot-out, or natural curls over night?  Check out this video on how to preserve your curls while you sleep:

 

Protective Style Lookbook || Flat Twists with Marley Hair

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Denise

Difficulty level: 3/5

Description: Flat twists blended with Marley hair for fullness.

How to Go from Curly to Straight with No Heat

Check out the following video on how to go from curly to straight with absolutely no heat tools!

Healthy Hairstyling #7: The No/Low Heat Roller Set

High temperature flat irons. Hot blow dryers. Direct heat has the potential to be damaging to the hair, especially when used improperly and too frequently. In the worst case scenario, irreparable heat damage can occur in the form of hair bubbles, splits, and loss of one's natural curl pattern.

The roller set, perm rod set, flexi rod set, straw set, and Curlformer set are all healthy alternatives to the blow dryer and curling iron. These sets require minimal (if any) heat usage. They can be worn on both natural and chemically straightened hair.

HOW TO ROLLER SET:

Tools:
- Snap-on or clips with Magnetic rollers (safer than mesh and foam)
- Setting lotion
- Smoothing serum (with dimethicone for anti-humidity)
- Medium-tooth comb
- Hooded dryer (optional)

Basic instructions:
1. Wash, deep condition, and detangle as usual.
2. Follow up with a moisturizer/sealant.
(2a. For kinky natural hair: Braid the hair into 8-15 sections. (I do this to "flatten" my roots and hair a bit.) Wrap your edges with a scarf. Allow to airdry until damp. Then undo a braid and proceed with below.)
3. Section off a 1" by 2" or smaller section of hair.
4. Apply setting lotion (diluted, if necessary).
5. Then apply the smoothing serum.
6. Comb through section until smooth.
7. Roll the section tautly down to the roots.
8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 until finished.
9. Let the roller set airdry or sit under a hooded dryer.
10. Remove rollers when hair is fully dry.
11. Similar instructions apply to other types of sets (e.g., straw, flexi-rod, etc.), though more intricacy is involved.

Rollerset Video Tutorials:
Natural with a great roller set technique. She does use direct heat in her later video, but her curls prior to flat ironing are gorgeous and show that roller sets work on textured hair:
I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCPyoaRZ8pk
II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFeDTx652wY

Tips:
* Sets last longer on cool, moderate days rather than hot and/or humid days. Save them for ideal weather conditions.
* Starting with wet to very damp hair allows for the hair to really set.
* Using a serum helps to minimize frizz from humidity.
* Stay away from moisturizers containing glycerin or other humectants, if you can. Humectant + humidity = a roller set that won't last.
* Roller set in small sections for smoother and faster drying sets.
* I get the best results with snap-on magnetic rollers because the "snap on" part keeps my hair taut and the roller intact.
* Pin curl at night to maintain the set.
* Smaller rollers yield tighter, longer-lasting sets.

Serum Recommendations:
Sabino Moisture Block
Chi Silk

Setting lotion:
Lottabody
Motions Foaming Wrap
Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion

Protective Style Lookbook || Classic Summer Updo

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Nyla K

Difficulty level: 2/5

Description: Elegant updo on a twist-out, braid-out, or other textured hair.

Type 4 Series: How to Wear A Wash-n-Go with Minimal Tangles

If you have been following me for the past few months, then you are probably aware of my growing re-interest in wearing wash-n-gos.  Up until recently, I took the stance that most type 4 naturals (especially 4b/4c) take on such styles .... "Wash-n-gos on this hair type = asking for trouble."  Well, that was until I tried Cynthiarf's method.

Since then, I've been wearing the wash-n-go on and off and have learned a few lessons along the way.  Here they are for those who are interested in trying this style in the near future:

1. If you have fine strands, then you might want to stay away from the wash-n-go.
Majority of my hair is medium, the crown is coarse, and the back is fine.  When it comes to the wash-n-go, the back (the fine hair) tangles and breaks more easily so I have to be more patient and meticulous in that section.  If my whole head were fine, I would more than likely not be wearing wash-n-gos as much as I am now.

