Alright, listen up, all you natural hair peeps! Protective styles are a must-do, especially when the weather starts changing. They're like magic for your hair - tucking those ends away and reducing all that fussing and pulling, which helps stop breakage and encourages that luscious hair growth we all crave (but only if you do 'em right, okay?).
Now, let's talk about two amazing protective styles that work all year round - braid-outs and twist-outs. They're the real deal, easy to rock, and keep your curls poppin' if that's what you're into. Not sure which one's your jam, or wanna try something new? Don't worry, we got you! We’ll be spilling all the tea on braid-outs and twist-outs - from how to make 'em a breeze to how they impact your beautiful curl pattern. You're gonna love it!
What’s The Difference Between Twisting and Braiding Hair?
A twist-out is all about unravelling those twists to get that stunning curl pattern. But before you get to this point, you gotta do some single-strand or two-strand Bantu knots or flat twists all over your damp hair.
Twist-outs come with some awesome perks, like making your hair look fuller and being an easy-peasy style to rock at home. Plus, you'll end up with those bouncy, spring-like curls we all adore. But hold up, there's a flip side too - shrinkage, frizz if you don't take it down right, and a loss of curl definition. So, take note!
Alright, let's talk about braid-outs now. This technique involves unravelling braids made with three strands of hair. The result? Enhanced natural hair look with those defined waves. Sounds like a winner!
Braid-outs got some sweet benefits, too, like giving better curl definition and stretching your curly hair without heat. And guess what? They're long-lasting so you can rock that style for a while. But hey, they might be a bit trickier to nail than twist-outs, and if you go too tight with those braids, you might face some hair loss. Plus, let's admit it, they can be time-consuming.
Is A Braid-Out Or Twist-Out Better?
Now you're probably thinking, "Cool, but which one's better?" Well, my friend, that's like asking whether ice cream is better than cake. They're both awesome; it just depends on what you're craving!
A braid-out could be your best bet if you're looking for longevity. The definition you get from a braid-out lasts longer than a twist-out. Plus, braids are better at combating frizz because they provide more tension. So, if you're living in a humid climate or you're just a fan of definition, the braid-out might just be your jam.
On the flip side, if you're all about volume and that 'just rolled out of bed with perfect hair' vibe, the twist-out might be your go-to. The looser pattern makes your hair look fuller, and it’s usually a bit quicker and easier to do than a braid-out.
But here's the thing: The best one really depends on your hair type. A braid-out gives you more definition if you have a looser curl pattern, whereas a twist-out might not hold as well. If you have a tighter curl pattern, a twist-out might give you a more noticeable change in curl pattern than a braid-out.
Preparing Your Curly Hair For A Braid-Out Or Twist-Out
To get that perfect braid-out or twist-out, you gotta start with a clean head of hair, no doubts about it. Trying to do a twist-out with all that product build-up? Nah, it ain't gonna work, trust me.
Our Hydration Shampoo With Manuka Honey can leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed rather than parched, as it does not strip the natural oils of your curls. Your curly hair will continue to win if you follow up our shampoo with our Moisture-Rich Conditioner and Leave-In Conditioner, as its manuka honey and avocado ingredients can restore moisture, strength, and shine.
Once you've got that clean canvas, set those braids or twists with a curl creme or gel. That's the secret sauce right there! When applied generously to wet or damp hair, our Curling Mousse With Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater can provide your twist-out or braid-out with volume, definition, and moisture. Best of all, your curls are not left with any crunchy or sticky residue! Winning!
If you're hitting the salon, ensure your stylist plops you under one of those hooded dryers for around 40 minutes. Yeah, it might feel like a wait, but it's gonna be worth it, I promise.
But hey, if you're doing this at home, take note. Only start unravelling those twists or braids when you're absolutely sure they've set and dried properly. Patience is key!
Twist-outs or braid-outs should be allowed to dry completely before they are taken down to avoid frizzing and maintain the definition of the twist. The time it takes to fully dry can vary widely based on several factors, including the thickness and length of your hair, the amount of product used, and the environment in which they are drying.
Generally, twist-outs or braid-outs can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day to dry. Many prefer to let their twist-outs or braid-outs dry overnight as they sleep, which usually provides ample time for the twists or braids to dry thoroughly, provided they're not excessively soaked with water or product.
If you're in a hurry, you can use a hooded dryer or a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to speed up the drying process. But remember that excessive heat can damage your hair, so use a cool or low heat setting if possible.
And when it's time to undo those twists or braids, start from the ends, alright? We don't want frizz or friction messing up those beautiful curls.
Oh, and here's a little pro tip: Before you unleash those twists or braids, drop some oil in your hands and gently massage your hair. Your curls will thank you for it!
Protective styles are the way to go if you want to show love to your precious hair. And the best part? You got a bunch of options to pick from based on your hair type and how you like to style it. But let me tell ya, braid-outs and twist-outs are two of the easiest styles to pull off for naturals and work wonders to bring out those beautiful curls.
But here's the deal - if you don't do 'em right or unravel 'em with care, they can turn your hair into a wild mess that's hard to manage. So, pay attention, folks!
Your hair health should always come first. If your curls ain't feelin' the love with braid-outs or twist-outs, no worries! Just try out another style that works better for you. You gotta keep those curls and coils happy, right? So experiment, find the perfect protective style that makes your hair shine like the star it is!