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If there is one way you can dress up your regular braids and get heads turning in admiration, it’s by installing goddess braids. Unique in their appearance, these braids have become popular among women of color all around the world. If you’re yet to hop on the goddess braids train or you’ve already joined this good hairstyle band and you’re looking for different new ways to style them, then continue reading.

What are goddess braids?

Also known as Bohemian (boho) braids, goddess braids are regular parted braids, which can be a box, diamond, zigzag, or triangle parts, that feature a single curly strand on individual braids. These curly strands may be attached to some or all of the braids and the result is a distinct finished look. Goddess braids can be created using the traditional braids technique (braiding the hair and the extension together at the base of the natural hair) or the knotless technique (braiding the natural hair first to two or three inches before adding the extension). To ensure a neat appearance, it is best to have your goddess braids done by a professional stylist.

https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneysarracino/video/7205319165433974058?lang=en&q=goddess%20braids&t=1683130623235

How to care for your goddess braids

Here are what you need to do to keep your goddess braids looking fresh, neat, and presentable for a long period:

1. Trim flyaways

You may notice that the older your goddess braids become, the more small strands of extension hairs (and your natural hair) pull apart from the braids and stand out on their own giving your hair an unruly appearance. These are called flyaways. To keep your goddess braids looking fresh and neat, you can trim these flyaways – the extensions though, and not your natural hair – with a pair of hair shears or scissors.

2. Oil your braids

Like your natural hair, your goddess braids also need shine and what better way to achieve this than to rub some oil on them? By using oils specially formulated for braids, you can keep your goddess braids looking healthy and neat for a long time.

3. Cover with a shower cap

Having water splash on your hair when using the bathroom is inevitable. If the hair is not properly dried, it can cause itching and even start to smell. To avoid this, it is advisable that you pull your goddess braids into an updo and cover them with a shower cap. If water does get into your goddess braids somehow, make sure to dry them with a hair dryer. Similarly, it is advisable to always have a shower cap or any other protective cap in your handbag when you go out during the rainy season in case of a sudden downpour.

4. Do not leave them in for too long

Whether you’re enjoying your goddess braids hairstyle or you’re too busy or too lazy to – hey, no judging, it happens to all of us – you should not leave your goddess braids in for longer than four to eight weeks. Braids that have been kept in for too long tend to have a disheveled look to them. The natural hair can also get weak and break or pull out at the roots when you finally take down the braids. Furthermore, the hair may start to itch and smell if you keep them in for too long.

5. Wrap your goddess braids with a satin or silk scarf to bed

Before you go to bed, wrap a silk or satin scarf around your goddess braids to keep them and your natural hair from losing moisture, shedding, and breaking which can happen as a result of the friction of rubbing your hair against your cotton pillowcase. It can also give your braids an unruly or disheveled look in the morning. The satin or silk scarf helps to keep your braids in place and retain moisture as you toss and turn in bed.

6. Do not style every day

Like regular box braids, goddess braids are versatile when it comes to styling options which is what you need for a fresh look for different days or occasions. However, you should not be manipulating your braids into different hairstyles daily as this can put tension on your hair and fragile edges and cause them to break, shed or pull out at the roots. Instead, limit your styling to once every three days.

20 goddess braids hairstyles

Small to medium goddess braids

SOURCE: @mcrbraids

SOURCE: @looksbymorgandanielle

Large goddess braids

SOURCE: @veez__studio_

SOURCE: @sthe__braids

Medium goddess braids

SOURCE: @thetreasurechair

SOURCE: @ks_trancas

Small goddess braids

SOURCE: @trillfeelz_

SOURCE: @beeubraidsbeautyllc_

Goddess braids ponytail

SOURCE: @style_cupid

SOURCE: @hairbycxndy

Goddess braids + tribal braids

SOURCE: @chiaubrey

SOURCE: @braided_4_u

Goddess braids with accessories

SOURCE: @studio_dulyy

SOURCE: @gee_trancas

Goddess braids bun

SOURCE: @gbraidedit

SOURCE: @jas_empiresalonandspa

Goddess braids chanel

SOURCE: @braidsby.synara_

SOURCE: @laviniatrancista

Medium-length goddess braids

SOURCE: @hairbysb8

SOURCE: @tshidix_beauty_shop

Goddess braids color pop

SOURCE: @style_cupid

SOURCE: @gabrielly.offc

Ombre goddess braids

SOURCE: @trancasdodiaa

SOURCE: @dahliathebeautylounge

Goddess braids with the middle part

SOURCE: @nikolas.trancas

SOURCE: @_braidsgirls

Goddess braids + Fulani cornrows freestyle

SOURCE: @ceetouch

SOURCE: @gabilo_braids

Short goddess braids

SOURCE: @everything_shakarachic_beauty

SOURCE: @farafina_beauty

Colored goddess braids

SOURCE: @braidsambassador

SOURCE: @criouloshair

Goddess braids with beads

SOURCE: @gahairstyle_

SOURCE: @femmedoesmyhair_ke

Half-up half-down goddess braids

SOURCE: @winniehands_

SOURCE: @ghanianhairstyles

Jumbo goddess braids

SOURCE: @shedorable

SOURCE: @cosmoswithcandi

Two petal buns on goddess braids

SOURCE: @braidsambassador

Shopping for an edge control product? I’ve researched the best edge control products on Amazon that will give you hold, and won’t give you residue, flakes or greasiness. All 16 of these edge control products have ratings of over 4.0 stars from over 500 verified users.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Edge Control

Black Vanilla Edge Control Smoother helps to keep hair moisturized, soft, and manageable.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.2 star out of 5 stars global rating by 8,567 verified users.

Shine N Jam Conditioning Gel Extra Hold

Extra firm, non-greasy hold, and great for soft waves.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.7 star out of 5 stars global rating by 9,924 verified users.

EBIN New York 24 Hour Edge Tamer – Extreme Firm Hold

For all type of hair from 1a to 4c, long lasting all day hold, so you can go about your day without worrying about your edges being in place and flattening down flyaway. 24-hour maximum hold as stated in the name.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.5 star out of 5 stars global rating by 9,024 verified users.

My Black Is Beautiful Golden Milk Edge Slayer

MBIB Edge Slayer lays down your edges, providing a flexible, all day hold for next day restyling. This flake-free formula leaves no residue behind and keeps your edges from reverting for a smooth look that slays.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.2 star out of 5 stars global rating by 1,207verified users.

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze

Keep edges and baby hairs laid in place for hours without leaving a hard cast. No build-up. Experience great hold without flakes, greasiness, or white residue being left behind.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.5 star out of 5 stars global rating by 632 verified users.

Goiple Edge Control Wax

Keeps styles long-lasting and not greasy. The edge control wax can reduce the damage of hair. It helps to keep hair moisturized, soft, & manageable.

Amazon customer: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 3,072 verified users.

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Edge Gel tames hair edges and ends for sleek shine and a flawless hairstyle with no gummy or greasy residue regardless of your texture or style.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.3 star out of 5 stars global rating by 6,818 verified users.

Hicks Total Transformations Edges Styling Gel

This product holds hair firmly in place with a super shine and without flakiness. Leaves edges looking and feeling shinier and healthier than before. This hair gel is non-flaky and non-sticky and rinses out easily.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 4,292 verified users.

JC’s Instant Control Edge & Braid Gel Maximum Hold

Works best with small amounts. Quick drying, non greasy, no tie down needed. Controls unruly edges on point without premature melting.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 5,773 verified users.

She Is Bomb Collection Edge Control

Designed to create that sleek finished look that completes any hairstyles without the white build up. Non-greasy, non-sticky, non-flaking, and long-lasting.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 7,983 verified users.

AllDay Locks Braid Gel

Fantastic for flake-free, extreme hold for all your go-to braided hairstyles. Also fabulously doubles as an edge control when you need it!

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.5 star out of 5 stars global rating by 5,684 verified users.

Diamond Edges Black Panther Strong Styling Gel

Frizz taming and curl styling with maximum hold. Superior edge and braid tamer for all texture types.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.5 star out of 5 stars global rating by 3,229 verified users.

Magic Collection Edge Effect Professional Edge Control Gel

Achieve your maximum shine with this non-greasy, no flaking method.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 2,410 verified users.

ORS Olive Oil Edge Control Hair Gel

Long lasting, non-flaking, no build up, radiant shine, and non-greasy.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.5 star out of 5 stars global rating by 1,441 verified users.

Style Factor Edge Booster Strong Hold Water-Based Pomade

Completely nourishes and hydrates while providing a strong and pliable hold for those stubborn edges. Made with water soluble so it leaves no residue or sticky-ness after application.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.5 star out of 5 stars global rating by 9,188 verified users.

tgin Miracle RepaiRx Smooth & Nourish Edge Control

Smooths and holds edges, non-sticky, non-greasy formula and non-flaking.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 160 verified users.

One of the most popular protective styles in the world today is box braids, and there are so many reasons to love them. They are a low maintenance protective style that can help with length retention and promoting hair growth, all while giving you a wide range of styling options. Scroll on for twenty inspiring hairstyles you can create with box braids, but first let’s define what box braids are and how to care for them.

What are box braids?

