When it comes to my coils, I have to maintain their silkiness using different hair techniques. However, as I entered my twentysomethings, I noticed that my strands had become overwhelmed with heavier products. I’ve learned the key to a lasting style is utilizing lightweight products or not being heavy-handed when applying stylers. Yes, I had my fair share of slabbing curl creams in on my coils, but I noticed my hair felt exhausted and suffocated with the mixture of essential oils, which resulted in product buildup.
During the warmer months, I challenged myself to insert minimalism into my hair care routine. Though I’m still considered a “baby” product junkie, my fix resulted in my rehabilitation to negate overconsuming unnecessary hair trends. I opted to evolve my hair care routine, hoping to receive great results.
I’m in dire need of a trim; I wanted to minimize using excessive heat. Since my Black girl card got revoked for being a non-braider, I had to supplement my abilities by flat-twisting my hair. This go-to natural style is effortless and long-lasting, depending on the technique.
The key to receiving a free-flowing, flat twist-out, especially during the hotter months, is to use breathable and functional products. I wanted to make sure the consistency of my hairstylers was slimy and gel-like but still made my hair soft and smooth—meaning the Chicago wind and my tresses moved in unison.
I crafted a guide with NaturallyCurly to help you find the best twist-outs during springtime.
The Prep
A little under a week ago, I used the Olaplex No.3 treatment. Then shampooed and conditioned my hair with Olaplex No.4 and No. 5 to cleanse and soften my strands. Afterwards, I wand curled my hair but after a few days, the curls flopped.
I usually do my twist-outs on fresh blowouts; however, I opted to style my hair in an older do since I only used Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Strong Biotin & Honey Moisturizer. Though the product is for protective styles, I wanted a lighter leave-in conditioner.
The Process
To start, I refreshed my hair with Aunt Jackie’s Biotin and Honey Moisturizer to untangle any knots since it was slightly dry. Then, I parted my hair down the middle and sectioned my fro into two equal pigtails. I started on the right side of my hair, parted off a medium-sized piece, and clipped the rest.
Before I flat-twisted my hair, I grabbed the Curls Blueberry Bliss Super Rich Moisture Fix and poured a dime-size amount of the product on the palms of my hands. The consistency felt tacky, like Elmer’s glue, but lightweight, which my hair needed to hold. I massaged the product on my strands and brushed it for an even distribution.
Afterward, I poured a pea-sized amount of the Eco Style Koily Moisturize Smoothing Butter and repeated the same routine as the previous product. Though it wasn’t sticky, the lightweight formulation made my hair soft and easy to brush. Lastly, I scooped a finger full of the Blueberry Bliss Extended Hold Gel to lock in the moisture and define my twists. The product had a great slip and a jelly-like texture.
After smoothing the gel on my parted hair, I grabbed two strands at the base and twisted the pieces clockwise while feeding in more strands.
After the feed-in process, I twisted and rotated the hair so it wouldn’t unravel. I ended up with ten imperfect twists. I recommend sleeping in the twists overnight or until dry.
The Take Down
I scrunched my twists to ensure they were dry, then used the Eco Style Koily Shine Hyper Gloss Serum to unweave the style, making sure my ends lacked frizz. The serum is extremely lightweight, but use it with caution because it’s easy to oversaturate the hair with this thinner oil. Each twist came out defined but movable, proving my new regimen worked.
How To Upkeep
Sadly, I don’t pineapple my hair anymore. I use metal clips and bobby pins to hold it at night. I clipped four clips and four large bobby pins throughout my hair. I clipped my hair at the root to avoid disrupting my curl pattern while stretching my crown for more volume.
The Big Reveal
I carefully removed each clip and pin and shook my hair. Then, I parted my hair in half and used a larger hair clip to pick out my fro.
My hair was flowy but still defined. Though my routine mimicked a softer look, grooming my coils takes some TLC before my next style.
This guide will show you the proper way to detangle your hair to avoid tension.
