Textured kinky curls are versatile and the styling options are endless! The use of low manipulation hairstyles such as twist outs and bantu knot outs are great styling methods used to create curls and volume without the use of heat. Both styles are also wonderful styles for those who are transitioning. Here is how I styled my twist out and Bantu Knot out.
Products used during this tutorial are Silk Shampoo, Pure Silk Protein, Silk Leave-In Conditioner by Curly Hair Solutions and Curl Keeper Styling Cream. Curl Keeper Styling Cream offers the right amount of shine, moisture and hold for longer-lasting styles.
Preparation:
First I washed my hair with Curly Hair Solutions™ Silk Shampoo and used Pure Silk Protein as my deep curly hair conditioner treatment. After washing and conditioning my hair I wrapped my hair in a clean white shirt for 30 minutes and created both styles on damp hair.
BANTU KNOT OUT:
1. Section hair into 1 inch by 1 inch strands. Start by applying Silk Leave-In Conditioner from roots to ends. Using a brush or comb such as the Bone Comb, detangle hair from roots to ends. Apply a quarter size amount of Curl Keeper Styling Cream to sectioned strand. If hair starts to dry, fill a spray bottle with water and apply.
2. Take sectioned strand and begin to rope twist hair. You will notice that your hair will naturally begin to wrap around creating a knot. If you find that your knot does not remain secured in its form use a hair pin to secure knot.
3. Continue step 2 till whole head is filled with Bantu Knots. Depending on the thickness and length of your hair, and desired curl definition, the amount of Bantu Knots can vary from two to twenty-five knots. I had styled approximately 15 Bantu knots.
4. Dry hair completely. You may air dry or sit underneath a hooded hair dryer. Depending on the thickness and length of your hair Bantu Knots can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to dry.
Take note of damp hair. Great curl definition is achieved best on completely dry hair.
5. Unravel Bantu Knots carefully. Separate curls to achieve desired curl definition and volume.
TWO-STRAND TWIST OUT:
1. Section hair into 1 inch by 1 inch strands. Start by applying with Silk Leave-In Conditioner from roots to ends. Using a brush or comb such as the Bone Comb, detangle hair from roots to ends. Apply a quarter size amount of Curl Keeper Styling Cream to sectioned strand. If hair starts to dry, fill a spray bottle with water and apply.
2. Take sectioned strand and divide in half to create two smaller sections.
3. Begin to twist section from root to end. Repeat until head is completely in two strand twist. Depending on the thickness and length of your hair, and desired curl definition, you may have four or more twists. I styled approximately 25 two strand twists throughout my hair.
4. Dry hair completely by air drying or sitting under a hooded hair dryer. When I am on the go I would usually opt to sit under a hooded hair dryer for about an hour. For days when I am in no rush I opt to air dry my hair over night. Both methods result is beautiful curly well defined twist outs.
5. Separate each individual twists carefully. As a way to prevent frizz hair while unraveling twists apply a small amount of Curl Keeper Styling Cream to finger tips and separate twists.
6. Depending on the desired curl definition and volume continue to separate strands until desired look is achieved.
And there you have it! Two simple, easy styling methods to create a different curl texture without using heat.
Written By: Kayla Foster
During her first year in college, Kayla began her transition from relaxed to natural curls in hopes of learning how to properly take care of healthy natural hair. She big chopped in October 2011 and has never looked back at the “lye”. Kayla uses her creative writing, and design skills to help promote the use of healthy hair care techniques. When she is not blogging about hair care, you can find her researching cool information on natural hair and skin care, listening to music, and spending time with her loved ones.