It’s cool to rock your natural hair because it shows off your true beauty and helps change old-fashioned ideas about what looks good.
Try co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo), deep conditioning, and using a diffuser when you dry your hair. Don’t forget to use curl creams and leave-in conditioners to keep your curls moisturized and bouncy.
For a casual day, try a high puff or finger coiling. For a more formal event, bantu knots or flat twists can look really elegant. And if you want to protect your hair, try some cute protective braids.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into 20 ideas for embracing natural curls and coils.
Wash & Go
To achieve this look, you start by washing your hair and applying a few key products. This method is great for people with curly or wavy hair because it helps keep your hair healthy and moisturized while looking stylish.
After rinsing, apply a leave-in conditioner to add moisture, and then use a styling gel to define your curls. Once you’ve applied the products, let your hair air dry.
Experiment with different products and techniques to see which ones give you the best results. Remember, the goal is to embrace your natural texture and enjoy a low-maintenance hairstyle that looks great every day!
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Twist-Out
To start, you need to wash your hair properly. Begin by detangling your hair gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while it’s still dry, then wash it with shampoo, focusing on cleaning your scalp. After rinsing, apply a hydrating conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and minimize breakage.
Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to each section, then twist the hair tightly from the roots to the ends. The tighter you twist, the more defined your curls will be.
At night, braid or twist your hair loosely to protect it while you sleep. When you’re ready to take out the twists, use a bit of oil on your fingers to reduce frizz and gently separate the curls. This will give you a beautiful, voluminous twist-out that lasts longer and looks great!
Braid-Out
To start, you need to wash and condition your hair to keep it healthy. After that, apply a leave-in conditioner, an oil, and a cream to help your curls stay defined. It’s best to work with damp hair, so you can use a spray bottle to mist your hair if needed.
The more braids you create, the tighter the curls will be. Once you finish braiding, let your hair air dry for a few hours or overnight.
You can use a little oil on your fingers to help separate the curls without causing frizz. If you want to add some flair, consider using accessories like hair clips or ribbons. With practice, you’ll master the braid-out technique and enjoy beautiful, defined curls!
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Pineapple Updo
To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail on the top of your head. You can smooth your hair with your hands or use a scrunchie to hold it in place. This method helps prevent frizz and keeps your curls bouncy, especially when you sleep or during hot days.
It’s important not to pull too tight, as this can cause breakage. Once your hair is up, you can fluff your curls with your fingers to add volume.
If your hair is shorter, you can create multiple smaller pineapples around your head. This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of the style without needing long hair. In the morning, simply take down your ponytail, shake your hair, and you’re ready to go!
Finger Coiling
To start, you need to have clean, damp hair and a good styling product, like a curl cream or gel. The process involves taking small sections of hair, applying the product, and then wrapping the hair around your finger to create a coil. This method encourages your hair’s natural curl pattern and gives you defined, bouncy curls.
Make sure to detangle your hair before you start, as this will help the coils form better. You can coil the hair in the direction you want it to fall, whether that’s away from your face or downwards.
Avoid touching your hair too much while it dries, as this can cause frizz. Once it’s dry, you can gently separate the coils for added volume and style. With practice, finger coiling can become a quick and easy way to achieve beautiful, defined curls that last for days.
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Bantu Knots
To create Bantu knots, you start by sectioning your hair into small parts. Then, you twist each section tightly and wrap it around itself to form a small bun.
You can wear them all over your head for a bold look or just do a few on top while leaving the rest of your hair down.
It might take a few tries to get the twisting and coiling just right, but the results are worth it. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with different sizes and styles, making Bantu knots a versatile choice for any occasion.
Flat Twists
To start, make sure your hair is clean and well-conditioned. This helps your hair to be more manageable and reduces breakage. After washing, apply a good leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
Start with two even strands of hair near your scalp. Twist one strand over the other while adding more hair from the section as you go down. This technique is similar to braiding but uses only two strands instead of three.
Once your flat twists are done, protect your hairstyle by covering it with a satin or silk scarf at night. This helps prevent frizz and keeps your hair looking fresh. You can also refresh your twists with a little water or leave-in conditioner during the week. With time and practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful flat twists that can last for days!
