Do you want to learn how to style your natural hair?
Whether you’re rocking those glorious coils, flaunting fabulous curls, or cherishing your kinky tresses, I’m here to help you embrace your natural hair and style it with confidence. For too long, society has perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards, but it’s time to reclaim our power and celebrate our unique and beautiful hair. Let’s dive into a variety of styling tips, tricks, and techniques that will leave you feeling fierce, fabulous, and unstoppable!
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How to Style Natural Hair – Everyone loves #5
1. Understanding Your Hair Type
Understanding your hair type is the first step in achieving a stunning natural hair look. No two curls are the same, and that’s what makes our hair so special! Take some time to figure out your hair’s texture, density, and porosity.
The hair typing system, created by Oprah Winfrey’s hairstylist Andre Walker in the 1990s, could help you determine your hair texture. This particular hair type chart ranges from 1a to 4c. To determine your hair’s density, you could simply pull and handful of your hair to one side and look in the mirror.
Thin density is determined if you are easily able to see your scalp. Medium density is when you can partially see your scalp when assessing your hair. Lastly, high density is determined when you can’t see your scalp through your hair strands.
Now, onto hair porosity. Briefly, the three porosity types are low, medium, and high. To determine yours, feel free to refer to this in-depth post here. Knowing your hair type will help you choose the right products and styling techniques that work best for you.
2. Hydration Is Key
Healthy hair starts with proper hydration. Natural hair can be prone to dryness, so it’s essential to keep it moisturized. Regularly deep condition your locks to replenish moisture and prevent breakage.
Look for products with natural oils like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil to give your hair the hydration it craves. Or even better, look for leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners, and any other styling product that enlists water as the number one ingredient. This is so important because water IS hydration.
Always read your product labels! If water is the first ingredient listed on whatever product you choose, then it contains a lot of it. Therefore, it has the greatest chance of hydrating those thirsty roots.
3. Gentle Detangling
Detangling natural hair can be a daunting task, but with patience and the right tools, you can conquer it like a pro. Use a wide-toothed comb or, better yet, your fingers to gently detangle your hair, starting from the tips and working your way up to the roots. It’s always a great idea to have a spray bottle with warm water on hand while detangling.
Working on damp hair will help to reactivate the products that you already have in your hair – which will create slip. In other words, your hair would be more manageable to detangle and comb through. This method reduces breakage and minimizes pain.
4. Embrace Wash-and-Go Styles
Wash-and-go styles are a fantastic way to showcase the natural beauty of your hair. After washing and conditioning your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and a styling gel to define your curls or coils. You’ll want to work in small sections to define your curls – either with a curl-defining brush or the rake-and-shake method. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser to avoid heat damage.
Hey, you could even sit under a hooded dryer for fully dried curls in 1 hour. The result? Effortless, bouncy curls that turn heads everywhere you go. If this isn’t your result initially, then do not worry! It takes time to master the Wash-and-Go.
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5. The Art of Protective Styling
Who does not love a protective style? They are convenient, take off the scarf or bonnet and go styles! Also, protective styles not only shield your hair from environmental stressors but also offer versatility and elegance. Try rocking some stunning braids, twists, or updos. Not only do these styles look amazing, but they also give your hair a much-needed break from constant manipulation.
6. Curl-Enhancing Techniques
If you want to enhance your curls, there are various techniques you can try. “Shingling” involves applying products to small sections of hair, smoothing them out, and allowing the curls to form. The “praying hands” method involves using your palms to smooth product over your hair, encouraging curl clumping and definition. Again, these methods aren’t so easy to get right on the first try. So, practice makes perfect!
7. Flexi-Rods for the Win
Flexi-rods are a must-have styling tool for creating defined curls and waves. Wrap small sections of damp hair around the flexible rods, using some mousse or styling foam to help set the curls. Leave the flexi-rods in overnight.
Before you remove the rods in the morning, be sure that your hair is 100% dry. If your hair is wet or still somewhat damp, your hair is more likely to frizz while removing the rods and separating the curls. Once the hair is fully dry, fluff your curls gently, and admire your gorgeous, bouncy mane.
8. Don’t Forget to Trim
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy natural hair. Trimming every 8-12 weeks helps prevent split ends and breakage, keeping your hair in tip-top shape. If you’re not comfortable trimming your hair yourself, seek the help of a professional stylist who understands natural hair.
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9. Embracing the Fro
There’s nothing quite as empowering as embracing the natural Afro. Flaunt your voluminous curls with pride! Keep your Afro moisturized, fluff it out to your desired size, and rock it confidently.
10. Accentuate with Hair Accessories
Hair accessories can add flair and personality to any hairstyle. Whether it’s a colorful head wrap, a stylish hairpin, or gold cuffs, incorporating accessories can elevate your look and make it uniquely yours.
So, there you have it!
Are you excited to style your natural hair?
Embracing the uniqueness of your hair type, investing in proper hydration, and being fearless in experimenting with different styles is the most liberating feeling. You just can’t go wrong with natural hair in my opinion. Yes, it takes patience and learning the specific needs of our hair, but the reward is greatly worth it. Remember, natural hair is versatile, stunning, and full of endless possibilities.
As you embark on your natural hair journey, remember that your hair is a reflection of your identity, culture, and heritage. Embrace it wholeheartedly, and don’t let anyone dim your shine. Be proud of your curls, coils, and kinks because they are a part of what makes you beautifully you.
Celebrate your natural hair journey, and inspire others to do the same. Together, we’ll break the beauty stereotypes, redefine standards, and let our natural beauty radiate like the sun. Let’s show the world that natural hair is a glorious crown, and we wear it with pride!
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