Search Results: Lisa Michelle

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 11, 2015

To give you a brief introduction on hair oils, there are two main categories you will come across:

• Carrier oils- vegetable/nut/seed derived oil, usually odorless, can be used alone or used to transport or carry the scent and properties of an essential oil 
• Essential oils- highly concentrated scent, contain specific therapeutic benefits, normally extracted from plant sources and diluted with carrier oils

Examples of essential oils widely used in the natural hair community are rosemary, tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender and sandalwood. Of course there are many others, but these are found in many natural hair products for their healing and restorative properties. To help you navigate, here’s a list of some of the more popular and a few obscure natural oils on the market.

Coconut oil

Light and non-greasy, coconut oil can easily be used by all hair types. Coconut oil is one of the few oils that can actually penetrate the hair shaft. There are several types of coconut oil available, but go for the extra virgin (EVCO”>. This oil is typically clear in its liquid form and a white color that is solid at room temperature. Shelf life: approximately 1-2 years.

More: The May Uses of Coconut Oil

Olive oil

Castor oil

A heavier oil great for tighter coils, castor oil can be great for sealing moisture into your hair. Many have also used this oil to help regain thickness around thinning hairline. A little definitely goes a long way. Too much can leave your hair heavy and weighed down. Another popular variation is Jamaican Black Castor Oil. This less refined version can be used to encourage hair growth as well as protect and seal your ends. Shelf life: indefinite.

More: Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Grapeseed oil

This light and moisturizing hair oil can benefit all types of curls. A natural heat protectant, grapeseed oil can  be used as a thermal agent up to 425 degrees when blow-drying or flat ironing. Apply a bit throughout the hair before applying heat to give your hair added shine and protection. This oil works great to strengthen each strand, increase manageability, and can also be used to combat dry scalp and dandruff. Shelf life: approximately 1 year.

Jojoba oil

Closely matching the sebum, your hair’s natural oil, jojoba oil is a great staple in your natural hair care routine. This hair oil can be used to balance oil production at the scalp, helping to prevent the sebaceous glands from over-producing oil and causing an oily scalp and hair. Jojoba is also non-greasy and gives your hair a healthy shine. Shelf life: can be indefinite.

More: The Beauty of Jojoba

Sweet almond oil

This light, all-purpose oil is great for all hair types and offers many benefits to naturally curly hair. Sweet almond oil works great as a sealant, so apply a small amount on top of your moisturizer to lock in the moisture. It is also great for improving manageability by smoothing the hair shaft. Shelf life: approximately 1 year.

Avocado oil

This super nutrient rich oil is heaven for thick-haired curlies. Chock-full of natural goodies like amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, avocado oil can help strengthen hair and enhance deep conditioning treatments. Try mixing this hair oil with your favorite conditioner as a deep treatment and adding a plastic processing cap or heat cap for added conditioning. Since this oil is a heavy and slightly oily, it is best for thicker or more tightly coiled strands. Shelf life: approximately 1 year.

Argan oil

This rare oil is making waves in the natural hair community for its moisturizing properties. Easily absorbed and quite nourishing, this oil is great for your hair, skin, and nails too. For curly girls, argan oil helps with manageability and can also strengthen the hair. It can be pricey, but a little goes a long way. Shelf life: approximately two years.

Ayurvedic oils

For ages these hair oils have worked wonders across the globe and they are a wonderful option for naturals. Some of the more prominent oils are amla, neem, brahmi, and bhringaraj; each of these distinctive oils offers their own unique benefits for your curls. For example, amla oil is great for condition the hair, neem oil is excellent for tackling dandruff, brahmi can be used to stimulate hair growth, and bhringaraj is great to combat shedding and breakage.

More: Guide to Ayurvedic Hair Care

Rose oil

A lightweight oil, rose oil is perfect for wavies or those with fine, low density hair. Rose oil strengthens hair at the root, protects against frizz, and adds shine.

This article was originally published in January 2012. 

By Lisa Michelle · Published October 2, 2012

Finger coils are a great styling option for naturals of many lengths. In all the eight years I’ve been natural, I thought I could only rock coils at a shorter length, but that is so far from the truth! I had a chance to experience this for myself with the help of Houston stylist Candace Walls of Sovereign Styles Hair Studio. Using products from the Design Essentials Natural line, she took my hair from curls to coils in no time flat!

I’m a pretty quick learner and I really think this is a style I can do at home myself. However, never having thought I could accomplish this type of style was really the only thing holding me back. Starting on freshly washed and conditioned hair and working from the back of my head to the front, she sectioned my hair into a small row to work with and the rest was clipped out of the way. Within that row, she then sectioned pieces less than an inch square, to create the individual coils. She used a combination of Design Essentials Natural Twist & Set Setting Lotion, Curl Enhancing Mousse and Curl Stretching Cream throughout my hair to prepare it for finger coiling.

Once the products were applied, she stretched and twirled my hair until it began to form the coils. One tip I learned from watching her is to make sure the hair is coiled down to the scalp. This will ensure the coils stay longer and you won’t have to deal with the dreaded puffy roots madness! This technique was repeated all over my head, and I don’t think it took longer than an hour and a half to complete. I proceeded to sit under a dryer until my hair was completely dry, and voila…I had coils!

MORE: Inside the Design Essentials Naturalista Class

Coil Out Tips

The next step to coils is a coil out, which was accomplished the following day.

1. Just as you would with a twist out, your coils can be separated until you achieve the desired effect. Because my hair is so tightly coiled, the resulting coil out wasn’t as voluminous as my twist outs are, but they looked great!
2. I continued to separate them over the next few days and my hair never quite got to the frizzy state that comes with fourth and fifth day hair.
3. Coils & coil outs can last quite a while with proper nighttime maintenance and even that is simple. I slept with a satin bonnet the entire time I had the coils and my hair was never out of place.
4. My only caution with this style is to be careful upon undoing the coils. Because my coils were so small and tight, I had a hard time separating them all enough to make detangling less of a chore. I separated my hair into four sections and applied my favorite detangler Nourish by Earth’s Nectar but it didn’t do much to help get through the small coils. I found myself having to go just about coil by coil, separating as much as I could until I finally whipped out my Denman paddle brush to finish the job. That wasn’t fun, but I think if I had more time to separate first then detangling would have been much easier.

MORE: Finger Coiling for Stubborn Wash-and-Gos

Final Thoughts

Moral of this story: Never say never to hairstyles for your curls! With the right products and some patience, our natural hair can be transformed into just about anything if you’re willing to give it a try. I loved my experience with finger coils. The maintenance and upkeep was super simple and it gave me a totally different look than I’ve ever had before. It curbed my desires for shorter hair and it was quite versatile! This can be a great styling option for busy ladies on the go, new naturals and everyone in-between. Happy styling!