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High Puff
To start, you’ll need a few basic items: a spray bottle with water, a moisturizing hair product, a boar bristle brush, some gel, and a headband. This hairstyle is not only quick to do, typically taking five minutes or less, but it also looks great for any occasion, whether you’re heading to school or hanging out with friends.
Use the boar bristle brush to gently brush your hair from the roots to the mid-lengths. After that, apply a small amount of gel to your edges for a sleek look.
High puff is versatile, allowing you to personalize it with accessories like headbands or hair clips. You can also experiment with different variations, such as adding braids or twists to the sides. The key to mastering this style is practice and finding what works best for your hair type, so don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own!
Curly Bangs
To get started, it’s important to style your bangs last, after you’ve worked on the rest of your hair. This helps you see how your curls fall and allows you to adjust your bangs to match.
A good technique is to finger coil your bangs, which means wrapping small sections of hair around your fingers to create defined curls. After your hair is dry, you can separate any thick curls to make your bangs look fuller.
It’s recommended to trim your bangs every four to six weeks to keep them at the right length. Also, many people find that they don’t need to use a lot of product on their bangs to avoid them looking greasy. Instead, focus on applying leave-in conditioner and styling cream to the rest of your hair while keeping your bangs product-free for a more natural look.
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Protective Braids
They involve tucking your natural hair away, which helps prevent breakage and allows your hair to grow. However, it’s important to remember that just having protective braids doesn’t mean you can ignore your hair care routine.
This means trimming any split ends and deep conditioning to ensure your hair is strong and hydrated. When choosing a stylist, make sure they know how to do protective styles without pulling your hair too tight, as this can lead to damage.
This includes washing your scalp regularly to prevent buildup and using hair oils or leave-in conditioners to keep your braids moisturized. Remember to take breaks between styles to allow your hair to recover. Following these tips will help you enjoy beautiful protective braids while keeping your hair healthy and strong.
Co-Washing
This technique is especially popular among people with curly or textured hair because it helps keep hair hydrated and reduces dryness. By skipping shampoo, which can strip natural oils, co-washing allows your curls to stay soft, shiny, and defined. You can do this as often as you like—some people co-wash every few days, while others do it weekly.
Make sure to massage it in gently to cleanse your scalp while also nourishing your hair. After a few minutes, rinse it out thoroughly to avoid buildup.
Regular conditioners may not clean your scalp properly, which can lead to oil buildup. After rinsing out the conditioner, you can style your hair as usual. Many people find that co-washing helps reduce frizz and enhances their natural curl pattern, making it a great option for maintaining healthy hair.
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Deep Conditioning
It’s especially useful if your hair feels dry, frizzy, or damaged. To start, you should wash your hair to remove any dirt or product buildup, then apply a generous amount of deep conditioner from the tips to the roots.
This helps to trap heat, which opens up the hair cuticles and allows the conditioner to penetrate more deeply. You can leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or longer for even better results.
You can follow up with your regular conditioner if you want to further enhance the softness. Deep conditioning should be done regularly, about once a week or every few weeks, depending on your hair type and needs. This routine will help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and manageable.
Diffusing
To start, make sure your hair is soaking wet and apply your favorite styling products, like leave-in conditioners or curl creams. Using a microfiber towel to gently remove excess water can help prepare your hair for diffusing. This step is crucial because it allows your products to work better and helps define your curls.
You can use a low heat and speed setting to avoid damaging your curls. Move the diffuser in circular motions around your head, gently cupping sections of hair in the diffuser bowl. This method helps to maintain your curl pattern and adds volume without causing frizz.
Once your hair is about 80% dry, you can let it air dry the rest of the way. If your curls feel crunchy from the products, simply scrunch them with your hands to break the cast and add softness. With practice, you’ll master the art of diffusing and achieve beautiful, defined curls!
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Plopping
Instead of using a regular towel, which can stretch and damage curls, plopping involves using a soft cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel. You start by placing your wet hair in the center of the shirt, then wrapping it around your head. This technique allows your curls to dry in a compact position, keeping them defined and bouncy.
Once your hair is in the center, wrap the shirt around your head and secure it. You can leave it like this for about 10 to 20 minutes, which helps absorb excess moisture without causing frizz.