2. Co-wash (rather than shampoo wash) for your wash-n-go.
This lesson is almost a given but stands stating.  Cynthiarf's regimen calls for shampoo-ing once a week when wearing the wash-n-go daily, and I have found success with that routine as well.  The remainder of the week calls for conditioner washes or water rinses followed up with conditioner.  Why conditioner?  Because it smooths the strands, restores moisture, and makes finger-combing easier.

3. Finger-comb thoroughly and daily.
The finger-combing process is crucial because it keep the strands detangled, removes shed hair that could contribute to tangling, and removes any tangles (which are few) that have formed.  The process is not long at all; it takes me no more than 10 minutes.  (Check out Cynthiarf's tutorial.)

4. Do not manipulate your wash-n-go.
This step is also crucial as it reduces the possibility of tangle formation.  Once your wash-n-go is complete, do not disturb the strands via twirling with your fingers, rubbing with a towel, combing, or any other manipulation.

5. Use the right conditioner.
Not every conditioner is made for a wash-n-go.  I find the most success with Tresemme, but you may find success with another brand/type.  Do check out Cynthiarf's video for more details on what to look for in a wash-n-go conditioner.

6. If you have time, rake through with gel.
Raking through your wash-n-go with gel will help your coils to clump a little and tangle less.  This step is not necessary, and I have worn many of my wash-n-gos without doing it.  However, if you have an extra 10-20 minutes and want a little more security, go for it.

Beautiful Heart-Shaped Hair for Valentine's Day || Easy Curly Twist Out Tutorial

This video includes three versions of this look on three different lengths and textures of hair.  Be sure to watch all the way until the end.  I might just try this look! :o)

Style description: Wet twists with flexi rods on the ends.  The end result is a heart-shaped twist-out with curly ends.  Can be done on short, medium, or long hair.  (See the shorter versions near the end of the video.)

Difficulty level: 2/5

Protective Style Lookbook || Braided Crown Hairstyle

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

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Model: Ebony C.

Style description: Braid going around the crown. Can be done on stretched hair, twists, or box braids. 

Difficulty level: 3/5

Protective Style Lookbook || Faux French Braid on Minitwists

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: MsTanish

Style description: Marley/kinky hair braided into mini twists for a long, luxurious french braid.

Difficulty level: 3/5

 

Protective Style Lookbook || 6 Styles for Small or Mini Twists

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: MsTanish

Style description: High bun, beaded updos, mini twist headband, bantu knotout, etc.  (The latter styles are towards the end of the below video.)

Difficulty level: 2/5

Hair Diary || Caring For My Braid Extensions

I self-installed box braid extensions to be worn for the first two months of the 1in3 challenge.  It took 5 packs of hair and about 9 hours for the install.  Prior to braiding, I washed, conditioned, moisturized, and air dried my hair as usual.  During these two months, my box braid care routine will be: 

-Weekly: Spritz hair with a mixture of water, glycerin, grapeseed oil, and grapefruit essential oil.
-Weekly: Spritz scalp with tea tree essential mixed with water (to keep scalp fresh).

-Every two to three weeks: Prepoo with coconut oil, Wash with diluted shampoo, Condition with diluted Suave, and seal with my shea mixture.

Depending on how well I maintain the braids, I might wear it for longer (i.e., three months).  We will see.  Other than the basic routine above, I will continue to sleep with a satin bonnet to protect my hair and keep the braids from frizzing.  I also plan to plait my braids prior to washing in order to keep the frizzies to a minimum.

Here are some sites to check out for braid or braid extension care:
Box braids only: http://minibraidmethod.com/
Braid extensions: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/braidreg.html

Here are two youtube videos with amazing braid extensions styles that I plan to try:

And here are a few more photos of my self-install, the packs of hair that I used, and the final look ...

100% Kanekalon.  Color: 4.  Each pack was about $2.

Braiding my hair.

Finito.  The braids are about hip-length / tailbone-length.

