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Home • Coily • Curly • Hairstyles

African Threading: The Heatless Stretching Method

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African Threading: The Heatless Stretching Method
By Nikki Walton · Updated December 22, 2014

If bantu knot outs or twist outs just don’t work for you, then here is a technique that just may be your new go-to. Whether you’re looking for a protective style for your daughters or a heatless stretching technique, African threading is a versatile technique that is fairly simple to learn. Watch the tutorials below to see how you can try this technique yourself.

Nadine writes:

In [CurlyNikki’s] recent interview with Kimberly Elise, she mentioned my GirlsLoveYourCurls YouTube channel, which she credited with teaching her the African Threading technique she uses to stretch her hair. As a result, I got a lot of traffic, and messages, many of which were people saying they had never heard of this technique.

One of the goals of my videos is to introduce people to the technique of African Threading, which is a traditional styling technique used in many parts of Africa. It is especially useful for use on children’s hair as an alternative styling option, because it is quick to achieve and lasts for at least a week. My family originates from Ghana West Africa. My mother used it on my hair and taught me how to take care of my hair using this technique.
I have two young daughters and this technique is invaluable to me. I started making tutorials because I got so many requests from friends, wanting to learn how to take care of their daughter’s natural hair. My goal is to help offer mothers/caretakers of young girls as many tools as I can, so as to prevent them resorting to chemical processing, due to lack of options.
Here’s are a couple of tutorials:

How to do African Threading

African Threaded Bantu Buns

African Threaded Ponytail Plait

If you’re looking to try the style on your own hair, Tina Munzu has a great tutorial where she demonstrates her very first time doing the African Threading technique. It may look intimidating, but if Tina can ace it on her first try then it can’t be as scary as it looks.
Tina Munzu writes:
Getting the perfect curls with Bantu knots and sometimes even the two-strand twists can be a challenge for many. I recently tried the African Threading method seen on YouTube to obtain curls, and I was pleasantly surprised with the results. The curl definition was superb and the style is so easy. This can be done on freshly washed as well as dry hair with spectacular results. Check it out and enjoy!

Tina’s Threading Tutorial

Products:
Tina’s using SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Ecoco Eco Styler
[prodmod]

This article was written by Nadine and Tina Munzu for CurlyNikki.

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Home • NaturallyCurly

Our Favorite Hair Moments From 2024

2024 was iconic for many reasons. Hair included. Join us as we reflect on standout moments.
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Our Favorite Hair Moments From 2024
Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images
By Desiree Johnson · Updated December 27, 2024

If there’s one thing that 2024 gave, and to be clear, it gave many things, it was head-turning hair moments and drops that expanded the haircare industry. There were new innovations in hair tools and technology, big celebrity drops (cough Cécred and Fenty Hair), more products moving towards sustainability, and prioritizing hair health. When it came to haircuts, colors, and styles, the goal was main character energy. 

There was a bigger move towards creating hair looks that weren’t only trendy but timeless. Celebrities and influencers continued to use major award shows, red-carpet moments, concerts, and album releases to debut fresh and innovative approaches to their styles that had everyone running to the salon. 

Let’s look back at how 2024 became a standout year for outstanding looks that we all loved.

Platinum Blonde

Photo by Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images

Platinum blonde was everyone in 2024. Whether it was Beyoncé ushering in a new era of Country with Cowboy Carter, Camila Cabello transforming from her signature dark tresses, or the pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, platinum blonde was a mainstay hair color this year. 

Old Hollywood Bob

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Low maintenance looks like the Old Hollywood Bob was on the menu all year, and here’s why: it blends nostalgia and chicness. Ice Spice turned heads at the BET Awards when she went from her signature copper curls to channeling this stunning style. Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, and Elsa Hosk are just some women who opted for this sleek, shiny, and voluminous trend. 