Have you tried finger coils on longer hair? Shorter hair? What was your experience? 

By Lisa Michelle · Published August 8, 2012

My journey with kinky twists has come to an end and I’m both sad and happy to have parted ways with them. I initially planned to keep them in for 4-6 weeks and boy did the time fly! In total, the “Kinks” and I spent a solid 6 weeks together and I can’t believe I made it that long. I knew our time was coming to an end when I kept seeing all the beautiful, loose, natural hair pictures floating around on my Instagram feed. As much as I didn’t miss styling my hair, I genuinely missed my hair. So when I came to the fork in the road of whether to freshen up the edges, or take the twists down altogether I took the road less traveled!

After spending 16 hours installing 160 twists, it was almost a relief to begin taking them down. It wasn’t an easy or quick process by any means, but as soon as I took down the first twist I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement. The removal and subsequent detangling process is just as important, if not more important than the initial installation. You can very easily pull hair out, create larger knots and tangles and damage the strands if you’re not careful. The take down took between three and four hours for me. I had the hardest time with the twists at the nape of my neck, as this hair is fine and easily tangled. What was surprising was that my hair was still super soft, even though it had been in the kinky twists for six weeks!

How I Took Them Down

I used a combination of Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil and Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee to gently coax the tangles apart, while removing a month and a half of shed hair. It really helped me to tackle this in sections, detangling then twisting one section before moving on to the next. I then proceeded to wash and condition my hair one section at a time, still twisting back up before moving to the next. The Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo really did a great job of cutting through the buildup to give my hair a fresh and clean start. EDEN BodyWorks JojOba Monoi Revitalizing Conditioner provided the extra conditioning I needed to replenish the nutrients my hair desired. My hair was back!

Styling After the Twists

My first style after taking my kinky twists out was my hands down favorite: a twistout! It feels great to have my hair back and I’m rocking it in all its glory! Wearing a long term protective style for me has been a great experience and it was a nice breather for my hair. It also taught me to be proud of my curls. When it comes to natural hair, the grass is not always greener on the other side as some people would assume. Enjoy your hair, no matter where you are in your journey! Happy styling!

By Lisa Michelle · Published August 8, 2012

Detangling is an important process in caring for your naturally curly hair. It can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve been previously relaxed and are used to the ease of gliding a comb through your coils. But with a bit of patience, a bit of knowledge and some great products, tools and tips, detangling your kinks and coils can be a breeze.

Detangling Products

The products you use for detangling your hair can make a world of difference in whether it’s a smooth process or a nightmare. Depending on the state of your hair, you may be able to use a lighter product to glide through the snarls, or you may need heavier, creamier, oilier products if you’re having serious issues.

When practicing my normal wash routines of every other week, it doesn’t take much to loosen any tangles I may have. In this case, using a conditioner with slip on your curls is a great way to detangle. With your hair in sections, add a generous amount of conditioner to your section and proceed from ends toward your scalp to work through your hair. Because I tend to use a lot of conditioner, I opt for an inexpensive brand like Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner to tackle this task. You can also dilute a more expensive conditioner or add oils to your mixture to create more slip. If it’s been longer than twoweeks between detangling sessions, I might break out the heavy duty products to whip my hair into shape. Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee literally melts any knots out of my hair, making it easy for me to get my hair back under control.

The easiest tools for detangling your hair are going to be your fingers. You can feel your way through a knot better with your fingers than with a comb or other tool. Just make sure your fingernails are trimmed and not ragged or that could create more problems for you. If the fingers aren’t cutting it, it’s okay…they make tools for that! My favorite tool for detangling my hair is a shower comb. It doesn’t have to be expensive to do the job and you can find them at just about any grocery or beauty supply store. The wide spaced teeth allow the comb to gently pass through your sections without tearing or ripping the hair, if you’re being gentle. You’ll find this task easier to accomplish when you detangle in sections. I also use a Denman brush as my final pass through when detangling. I like using a Denman last because it has more teeth and I run less risk of pulling my hair out when it’s already been gently detangled. Good tools in combination with great products make for quick work detangling your hair.

When it comes to managing your coils, there are a few tips that can make your life a bit easier. Many people find that separating your hair into several sections makes it easier to get the job done. Depending on the length of your hair, you may require 4-8 sections in order to efficiently tame the tangles. If you need more, add more! Don’t be afraid to do this…trust me, it will save you from a headache later.

Working from the ends up to the root is also another important tip to detangling your hair effectively. If you work from the ends, essentially you can pull the tangles apart; however, if you start at the scalp, you will make small tangles bigger and can end up doing some serious damage. I’ve learned that the hard way too!

Last tip is to do what works for you. If you like detangling your hair dry with oil and it works for you great! If detangling with conditioner works for you fantastic! Experiment until you find that happy median that will keep your detangling sessions quick and painless. You will have some shed hair no matter what option you choose, but with good products, gentle hands and technique you can make detangling your hair a breeze. Happy styling!

How do you detangle your coils?

By Lisa Michelle · Published August 7, 2012

I always hear about people opting to wear protective styles during the harsh winter. But what about protecting your hair during the hot summer months? I’ve worn micro braids and Senegalese twists, but never tried my hand at kinky twists. If you follow the same premise of two strand twists, kinky twists should be a fairly straight forward installation and can save you lots of money should you choose to do them yourself. Here’s how I did mine!

Preparation

I started with freshly washed hair, then washed, conditioned and also went ahead and deep conditioned since I planned to keep my hair in this style for at least a month. Once my hair was clean and separated into four sections, I applied Kinky-Curly Knot Today as my base leave-in, EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Hair Oil and EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Hair Milk to seal it all in. This combination of products gave me soft, well moisturized hair and allowed me to proceed to the next step.

Once my hair was nourished, I applied a light coating of grapeseed oil to each section before I tension blow dried my hair. During tension blow drying, it’s important to use a heat protectant and grapeseed oil offers a natural option for heat protection. It’s also important to make sure your hair isn’t soaking wet when blow drying. Working with damp hair will make it easier to keep the hair smooth and speed up your blow dry session. Finally, make sure to keep the heat settings on low to medium so you don’t burn your hair!

Installation

Now on to the fun and hard part! I started with my hair in eight sections, four across the front and four across the back. I found it easier to start in the back of my head, though you can start in the front or around the perimeter. I used Marley braid hair which comes sectioned into 20 pieces per package. I chose not to cut the hair in half since I have longer hair and wanted to make sure I covered my entire length. I also wanted the longer twists look.

