Method 1
Recommended for early transitioners or naturals looking for 100% texture blending
This method involves braiding the satin strip into your hair from the root. For new transitioners, this look creates texture and uniformity from the root to the end–with the added benefit of not having super tapered, crinkly-looking thin ends that most regular braidouts result in. For naturals, this method also creates that same texture and uniformity all the way down. It is perfect for any texture of hair, seriously! Satin strip braid-outs on looser hair textures will result in increased definition, and tighter, coily or kinky textures will see more elongated hair.
Watch the video tutorial:
Method 2
Recommended for long-term transitioners and naturals
This method carried me and saved tons of time at the later stages of my transition. Once you have a significant amount of newly natural hair (transitioning for 9 months or more”>, you can begin a regular braid and then integrate the satin strip at the line of demarcation. This method is perfect for creating the illusion of 100% natural hair. For naturals just looking for an extra oomph at the ends of hair, this method is perfect. If your ends don’t stay braided, twisted, coiled, or you find yourself looking for perm rods to hold your ends often, this method is for you.
What You’ll Need
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Satin Strips – 18-20 cut from a satin scarf, about 1.5 inches thick each
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ACV Spritz – for shine, body, and to help close cuticles
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Lawrence Ray Concepts Mega Bounce & Body Leave-In Conditioner – water-based moisture
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Rapunzel The Future of Hair, Hair Lotion – for extra moisture
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Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel – for hold
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Rapunzel The Future of Hair, Hair Silk – to seal ends and fluff/separate
You can definitely feel free to use any combination of moisturizers and definers that you choose. Some of my favorite stylers that I’ve used previously are EcoStyler Gel (green”> and Obia Curl Enhancing Custard. Or, for a much softer (and not nearly as long lasting”> result you can use moisturizer only and a little bit of butter of choice. You can also read my product reviews for both
Read my product reviews for these items in the “product review” section of my blog, www.maneobjective.com.
Watch the video tutorial:
And finally, a few tips before starting your own satin strip braidout:
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Start on freshly washed and conditioned hair. The style can be achieved on dirty hair, but will yield better and longer-lasting results if the hair is clean.
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DO NOT SEPARATE THE HAIR! The magic in the satin strip braidout happens when the hair is kept together. For Method 1, the satin strip forms 2 sections of hair for the braid, and the hair itself is the 3rd section. In Method 2 the same concept applies, but only after braiding your hair to the point where you want to include the satin strip.
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Make sure your hair is 100% dry before taking down, or else the braid-out will swell and lose definition– resulting in a short lived style (unless that’s the look you’re going for”>.
Good luck satin stripping! Wait, that didn’t sound right…