The Ultimate Guide to Heatless Styles for Kinky and Coily Hai
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Are you on a mission to grow your hair longer and stronger? Tired of the heat damage that comes with straighteners and curling irons? It's time to level up your hair game by embracing the magic of heatless styles! For our sisters and brothers with beautiful kinky and coily textures, heat styling can be a fast track to breakage. But don't worry, we're here to show you how to get stunning, defined styles without a single hot tool. This isn't just a trend; it's a lifestyle!
Why Go Heatless? It's a Game-Changer!
For years, heat was the go-to for styling, but times have changed. We've learned that healthy hair care is a marathon, not a sprint. Avoiding heat is one of the most effective ways to prevent breakage and promote hair growth. The natural oils and moisture in your hair are essential for its health, and high temperatures can strip them away, leading to dryness and split ends. Embracing heatless methods is the best way to get a flawless finish while protecting your strands.
Style 1: The Defined Braid-Out
The braid-out is a timeless classic for a reason. It gives you a beautiful, stretched-out style with a natural-looking crimp and a ton of body. This style is perfect for showcasing length and defining your gorgeous texture.
● Prep: Start with clean, damp hair. The blogosphere is buzzing about this step—you want your hair to be about 80% dry, as too-wet hair can leave your braids without proper definition, and too-dry hair can lead to a less defined curl.
● Product is Key: Apply a rich leave-in conditioner followed by a styling cream or mousse. This will lock in moisture and give you that lasting hold.
● Braid Away: Divide your hair into sections. For a tighter, more defined look, create smaller braids. For a looser, wavy result, use larger sections. Braid each section from root to tip.
● Dry and Unravel: Let your hair air-dry completely. This is the most crucial step! Once your hair is bone-dry, gently unravel each braid, one by one. Use a little bit of hair oil on your fingertips to reduce frizz as you go.
Want to see how it's done? Check out this trending YouTube video: Braids-Out on Natural Hair Tutorial
Style 2: The Bouncy Twist-Out
The twist-out is the king of versatility. It creates springy, voluminous curls and is one of the best protective styles for any occasion. Many people prefer the twist-out for its more defined, coily look compared to the braid-out.
● Prep: As with the braid-out, start with clean, damp hair.
● Product is Key: Use your favorite curl-defining cream. This will help you get those perfect heatless curls.
● Twist and Seal: Create two-strand twists by dividing each section of hair into two parts and twisting them around each other. Make sure your twists are tight and consistent.
● Dry and Separate: Let your hair dry completely, preferably overnight. Once dry, unravel
the twists and gently separate them. Use a pick at the roots for maximum volume! This is the part that will make your hair look full and luscious.
See a tutorial from a top creator: Twistout
Style 3: The Classic Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are more than just a styling method; they're a protective and elegant look on their own. They're also an amazing way to achieve super defined, springy curls without heat.
● Prep: Start with damp hair and apply your favorite styling product.
● Knot Creation: Take a small section of hair and twist it tightly from the root to the end. Then, wrap the twisted section around itself to form a knot on your scalp. ● Secure: Use a bobby pin or a small elastic to secure the knot in place. ● Dry and Unravel: Wait for your hair to completely dry. When ready, gently untwist the knots. The result is a head full of bouncy, beautiful curls.
This style is going viral! Watch this must-see tutorial: Bantu Knots on Blow Dried Natural Hair
Pro-Tips to Make These Styles Last
● Protect at Night: Use a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your style while you sleep. This prevents frizz and keeps your hair moisturized.
● Refresh Your Curls: A few days in, you can refresh your style with a light mist of water and a little more product on your fingertips.
● Avoid Over-Separation: Don't separate your curls too much, or you'll lose the definition and create frizz. Less is more!
Ready to transform your look and your hair health? Try one of these heatless styles and tag us in your results! We can't wait to see your hair journey!