Box braids are a hairstyle created by putting the hair into square or rectangle sections. Each square or rectangle is then further divided into three equal strands and all three strands are plaited tightly to achieve a neat firm finish. Box braids can be achieved using your natural hair or extension. They can also be of any length (short, medium, or long) or width (thin, medium, or thick), depending on your preference.

How do you care for your box braids?

Box braids need proper maintenance to make them last longer and look their best. Here are some ways you can take care of your natural hair while wearing box braids:

1. Oil your scalp

Massaging your scalp with natural hair oil while you have your box braids in is necessary to keep your scalp from going dry. This is because when your scalp is dry, it can result in itching and flaking which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing especially if the urge to itch comes up in public. However, using natural oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or argan oil on your scalp once or twice a week can help it stay hydrated, leading to a healthy scalp while also supporting healthy hair growth.

It is also important for me to address the concern with oily scalps that oiling an already oily scalp with box braids on may also lead to clogged pores, flaking, itching, and dandruff. While this is valid, you can still oil your scalp with essential oils such as lemon oil or lavender oil which have antibacterial properties that help to balance excessive oil production.

2. Moisturize your edges

With your box braids in, it can be easy to neglect your edges, which can lead to dryness. To make sure your edges still get the proper care they deserve, you can massage them with a lightweight oil or moisturizing cream daily to keep them hydrated and healthy.

3. Use a shower cap in the bathroom

Before you bathe or take a shower, wrap your braids in a bun or freestyle with any updo that is comfortable enough to fit into a shower cap. Because your natural hair is going to be in this protective style for some weeks, you may not be able to get it fully dried if water gets into it every day. Worse is, your hair and scalp can get really itchy and smelly from this, not to mention, messy. To avoid this, simply wear a shower cap to the bathroom.

The same rule applies if you have your box braids in during the rainy season. Make sure you have a shower cap stashed in your bag when you go out as this may come in handy to help protect your braids in case of sudden rainfall.

Finally, wear a swimming cap to swim to protect your braids from the chlorine in the water which can strip it of its natural oils.

4. Take them out at the right time

Leaving your box braids in for weeks on end can result in a dusty unkempt look. It can also cause itching and odor. Furthermore, your natural hair strands may weaken and break or pull out of the roots when you eventually take out the braids. To prevent this, it is usually recommended to take out your box braids after four to eight weeks.

Read next: Before You Take Down Your Braids, Read This

5. Wrap with satin or silk scarf to bed

Protects your edges and braids from losing moisture, shedding, and breaking which can result from the friction of rubbing your hair against the cotton pillow case by wrapping it with a silk or satin scarf to bed.

6. Limit daily styling

Box braids are versatile when it comes to styling options but this does not mean you should style them every other day. Daily styling can put tension on your hair and fragile edges causing them to break or pull out at the roots. So, instead of manipulating your box braids into a new style every day, give it a couple of days before switching styles.

Check out: THIS Is How Often You Should Be Getting Your Braids Installed

20 Box Braids Natural Hairstyles

1. Large box braids

SOURCE: @looksby.liyah

SOURCE: @braidsquenn

2. Box braids with French curls

SOURCE: @hawlee_creation

SOURCE: @hawlee_creation

3. Bohemian box braids

SOURCE: @by._gabriela

SOURCE: @atelie_afroo_blaack

4. Box braids with beads

SOURCE: @braidinghut

SOURCE: @braidsandspaa

5. Knotless box braids

SOURCE: @braids_heaven

SOURCE: @yannistyledit

6. Ombre box braids

SOURCE: @gnicolehair

SOURCE: @annagracebraids

7. Box braids ponytail

SOURCE: @boxbraidsdivulgacao

SOURCE: @hairbyimma254

8. Colored jumbo box braids

SOURCE: @hair.by.jesslyn

SOURCE: @studioyasbraids

9. Bob box braids

SOURCE: @yalodestudio

SOURCE: @treccine_bintoto_torino

10. Box braids with the side part

SOURCE: @hair_by_chichie_

SOURCE: @ssammyssensation

11. Two buns on box braids

SOURCE: @miraculousbraidz

12. Asymmetrical bob box braids

SOURCE: @sohcabelos

SOURCE: @nivea.boaventura.braids

13. Box braids with the middle part

SOURCE: @sydneys.braids

SOURCE: @verynicebraids

14. Half-up half-down box braids

SOURCE: @_slayedbyjai

SOURCE: @mari.trancas

15. Box braids updo

SOURCE: @dreamthestylist_

SOURCE: @sarahbeauty190

16. Box braids with minimal accessory

SOURCE: @ramilybraids

SOURCE: @boxbraidsesther

17. Short box braids with tight curls

SOURCE: @femmedoesmyhair_ke

18. Box braids x crisscross

SOURCE: @feebraids

SOURCE: naturalhairproducts

19. Box braids + triangle braids

SOURCE: @espacofelina

20. Swept back box braids

SOURCE: @sonkoafricanhairbraiding

Check out next: How To Slay Boho Box Braids

Being on the creamy crack for years and deciding to go natural is a decision you can make at any time in life, regardless of your age. Indeed, while being older should not be a limiting factor in your intention of returning to your natural roots, it is important to mention that as a person ages, the hair also changes. This is due to biological factors, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors. As such, there are some challenges you’ll encounter in the process of going natural. Not to fret though, this article will not only address these challenges but also proffer practical tips on how you can deal with them. So, let’s dive in.

Challenges You May Encounter When Going Natural as an Older Woman

1. A change in hair texture

It goes without saying that relaxers alter the texture of your hair by loosening its natural curl patterns, among others. If as an older lady, you’ve been using relaxers on your hair for many years, you may notice that the texture of your hair is finer and fragile even as new hair grows out. Now, as already mentioned above, the chemicals in relaxers may not be the only contributing factor but biological factors (such as hormonal changes and genetics) that occur as a result of getting older also contribute. How do you deal with this? Here are some helpful tips:

Tip 1. Accept the change in your hair texture as one of the things that come with getting older. Trust, this will save you from getting frustrated easily.

Tip 2. Consider using volumizing hair care products such as volumizing shampoos that can help to revive your fine hair and make it appear and feel thicker.

Check out: Why Does Hair Texture Change Throughout Life?

2. Styling challenges

After years of what may be easy styling on relaxed hair (which is smoother and straight), it can get a bit tricky when it comes to styling natural hair (which can be coarse and as such, need extra care and effort). As an older lady transitioning to natural hair, you may encounter styling difficulties due to these different hair textures on your head. It is also understandable that you may not be looking forward to spending extra time trying to style your hair. Does this mean you only have limited styling possibilities a.k.a settle only for simple styles? Absolutely not. As an older woman, you can still get your slay on with gorgeous yet comfortable natural hairstyles that won’t take so much time or effort to create. Some of these styles include low fades, crochet braids, tight coils using curl activator gels, twists, the afro, cornrows, twist outs, headwraps, and scarves, among many other chic and age-appropriate hairstyles.

3. Thinning hair

The combination of growing older coupled with years of using relaxers, coloring your hair, heat styling, and consistent manipulation of hair, may result in thinning hair even when you’re trying to go back to being natural. How can you manage this common hair challenge? You can start by eating healthy such as taking food rich in vitamins or taking supplements. Another thing to do is to get proper rest especially if you’re stressed. This is because chronic stress has also been linked to thinning hair. You should also avoid heat styling and hairstyles that require high manipulation. Furthermore, you can use hair products formulated specifically for reversing thinning in hair.

4. Dry and frizzy hair

As one gets older, the scalp produces less sebum which gradually leads to a drier scalp. Also, as has been already mentioned, getting older means there may be changes in the texture of your hair leading to drier frizzy hair. Naturally, this can make combing and general hair care a painful affair and understandably, not something you look forward to doing. Furthermore, dryness can cause your hair to snap, and break, among other types of hair damage. How can you combat this? By using moisturizing products specifically formulated to hydrate your hair, thus eliminating dryness. You can also apply a few drops of scalp oil to your fingers and massage your scalp for a few minutes to encourage the production of sebum. Other measures you can take include avoiding heat styling tools, or limiting their use as much as possible and applying a heat protectant to your hair when using them; avoid products that contain harsh and drying ingredients such as alcohol and sulfates, among others.

5. Reduction in hair length

The rule of transitioning demands that you slowly trim the ends of your relaxed hair as the natural one grows out. This can lead to a noticeable uneven hair length, especially for older ladies who have shorter hair. You can manage this by using moisturizing products so you don’t lose more hair as a result of dryness; avoiding tight hairstyles that cause your hair to break, and the ends to split; massaging your scalp to stimulate blood flow which helps to promote hair growth. While you’re applying these tips, why not make lemonade out of lemons by doing a pixie cut or fade hairstyle as these help to hide the disparity in your hair length.

6. Finding the right products

Many older ladies have attested to the fact that growing older may cause hair to lose its shine and volume. Also, at this stage in life, many older women do not want to be experimenting with hair products yet it is important to find the right ones. How can you get the right hair care kit to help you on your natural hair journey? Simply look out for the ones that are labeled as anti-aging. Still in doubt? Then check out verified user reviews about the products first.

