10 natural (DIY) ways to style your natural hair
Introduction
Hello gorgeous, it's a beautiful weekend to talk about your natural hair. Have you been struggling with how to style your hair without spending the whole time in front of the mirror or even damaging your hair with heat? Trust me, you are not alone. Natural hair is beautiful, versatile, and full of personality, but sometimes, finding a stylish and easy way to rock it can be challenging.
Styling your natural hair doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, in fact, going the DIY way can be that game-changer for your hair health. It is just about you and your creativity regardless if you just joined the natural hair gang or you are a pro or you need a quick everyday look or something elegant for special occasions. Today, I will be taking you through natural ways to style your hair.
Preparing your hair for styling
A good style starts with a healthy foundation, so there are some basic things to do before you style your hair
● Ensure your hair is clean
Use sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair to remove build-up. When your hair is clean and moisturized, it is easy to style and less prone to damage.
Don't overwash your hair, because that can lead to dryness and makes styling dificult, so keep to a routine that make your hair clean and moisturized.
● Deep condition
Hydrating your hair with a good deep conditioner will help to detangle and soften your hair, which makes styling easier.
● Detangle Gently
The biggest enemy of styling is tangles. Ensure you use a wide tooth comb or a detangling brush. To minimise breakage start from the ends and work your way to the root.
Importance of moisture and hydration before styling
As someone with natural hair, before styling it is essential for you to moisturise and hydrate your hair. Hydration adds water to the hair, while moisture keeps it locked in. A well-moisturized hair keeps your hair from breakage, enhances curl definition, and prevents frizz. When preparing your hair, use a hydrating leave-in, also use a deep conditioner regularly, and seal moisture with butters and oil.
Choosing the right products for your hair type and easier styling
1. Know Your Hair Type – make sure you are familiar with your curl pattern, porosity, and density to select products suitable for your hair.
2. Gentle Cleansing – In order to retain moisture, use sulfate-free shampoos or co-washes.
3. Deep Conditioning – To keep your hair nourished and to strengthen your hair, pick hydrating conditioners
4. Make use of leave-in conditioners and creams to keep moisture locked in and reduce frizz.
5. Styling Products – Choose gels, mousses, or creams that improve curls without buildup.
Detangling and stretching techniques for easier styling
● Detangling
Apply oil or conditioner for slip, after that you can use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting from ends to roots. The use of detangling brushes also help reduce breakage.
Picture Credit @FreePik
● Stretching
You can also reduce shrinkage with twist-outs, braid-outs, or banding (wrapping elastic bands along sections). Stylish your hair with african thread and Bantu knots also elongate the hair without heat. These methods helps to make styling easier while keeping your hair healthy.
Protective & Long-Lasting DIY Styles
Flat Twists – A low-manipulation style that promotes hair growth
Mini Twists – A versatile, long-lasting style that’s easy to maintain
Picture Credit @FreePik
Halo Braid (Crown Braid) – A timeless, elegant updo
Finger Coils – A defined, polished look for all curl types
Headwrap Styles – Stylish and protective, perfect for any occasion
Picture Credit @FreePik
Braid-Outs – A soft, wavy look with lasting definition
Bantu Knots – A stylish protective style with a beautiful curl pattern
Picture Credit @FreePik
Wash and Go – Enhancing your natural curl pattern with minimal effort
Afro Puff – A quick, bold, and chic style for any occasion
Picture Credit @Canva
Maintaining Your Styled Hair
How to keep your styles fresh for longer
1. Protect at Night – Make use of a satin/silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase.
2. Moisturize – A mixture spritz with water and leave-in conditioner.
3. Reduce Touching – Gendle handling and low manipulation reduces frizz.
4. Refresh Lightly – Make use of a curl refresher, oil, or mousse.
5. Smooth Edges – Apply light edge control in a sparing way.
6. Ensure your scalp is Clean – Make use of dry shampoo or a scalp cleanser.
7. Go for Long-Lasting Styles – Twist-outs, braids, and knots lasts for a long period of time.
8. Avoid Humidity & Heat – Make use of humidity-resistant spray.
9. Night Prep – Re-twist or pineapple for curl definition.
10. Handle Gently – Make use of fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Nighttime Routine to Preserve Your Look
In order to protect your natural style overnight, make use of satin/silk bonnet or pillowcase to reduce frizz and retain moisture. You can also try the pineapple method (a loose high ponytail) or light braids/twists to maintain curl definition. Spritz with water or leave-in conditioner also increases hydration. These simple routine keeps your hair fresh and healthy!
Refreshing and moisturizing techniques
1. LCO/LOC Method – Layer Liquid (water/leave-in), Cream, and Oil to lock in moisture.
2. DIY Moisture Mist – A mixture of water, aloe vera juice, and essential oils in a spray bottle is good for quick hydration.
3. Steam Refresh – Make use of a steamer or shower steam to revive curls and boost moisture.
4. Overnight Hydration – Apply a leave-in conditioner and wear a satin bonnet to prevent dryness.
Conclusion
Embracing your natural hair means exploring different styles and discovering styles that make you feel comfortable and confident. Trying new looks like twist-out, braid-out, or updo helps you express your personality while keeping things fresh and exciting. Step out of your comfort zone, have fun, explore, and enjoy the journey of letting your personality shine.
Loving your natural hair helps boosts your confidence by making you self confident and celebrating your unique beauty. It also brings out the creativity in you, as DIY styling gives way for endless self-expression through various textures, techniques, and accessories.
Your natural hair journey is unique and we know you have some amusing DIY styling in store and you also have various go-to protective style, a quick twist-out method, or a creative way to embelish it? Please share your favorite DIY natural hairstyles in the comments below. It will be a pleasure to feature some of your fantastic ideas in future posts. Let’s inspire and learn from each other.