I made small parts, between ¼” and ½” and used the braiding first method to attach the extensions. I started by creating a braid with my hair and the two sections of Marley braid hair. With my hair between the two pieces of braid hair, I wrapped my hair over the braid hair and back to the middle position, creating a secure hold so that I could continue braiding. Once I got down about an inch or so, I twisted my hair around one piece of braid hair to get two pieces and then began two strand twisting to the ends. I repeated this over a total of 160 twists and 16 hours later I was done! It’s important to make sure you don’t pull the hair too tight, especially around your hairline. You can create larger parts, but try not to put too much stress on weak areas.

Final Thoughts

Although this was a long process, it was definitely worth it. If you were to get this type of style done at a braid shop it could easily cost upwards of $250 dollars or more, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. The great thing about being able to braid your own hair is that you can, not only save loads of money, but you can also refresh your style and perform any maintenance when needed. Kinky twists are a great protective style for any occasion and I’ve gotten lots of compliments on them already. They blend quite well with my own hair and will last four to six weeks.

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 26, 2012

When I opted to wear a protective style, there were several factors that influenced my decision. First, I wanted to make sure my hair was protected and I did not want excessive stress placed on my strands. Second, whatever style I chose, it needed to be fairly low maintenance. After all, what would be the point of doing a long term protective style that I was constantly going to have to mess with! Last but not least, I wanted a style that was cute and could mimic my actual hair. I found that kinky twists fit all of these requirements and so far, have lasted quite well without having to retouch!

Through my experience wearing a protective style these past few weeks, I have noted a few pros and cons that I think will be helpful in your decision on whether or not to take on kinky twists. Let’s start with positives first.

The Benefits

• Low Maintenance: I have been able to cut my morning routine by 20-30 minutes simply from rocking this style. Not to mention, getting ready to go out has been a breeze! Not having to figure out how to wear my hair allows me more time to focus on finding the right outfit and doing my makeup.
• Long Lasting: When done and maintained well, kinky twists can last at least 4 weeks, but I’m aiming for 6-8 weeks with a touch up of my edges. How’s that for a return on the initial investment of 16 hours?
• Natural-looking: These twists compliment my own natural style and I’ve received lots of compliments. In fact, I’ve had people ask if it’s all my hair — that’s how natural they look.

The Drawbacks

Despite the wonderful aspects of this style, there have been a few drawbacks as well and I wouldn’t be fair of me not to disclose those. They’re not completely deal breakers in my opinion, but it definitely requires an adjustment period.

• Installation Time: This is probably the number one inconvenience I found with this style. For me, as a novice braider, it took 16 hours for me to complete my entire head. If you go to a professional it could take half that amount of time, but it will come with a steep price tag too. If you have the time and the patience, I’d still recommend doing it yourself. That’s the only way to get better!
• Bulky: Using the kinky (Marley”> braid hair, it took eight bags of hair to cover my entire head. At times it’s uncomfortable to sleep or to pull my hair all up in a ponytail without feeling the full weight of the hair. This is one area I know I can improve upon the next time I attempt this style. Splitting the pre-sectioned hair in half, or using a different type of hair completely, will cut down on the bulkiness of this style.
• Limited style options: This is a combination of the bulkiness and length of the hair. I chose to keep the full length of the hair, while some people choose to cut the hair in half. For me, the sheer bulkiness of the hair limits the styling options to half up/half down or all down styles, but that’s fine with me. Limited style options means you can master the styles you CAN do quickly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the positives have significantly outweighed the shortcomings of the kinky twist protective style. It’s not necessarily a style for everyone, but it can meet your needs if you’re looking for a style that’s simple and natural looking. There are many protective style options out there. You just have to find one that works for you and the look you’re going for. Happy styling!

Have you tried kinky twists? What has your experience been?

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 21, 2012

I’ve been enjoying my kinky twist protective style for three weeks now! I’ll admit, I had a bit different idea of how I wanted my hair to look before I installed my kinky twists, but they’ve been awesome thus far. As far as styling goes, I’ve kept it pretty simple for the most part, which is what I prefer. Not having to style my hair was my main reason behind doing a protective style. With that being said, I’ve done a few cool styles that are perfect for those who want to experiment with their own protective styles.

Flip it

This is a great look when you’re getting ready for a night on the town. The one sided look is chic, sexy and very easy to accomplish. I’ve added a few hair pins to keep the twists in place, but the appeal of this style is that the twists will still be able to move fairly freely during the evening. You can even add a loose twist in the front.

Half Up, Half Down

Since I’m carrying eight full bags of kinky hair on my head, it can be rather bulky. It’s not real heavy, but trying to put all of the twists into one ponytail holder is a challenge to say the least. The half up, half down style has pretty much been my daily style. This easy and stylish go-to look can be adjusted to accommodate more hair up, or more hair down, depending on your preference. Once I’ve decided how much hair I want to pull back, I use a semi-stretched ponytail holder to secure the hair in the back. Sometimes I’ll pull the hair through the scrunchy one and a half times, leaving a bit of the ends loose and sticking up. Other times I’ll pull the twists through twice to create a tighter, more defined ponytail.

Twisted Loops

This was one of the striking styles that I came up with just playing around with the twists. It’s definitely different, exotic and quite glamorous at the same time. For this style, I started by sectioning off a wide piece of hair in the front. The back was flat twisted to one side, secured with a ponytail holder, and the ends were flipped upward and pinned in place. The loose hair that remained in the front was then separated in three and flat twisted the length of the twists. Each twist was then flipped and pinned in place towards the middle of my hair, creating hanging loops on the side. The end result was a funky fresh style that I wouldn’t expect to see many other people pulling off.

Final Thoughts

Having these kinky twists in has been a fun experience, and I look forward to keeping them in for at least a few more weeks. I’ve been exercising daily, and it’s been a breeze to not have to worry about my hair while I sweat. I’ll definitely be trying out some more new styles before taking these down! Happy styling!

How do you style your hair while in protective twists or braids?

By Lisa Michelle · Published June 19, 2012

So you’ve got your hair in kinky twists for a protective style but that’s the easy part! Making sure your twists stay looking their freshest can be just as tedious as the installation process itself. There are a few things you can do to keep the maintenance on this style simple and pain free.

Prepping Your Hair

Preparing your hair before installation can be critical to achieving sleek, uniform twists. I performed a blow out on my hair prior to installing the twists, which allowed my hair to be stretched and tangle free. Even though I used the kinky Marley braid hair, this helped to create a smoother look when I was installing the twists. I also used Jane Carter Nourish & Shine on my hair and the braid hair while I was twisting. This literally nourished my hair as I twisted, and even though the braid hair is not human hair, it helped to create a sense of continuity between the two types of hair.