7. Graying hair

And finally, the elephant in the room. One beauty of aging but one that many struggle with accepting is graying hair. The older one gets, the body stops producing melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for providing color to the hair. As such, the hair becomes more transparent in color which results in, as you guessed, gray/silver/white hair. And this is visible in natural hair. The first way to deal with this is to accept that it is a natural thing that happens to everyone. The next step is to use the right products as already mentioned above to help the hair maintain its shine. If you still want to hide the gray, you can try DIY natural methods such as black tea and henna, among others.

Check out: Gray Coming In? How To Make The Most Out Of Your Silver Strands

You may have noticed this trend: many locs lovers are tilting towards small locs. And little wonder because it is such a versatile hairstyle that allows for self-expression while also giving the wearer a naturally neat and unique appearance. If you’re interested in joining the small locs band and want some of its hairstyle inspiration, then continue reading this article.

What are small locs?

First things first, let’s define what small locs are. Also known as “mini locs” “small dreadlocks” and even “micro locs”, this style is created by sectioning the hair into very small twists or dreadlocks, the size of a slim Spaghetti noodle or even smaller. There are diverse methods through which small locs can be achieved. They include crocheting, interlocking, backcombing and twisting, coil twisting, and two-strand twists, among others. The result is neat small uniform tightly coiled locs.

What are the benefits of small locs?

For a hairstyle to attract many naturals, it sure has many upsides to it. Here are some of the benefits of doing small locs:

1. Minimal maintenance

If there is one thing many naturals love and agree on, it’s a hairstyle that does not require a complicated routine to maintain. When compared to many hairstyles, small locs only require you to spritz daily with a lightweight hair moisturizer or oil for softness and shine. Then between four to six weeks (or depending on the time your loctitian gives you), you can reloc your hair. This way, you save time and effort.

2. A neat appearance

Because small locs have smaller sections, the roots of the hair experience less frizz which makes it appear neat for a long time.

3. Long-lasting

If you are not one who fancies having to take down different natural styles every couple of weeks yet you still want your hair all done, then small locs is for you. With proper care and maintenance, small locs can last for years.

4. Fullness

Due to their small size, small locs give your hair a more voluminous and full look.

5. Versatility

The possibilities of styling options when it comes to small locs are numerous. This means you don’t have to take down individual locs before you can switch up your look. Since this article is about hairstyle inspiration for small locs, let’s delve right into it.

15 Small Locs Hairstyles

1. Two petal buns and ropes on small locs

SOURCE: @locsbylokelo

This unique hairstyle involves sectioning the locs into three, pulling two sections in front into a secure ponytail, and then bending and securing each loc in the ponytail to create petal-like styles. You can then leave the locs at the back section to hang loose. This video by @360afrolocs shows how to create petal locs:

2. The small locs wrap ponytail

SOURCE: @morena_hair_style

This is a simple hairstyle that can be created in a few minutes. It involves pulling your locs into a ponytail, securing it with an elastic band, wrapping some locs from that ponytail around the rest of the ponytail, and securing it with an extra elastic band or Bobby pins.

3. Small locs with side part

SOURCE: Chrissy Williams

With your fingers (or the tail of a rattail comb), create a horizontal line on one side of your head, starting from your front hairline and stopping at the crown of your head. This two-minute hairstyle is perfect for the girl who likes to keep things simple and classy.

4. Small locs barrel twists

SOURCE: Melanin Locz

This chunky hairstyle can be achieved by splitting your locs into two equal parts and then rolling each part all the way down to meet at the back. You can then secure the back with bobby pins.

5. Colored small locs

SOURCE: Amani Thompson

Colors are one sure way to give your locs life. You can dye your small locs in any color or shade.

6. Small locs bun

SOURCE: Frank dreadlocs

Another hairstyle for the chic who likes to keep it cute and classy, this hairstyle is achieved by pulling your locs into a ponytail and wrapping the ends to create a bun.

7. Small locs with golden highlights

SOURCE: @ilocu_br

Want colors but don’t want too much of it? Then dye only the ends (to middle parts) of your locs.

8. Small locs crisscross updo

SOURCE: @the_last_tangle_

Crisscross updos are a head-turner any day, any time. As its name implies, it means crossing one loc over the other to form X-like designs from the head circumference all the way up and pinning the rest of the hair in an updo.

9. Multiple buns on small locs

SOURCE: @the_last_tangle_

A bit of a dramatic look, this is suitable for the lady who is no fan of boring styles. This involves putting your locs into eight or more sections and creating little buns of each section.

10. Small locs mohawk

SOURCE: @bienaimebeauty

This is created by sweeping the hair on both sides to meet in the middle. You may also choose to leave some locs in front.

11. Small locs halo

SOURCE: @rastivity

Also called small locs crown style, this is achieved when the locs are wrapped around the head circumference from one side to the other.

12. Small locs crisscross space buns with blond highlights

SOURCE: @sheslocdandlove

Spruce up your regular space buns by creating crisscross patterns at the base and highlighting with blond color at the ends.

13. Small locs half-updo

SOURCE: @lucieslocs

This involves splitting your locs in a vertical line from ear to ear and then putting the front section into a ponytail.

14. Multicolored small locs

PICTURED: @finallylocd

What’s better than small locs in one color? Many vibrant colors!

15. Small locs all back

SOURCE: @blacksuccessworld._

This involves sectioning your locs into six horizontal parts and then braiding the locs all the way down.

Which of these small locs hairstyles will you be trying? Say in the comments

How to do I create and style short natural hairstyles that I’m going to love? This is one of the questions that you may find yourself asking, especially if you’ve just had a big chop. On the surface, short hair can look boring because of the presumption that there isn’t much to be done with it, but is this true? This article seeks to examine the challenges of short natural hair and also proffer solutions, so let’s get right into it.

How to Care for Short Natural Hair

How to style short hair with limited length

Short hair is called so because, when compared to medium/long hair, it does not provide much length to work with. This can be bothersome, especially when you’re trying to manipulate your strands into a hairstyle, yet it keeps slipping off your fingers. So, how do you deal with the challenge of limited length? Simply look for and stick with hairstyles that are suitable for short hair so they don’t give you problems during manipulation.

How often should you wash your short natural hair?

Due to its limited length, the scalp beneath short hair is more exposed to dust, dirt, and harsh weather conditions, unlike longer hair. As such, it requires proper cleansing to keep it healthy. As someone with short natural hair, it is advisable that you wash your hair at least once a week, moisturize it daily to keep it from getting dry and massage your scalp weekly to improve blood circulation and hair growth.

How to work with shrinkage

Shrinkage is many a naturalista’s pet peeve, and this does not exclude ladies with short hair. Because of how shrinkage hides the actual length of the hair, it can be irksome, especially if you want your hair to appear fuller and longer after styling. One effective way to deal with this challenge is by accepting that shrinkage is a natural part of your hair. When you come to embrace the shrinkage, you’ll find out that it’ll feel less frustrating for you when the actual length of your hair doesn’t really show in hairstyles. Another thing you can do is stretch your hair using African threads before styling, as this allows your actual hair length to show.

Here are more ways to stretch your short natural hair, without using heat styling tools. More on that next.

Minimize the heat exposure

Due to the limited length of short hair, it can be more exposed to heat damage than medium to long hair when styled with heat styling tools. Worse is, if the hair is damaged by heat – unlike medium to long hair, where manipulating your mane into certain hairstyles can still hide the damage – it becomes obvious. To avoid this, you can totally cut off heat styling tools and opt for heatless methods of styling hair instead. Or you can apply a heat protectant to your strands before styling with heat tools.

14 Natural Hairstyles for Short Hair

Many naturalistas think that the styling options available for short natural hair are limited due to its length. As such, many ladies with short hair may not even think, let alone be enthusiastic, about trying new hairstyles, as they’re not even sure many hairstyles exist for short hair. On the surface, this looks to be true; however, it is a misconception. Different types of hairstyles abound for ladies with short hair that can be worn for different occasions. Not to wait any longer; let’s get into how to create short natural hairstyles,

1. Comb coils

SOURCE: @alluringhairbyrina

For a hairstyle that does not require many styling items, apply gel to some strands of damp hair and twirl it on the teeth of a fine-tooth comb to create gorgeous popping curls.

2. The tapered cut

Source: @tarajiphenson

If you’re bold and expressive, the tapered cut is the hairstyle for you. This haircut is best done by a professional.

3. The afro

Source: @a_n.ge.li.na_

Short hair don’t care. This minimalist and homage-paying hairstyle to one’s African roots is created by applying hair oil to damp hair and then combing it up with an Afro-pick comb.

4. Finger coils

SOURCE: @mizizi_by_shethnaturals

Another way to get defined bouncy coils on your short natural hair, this hairstyle is achieved by applying gel to a small section of the hair and twirling it around your finger.

5. Bantu knots

Source: @paula.keta

Like the Afro, Bantu knots are another hairstyle that represents African culture. It is created by sectioning the hair and then wrapping it around itself to create a firm knot.

6. The wet look

SOURCE: @tasalahq

A unique hairstyle in its entirety, this is created by applying gel to wet hair and then slicking it down with a hair brush. Trust me, with this hairstyle, you will get loads of compliments.