This step helps add volume and definition. You can then let your hair air dry or use a diffuser. With practice, plopping can become an easy part of your hair care routine, giving you beautiful, healthy-looking curls every time you wash your hair.
Scalp Massages
By gently rubbing your scalp, you can increase blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that promote hair growth. This practice is not only good for your hair but also helps you relax and reduce stress, which can be important for overall hair health.
Make sure to cover your entire scalp and use light to medium pressure. Aim to do this for about five minutes, at least twice a day.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it in for a relaxing experience. Remember to do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions. Regular scalp massages can lead to thicker, healthier hair over time, so make it a part of your routine!
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Curl Creams
They work best when applied to very wet hair, right after washing and conditioning. To use curl cream effectively, start by applying it as soon as you rinse out your conditioner.
Your curls will look their best when they’re soaking wet, so gently blot your hair with a towel instead of rubbing it. After applying the cream, use your fingers to rake it through your hair, which helps detangle and distribute the product evenly.
Once you’ve styled your hair with curl cream, let it air-dry or use a diffuser on a low setting. Touching your curls too much during this time can create frizz and disrupt the curl pattern. After your hair is completely dry, you can fluff or separate the curls for added volume and bounce.
Gel for Hold
It can create a shiny, defined look that lasts all day. Many gels are designed to work on both wet and dry hair, allowing you to style your hair the way you want, whether you prefer a slicked-back look or textured waves.
You can style your hair with your fingers or a comb to achieve your desired look.
Most gels wash out easily with shampoo, so you can change your style whenever you want. Look for gels that are alcohol-free to avoid drying out your hair and scalp, and consider those that offer extra shine or nourishment for a healthier look.
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Satin Pillowcases
Unlike regular cotton pillowcases, satin has a smooth surface that reduces friction. This means your hair is less likely to get tangled or frizzy overnight, which can help keep it healthier and shinier.
Satin, on the other hand, helps lock in moisture, which is especially beneficial for curly or dry hair types.
Typically, you should wash it in cold water and hang it to dry. By keeping your pillowcase clean, you’ll help maintain its benefits for your hair and enjoy a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Leave-In Conditioner
It helps keep your hair moisturized, making it easier to manage and style. This product works by attracting moisture to your hair and providing it with nutrients that help reduce frizz and tangles.
There are different formulas for fine, thick, curly, or damaged hair, so it’s important to pick one that suits your needs. For instance, lighter sprays are great for fine hair, while creamier products work better for thicker hair.
This helps to avoid any greasy feeling. You can either let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer for a styled look. Experimenting with different amounts and techniques will help you find the best way to style your hair with leave-in conditioner, making it easier to achieve the look you want.
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Curl Refreshers
Instead of starting from scratch, you can use water and styling products to reshape and redefine your curls. This process helps keep your curls looking fresh and bouncy without the need for daily washing, which can be harsh on curly hair. To effectively refresh your curls, start by lightly dampening your hair with a spray bottle filled with water.
Make sure to scrunch your hair gently to encourage your natural curl pattern to form again. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to speed up the process.
Consider using a satin pillowcase or a silk scrunchie to minimize frizz and protect your curls while you sleep. Techniques like “pineappling,” where you gather your curls on top of your head, can help preserve their shape. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your curls and enjoy beautiful hair for days without needing to wash it frequently.
Q&As for embracing natural curls and coils
Q: What’s a quick and easy hairstyle for curly hair that I can do before school?
A: Try a wash & go style. Just apply leave-in conditioner and curl cream to damp hair, scrunch, and let air dry. It’s fast and shows off your natural curl pattern.
Q: How can I make my curls look more defined without heat styling?
A: Use the twist-out method. Section damp hair, apply styling products, twist each section, and let dry overnight. Unravel in the morning for defined, bouncy curls.
Q: What’s a good nighttime routine to protect my curls?
A: Use the pineapple updo method. Gather your hair loosely on top of your head before bed. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz. In the morning, take down the pineapple and fluff your curls.
Q: How can I add volume to my curly hair?
A: Try diffusing your hair. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your curls while scrunching upwards. This adds volume and enhances your natural curl pattern.
Q: What’s an easy protective style for curly hair?
A: Consider flat twists or protective braids. These styles keep your hair tucked away, reducing damage and maintaining moisture. They’re also versatile and can last for several days to weeks.
