There are all kinds of methods to stretch curly hair. I am sure that on some level we are familiar with braiding, twists, flat twist, cornrows, banding, bantu knots, even threading and then ultimately taking them out. These methods are all good for doing just that. Helping to release the tight coils just enough to form waves and looser curl patterns. Of course this is not a permanent solution. If it were it would be called a relaxer. And really, do we want it to be a permanent solution? For me I would say no. I love my curls. I like the way I have options to be completely coiled or a looser curl pattern.
Curlers such as flexi rods and curl formers are another good way to loosen the curl pattern of the hair. It will however give a different look to the other methods and does take some added influence with the curlers themselves. Curlformers can be expensive especially if your hair happens to need more than one pack. Flexi rods however are cheaper.
The texture of afro textured hair is curly, kinky, wavy, nappy whatever or however you want to describe it. It’s the nature of our hair to do just that. It can be frustrating at times to have such amazing amount of growth and it not being able to be seen fully without the help of heat. Excessive heat can be very damaging to hair. Once hair is damaged it will need to be cut at some point. There is no way to repair damaged hair. Some people may think if they deep condition (DC) hair over night for 8 weeks every night eventually it will repair. I am sorry ladies and gents that won’t work. Let the focus be on taking care of our hair and maintaining health.
Of course there is more damage than just heat. Combs and brushes can also wreak havoc on the hair as well. If you must use a comb please use while hair is moist and use a wide tooth comb when doing so. I find it better when I finger comb my hair. I have more control of the strands as well as I can be as gentle as I need to be with it. So with saying all of that EMBRACE YOUR CURLS! We collectively suffer from shrinkage and its okay!
Some details for the methods listed above:
Braiding/braid outs – Braiding the hair and taking the braids out.
Twist/twist outs – Two strand twisting the hair and taking it out.
Flat twist/cornrows – Braiding and twisting the hair connecting the hair to itself and then taking them out.
Bantu knot out – Bantu knots can be created by twisting or braiding hair in medium sized sections and then twisting them into a knot.
Banding – Taking hair ties or longer bands and wrapping it around the hair in small to medium sections
Threading – Using thick thread to wrap around the hair
Banding Threading
Curlformers Flexi Rods
Cornrows 2 Strand Flat Twist
2 Strand Twist Bantu Knots
For best results use on at least damp hair. This way you know before hand the hair is fully moisturized. It is also more pliable to work with while moist. For other methods like braids and cornrows the hair can be dry. When it comes to my hair its better when its wet right after washing or at least mildly damp. It holds the curl and the wave pattern much better in this state. Allow over night as a minimum to dry. Most of these methods also double as a protective style. Wear them throughout the week and then take the braids or twist out while of course moisturizing and sealing in between. Click on the Tutorials tab above for inspiration to achieve these styles :)