Nostalgic Updos

Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Updos have always been a pivotal hairstyle for any evening look, but we transition from sleek styles to more effortless styles that embrace volume. Most notable celebrities like Lori Harvey, Meg Thee Stallion, and Kim Kardashian channeled 90s icons like Pamela Anderson to create a “messy upo” that showcased texture and body. 

Braided Topknots

Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Braids never go out of style, but how we innovate them does. The topknot has always been a signature style that is easy and effortless, but braided topknots helped elevate the updo. Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Issa Rae were just a few of the beauty mavens who sported this look in 2024.

Nothing Like Natural

Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Calling all naturals. Ditching the wigs, weaves, and extensions and putting your natural coils, curls, and waves front and center were all apart of the healthy hair conversation in 2024. Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Simone Biles made headlines by giving fans a peek behind the scenes and letting us see their real textures.

Nara Smith Bob

Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for the Business of Fashion

Nara Smith became a social media darling in 2024, but it wasn’t just for her signature voiceovers. The bob made a big comeback, and her one-length style is chic, effortless, and reflects the luxury glam that we all wish to channel. 

Single Braid Ponytail

Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

If you’re a ponytail girlie, then you know dressing it up can help add dimension and personality to the classic style. The key to a single braid ponytail is ensuring your hair is slick in the front and then using extensions or weaves to really add length that you can wear to the front or back. Gabrielle Union, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez made this no-fuss hairstyle a fan favorite. 

Bombshell Blowouts

Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Article continues after video.

Sabrina Carpenter was the espresso on everyone’s lips in 2024, and it wasn’t just because of her catchy tunes. Her voluminous, blonde bombshell hairstyle quickly became the talk of the town, and many influencers and stylists shared their tips on how to style and maintain this Marilyn Monroe-esque look. 

The Wet Look

Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY

Who would have thought that making your hair appear wet (on purpose) would be so popular? The wet look. What’s great about this style is that it can be achieved with any hair texture, as seen by beauty queens like Coco Jones, Kim Kardashian, and Megan Fox. The secret to this style lies in a perfect combination of products like gel, glossing spray, and serum.

Pastel Hues

Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Revolve

There aren’t many times when we get new hair colors that make us do a double-take, but this was definitely a head-turner. Megan Fox set the internet ablaze by debuting a series of pastel hues in blue and pink that ignited new hairstyles for the festival season. 

Voluminous High Ponytails

Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images

The higher the hair, the closer to…perfection. Sky-high ponytails are elegant, timeless, and give snatched a whole new definition. Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, and Laverne Cox showed how versatile this hairstyle is, whether you’re storming the streets of NYC or slaying the red carpet. 

Flipped  Bob

Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

Sophistication was an integral part of how people approached their hair in 2024. The flipped bob was a short style that took over the summer due to its softer finish and upward flick reminiscent of 60s GOGO girls. 

Powerful Pixies

Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Pixie cuts have taken over the fall season. This style reflects sheer confidence and is perfect for putting your face front and center. Whether you’re aiming for old-time glamour like Audrey Hepburn or sexy sirens like Halle Berry, pixies are great for those wanting to go short. 

Baby Bangs

Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Baby bangs or micro bangs are often known for being super blunt, short, and can be worn across all textures. Zendaya turned heads with this style during Fashion Week, and we’ve seen even more celebrities like Oliva Rodrigo, Julia Fox, and Zoë Kravitz following suit.

Cloudy Curls

Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Cloud curls have taken over the fall season since they are cut and are designed to complement your hair’s natural texture and movement. The “cloud” effect comes from embracing the halo effect or frizz that gives a youthful look. Yara Shahidi is the queen of cloud curls and is a great example of a celebrity who continually serves in this fanciful style. 

Textured Updo

Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Your natural texture is beautiful, and that’s why we saw more celebrities aiming to ditch the heat tools and creating updos with their curls, coils, and waves intact. A little mousse and hairspray went a long way for celebrities like Tyla, Jordyn Woods, and Anna Taylor Joy, who used their natural tresses to create jaw-dropping styles.

Which hairstyle took your breath away in 2024? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know in the comments. 

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