Kinky Twist Care

This is where the work begins. So usually my hair stays pretty “new” looking for at least a week without having to do anything to it. This is a big plus for protective styling. Even though it takes a long, long time to do, minimizing the daily manipulation of your hair is great! Your hair is still in there and I think a lot of people forget that when they’re wearing a long term protective style. I wouldn’t dream of going longer than four days without moisturizing my hair in twists or a twist out, and the same holds true when I’m rocking this protective style.

To give my hair some TLC while rocking these kinky twists, I’ve been adding a few key products every 3-4 days at night. Since I usually follow the LOC (liquid, oil, cream”> method for moisturizing my hair, I lightly spray my hair with Darcy’s Botanicals Herbal Leave-In spritz — not enough to saturate, but enough to evenly cover from roots to where my hair ends in the twists. Then I spray a few pumps of EDEN BodyWorks Natural Hair Oil into my hands and disburse throughout the twists from root to ends. This lightly coats the hair in oil, giving a wonderful shine to your twists. I know my hair is happy now, but if I feel like its extra dry, I’ll add the EDEN BodyWorks Natural Hair Milk as the cream to round out the LOC method. This ensures my hair is well moisturized while in the twists and also make it easier to take them down.

Nighttime Routine

This routine is simple. I tie my hair up with a satin scarf and sleep on a satin pillowcase. This is no change from my nighttime routine when it’s just my hair. Your hair is still in the braids and cotton pillowcases can draw the moisture away from your hair in the same way.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your hair while in a kinky twist can make a world of difference. If you want your hair to stay healthy, take some time to moisturize your hair and tie it up at night. This not only helps keep the frizzies at bay, it helps you retain a fresher looking style longer! Happy styling!

By Lisa Michelle · Published May 7, 2012

Do you remember hair combs? Yep, I’m talking about the old school ones your mom used to use in your hair. These little ingenious creations have made a comeback with a vengeance! They come in all different sizes and colors, and there are even some cool designs to help give you new and creative ways to style your hair. You might have some already in your drawers, so go grab them. If you don’t, it’s time to take a trip to your local beauty supply store. Let’s see how we can transition your day look into a fabulous nighttime style.

A great evening look is chic and stylish, and you can be a little bolder with your hair. One of my favorite looks, and a popular one among curly girls, is a faux hawk. Hair combs are the perfect tool to create this style because they’re strong enough to hold all those curls back without causing damage. Because of the simplicity, this style is great for any length, short or long. In fact, I think this style looks exceptionally fly with shorter hair…it just makes the curls stand out even more!

Faux Hawk with Hair Combs

There are so many variations of the faux hawk style, but I usually like to keep it simple; again, you can be as bold as you want!

1. Part the Front: Since my hair is longer, I start by picking a side that I want my hair to fall to. You may or may not want to make a hard part here. You can take the front section of your hair and part it on the side you usually do or just sweep it to the side you want it on.
2. Pin the Sides: Once you have decided on that, smooth the hair on one side up towards the crown of your head. Then, take a large hair comb and put it in your hair (with the teeth going down towards your ear”> to hold it in place. Flip your hair over and do the same thing to the other side.
3. Pin the Back: Smooth back of your hair up towards the crown of your head. Then, take a medium-sized comb place it to hold up the hair in the back pushing it down towards your neck.
4. Style the Front: Now for the front of your hair, you can do one of two things: leave it out, or pin it up. I usually choose to pin my hair up because it’s so long and I don’t want it in my face when I’m partying. To pin it up, gently sweep the hair to one side, take a small hair comb, and pin it in place. I love bangs, and this gives me just enough to make me happy!

Final Thoughts

Here’s a quick tip to make your life easier when using hair combs. You should go in the OPPOSITE direction than you would think. When I first started using them I didn’t know I was using them wrong, but my hair never stayed up! Putting it in the opposite direction allows the teeth of the comb to really grasp and hold your hair in place. So don’t go in the direction you are pushing your hair in, put it in the other way and your hair will stay for the night! Happy styling!

What variations do you love to do on a faux hawk?

By Lisa Michelle · Published February 28, 2012

Combine a beautiful lady, one daring haircut and a dose of freedom mixed with confidence and you get a sexy TWA wearing woman. Oh, you didn’t know? Let me say it again: TWAs are SEXY!

There’s something to be said for a woman who can shed her hair and still maintain her charm and allure. TWAs, or teeny weeny afros, are attractive, glamorous and can be downright sexy!

Styling

Whether you’ve done the Big Chop or just cut your hair into the style, having short hair doesn’t mean your styling options are limited. Sure you can throw on a headband or sport a pouf, but you can create some cool, chic styles too. In fact, there are many ways you can rock your TWA and still be fashionable.

If you have at least a few inches of hair, you have more than enough to play and experiment with. Try an asymmetrical style for a fun and charming look. Go for a faux hawk if you’re feeling a bit bolder! These festive and party-worth styles will garner the attention of the room, allowing you and your hair to be the life of the party.

You can also just rock your TWA as-is and still be free and sexy at the same time.

Create a cool, coily style by finger coiling your hair.

Take a small section of hair, add a bit of pomade and twirl your hair around your finger, creating springy tight coils. You can do them as big or as little as you like to create your own signature style. If you’re wearing a short, cropped look, be sure to moisturize your hair regularly so it doesn’t become dry and frizzy.

Color

A short cut is a great time to try out color too! Since you will experience grow out relatively quickly from a TWA, you’ll be able to change up your looks just with a haircut or trim. Try a bold red, a sweet honey blonde or even go for a shade to match your skin tone. This creates a one-of-a-kind look that will certainly get you noticed!

As your hair starts growing out, you’ll be even more aware of your hair growth. You can begin to experiment with placing color in certain areas of your hair to give an even more stunning appearance. Adding color in the front of your hair will help frame your face, giving a pop of color and whimsy feel to any length of hair.

Color can also be added to your accessories stash too. You can be bold not only with your jewelry, but with scarves and makeup as well. You have the freedom to pull together different pieces into a cohesive, fresh look no matter what color hair you’re rocking.

Confidence

You have to have a certain amount of confidence to rock a short, sassy cut. This, my dear friends, is called swag. Swag is the difference between dreading going outside with your TWA and holding your head up proud. This confidence is what makes a woman irresistible to the opposite sex and the hair crush of fellow naturals.