7. Puff puff hair

SOURCE: @ddkhairbeautique

The puff puff hair, as its name suggests, is created by tying small sections of your hair with an elastic band to create little puffs.

8. Bobby pins updo

SOURCE: @_meauxshairs

This hairstyle is particularly for the lady that does not do boring. It is achieved by pulling your hair into an updo and then accessorizing it with gold bobby pins.

9. Palm coils

Source: @natura__essie

Yet another minimalist hairdo, this is created by rubbing a generous amount of hair gel all over your hair with your palm. It is best done on a TWA (teeny weeny Afro).

10. Shaved sides with coils

SOURCE: @shdctour

This haircut is a combination of bold and daring with a sprinkle of drama. It is achieved by shaving your hair at the sides while putting the rest in beautiful coils.

11. Wash ‘n’ go

SOURCE: @nuturehaircare

A popular hairstyle in the natural hair community, this is created by applying oil and curling custard to freshly-washed dripping wet hair and then shaking it. The result is usually bouncy coils that last for days.

12. Bantu knot out + braids

Source: @adannamadueke

Instead of combing when you take down your bantu knots, simply convert it into another hairstyle – a knot-out – by braiding and accessorizing sections of the front hair.

13. Braided updo + twists

SOURCE: @gemishaunhair

Braid both sides of your hair following a horizontal line, and then put the hair in front in twists.

14. The Afro puff

SOURCE: @healthyafrohair

Pull your hair up and secure it with a band to create the stylish Afro puff.

Check out: 20 Stunning Short Natural Haircuts

The color blonde is one that is loved by many because of its tendency to match nearly all skin tones and the fact that it makes a bold statement. However, people with Type 4c hair may find it challenging when it comes to dyeing their hair. Due to its tight curl pattern and coarseness, it can be more prone to breakage and damage. That’s why it’s important to know the right steps to take when dyeing your 4c hair. In this article, you’ll be getting such steps along with inputs from hair stylists, so keep reading.

What to know before you begin dyeing your 4c hair

1. Determine the current state of your hair

The current condition of your hair will determine whether or not you should go ahead with dyeing your 4c hair blonde. If you’re battling dryness, split ends, intense breakage, or any other type of hair damage, it’s best to first get your hair back to a healthy state before you dye. This is because the chemicals in the dye can worsen your damaged hair condition.

2. Use the right products

It is important to buy high-quality products, especially those from reputable brands, as low-quality products may cause damage to your hair.

3. Deep condition and detangle

Hairstylist, Folake Folarin, advises that before you begin, your hair should have been deep conditioned first as you need it to be in a healthy, manageable state. Another thing to do before you begin the dyeing process is to comb your hair, as this will ensure there are no tangles or knots when you begin. Folarin also adds that it is important to bleach your 4c hair first before applying the toner/dye, or else the blonde color will not hold.

4. Visit a hairstylist

If you’ve never dyed your hair before and you’re not sure about DIY, you can visit a salon to get help from a hair stylist so you don’t cause damage to your kinks.

Step-by-step method of dyeing your 4c hair blonde

• Hair bleach (or more, depending on the length and thickness of your hair)
• Developer
• Toner
• Hand gloves
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing brush
• Wide-tooth comb
• Shower cap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

Here are the items you’ll need to have ready:

Step 1. Prepare the developer and bleach powder

According to Nia Hope, founder of Nia Hope & Company, producer of Hair Growth & Dry Scalp Serum, “The most important thing to know when bleaching your hair is that measurements and time frames are so important.”

To begin the process of dyeing her hair blonde, Nia mixes 2.5 ounces of 40 Volume Creme Developer and the entire packet (1 ounce) of the L’Oreal Quick Blue Bleach powder into the mixing bowl. She stirs it up with the application brush until the consistency is thick.

Step 2. Apply the mix

If you have a TWA (teeny weeny Afro), you can start applying the mix all over your hair, from roots to ends. However, if your hair is longer, you’ll have to section it into four for easier application.

After applying the mix to your hair, cover it with a shower cap to trap the heat and speed up the bleaching process. Then leave the bleach to process according to the instructions on the pack which is sometimes between 30 – 40 minutes. Set a timer on your phone or watch so you are right on time. When the time is up, take off the shower cap, wash the mix with shampoo, and towel dry your hair.

Nia noticed that after washing, the texture of her hair changed. “Like my curls are not this loose… Everything that I’ve heard about chemically treating your hair and bleaching can change your hair texture is 100% true,” she says.

Step 3. Tone/Dye the hair

The next step now is to tone the hair. Nia mixes 1.4 ounces of toner with 2.8 – 3 ounces of 30 Volume Creme Developer and stirs. According to her, the toner neutralizes yellow and orange tones on bleached hair as it gets rid of brassiness and produces a brighter blonde. After mixing, apply the toner to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.

Nia says first-timers, that is, those who are new to the hair dyeing process, should be prepared for their hair to not only come out in a different color but also in a completely different texture because it’s responding to the products that have been used. She also noted that her hair was extremely dry after the dyeing process, and she had to apply some moisturizing cream to get her hair hydrated. However, licensed cosmetologist and hair stylist, Britany Michelle, comments that the reason for the dryness was because of the volume of developer that was mixed with the toner.

“Use 5 or 10 Volume developer to mix with your toner,” she counsels, “No need to go in with 30 Volume with your toner since your cuticles are already wide open from the initial 40 Volume plus bleach. Toning with five or less volume should have your hair feeling less dry.”

Let us know in the comments how you plan to dye your 4c hair this summer!

Read next: Which Olaplex Products Are Best For Curly Hair?

From providing the hair with moisture to controlling frizz to combating damage, among others, the benefits of a leave-in conditioner to hair, especially curly hair, cannot be overstated. However, unsafe ingredients in many leave-in conditioners out there can be a major deterrent when it comes to purchasing one for your curls. Not to mention that many of these products can a bit pricey. So, how about you try making your own leave-in conditioner with ingredients that you know and can trust? With items laying about in your kitchen/those you can easily grab at a local store, you can DIY the best leave-in conditioner for your curly hair. Ready? Let’s begin.

The Items You’ll Need

We’ll be using DIY enthusiast, UnivHair Soleil’s recipe to make this leave-in conditioner. The items you’ll be needing are:

• Okra (heads and bottom parts)
• Heat-resistant jar and cover
• Hot mineral water
• Whisk
• Filter bag
• Double boiler pot
• Avocado oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Melted mango butter
• Melted shea butter
• Emulsifier BTMS-25
• Vitamin E oil
• Lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Preservative (benzyl alcohol with dehydroacetic acid or any other preservative that is compatible with the ingredients)
• pH tester
• A pair of rubber gloves

Step 1: Prepare the Aqueous okra macerate, a.k.a the okra water

First things first, put on your gloves, as this will help keep your palms and fingers clean from the messy process. Then put about 45 pieces of okra (heads and bottom parts) inside your clean heat-resistant jar and pour the hot mineral water into it.

Leave this mixture to sit for an hour, but during this period, you’ll need to whisk at regular intervals. Whisking the content will ensure the nutrients from the okra disperse into the water faster. Whisk every 10 minutes and then cover.

When the time is up, you’ll notice that the water has cool down, and your okra water now has a bit of slimy consistency.

Then, it’s time to filter the water. Pour the content of the jar into your filter bag and extract the slimy water from the okra pods by squeezing the bag.

Step 2: Prepare the oil mix

In your double boiler pot, add one tablespoon each of avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and fractionated coconut oil. Next, add two tablespoons each of the melted mango butter and shea butter. After this, add three tablespoons of emulsifier BTMS-25. Finally, add the aqueous okra macerate, a.k.a okra water. Now here is the thing, the amount of okra water you add to the mix depends on the consistency you’d like. If you want a thick consistency, add less okra water. However, if you’d like a runny one, then add more okra water.

Step 3: Emulsify

Place the double boiler pot on the stove and stir with the whisk until all the emulsifier is melted. Continue stirring until you get your desired creamy consistency (you can choose to add more okra water if you want).

When the cream is ready, take the small bowl out of the boiler and put it in a bowl of cool water. Continue stirring with your whisk while the mix cools down to room temperature.

Step 4: Add your oils and preservative

Add 20 drops of vitamin E oil to the mix and stir well with the whisk. After stirring for a couple of minutes, add ten drops of lavender oil and stir the mix again. At this point, your mix should have cooled down. So, take the bowl of your mix out of the bowl of cool water. Then four drops of peppermint oil and stir well. Finally, add 15 drops of your preservative and stir well for a few minutes.

Yay! You have successfully DIY-ed your leave-in conditioner. Now, transfer the leave-in conditioner into a clean jar or container. To make sure the leave-in conditioner is right on track, you can use the pH tester to check for the pH (potential/power hydrogen). The result should range from between 4 and 5, as this is necessary for giving your hair smoothness and preventing unnecessary breakage, among other benefits.

You can watch the full video of the DIY leave-in conditioner process here on UnivHair Soleil’s YouTube channel:

Your DIY Leave-in Conditioner: A Multipurpose Use

Besides using this mix as your leave-in conditioner, you can also use it in these other ways:

1. As a rinse-out conditioner

After shampooing your hair, simply apply this mix next and leave it to sit for about 10 – 15 minutes before rinsing out in cool water.

