Curl Hair with Braids

Gorgeous curls can be achieved easily through the use of a braid when you don't have a curling iron. The beauty of this method is that there is minimal impact on your hair, unlike the drying damage that a curling iron can inflict. The end result is usually a crimped style that can worn as is or slightly enhanced with a hair accessory. The best time to do this method is at night, after the shower––it'll be done in just a few minutes and ready first thing next morning.

Steps

French braids

  1. Take a normal shower or bath. Shampoo and condition your hair like you usually would. When you're done, comb but do not brush your hair. Pin the top half of your hair on the top of your head.
  2. Put your hair in braids. The number and thickness of braids will depend on how curly you want your hair. The important thing is to braid tightly, because a looser braid will create more of a wave than a curl. Try to braid tightly or the curls will be really frizzy and possible oddly kinked. Start as close to the scalp as possible. After you're done with the bottom layer, let down the top half and repeat the step.
  3. Braid damp hair. Braiding hair that is slightly wet also helps when curling your hair.
    • Use two or three large, thick French braids for thick, luxurious curls. The benefit of using two French braids is that you can wear them the day before, keep them intact overnight, and have curls the next day––getting two distinct hair styles in a row. French braids will also help the curls start up higher towards the roots of the hair.
    • Braid one-inch (2.5cm) strands for loose curls. Clip each one on your head so that they don't get mixed up.
    • Use smaller braids for tight "crimped" or "afro" style curls.
  4. Let the braids dry. This will take longer if you have thicker hair, as you will have had to do more braids. It's best to sleep on them (or wear them one day and release the braids the next). The braids should keep your hair from getting tangled, but if you're worried that it will get messed up while you sleep, you can use a shower cap or something to protect it.
    • When you wake up, before you take out the braids, spin around a few times/give yourself a head massage. This helps stimulate the hair follicles - helping your hair stay 'alive' looking. If you have time, whip your hair for a few minutes.
  5. Take out all the hair bands. Don't use a brush to separate your hair.
  6. Slowly comb through each curl with your fingers. Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb or just rake your fingers through it. Fluff it up a little and either let it sit as is, or add a hair accessory.
  7. Add hairspray or some curl sculpting gel for longevity of the look. Adding sculpting gel will keep the hair from getting frizzy, while the hairspray will ensure that humidity doesn't cause your curls to wilt.
  8. Finished.

Twists

  1. Wash your hair. Allow to dry somewhat; your hair needs to be 60% dry before you use this method.
  2. Separate your hair into two sections. Make section one on the left, and one on the right. If you have a side part, you can compensate by taking more hair for the left side to even it out.
  3. If you know how to make a French braid, this should be easy. Instead of using 3 strands of hair, only use 2. Take both strands and twist them, each time you do a twist, add a section of hair to each section. So, this is like doing a French braid, except that you're using 2 strands instead of 3.
  4. Keep doing this until you have no hair to add.
  5. When all you have is 2 pieces left, continue twisting to the bottom. When you're all finished, repeat on the other side of your head.
  6. Secure the ends with a thin hair tie. If you have the non-crease hair ties, they're the best.
  7. When the twists are dry, take them out carefully. Do not brush your hair at all. Instead, use your fingers to gently untangle your hair.
  8. When you've finished everything, flip your hair upside-down and shake a bit. That will loosen the curls up. Hairspray so they won't come undone and now you're finished.



Tips

  • Don't comb through hair too much or the curls will not have bounce.
  • Doing this after a shower gives better results.
  • The tighter the braid, the smaller and kinkier the waves.
  • When tying the braids, use the kind that are covered with thread. Don't use rubber bands. It will pull hair out when you remove it, which isn't fun.
  • Have someone braid your hair if it's your first time.
  • The number of braids changes the amount of volume that you want your hair to have. If you put tons of skinny little braids, you will take them out the next morning and have a tight, crimped look, but if you put two braids in each layer, you will have soft waves.
  • Try one or more layers for a different look to the curls.
  • For curlier hair, do a total of 7 or 8 braids. The more braids you do, the curlier/wavier/frizzier your hair will be when you take them out.
  • Using mousse on damp hair before plaiting and leaving to dry gives a stronger long lasting result. Leave overnight for maximum effect.
  • Add gel when doing the braids, this way in the morning you won't have to do much.
  • Try applying hairspray to the plait, before you unravel the weave.
  • Do this on a weekend or during a break if you are doing it for the first time.
  • When braiding your hair its easier to have someone else to do it for you so it they can make it curl properly and make sure it's neat.
  • For a faster result, braid dry hair, go over with a straightening iron a few times, and slowly unravel the braid.
  • Learn how to curl hair if you're not already sure what to do.
  • Add gel while doing the braids; in the morning you will just need to let go of the braids.
  • If you can't French braid just simple braid or plait it, you will get the same result.
  • Curl the ends that are not braided with a curling iron.
  • Something arguably more effective than French braids is Dutch braids, which allow for a more outward twist.

Warnings

  • Do not use a brush on the curls. Brushing will cause frizz and can break hair cause split ends, which damages the hair.
  • Don't add too much hairspray or gel. It will make your hair really hard and stiff.

Things You'll Need

  • Hair ties
  • Hairspray or gel (optional)
  • Mirror
  • Clip to hold your hair up
  • Water
  • Shampoo and/or conditioner
  • Comb or brush

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Sources and Citations

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