Show off your swag by building your accessories collection. Jazz up your look with some funky glasses, shoulder dusting earrings or a bold lip color. The options are endless when it comes to dressing up your TWA so don’t be afraid to try something new and different. Now is your chance to express yourself beyond your hair!

Final Thoughts

TWAs don’t have to be boring and they most definitely can be some of the fiercest styles in the natural hair community. Flaunt your kinks with confidence and know that you are indeed beautiful. Wear your teeny weeny afro proudly and you may encourage others to do the same.

Happy styling!

By Lisa Michelle · Published February 24, 2012

To big chop or not? It’s a question many ladies ask themselves when considering going natural. After that question come questions and comments from your friends, family and even strangers: Why did she do that? Is she gay? Is she trying to be a boy?

Believe me, it can be a cruel world out there. Most people don’t understand the psychological effects on a woman when she drastically cuts her hair, whether by choice, for health reasons or otherwise.

The questioning of your sexuality is often the first thing that comes up for discussion. But does a short curly haircut define your sexuality?

The Case of Emma Watson

Recently, actress Emma Watson spoke out about how she was addressed in the media after she debuted her new sleek, cropped haircut. The world watched the beautiful young star grow up on screen as Hermoine in the “Harry Potter” saga. In 2010, as the series came to an end, Emma shed her “Harry Potter” image and went for a drastic pixie cut that thrust her into the fashion forefront.

She told Entertainment Weekly that she “wanted to do this since I was about 16,” and that the cut was “the most liberating thing!”

Just recently Emma revealed to The Independent that initial reactions weren’t the most positive. She discussed how “journalists were asking me if this meant I was coming out, if I was a lesbian.”

Although this was a personal decision for her, the media found a way to insert themselves and make even a super star question her own style choices.

The Not So Opened Minded Beginnings

Ellen Degeneres

So how did society come to associate a short hairstyle with lesbianism? In the 1920s, English author Radclyffe Hall described a particular “uniform” appearance of the lesbian woman, featuring cropped haircuts and pantsuits. The short haircut was associated with a woman seeking a more masculine appearance. This  stereotype of a lesbian hairstyle is not confined to a particular racial group, but crosses many nationalities.

Probably one of the most famous visuals of this appearance is TV personality Ellen DeGeneres. In addition to being an advocate of gay rights, comedienne Wanda Sykes also rocks a gorgeous mane of cropped, naturally curly hair.

And As for Myself

Personally, I love the short-cropped cut. As Emma described, it really does something to liberate a woman from the standard of what society deems beautiful. It’s sad that people will often cast an opinion on or provide reasoning for the personal decision that you’ve made.

A short cut doesn’t mean you’re gay. It doesn’t mean you’re crazy. It doesn’t mean you’re trying to be a boy. How a person wears his or her hair is not indicative of a certain lifestyle. No one is defined by his or her hair, and we know that best here at the NaturallyCurly community.

The best thing we can do as women is to be as confident in ourselves and not let the ignorance of society influence how we choose to look and feel. So go ahead and crop your long manes and big chop your relaxed hair. TWAs are sexy no one can resist a pixie!

No matter who you are, your hair is simply an expression of your style and never an expression of who you are as person.

By Lisa Michelle · Published February 6, 2012

As naturals, we have the luxury of versatility and creative styling with our hair. Natural hair can also be a treat in the bedroom too. There’s nothing worse than trying not to mess up your hair while having some playtime with your mate. Since February is the month of love, take a moment to consider these kinky twists, braids and buns that won’t disrupt your make-out sessions!

High Bun

Keep it simple and classy in the boudoir with a high bun or top knot. Not only is it a super chic look, it is a very friendly style for the bedroom. You hair is up and out of the way which allows easy access to your neck, ears and shoulders. Even when you’re lying down, your hair won’t be crushed and will still look sexy from any angle.

This look can also be achieved in a short amount of time which is a plus. In less than 5 minutes you can have your hair styled and be ready for action! Pull you hair up to the top of your head and secure with a pony tail holder. You can leave some bangs out in the front or pin them to the side. Don’t worry about making it neat – I’m sure your lover won’t mind if it’s a little messy!

Sexy Braid

If you want a low maintenance style for the bedroom that can hold up on a great night, a sexy side braid might be the perfect choice! A looser, messy braid can be created in a pinch, but still allow you to look effortlessly sexy.  It’s fun, it’s playful, and most of all it can be quite durable. Your man may even be tempted to give it a tug when things start to get hot and heavy!

You can even choose to do a kinky twist instead of a braid. If you’re comfortable with flat twisting, add a side part and flat twist across your crown. You can either continue the flat twist into a side ponytail or simply secure with a scrunchie and you’re ready to go.

Wild & Free

No time to style you hair before getting it on? Well, one of the advantages of natural hair is the ability to go with the flow when the time is right. Having some alone time with your mate can be a breeze without having to stress about messing your hair up. Sometimes it’s okay to just go with it, let your hair be wild and free and just enjoy the moment!

Now is where having satin pillowcases will come in handy!  These satiny smooth bed linens not only benefit your hair care regimen, they also make the best accessories when it comes to getting busy in the bedroom. Now those spontaneous make out sessions won’t wreck your hair as much.

Final Thoughts

Your hair doesn’t have to hinder your love life. As a natural woman you should embrace your curls in and out of the bedroom. These playful kinky twists, braids and buns will keep the hair out of your faces and be a hit with your significant other. It helps if you have a few minutes to prep before the deed, but there is nothing wrong with improvising on a whim. Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect; your mate will probably be more than pleased no matter how you hair is done! Happy styling!

By Lisa Michelle · Published February 1, 2012

Natural hair has garnered fascination across genders and nationalities, but there always seems to be a special connection between women with natural hair and men. When it comes to crossing racial lines, white men and women who choose to wear their hair natural are usually a hot topic of conversation. Inquiring minds want to know — what’s the deal with white men and natural hair?

In the Media

Throughout movies and social media, there have been more than a few examples of the curiosity between white men and natural hair. You can go back to a movie like “Something New,” where Sanaa Lathan’s character “cut” her relaxed hair in favor of a curly, “natural” look. This change was well received by Simon Baker’s character, her eventual love interest who just so happened to be white.

Maybe even more popular is the highly acclaimed web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” The series focuses on “J,” an awkward black girl who happens to rock a seriously awesome TWA, and her budding relationship with “White J,” an equally awkward white guy who finds her beautiful.

These are just a few examples that stick out among the many. As the natural hair community continues to increase, so does the attention it receives from men of other races.

What’s the Attraction?