2. As a hair mask

For that extra deep penetrating of moisture into your curly strands.

3. As a body cream

This mix will help to hydrate your skin. However, it is important to first do a skin patch test to see how your skin responds to the mix.

Will you be trying this recipe soon? Let us know in the comments.

Worried that you cannot find the right hairstyle for your type 4c hair? We’ve got you. In this article, you’ll be getting 20 of the best hairstyles for your natural hair type. Whether your hair is long, short, or medium, these styles are definitely ones you’ll slay in. 

1. Two-strand twists

SOURCE: @heal_thyhair

A go-to hairstyle for many naturals, this hairstyle involves splitting a section of your natural hair into two equal parts and then wrapping both parts around each other from roots to tips.

This video by Glow Up with Paige shows you how to do two-strand twists:

2. Puff with bangs

Source: MaryJane Augustine-Obah

Another favorite amongst naturals, this is created by leaving some hair in front, brushing the rest of your hair up, and securing it with a band.

Ginette Kofigah shares this tutorial on how to achieve the hairstyle:

3. The halo

Source: @adannamadueke

Also called the crown, this simple yet chic hairstyle is achieved by braiding the hair from both sides of the head to meet at the back.

Mona B’s YouTube tutorial shows you an easy way to achieve this hairstyle in less than three minutes:

4. French roll

Source: Igbocurls

The beautiful thing about this sophisticated hairstyle is that it is one of the easiest to create. First of all, you start by sectioning your hair in front. Next, you sweep one side of your hair to the middle and secure it with bobby pins. After that, you pull the hair left out on the other side to overlap the one that you just worked on and then pin it as well. Finally, you pull the hair in front to the back and tuck it in with a pin. In this tutorial, Igbocurls Chinwe Juliet teaches you how to achieve this four-minute hairstyle:

5. Three-strand twist

Source: @crystalclearcurls

Another member of the twists family, this hairstyle is created by splitting a section of your hair into three equal parts and then wrapping each part around the other to create a finish uniquely distinct from the two-strand twists. Igbocurl Chinwe Juliet’s detailed video tutorial shows you how to achieve the three-strand twist hairstyle:

6. Straw curls

Source: @thechicnatural

One of the best ways to get well-defined bouncy curls, this hairstyle can be created by rolling your hair with a pack of straws. In this how-to video by TheChicNatural, you can learn to do straw curls by yourself at home:

7. Flat twists

SOURCE: Skele Natural Hair

Yet another member of the Twists family, flat twists are an alternative to the traditional cornrows. This hairstyle involves weaving the hair into twists that lay flat on your head. You can then choose to either rock them like that or pop on a wig. This DIY video by Tyiece explains how you can flat twists your natural hair:

8. The Cinnabun

Source: @theysayash

A hairstyle, for all occasions, is created by first brushing and securing the hair into a puff with an elastic band, followed by rolling some strands of that puff from tips to roots and then pinning it down. YouTuber MyCrownofCurls demonstrates how you can create the Cinnabun look on your natural 4c hair:

9. Frohawk

Source: Nelly Johnson

Loud and proud, this hairstyle is a blend of the “afro” and the “mohawk” hairstyles, hence the portmanteau “frohawk”. It is created by sweeping and pinning both sides of the hair to the middle part of the head and then leaving the hair in the middle to hang loose.  Cedya CC’s video tutorial shows you how to achieve this hairstyle:

10. Bantu knots

SOURCE: The Trend Spotter

A classic, this hairstyle is a way to celebrate your African roots. It is done by rolling a section of your hair to form a knot. DIY enthusiast, Breanna Rutter, shows a step-by-step method on how you can achieve the Bantu knots:

11. Cornrows

SOURCE: Styles by Sandz

One of the go-to hairstyles for keeping your natural hair flat under a wig, it is created by parting a section of the hair into a row and then braiding flat on the head. Tyiece’s detailed video tutorial shows how to do cornrows:

12. Rod sets

Source: VeePeeJay

Another way to achieve maximum curls definition is created by rolling/wrapping your hair with rollers (perm rods, flexi rods, sponge rods, etc). Watch Nae2Curly’s video for a practical way to create a rod set hairstyle:

13. Wash n go

SOURCE: ALove4Me

This hairstyle is created by applying a leave-in conditioner and hair gel to your freshly-washed soaking wet hair for that extra curl definition. Literally, wash and go. LaToya Ebony Hair shares this guide on how to achieve the hairstyle:

14. Space buns

Source: @whitneymadueke

The space buns are a playful chic hairstyle that can be achieved by parting a vertical line in the middle of the head from front to back. Next, the hair on either side of the hair is brushed and tied into a puff. For a visual guide on how to create this hairstyle by yourself, watch Whitney Madueke’s tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5EN8VEl_ms

15. Rope twists

SOURCE: @micanicolehairstylist

Yet another member of the twists family, involves splitting a section of hair into two equal parts and rolling each part before twisting. The result? Rope-like coily twists that make others stare in awe. Follow Kurly Krissy’s guide on how to achieve this hairstyle:

16. Low bun

SOURCE: Black Hair Information

Elegant and dashing, this hairstyle is created by brushing your hair to the back and tying it in a puff. With hair gel and a satin or silk scarf, you can give it that extra sleek look.

This YouTuber, Olusola, teaches you how to achieve the style:

17. Half up half down

SOURCE: Dayaunna Mareee

Another fun hairstyle to rock, this is created by creating a horizontal line from ear to ear, and then pulling the hair in front into a puff while the hair at the back hangs loose. Tiktoker Shuhrawn shows how you can achieve this simple hairstyle in minutes:

@shuh_rawn Its gon shrink real bad 😂 but it came out alr #fyp #viral #nourisheveryyou #LikeAMonarch #natural #4c #naturalhairstyles #WeStickTogether ♬ CAMERAS DRAKE – officialsoundsldn❤️‍🔥.

18. Afro

Source: Betts Patricia

Sometimes, the best hairstyle is the one that stands out – literally. Many naturals say the Afro is a way to pay homage to one’s African heritage. This tutorial by Quijuandas shows how to create the Afro in less than five minutes:

19. Silk press

SOURCE: Royalty Organics

What’s a way to get that relaxed hair look without actually relaxing your natural hair? A silk press! This hairstyle involves blow-drying, flat ironing, and trimming the hair to create a glossy smooth-to-the-touch finish. Shell Grows Hair’s video tutorial explains how you can achieve a silk press hairstyle:

20. Finger coils

Source: CT

A hairstyle that never misses, this is created by twirling some strands of hair around your finger from roots to tips, until your entire hair is covered in finger coils. Watch Chizi Duru’s video on how to do finger coils:

Did you know that stress, that seemingly natural response to something challenging, can have an adverse effect on your hair? Yes, stress can cause you to experience hair loss, among other problems. Learn more about what stress does to hair and how you can combat it.

Different Types of Stress Levels that Can Affect Your Hair

The following are types of stress levels that can cause hair problems and they include:

1. Telogen Effluvium

This is a condition where the hair falls out as a result of extreme stress, weight loss, and poor diet, among other factors. It begins with the hair becoming weak, followed by abnormal shedding, and thinning. If you’re suffering from telogen effluvium, you’ll notice that when you brush or wash your hair, more hair falls out than normal, at an alarming rate. You’ll also notice that your hair looks and feels thinner than it should be.

This, however, is temporary and the hair usually grows back after some months.

2. Alopecia Areata

This is a hair condition that occurs when the hair falls out in small patches, leaving random spots of baldness on the scalp. Alopecia areata is a common hair condition that affects millions of people all over the world, gender and age regardless (although it is rare in newborns and infants). Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system mistakes the hair follicles for foreign invaders and attacks them. While scientists and researchers are yet to discover the exact reason for this, stress is attributed to be one of the potential contributing factors to the condition.

Although this has no known cure, it can be treated and this will be discussed later on in this article.

Read more: What You Need To Know About Temporary And Permanent Hair Loss

3. Trichotillomania

This is a mental/physiological disorder that causes a person to pull out their hair from the scalp. When a person does this, they leave bald patches on their scalp. Chronic stress can cause a person to suffer from trichotillomania.

Lean more: What is Trichotillomania? Two Women Share their Honest Experiences with Hair Pulling

Ways Stress Can Affect Your Hair and How to Combat Them

1. Hair Loss

As has been discussed above, extreme stress can cause you to experience certain conditions that lead to hair loss. Telogen effluvium usually goes away on its own after a few months but you can speed up the process by seeking the help of a professional (trichologist or a doctor). Together, you both can identify the underlying cause(s) of this condition which could be poor diet, harsh hair treatments, and mental strain as a result of circumstances, among others.

To treat trichotillomania, you’ll need to work with a medical professional for medications and therapy. The major therapies used for treating trichotillomania are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and habit reversal therapy (HRT).

For alopecia areata, as has been stated already, sadly, there is no known cure. However, medications and therapy can be used to manage the condition. It is best to consult with a professional.

2. Overproduction of Sebum

Extreme stress can cause your scalp to produce more oil (sebum) than is necessary, leading to seborrheic dermatitis such as itching, flaking, dandruff, and even acne. You can deal with this by practicing relaxation techniques and using products specifically formulated for dealing with seborrheic dermatitis.