Protective Style Lookbook || Two Loc-Inspired Styles for Twists & Braids

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

**This segment contains two styles.**

Model: Francesca

Style description: Style #1 - formal faux hawk updo.  Style #2 - french braid wrap.

Difficulty level: Style #1 - 5/5. Style #2 - 4/5.

Formal Faux Hawk Updo:

French Braid Wrap:

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Protective Style Lookbook || Two Versions of Overbraided Twists

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

This segment contains two styles.  Style #1: overbraided twists.  Style #2: overbraided twists with pompadour.

Model: Loo (Me)

Style description: Style #1 - overbraided twists. Style #2 - overbraided twists with pompadour.

Difficulty level: Style #1 - 2/5. Style #2 - 3/5.

HOW TO For OVERBRAIDED TWISTS only:  Start off with twists or braids.  Braid them into one big french braid from the crown down to the back of your head.  (Use the over-braiding method instead of the under-braiding method.  Here is a video tutorial: overbraid.)  After braiding, tuck the tail under your french braid and near the nape.  Use a few bobby pins to secure.  Voila!  NOTE: To creat the hump in the front like in the photo, start off braiding loosely at the crown.  Also, note that this style can also be done on loose hair.

HOW TO For OVERBRAIDED TWISTS with POMPADOUR:  Start off with twists or braids.  Undo a few twists/braids in the front middle section of the hair.  This will create a twistout/braidout bang.  Using bobby pins, pin the bang down towards the crown of the head.  Now take your remaining twists/braids and braid them into one big french braid from the crown down to the back of your head.  (Use the over-braiding method instead of the under-braiding method.  Here is a video tutorial: overbraid.)  After braiding, tuck the tail under your french braid and near the nape.  Use a few bobby pins to secure.  Voila!  NOTE: This style can also be done on loose hair.

Back in 2010.

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Protective Style Lookbook || Flat Twist with "Twist Rings"

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: CharyJay

Style description: Side flat twists into twist rings.  (Can be done on short hair as well.)

Difficulty level: 4/5

Beginner's Guide: video tutorial on flat twisting; video tutorial on this style (also included below)

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Protective Style Lookbook || 20+ Styles on Braids & Twists

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Pookinapp16

Style description: Various styles on mini braids and mini twists.

Difficulty level: 1-3 out of 5

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Protective Style Lookbook || Vintage Pin Up (Shorter Hair)

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Iknowlee

Style description: Elegant vintage pin up on twists.  (Can also be done on braids.)

Difficulty level: 3/5

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Protective Style Lookbook || Curly Two Strand Twists

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Alicia

Style description: Bantu knot out on mini twists.  (Can be done on mini braids as well.)

Instructions: Take a section of twists.  Twist them together, then do a bantu knot.  Continue until finished with entire hair.

Difficulty level: 2/5

Beginner's Guide: video tutorial on bantu knots; video tutorial on this style (also included below)

VIDEO TUTORIAL by Alicia:

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Protective Style Lookbook || Don't Get It Twisted

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles.  Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Laila

Style description: Side flat twists into a twist hawk; regular twists and flat twists in front middle section.

Difficulty level: 4/5

Beginner's Guide: video tutorial on flat twisting; video tutorial on this style (also included below)

VIDEO TUTORIAL by Laila:

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Healthy Styles for Transitioning or Stretching Relaxers

Are you transitioning from relaxed or texturized to natural ... or stretching your relaxers for a long period of time?  Do you want to minimize heat usage during this period?  Well, below are some styles you can wear to disguise the texture difference between your new growth and chemically straightened ends.  None of the styles require direct heat; in some cases, one can just airdry or sit under a hooded dryer.  Enjoy!

The Strawset: VIDEO TUTORIAL (PART I) (best done on damp hair), PART II

The Cornrow-Out: VIDEO TUTORIAL (PART I),  PART II

The Rollerset + Saran Wrap: VIDEO TUTORIAL

The Wig: VIDEO TUTORIAL

The Braid/Twist Extensions: VIDEO TUTORIAL

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