It takes a certain amount of confidence to rock the natural look, and I think that is the primary allure. Every guy has his own preference, whether looser waves or tight curls, braids or fades, but it’s all in how you carry yourself. Your inner beauty can be exuded through your hair, and no matter the race, it may be undeniable to the opposite sex.

For some white men, natural hair seems to take a lot of the fuss away from primping and maintenance, and allows the focus to be more on you. I think some men in general see women with natural hair as being less superficial and more genuine. From reader comments and personal experience, compliments received from white men usually express the appeal of our natural beauty. Being able to be yourself without some of the limitations of relaxed hair is simply refreshing.

Genuine Connection

In the natural hair community, there are many interracial couples represented. The multitude of white husbands and their natural wives are truly an expression of love and acceptance. CurlTalk forum member HennaRo said her white fiancé “loves (her”> hair…his fluffy pillow.”

Another CurlTaker, HJ Lutz, wrote of her experience being married to a white guy for over a decade: “He understands me completely.”

It may not seem as obvious on the surface, but it’s easy to see how genuine connections can be made when someone appreciates you for you and not your hair.

Men and Natural Hair

The male species generally falls into three categories with regards to natural hair, no matter their race. Some will not like it, and there’s nothing you can do to change their minds. Others will absolutely love it, and will go head over heels when you release your curls! However, I think the majority of men will fall into a third, broad and indifferent group – as long as you’re happy with your hair, they couldn’t be more pleased.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, men of many races can be attracted to naturally curly and kinky hair, but it is simply a reflection of the person under the hair. When you display confidence in yourself, you never know who may be picking up on it. I’ve accepted quite a few compliments from white men when my hair was curly, in braids, and even when it was straight.

Although I think it depends on the guy, many naturals who have been the recipients of compliments feel that white men may just be more liberal towards the styles they find attractive. It’s easy to appreciate a hair compliment, but it’s mighty special when it comes from the opposite sex, no matter the race.

By Lisa Michelle · Published January 19, 2012

I’m sure you’ve heard some of the lingo thrown around by naturals and trust me, it can get downright confusing at times! As I’ve come to learn a bit more, I realized that quite a few natural hair acronyms are length related. From TWAs (teeny weeny afros”> to BSL (bra strap length”> and beyond, there’s a serious focus on length, especially among types 3 and 4 curlies. So are you hair length obsessed?  Should you even be concerned? Let’s talk it out!

Hair Growth Cycles

First, let’s just be honest, hair only grows so fast. Your hair goes through 3 cycles: anagen, catagen, and telogen. How long your hair stays in these cycles will ultimately determine not only how quickly, but the length at which your hair grows.

The first stage, anagen, is the growth phase and typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 years. Next is the shortest phase, catagen, which is a brief 1 to 2 week transitioning period. Last is the telogen phase, the 5 to 6 week resting period when you may notice your hair begin to shed.

Now that we’ve covered your hair cycle, let’s discuss how quickly hair actually grows. For the average person, your hair will grow about 1/2 an inch in a month or about 6 inches a year. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, a lot of people still fall into the thought process that their hair isn’t growing. Barring a serious medical condition, your hair is indeed growing, but you may not be retaining length. This is where a good regimen, the right products and conscious styling come into play.

Realistic Expectations

Since there’s not much magic to it, the key to growing healthy hair will be length retention. Your ends are the oldest hair on your head so they must be treated with care if you want to achieve a certain hair length. I’ve spoken with so many ladies who either swear their hair isn’t growing at all or they are stuck in the perpetual “shoulder length” stage. In most cases this can primarily be contributed to hair breakage! Protecting your ends, keeping them moisturized, and keeping up with regular trims should allow you to see more of that growth.

So what would be considered setting realistic growth and length goals? Keeping in mind the average speed of growth, and accounting for small, regular trims, it’s safe to say you may see between 4 to 5 inches of growth in a year. Some will see more, others maybe not so much, but it really depends on your genetics, hormones and your own hair growth cycle. As an example, many pregnant women report increased thickness and hair growth during their pregnancy, but suffer considerable hair shedding postpartum. Hormones play a significant role in the hair growth cycles, so if you’re experiencing excessive shedding, I would recommend seeking a professional evaluation.

Long Hair vs. Healthy Hair

I’ve been part of a few conversations that touched on sacrificing length over health. Silly as it may sound, there are some people who just want to be at their target length, even if it means having scraggly hair. Most hair styles will look better when your hair is healthier. Even if you’re aiming for WL (waist length hair”> you can still get there with regular trims, so don’t neglect those ends!

Equally as important is to make sure your scalp is clean so the follicles can breathe; clogged follicles can hinder effective hair growth.

When it comes to natural hair, it’s very easy to get swept up in the hair length debate. Don’t put the emphasis so much on length; rather, make the condition and strength of your hair a priority. Especially if you’ve done the big chop, it’s pretty obvious that your hair can grow back, and pretty quickly too. Rock your TWA to the best of your ability! Embrace your curls and watch them flourish when you give them the proper love and attention.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to reach a certain length, but I think a more important focus should be healthy hair. There may always be someone out there with longer hair, that’s just the way it goes. Keeping up with a regimen that includes a focus on overall healthy hair will help you attain not only long, but strong hair. That’s something anyone can appreciate! Happy styling!

Do you have a hair length obsession?  What’s your length goal?

By Lisa Michelle · Published January 9, 2012

Perfect to combat the cold air, hats are also the perfect fashion accessory! Jazz up your winter wardrobe while keeping your head warm with these super chic winter hats for curly hair.

Curly Winter Hats

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Floppy Hats

Floppy hats never seem never go out of style, even when the weather turns cold!  These hats are perfect for curly girls since you can really let your curls hang in the cooler temperatures. You can find these hats constructed using canvas or straw for the summer months and heavy felt or wool during the cooler months.

A floppy hat usually has a bit more room in the crown to accommodate your hair so this hat shouldn’t smush your curls too much. If you want a more refined look, try pulling your hair back into a low, loose bun while letting just a few curls frame your face. This peek-a-boo look is great for last leg hair too! Floppy hats are both stylish and practical when the temperature starts dropping.

MORE: Best Hat Styles For Face Shapes & Hairstyles

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Cloche Hats

Cloche hats are a bit more unique, but timeless nonetheless. French for “bell,” these hats are designed with a bell shape and invoke a sense of vintage couture chic.  You decide how you want to wear it; the cloche hat will accentuate your curls with minimal effort.  You will find these hats are typically made from felt, but some modern adaptations will adorn them with sequins, lace or other embellishments.

