Style
Whether you want to switch up your natural curl pattern, further enhance your texture, or simply try a new 'do, there are plenty of methods for achieving a gorgeous, voluminous fro. Just a word of caution: using heat free ways to curl natural hair is the way to go because you don't want to ruin your beautiful texture.
There's no arguing with science. Curlier hair is more susceptible to heat damage, and that's just speaking the facts. Luckily, it's incredibly easy to cut heat tools from your regimen when styling your coily tresses. YouTube is filled with so much heat-free hair content that could have you rocking a head full of picture-perfect curls. Beginner-friendly and healthier for your locks, braiding, twisting, and roller set methods for transforming hair can help you achieve Instagram-worthy results. Plus, many heatless curling methods make for great protective styles when you want to get the most out of the precious time spent manipulating your mane.
So, give your blow dryer a rest and back away from the curling wand. These 9 styling tutorials will ween you from your hot tools as they prove naturalistas can get bouncy curls without using heat.
1
Finger Coils
Though I'm not the most skilled naturalista, I tried finger coiling my natural hair and it went extremely well. If someone like me can get amazing results, any of my fellow curlfriends can too! The process involves nothing but a great curl cream, preferably a hydrating one, and your fingers. Easy peasy! It's definitely one of the best ways to train your curls and enhance your from birth texture.
2
Bantu Knots
They may take a little practice if you've never tried them before, but bantu knots can create some of the most luxe curls. Feel free to keep them in for a few days prior to the take-down for an edgy natural style.
3
Flexi Rods
Available in a range of sizes, flexi rods form around hair with ease. They can be done or dry, stretched hair, but using damp tresses works just as well. Leave them in overnight and pick hair out in the morning for a head-turning 'do.
4
Perm Rod Set
For a big hair, don't care look, make perm rods your go-to stylers. They create the smoothest-looking curl. When done on damp hair, just be sure to let them dry completely before the take-down (I've learned from experience how terrible they come out when hair is left even the slightest bit damp). JayHairBigga's tutorial shows how a perm rod set takes a life of its own on day two and three hair, and the curl content will instantly drop your jaws.
5
Two-Strand Twists
One of the easiest methods for giving natural hair all-over curls comes with using two-strand twists. For even more definition, finger coil the ends of twists or secure a small flexi rod to them. Pineapple the 'do overnight with a silk scarf and it'll surely last for days.
6
Flat Twists
Slightly more advanced than the two-strand method, but still doable, are flat twists. They use a pseudo corn row braiding technique that gives naturalistas definition at the root, too. Just keep in mind that they will require patience and practice if you've never tried this type of styling.
7
Braid Out
A braid out can be done one of two ways: using free-hanging plaits (similar to a twist out) or with corn rows if your braiding skills are up to par. Either way, you'll end up with a very defined look. Mini Marley's tutorial completes the style with free-hanging braids that yield results worthy of several Z-snaps.
8
Straw Set
Doing a straw set is a DIY method comparable to using flexi rods. Simply grab some drinking straws and go to work, wrapping small sections of hair along them. Secure the hair and straw together with a bobby pin, and voilà!
9
Curl Formers
It doesn't get any easier than curl formers. You simply clip your strands around their inner hook and pull through. Sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo, but IKnowLee's tutorial shows how you can nail the 'do in minutes on damp hair. She sits underneath a dryer, but this step is not absolutely necessary. You can sleep in the formers overnight, although it may be slightly uncomfortable. A smooth, looser curl pattern is the beautiful end result that looks as though you used a curling iron or wand.
10
There's no need to ever pick up a hot tool again. These heat-free curling hacks open up the door for hair that slays each and every day.
