If bantu knot outs or twist outs just don’t work for you, then here is a technique that just may be your new go-to. Whether you’re looking for a protective style for your daughters or a heatless stretching technique, African threading is a versatile technique that is fairly simple to learn. Watch the tutorials below to see how you can try this technique yourself.
Nadine writes:
In [CurlyNikki’s] recent interview with Kimberly Elise, she mentioned my GirlsLoveYourCurls YouTube channel, which she credited with teaching her the African Threading technique she uses to stretch her hair. As a result, I got a lot of traffic, and messages, many of which were people saying they had never heard of this technique.
One of the goals of my videos is to introduce people to the technique of African Threading, which is a traditional styling technique used in many parts of Africa. It is especially useful for use on children’s hair as an alternative styling option, because it is quick to achieve and lasts for at least a week. My family originates from Ghana West Africa. My mother used it on my hair and taught me how to take care of my hair using this technique.
I have two young daughters and this technique is invaluable to me. I started making tutorials because I got so many requests from friends, wanting to learn how to take care of their daughter’s natural hair. My goal is to help offer mothers/caretakers of young girls as many tools as I can, so as to prevent them resorting to chemical processing, due to lack of options.
Here’s are a couple of tutorials:
How to do African Threading
African Threaded Bantu Buns
African Threaded Ponytail Plait
If you’re looking to try the style on your own hair, Tina Munzu has a great tutorial where she demonstrates her very first time doing the African Threading technique. It may look intimidating, but if Tina can ace it on her first try then it can’t be as scary as it looks.
Getting the perfect curls with Bantu knots and sometimes even the two-strand twists can be a challenge for many. I recently triedthe African Threading method seen on YouTube to obtain curls, and I was pleasantly surprised with the results. The curl definition was superb and the style is so easy. This can be done on freshly washed as well as dry hair with spectacular results. Check it out and enjoy!
Can you believe it’s almost 2025? While we’re looking back at all the beauty moments of this year at all this year’s beauty moments, we’re also looking forward to the trends coming in the new year, specifically for the curls. “The focus is all about embracing natural textures,” says IGK NYC hairstylist Olya Iudina. “People are moving away from over-styled looks and leaning into the beauty of their own curls.”
Remember how people were diffusing their curls? Yep, it’s still on the horizon. “Embracing your natural curls has been making a big comeback in 2024 and for 2025,” says RPZL Master Stylist Stephanie Angelone. “Instead of blowing your hair out, a round brush using the diffusing nozzle with curling products and letting natural curls dry without frizz is on the upswing.”
This year, we’re seeing a surge in styles that celebrate the beauty of all curls, from bold Jheri Curls to curly pixie. For specific hairstyles, layered bobs, heavy fringes, and voluminous shapes offer versatility and showcase curls in their best spotlight. Regarding curly hair, we’re focusing on low-maintenance yet high-impact hairstyles (especially if we’re trying to look good when running late to work). Let’s remember beauty products to maintain the volume of the curls. “The main focus here is moisture,” says Iudina. “Something that will enhance hair texture and won’t bring it down.”
2025 is the year for the curls to shine. We’re here to express ourselves with the power of hair while keeping it chic and healthy.
Below for some inspiring curly hair looks to consider rocking in the new year.