These hats are perfect for many occasions, from running errands to a fancy party. Cloche hats allow you to wear your hair out if it’s sitting a bit higher on your head, or you can snuggle the hat down closer to your crown. Whichever your preference, these hats are guaranteed to garner attention whenever you wear it.

MORE: How to Prevent Hat Hair

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Knit Hats

Knit hats have always been a favorite among curly girls. You can find many styles, from the slouchy tams to the smaller beanies and berets. These warm hats are ideal for keeping your head warm this winter. You can even play with the knit; a tighter knit will keep heat in and the cool air out, while still allowing your hair to breathe. A looser knit can play on texture but still help keep your head warm.

The versatility of a knit hat is undeniable. You can wear it high on the head to let your hair loose, you can rock the slouchy look by stuffing all your hair in, you can even leave some hair out in the front or to the sides. Totally depends on how you’re feeling, but I would consider knit hats one of the must haves of a curly girl’s accessory arsenal. Add a bold color to make any outfit pop!

MORE: Cute Hair Accessories for Ugly Weather

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Other Options

Of course, these aren’t the only styles of winter hats for curly hair. Trapper Joe hats are super cute and super warm!  You’ll find lots of these hats come with furry or fuzzy linings which are sure to keep you warm this winter. Pin the “ears” up when you don’t need the extra warmth for an additional styling option.

Another great style for the season is the fedora. With an ode of masculinity, the fedora instantly adds a classic, traditionally male inspired touch to any outfit. You can place the hat directly on top of your head or towards the back of your head to create two different looks. This hat also gives you the flexibility to wear your hair loose or in a curly ponytail and still look fabulous.

MORE: Curl Friendly Hats Hit New York Fashion Week

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Final Thoughts

Wearing hats are just another way to jazzy up those cold winter nights. However, with the air being drier and lots of heaters being run, you’ll want to take some extra steps to ensure your hair doesn’t dry out with it.

You can try wrapping your hair with a satin scarf before putting your hat on so as not to cause extra friction that can lift the cuticle and cause increased dryness. Some are making knit hats for curly hair with a satin lining already sewn in and that really takes warmth and curl protection to the next level.

If wearing a satin scarf under your hat won’t work, just make sure to moisturize and seal your hair before donning your hat. Happy styling!

MORE: Winter Hat Hazards

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By Lisa Michelle · Published January 2, 2012

It seems that curly hair is a topic coming up more and more frequently in many different forums. With natural hair becoming more mainstream, there’s a good chance that you encounter other curlies on your normal daily activities. So as curlies, we started wondering about when the topic of hair comes up during interactions with people, who do we typically receive more compliments from? Well, let’s see…

Men

I think a majority of guys can appreciate a lady wearing her naturally curly hair, even though they are not as vocal. In fact, I have experienced that men usually give great feedback on curly hairstyles. Not too many guys understand what it really means to be a natural woman, but most appreciate a woman embracing what God gave them.

After perusing YouTube, I found several men giving their opinions on the natural hair movement, but none more well versed and knowledgeable than Drew on his channel sjsafety18. His popular video “Natural Hair: Yo Boyfriend Don’t Like It?” has garnered much praise for breaking down, from a male’s perspective, what men appreciate about women who wear their natural hair.

You may not get compliments from every guy that you encounter, but trust me, most are quite observant and they do notice!

Women

When it comes to dishing out the curly hair compliments, women are by far quicker to share the praise. I don’t think this comes as a surprise to most ladies since as maintaining and styling hair is one thing that we all have in common.

With women, there tends to be a lot more “the grass is greener on the other side” ideology, so straight haired women tend to be quite intrigued with our natural curls. In fact, some of those ladies that share the most compliments may be closet curlies themselves, only hiding behind their blow dryers and flat iron! Most ladies aren’t afraid to follow those compliments with questions about styling, either.

As curly girls we should keep open minds when receiving compliments from non-curly girls. I’ve experienced, as I’m sure many of you have, criticisms wrapped in compliments, and it’s okay! Non-curly women may not get the natural hair lifestyle, but taking the time to explain or educate those who may have questions is a great way to open a dialogue. Who knows, you may be talking to a future transitioner!

Other Naturals

It has been my experience that other naturals give the best compliments! There’s that common bond between naturals and it usually doesn’t even require a bunch of words. Other curly girls know, for the most part, the amount of time and effort that probably went into creating your curly style and they don’t have a problem giving compliments when they see great hair. I definitely love to spread the respect around to other curlies who are rocking their looks. There’s no such thing as too many compliments in the natural hair community!

Most recently while attending the Nzuri Natural Hair Health & Beauty Show in Houston, I was met at every turn with gorgeous hair in all shapes and styles. Even with receiving lots of compliments from other naturals, there can also be some disdain within the community as well.

What I hear a lot of time from other naturals is the “I can’t wear my hair like that!” complaint which shouldn’t even be an issue. We all have our own hair, but there’s nothing wrong with showing appreciation to a cool style!

Final Thoughts

Natural hair can be a great conversation starter and a great way to share a bit of knowledge with those who find curly hair fascinating. Compliments can come in many forms and from many people. It’s always great to hear something nice from others, whether men, women or other naturals. So don’t be afraid to reach out to your nearest curly and share a few kind words — you just may get a few back too!

Who do you receive more compliments from: men, non-curly haired women or natural women?

By Lisa Michelle · Published November 28, 2011

The holiday party season is upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about your own company party. Whether you work in corporate America or retail, your hair should always be a reflection of who you are. Make sure your hair represents who you are while you mingle with your coworkers. Let your curls spread some holiday cheer!

Casual Gathering

If your company holiday party is a casual event, you may want to opt for curly hair styles with less fuss, more fun! Keeping it simple will take away the stress of doing your hair so you can focus on the festivities.

1. Don’t overdo your ‘do! You don’t want to be the center of attention because people are talking about your drastic new hair style!  If you normally wear it super curly, try stretching your curls. If you wear looser curls try a bit tighter spirals
2. You want to enjoy the party so make sure your style is not going to get in the way. Mix and mingle with your coworkers while letting your hair be your main accessory. Pull a bit of hair off your face and add a headband or hair pin if you like.
3. Type 2 (wavy”> If you have fine curls, try boosting the volume! Start with a volumizing shampoo like Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo to add some volume while cleansing. Add a light moisturizer or mousse once your hair is clean and use a diffuser to speed up the drying process.
4. Type 3 (curly”> Your main concern may be keeping frizz at bay, especially if you’re not working with freshly washed hair. Add a leave-in conditioner like Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion to revive your curls and keep the frizz at bay.
5. Type 4 (kinky”> When you’re trying to stretch your hair without heat, your best option is to twist large sections of your hair prior to your event. Use a pomade like Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade on dry hair to increase softness while giving you the length you desire.