3. Premature Graying

While genetics can be a major contributing factor when it comes to premature graying, high levels of stress can also trigger it. According to [this 2022 study](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/04/how-stress-causes-gray-hair#:~:text=A new study shows that,pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.), stress can cause premature graying in people. However, the good news is it can be reversed. In the course of their study, the researchers discovered that when a sufferer took a vacation, their hair color was restored to its original one. If you suffer from premature graying, you should identify and eliminate the cause of your stress. You should also seek professional help as you may need to take medication and modify/change your diet.

4. Dull-looking Hair

Stress can result in a reduction of blood flow to the scalp which in turn can lead to dull-looking and lifeless hair. If you suffer from this, you can combat it by eliminating your stressors and then using hair products such as hair masks, to restore its shine.

5. Slow Growth

Stress can slow the process of hair growth in a person, thus resulting in shorter hair length. If you notice that your hair remains at a particular length for a period longer than usual, and you’re going through stress, then you should know that the stress is the root cause. You can treat this by massaging your scalp to increase blood flow, eat healthily, and also deal with the factors that contribute to your stress.

Check out more tips to improve your length retention.

6. Thinning Hair/Hair Breakage

Chronic stress can cause your hair to become weak, leading to split ends, thinning hair, and hair breakage. If you’ve noticed this, the best thing to do is speak with a professional. You may be given medication or supplements and also guided to modify your lifestyle. Furthermore, you may need to get hair products that help to combat these problems.

Emotional and mental strain can cause hormonal imbalance which in turn leads to hair problems. If you suspect that stress is to blame for your hair problems, then you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Stress can be managed and some of your hair problems can be reversed, you just need to take the right action.

What’s the secret to creating the perfect twist out on 4C hair? The right techniques! Whether you have short, medium, or long 4C hair, the right techniques can help you achieve a well-defined twist out with bouncy curls for days. If you’re ready to get started, then follow this guide.

Achieving the perfect twist out: a step-by-step guide

1. Give your hair moisture

The first step is to moisturize your hair because moisturized hair is manageable and easier to work with as opposed to dry hair that can snap and break. Grab your spray bottle and spritz your hair with water before massaging your leave-in conditioner into your hair.

Check out: Top 20 Leave-In Conditioners for Softer Hair

2. Split your hair into sections

It’s easier to work with your hair when it is split into sections. Trying to work with hair that is not sectioned can cause it to get all tangled up during the twisting process and you don’t want to be distracted with untangling when you should be twisting. Use your fingers to gently divide your hair into sections. The sections can be big, medium, or even mini, depending on what you want. No, these sections do not have to be perfectly lined at the roots. The focus here is your twists but hey, if you want to, you can go ahead and make straight neat lines. After this, clip off the sections with your hair clip. Clipping the sections will make sure they do not interfere with each other during the twisting process.

3. Rub in your twisting butter product and detangle

Take a section of hair and massage a small amount of your twisting butter into it from roots to ends. It is important that you do not use too much as that can leave your hair oily and weighed-down. After this, you want to gently detangle with your fingers or a detangling brush. Detangled hair is smooth and easier to work with as opposed to hair filled with knots and tangles.

4. Begin the twisting process

To start, you have to split the section into two strands. Again, this doesn’t have to be a neat divide but you can go ahead and make it so if that’s your preference. Grab the two strands of hair and twist them around each other from roots to ends. Now, your twist may unravel at the end if not secured. To secure it, you can do a finger coil 1½ inches to 1 inch towards the ends of your twist. Repeat the steps for each of the sections until you have your entire hair covered in twists.

5. It’s time to get your perfect twist out

Many naturals on the internet have all confessed to this — the longer the twists stay in, the more perfect the twist out. If you cannot afford to wait long, you can take out your twists after 24 hours. The 24-hour duration allows your twists to completely dry out so they can produce the desired finish. If your hair still isn’t fully dry by this time, you can use a blow dryer to complete the drying process. On the other hand, if you have the time and patience, you can leave your twists in for up to three days before taking them out. To take your twists out, first, rub some natural hair oil on your fingers. Why do you need your fingers oiled? The reason is that dry twists (and hair, in general) can become tightly coiled and painful to unravel. The oil serves as lubrication between your fingers and your twists, helping you to gently unravel yet preserve the twist pattern while minimizing pain, frizz, breakage, or any sort of damage. Start the unraveling process by first uncoiling the ends and then untwisting each twist with your finger, following the twist pattern direction. If you’ve followed the steps correctly to this point, you’ll notice your twist outs are coming out highly defined with a fluffy bouncy texture to them. You’ll then go a bit further by separating the twist outs into smaller ones, making sure to follow the direction of the twists during the unraveling process.

6. Get more volume

After you have unraveled your twists, you can use a pick comb to gently lift the roots of your hair. Do not comb out. This will give your twist out a fuller appearance.

Here are two helpful video tutorials that can visually guide you into creating the perfect twist out:

In this video, Seun Okimi shows how she achieves the perfect twist out on her 4C natural hair after 24 hours. She also shows how she maintains her twist out at night:

LaToya Ebony Hair shows two different techniques which are how to achieve the perfect twist out on both wet and dry hair:

Products to get the perfect twist out on 4C hair

Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard

Product promise: Define your signature look by adding a little or a lot. Whatever your style, rest assure that it will be well-moisturized and soft to the touch, without caking or flaking. Use it as often as needed on wet or dry hair.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 20933 users

Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter

Product promise: The Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter is a supremely soft styling butter with an indulgent nutty aroma crafted to nourish and elongate tresses.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.6 star out of 5 stars global rating by 2121 users.

As I Am Twist Defining Cream

Product promise: It produces shiny, long lasting well-defined twists and twist outs. It also minimizes frizz and maximizes smoothness. Hydrates dry hair and helps promote healthy hair growth from the follicular level. Also helps prevent shedding and thinning.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a global rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars by 1479 users.

The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream

Product promise: This Twist & Curl Cream defines twist-outs and curls while reducing shrinkage. Ultra moisturizing formula helps with length retention by restoring moisture balance, increasing elasticity, and preventing breakage.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating from 232 users

With the techniques you have gotten, would you try a twist out soon? Have you tried it already? Share your response in the comments box below.

If you want defined bouncy curls that last for days, one of the best ways this can happen is by doing a rod set. A method that has been in existence for years in the natural hair community, this is one safe and heat-damage-free way to get your curls popping and everybody admiring. This article will delve into what a rod set is, its benefits, and how to do it, and the inspiration you need to try it – so keep reading.

What is a rod set?

A rod set is a hair styling technique that involves wrapping sections of the hair around perm rods or flexible rods to create defined bouncy curls. As aforementioned, it is a heatless way of styling your hair. This means the ends and shafts of your hair are not exposed to the dangers of heat damage from heat styling tools such as hot brushes, curling irons/wands, and flat irons, among others.

When creating a rod set, the most common rods used are perm rods and flexible rods (a.k.a flexi rods). While these are designed to help you achieve well-formed curls, there are some key differences between them. Knowing these differences will help you determine which of these rods you want to use.

Flexi rods on Kathlyn Celeste

What’s the difference between perm rods and flexible rods?

1. Material

Perm rods are made of hard plastic/rubber which can be uncomfortable to sleep in if you leave them in your hair overnight. On the other hand, flexi rods are made of light foam materials which are less likely to cause you discomfort if you sleep in them.

2. Rigidity and flexibility

Flexi rods are easy to bend and manipulate which means you can use them to create different curl patterns. Perm rods, on the other hand, cannot be bent or manipulated.

3. Curls outcome

The resulting curls of flexi rods are looser waves while perm rods give tight coils.

How to do a rod set on natural hair with perm rods

To begin, you’ll need to get these tools and products:

• Perm rods
• Hair clips
• Spray bottle containing water
• (Spray) Leave-in conditioner
• Mousse
• Hair oil
• Wide-tooth comb
• Blow dryer (optional)

1. Section and moisturize

On your freshly-washed hair, cut out a small section with your fingers. The amount of hair you cut out is left to your discretion and your part lines do not need to be straight and neat.

When the section is ready, spray the hair/apply your leave-in conditioner on that section and comb with a wide-tooth comb. It is important for you to comb as you want your hair smooth and free of knots and tangles.

Next, apply a few pumps of mousse all over the hair shaft from roots to tips until it is saturated. Finally, apply a few drops of hair oil to that same hair section for shine. You can comb that section again to get an even distribution of the products on your hair.

2. Roll and rotate

Start by rolling the ends of your hair and the perm rods together. It is important that your ends are flat and secure on the perm rods as this will ensure there is little to no frizz in the final curls’ outcome. After securing the ends of your hair on the perm rods, rotate the hair twice or three times before rolling up. Continue to do this: roll and rotate until you get to the roots of your hair. This technique will make your roots less puffy in the final outcome. Then clip the perm rods in place. Continue to do this until your hair is covered in perm rods.

Tip: if you are using perm rods and want more fullness at the top, use the larger perm rods at the top.

3. Dry

Leave the hair to dry overnight but make sure you wrap/cover it in a satin/silk scarf/bonnet. This is important to keep your curl pattern from getting disrupted, tangling, and frizz. However, if you don’t want to leave overnight, you can speed up the drying process with a blow dryer. Separate the curls. Gently take out the perm rods from your hair. Apply a few drops of oil on your fingertips and gently separate a curl into smaller ones, ensuring you follow the curl pattern. The oil will provide a slip between your hair and fingers as you separate the curls. Separating a curl into smaller ones will help you get more volume. You can also get more volume by using a pick comb to gently lift the hair at the roots.

For a visual guide on how to achieve a perm rod set, watch LaToya Ebony Hair’s tutorial:

How to do a rod set on natural hair with flexi rods

• Flexi rods
• Hair styling foam (mousse)
• Spray bottle of water

1. Section and moisturize

Like the steps followed above, start by putting your freshly-washed hair in sections for easy styling. Next, spritz a section of hair with water from your spray bottle and apply a couple of pumps of mousse on your fingertips to be massaged into the section of hair. You may also follow this up with the application of a few drops of hair oil into the hair.

2. Use the flexi rods

Begin the flexi rod process by twisting your hair at the roots. This way, there will be no puffiness at the roots when you’re done rolling the hair with the flexi rods. Next, wrap the ends of your hair securely on the flexi rods and continue wrapping all the way up. After that section of hair is securely wrapped, bend the flexi rod to a more tucked-in position. Continue doing this until you’ve got your entire hair covered in flexi rods.

3. Dry and take them out

Leave the hair to completely air dry or use a hair dryer to hasten the drying process. After this, take out your flexi rods. Next, pick a curl and separate it into smaller curls with your oiled fingertips. Do this for all the curls. Finally, lift the roots with a pick comb for more volume.

Nae2Curly’s video tutorial will guide you on how to use flexi rods on your natural hair:

Rod set natural hairstyles

1. Perm rod set with middle part

PICTURED: Karina Karen

2. Updo with curled tips of already-twisted hair

PICTURED: Faithys 4C Curls

3. Perm rod set on short natural hair

SOURCE: @hairizat

4. Perm rod set + shaved sides

SOURCE: @crown.to.sole

5. Two-toned perm rods set

SOURCE: @dayelasoul

6. Flexi rod set on blown-out natural hair

SOURCE: Christin Brooks

7. Flexi rod set with the middle part

PICTURED: Kristina Johnson

8. Flat twists updo + flexi rods set

SOURCE: Brenna Bynum

9. Flexi rod set on dyed hair

PICTURED: @_ciara.chanel

10. Updo flexi rod set with blond highlights

SOURCE: @karenbradleybrown

Will you be trying a rod set soon? Let us know in the comments.

A quick search on the internet on oils for your hair will reveal various articles on the many ways oils can be beneficial to your hair. However, in the natural hair community, nothing is set in stone. One ingredient touted as beneficial to your hair today, may be canceled by the community for having negative effects tomorrow. And oils are not exempted from these discussions. While using oils on our hair is a tradition that has been practiced for ages, some natural hair experts in this day weigh in that oils can be bad for our hair. This article will focus on experts’ opinions on both sides of the divide and draw a balanced conclusion.

Why you should stop using oils, according to natural hair experts

Natural hair experts and founders of Black Girl Curls, Aeleise Ollarvia and Aishia Strickland flag the use of natural oils such as shea butter and coconut oil on your hair. “Stop with the coconut oil and shea butter,” Ollarvia said point-blank. This opinion, when shared on BlackDoctor, went viral and led to the #30DayHairDetox, also referred to as the “No Oils, No Butters Challenge,” in which people give up raw shea butter, raw coconut oil, Eco Styler, and products that include them in the top 5 ingredients for 30 days.

To clarify, “No butters, no oils means no raw oils, no raw butters. And by ‘raw’ we mean single ingredient, or concoctions that somebody made in their kitchen,” Ollarvia said on a livestream. “We’re not necessarily talking about the use of well-formulated products that are formulated with high quality processed butters and oils in them. Because there is a very big difference between products that use quality processed shea butter and cheaply processed shea butter.”

She and Strickland further highlight seven reasons you should not use these oil and butter on your hair.

1. Oils are heavy

Coconut oil and shea butter are heavy when compared to other oils and butter. Ollarvia says, “Shea butter and coconut oil used the way most consumers do suffocates the hair and scalp. Moisture = water. Oil = sealant. If you don’t clarify the oil layer off of the hair and allow water to get into the cuticle you’re moisturizing dry hair.”

2. Oils can dry out the hair

According to Ollarvia, “Water evaporates in 4-7 days from hair so adding coconut oil or shea butter to dry hair then co-washing or using weaker sulfate-free shampoos contributes to the experience of dry hair.”

3. Oils can leave your hair frizzy

Strickland and Ollarvia say that hair that is shampooed and sealed with either coconut oil or shea butter is blocked from absorbing any moisture from the atmosphere. Ollarvia further explains, “Once the water stored in the hair evaporates [after] 4-7 days, the hair reaches out to the atmosphere for water (e.g. dry, rough, frizzy hair).”

4. Oils do not provide the hair with moisture

As you may have read, oils and shea butter act as sealants, which means they lock in moisture from water or other forms of moisture like a moisturizing cream. Ollarvia says, “There’s no need for oils (natural or petroleum based) on the hair but for sealing or lubrication. A healthy scalp contains sebaceous glands that provide a protective layer for the scalp skin. Light oils that form a protective barrier around the hair strand are fine. What’s not okay is an absorbed oil (coconut oil and shea butter) that blocks water out of the hair strand.”

5. You are using too much oil/shea butter

As the famous saying goes, too much of anything is good for nothing.

6. Oils are not water-soluble

Coconut oil and shea butter are hydrophobic, that is, they do not mix with water. This can lead to your hair looking greasy.

7. Oils cause build-up

Using coconut oil and/or shea butter too often can cause them to leave build-up in your hair. Strickland says that coupled with the fact that many naturals prefer to use sulfate-free shampoos to wash their hair, that is, shampoos that are not strong to remove the build-ups, the end result is permanently dry hair. Ollarvia recommends that reducing or eliminating the use of coconut oil and shea butter eliminates the need for harsh shampoos.

A different opinion, according to a cosmetic chemist

Cosmetic chemist and founder of Curl Chemistry, Tonya Lane, shares a different perspective. In fact, she says it is “crazy” to ditch the use of oils in your hair care routine. In her YouTube video, she breaks down the composition of the types of oils that are used for hair. The first type of oils are saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids and they include coconut, avocado, olive, and Babassu oils. Lane explains, “Those two are the best oils for our hair if you’re trying to have oils that penetrate into the hair.”

The second type is polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are oils that do not penetrate your hair, rather they create a film on top that coats the hair. Usually, many naturals think it is a red flag when the oil sits on your hair instead of penetrating it. Lane corrects that notion by stating it is actually a good thing as the oil protects the hair by reducing friction on the surface. She says when your hair is dry and is not coated with oils to help the hair glide across each other, it can cause tangles and ultimately, breakage. “So you want a nice film on the hair a.k.a oils…they’re going to help the hair glide past each other without tangling up and causing breakage.” These types of oils include hemp, sunflower, safflower, and grapeseed oils.

How to use oils on natural hair

So this brings us back to the question: Are oils bad for your hair? The answer to this depends on the type of oil used, how it is used and your hair’s reaction to it. Ollarvia clarifies that neither she nor Strickland hates oils. They state that oils and butter can be moisturizing as long as they are not applied to dry hair. This means that you should dampen your hair with water or any other moisturizer before applying your oil.

Also, some naturals may find that penetrating oils like coconut oil dry their hair, among other problems. For such people, Lane recommends that they replace the coconut oil with Babassu oil as the latter contains high lauric acid that will deeply penetrate the hair strands without drying it. Ollarvia also suggests, “alternative ingredients like aloe vera, marshmallow root, jojoba oil, almond oil, etc. that are water-soluble or able to be easily removed with a light cleanser serve the hair better.”

What has your experience been with using hair oils? Do share in the comments.

SOURCE: Cara Palmer

What are box twists? 

Box twists, also known as square twists are a type of twist created by parting the hair into box-like sections and twisting.

What are the benefits of box twists?

They’re a popular hairstyle in the natural hair community because, for one, they are suitable for all hair types, lengths, and textures. You can also make them in different sizes — big, medium, or small. Furthermore, there is versatility when it comes to styling them. Lastly, they are a low-maintenance low-manipulation hairstyle that can be kept in for weeks and still look as beautiful.

If you’ve been wanting to try box twists but can’t seem to part out a clean box section, then let this article be your guide.

Step-by-step instructions on how to do box twists

What you should know before you begin:

Start on clean hair as this makes the parted lines on the hair come out neat. Another thing is if you’ve never done any type of twists by yourself before, it is advisable you start with bigger sections. These consume less time and energy. Smaller sections may take your time and leave you with cramped aching arms, making it frustrating for you to finish the entire twists.