Tips – You can add some pizazz to your normal style and still keep true to yourself. Add a bit of glosser to your finished look to boost the shine factor. To maintain the look if you’re wearing your hair down, you can “pineapple” before bed by pulling your hair up into a very high, loose ponytail.

A Formal Affair

When you’re attending formal holiday parties, your attire, makeup and hair should all complement each other. Fancy events necessitate fancy curly hair styles, so pull out the stops with a classic up-do. This style will be a hit at any posh party!

1. Classic styles are always a hit at office holiday parties. Take your curls up and back with this sleek look. Curly girls can rock this look with a ponytail holder and a few bobby pins.
2. Your hair should not detract from the total package; instead it should add polish to your look. The understated elegance should complete your ensemble. The beauty in this style is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to still be gorgeous.
3. Type 2 (Wavy”>: Add a lightweight mousse to your hair while damp and allow to air dry. To create a more tousled look, don’t pull your hair back too tightly. Leave a bit of hair looser at the crown so the style reflects a more effortless look.
4. Type 3 (Curly”>: Smooth the sides of your hair back with a bit of Curlisto Control II Gel to create a sleek look. When fixing the back, allow some of your curls to remain free. This gives a bit of whimsy to this elegant style. Spray a bit of Jessicurl Gelebration for hold.
5. Type 4 (Kinky”>: This style can be easily salvaged from an old twist out. Just smooth a bit of moisturizer like MyHoneyChild Coconut Hair Milk throughout. Once you have the hair secured in the back, you can take the end of a rattail comb to gently lift the front section to your liking. Finish the look with a bit of shine serum.

Tips – This style can be accessorized in numerous ways, just make sure it doesn’t compete with your outfit.  You can choose to dress up the look with simple button earrings or dramatic with drop earrings. You will want to use a satin scarf to secure the style at night.

Statement Style

Give your normal style a little twist for this special occasion. Having a statement style will work great no matter if you’re going to a formal or casual event. The key to making a great impression is to be confident in yourself and that confidence can be reflected in your hair style. Now, are you ready to party?

1. Stand out at the party with a bold style! Take your normal style up a notch this holiday season with an asymmetrical look. This style is easy to create and shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.
2. Take a few bobby pins so make sure your style is not going to get in the way. Mix and mingle with your coworkers while letting your hair be your main accessory. Pull a bit of hair off your face and add a headband or hair pin if you like.
3. Type 2 (Wavy”>: When you’re starting with freshly washed hair, make sure you use a curl cloth to dry your hair to help keep your curls together. This will also help reduce additional frizz and speed your drying time, too. Run a light hold product like Mop C-Curl Defining Cream through your hair to keep the style looking fresh.
4. Type 3 (Curly”>: To make sure this style lasts the night, use pomade throughout your hair to control the curls. Curlisto Finishing Pomade is a great option because it aids with definition and imparts shine too. Use extra pins to secure the hair in the back if needed.
5. Type 4 (Kinky”>: Working with a fresher twist out is best because you’ll have the volume and shape that makes creating this style super easy. Add a bit of oil, like Karen’s Body Beautiful Heavenly Jojoba Hair Oil, to your hands while shaping this style to help prevent additional frizz and smooth the hair at the same time.

Tips – Don’t be afraid to use as many bobby pins as you need to hold this style together.  You can even add a sparkly hair comb in the back to add a bit more flare. This style can be kept easily with sleeping on a satin pillow case at night.  You can even create a second day style by securing the loose hair into a side bun.

Final Thoughts

What curly hairstyles do you rock at the office and how do you change it up for the office party?

By Lisa Michelle · Published November 11, 2011

You may have heard them referred to as finger coils, comb coils, or just plain old coils, but this curly style packs a punch!  Coils and coil outs are essentially a single strand twists and single strand twist outs.

The coils themselves can be done with a just a rattail comb (or even your fingers”> and your favorite styling pudding or pomade. You can wear your coils and subsequent coil-out for a few days to a week at a time. Even better, a coil out looks great on many hair lengths, whether you’re rocking a TWA or longer curls. So let’s get started!

Get the Coil Out Curly Hairstyle

1. Coils and coil outs look best on freshly washed and conditioned hair. A key tip for pulling off this look is to thoroughly detangle before styling. This makes the actual creation of the coils a much smoother process. Apply a liberal amount of leave-in conditioner to your entire head.
2. Depending on the size you want your coils to be, take your rattail comb and separate a small section of hair to work with. A smaller section (about a quarter of an inch or so”> will yield a straw-set type curl, while a larger section (maybe an inch square”> will give you a larger coil and coil out.
3. Take a section of your hair and add a small bit of your favorite styling product from root to tip. You may find a product like Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Coconut & Aloe Moisture Pudding well suited for this style. It offers the moisture you need plus a soft hold. Comb through for even coverage.
4. Starting close to your scalp, gently pull the comb through your hair and slowly roll the comb around. Pull down slightly as you twist the comb; this creates the coil itself. Make sure to take your time until you get the hang of it or you could tangle the hair. Remember, TWIST and PULL. Continue twisting the comb until you get through the ends. Repeat the process across your entire head.
5. If you’re using your fingers you’ll still want to begin by combing through the ends. Then, begin twisting the hair, rolling the twist around your index finger. You still want the coil to be tight at the scalp. Smooth between your fingers as you reach the end of the coil, using your thumb and index fingers to twist the ends. Repeat the process across your entire head.
6. Now that you’re done with the coils themselves, you can let them air dry or dry under a hooded dryer. You can wear the coils as a style, or you can proceed with the coil out process.
7. When you’re ready for the coil out, start by adding a tiny bit of oil on your hands. You’re going to separate the individual coils into smaller sections, like separating your twists for a twist out.
8. Take a coil and add a bit of your favorite oil or butter to the ends to help prevent frizz while pulling the coils apart. Gently stretching the coil down will make it easier to find the natural separations in your hair. Smooth the little coils through the ends and give it a little twirl on your finger. Voila! You may find that creating three to four sections within each coil will give you a fuller look. Continue to separate the rest of your coils.

The nighttime routine for your coils is pretty simple. Regardless of whether you’re still wearing the coils or have transitioned to the coil out, tie a satin scarf on at bedtime to protect the coils and keep them fresh. Refresh the coils in the morning with a spritz of leave-in conditioner and you’ll be out the door in no time.

Final Thoughts

Depending on how small you do your coils and how much hair you have, this style can be accomplished within one to two hours, but may last you a week or more.