Have these tools and products ready:

• • Rattail comb

• • Hair clips

• • Spritz bottle containing water

• • Moisturizing curl cream

• • Natural hair oil

• • Wide-tooth comb

• • Elastic bands (optional)

• • Hairbrush

• • Edge control

Step 1. Split your hair into sections

Use the tail of your rattail comb to split your natural hair into four large sections: two in the front and two at the back. In this step, the parted lines do not have to be neat, as you’re simply splitting them in preparation for the moisturizing step. After doing this, use the hair clips to hold each section in place.

Step 2. Moisturize

In this step, you can moisturize using the liquid, cream, and oil (LCO) method. Take a section of hair and spritz it with water from your spray bottle until it is damp, not soaking wet. This is because soaking wet hair, just like dry hair, is hair at its weakest and if styled in that state is susceptible to breakage. Then there is the case of having water from wet hair drip on your neck, face, and shoulders. After spritzing, the next thing to do is apply your moisturizing curl cream and work it into your hair from roots to tips. Finally, rub some oil in each section of the hair to help lock in the moisture from the cream. It is important to mention that not all moisturizing curl creams may need the addition of oil as some were formulated to lock in moisture on their own. However, if you have dry or porous hair, adding a natural oil as a sealant can help your hair stay hydrated for a longer period.

Step 3. Get rid of knots and tangles

Here’s where your wide-tooth comb comes in. Use it to detangle your moisturized hair gently from roots to tips until all the knots and tangles are taken out and you’re left with smooth hair. The wide-tooth comb also helps to further distribute the moisture from the LOC evenly on your natural hair. When you’re done with this, put the section in a loose twist, wrap the hair around itself and secure it with a clip.

Then repeat steps 1 – 3 for each of the other three sections.

Step 4. Create a box section

Take down the clips and the two loose twist sections at the back and comb them together with your fingers. Then use the tail of your rattail comb to create a row two to three inches up from the nape of the neck (this size is for medium box twists). Make sure you part out in a neat horizontal line. Then divide the row by a vertical line into two to create a column. This will form the perfect box section.

Step 5. Smooth the section

Pick up one of the box sections and smooth down with some edge control at the base and then brush with your hair brush. This will help add a sleek look to your hair. Pick up an elastic band and coat in a small amount of oil to prevent friction on your hair as this can cause breakage.

Step 6. Twist or braid the section

Next, wrap the elastic band firmly not tightly around the hair to secure the twists at the roots. If the band is too tight, it can pull at the roots of your hair and leave some bumps on your scalp. When you’re done, divide the hair into two equal strands and begin to twist from the roots all the way to the ends.

Now, the rubber band part is completely optional. If you’re not doing that, after applying the edge control and brushing your hair, separate the box section into three equal strands and begin to braid at the roots. Here, instead of the rubber bands, the braids will help secure your twists at the roots.

Braid about 1 – 1½ inches of hair, merge, and then split the three strands of hair to become two equal strands instead. Take these strands and begin to wrap them around each other.

As you’re getting to the roots, you’ll notice that the hair becomes thinner, making it difficult to continue twisting. Simply twirl the thin ends with your fingers to keep them from unraveling.

Repeat

Repeat the steps of sectioning into rows and columns and twisting to create the remaining box twists all over your hair.

For a visual guide on how to create box twists by yourself, watch this YouTube video tutorial by Jeanette J Beauty:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/jhQ_JBNlAfk

Product recommendations for box twists

Creme of Nature Moisture Whip Twisting Cream

Product promise: Defines & elongates Curls. Provides crunch-free, soft & shiny curls. Long-lasting hold. Non-flaking, non-sticky, non-greasy.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.5 star out of 5 stars global rating by 2634 users

Marc Anthony Curl Defining & Enhancing Lotion

Product promise: Defines and softens curls. Repels humidity. Adds shine. Controls frizz.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 8,867 users

Argan Magic Defining Curl Cream

Product promise: A lightweight, moisturizing curl defining cream for maximum frizz prevention. Ideal for wavy or curly hair, medium to coarse, this ultimate curl potion will spotlight every ringlet, smooth waves and eliminate frizz without feeling stiff or sticky.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.3 star out of 5 stars global rating by 3012 users

Twist by Ouidad TWIST Weather Up Weightless Curl Defining Gel

Product promise: Keeps curls moisturized. Soft, touchable hold with no crunchy residue.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.3 star out of 5 stars global rating by 1818 users

Avlon Keracare Natural Textures Twist and Define Cream

Product promise: Avlon Keracare Natural Textures Twist and Define Cream gives smooth shiny, soft twists and twist-outs.

Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.3 star out of 5 stars global rating by 564 users

Read next: How to Care for Your Scalp While Wearing Braids & Twists

If there’s one thing that makes twists one of the most sought-after styles for 4c hair, it is their versatility. This along with the fact that they are a low-manipulation hairstyle and do not require a complicated routine when it comes to maintenance, all while being a protective style. As already mentioned, twists present a lot of versatility when it comes to styling options. This way, you’re not stuck with recycling one hairstyle. Instead, you can switch up looks for different events, activities, or just because you feel like it. Whether your 4c hair is short, medium or long, fine, thin or thick, here are 14 natural hair twist styles that are sure to get you compliments when you rock them:

Chunky Twists

SOURCE: Pinterest

Also sometimes called Jumbo twists or loose twists, these twists are sectioned large so that they give off a bold finish. It is best done on full and thick 4c hair and you can further accessorize them for that extra beauty.

CREDIT: Chika Park

Three Strand Twists

SOURCE: @jasminemoguel

A deviation from the traditional two-strand twists, this twist hairstyle requires a technique of wrapping three strands of hair around each other to create a unique twist look and it is suitable for all hair types. The technique can be tricky for beginners and it may take a bit of expertise to perfect which is why I have included the video below to help you out:

CREDIT: Jen Finds Gems

Halo Twists

PICTURED: essie_n

Also called the crown twists by some, it is a simple hairstyle, created by twisting a large chunk of your hair from the front all the way back, tucking it in, and securing it with Bobby pins to create a halo-like effect. This style is usually recommended for naturals with longer hair:

@mytype4hair_ Low manipulation/ easy go to style💗 follow for more and follow my natural hair IG page @ mytype4hair_ #fyp #naturalhair #twist #crown #type4naturalhair #4chair #4ctiktok ♬ Hit Different (feat. Ty Dolla $ign, The Neptunes & Pharrell Williams) – SZA

CREDIT: MYTYPE4HAIR

Spiral Crown Flat Twists

SOURCE: Black Hair Tribe

As the name implies, these are spiral flat twists created starting from the front and sides of the hair and wrapped around at the edges to give off a crown-like effect. Although ideally, they’re suited for naturals with long hair, those with short hair can do this too by adding extensions to give you that full twist effect.

Twisted Top Bun & Bangs

PICTURED: astoldbyher_

This 2-in-1 hairstyle (a combo of a bun and bangs), suitable for medium to long hair, is one that is definitely worth trying out. You can either choose to flat twist the bun or pull up single strands of twists into a bun and style the remaining twists in front as your bangs.

Mini Bantu Knots

@tyeisha.shardae Bantu Knots On Short 4c Hair Tutorial 💞 #bantuknots #short4chair ♬ nobody else sped up – Summer Walker

The mini bantu knots are a hairstyle, especially for ladies with short 4c hair. With your hair neatly sectioned, firmly twisted, and wrapped in a knot, what better way to show off your proud African roots?

Mohawk Flat Twists

SOURCE: @ibhairtherapy

This stylish head-turner involves creating flat twists from the front or sides of your head all the way to the center. You can do the twists in swirling, criss-cross, or straight patterns, depending on your taste.

Flat Twists Updo on Short Natural Hair

PICTURED: Ruutos

Yet another hairstyle specifically for girls with short natural hair, the flat twists updo never looked better. With a look quite distinct, it gives its wearer a regal appearance and will surely get heads to turn in admiration when you walk by.

Flat Twist Pompadour Updo

PICTURED: Tyiece

The flat twist pompadour updo involves the technique of sweeping the hair upwards from the face and piling it up in thick chunks in the center of the head.

Flat Twists + Crisscross Hairstyle

PICTURED: @neishag

A blend of flat twists and crisscross hairstyle, this unique combo comes to life by crisscrossing flat twists atop each other. You can even rock it in a puff like Princilla Adu in the video below:

Chunky Blown-out Box Rope Twist

PICTURED: @thefrotales

Another hairstyle particularly for the girls with thick full hair. The large unusually full twists resemble hair that is blown out with a blow dryer.

Regular Twists With Highlights

PICTURED: Kinky Curly Beauty

Spruce up your regular twists hairstyle with some color highlights. Blonde, red, purple, green, whatever the color, just dare to explore and give yourself a whole fresh look.

Ponytail and Flat Twists Combo

@mochunks Flat twists & ponytail💕 One of my go to hairstyles for outings 💛 #NaturalHair #NaturalHairStyles #Afrocentric #AfroHair #AfroHairStyles #4CHair ♬ Nzaza – Asake

As the name says, you can create this style by putting your natural hair in flat twists and then adding a ponytail extension to its ends. You can choose to do this in a high or low ponytail.

All Back Flat Twists

PICTURED: @_simplystasia

This is a simple girl’s hairstyle in which you section your hair into 4 or more and flat twist from your front hairline all the way to the back.

Which of these twist styles would you try? Do share in the comments!