Week #4 Technique - Twist-Out

For my fourth and final hair technique in this "Four Weeks Four Techniques" series, I chose a twist-out. For some, this is a regular everyday go-to style. For me, not so much. I have actually tried this technique several times and for some reason it has always come out a bit wonky on me. Braid-outs usually are more "trust-worthy" for me when it comes to consistency in achieving the look that I was going for. That was...until now! 


I have made some adjustments to my usual technique and the products and tools that I use. Similar to the braid-out, I made about 6 large twists (I could have actually stood to make 8 or 10 to create an even more defined finish) on freshly washed, conditioned, and thoroughly detangled hair. I used my Creme of Nature Argan Oil Foam and Aloe Vera Gel (no creamy products like I usually use). This time I placed rollers on the ends to protect them and create a more uniform result (as I did with the braid-out). I also placed a scarf around the top and edges to create a smoother look and to avoid excess shrinkage. 

Twists under scarf, already removed rollers from the ends

KEY TO A TWIST-OUT...LET IT DRY!!!!! 
For me this is soooo key to achieve the full look. I'm very impatient and have almost always taken down my twists while still damp, leaving an undefined frizz ball (braid-outs are a little more forgiving). Don't get me wrong, you can still work it. But for a TRUE twist-out, hair must be completely dry. I've noticed that the only time I really love my twist-out is when I've actually worn my twists first for a couple of days. Like I said before, I'm not a sit under the dryer type of girl (low attention span??). So I wore my hair in twists for a full 24 hours before removing them to go to a concert. (Shouts out to Teedra Moses who put on an excellent show in Chicago, LOVE HER!)

Freshly untwisted hair

Finished product: "Floofed" out twist-out
Me and Teedra Moses after her performance

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS TECHNIQUE:

• Even easier and less time consuming then a braid out. It took me less than 30 minutes to complete my whole head. 
• Results last more than a day (with a little added frizz, but I don't mind) with no major upkeep.
• Can be worn right after untwisting for more defined coils or it can be FLOOFED (teased out). I prefer to FLOOF!
• The results! Loosely coiled defined big hair minus the shrinkage.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THIS TECHNIQUE:

• Drying time. But I can reduce that time by sitting my behind under a dryer :)

And for your viewing pleasure...a bonus twist-out adventure. Enjoy! :-)

Five large flat two strand twists with rollers

End result. Me no likey, but I still tried to work it ;-) 

PEACE, 


SPC

Week #3 - Hair Styling Technique - Braid-Out (on damp hair)

Week #3 in my technique challenge I decided to do a regular ol' braid-out. I've done this before but I wanted to tweak my method a bit. 

I did about 6 large braids (not very neatly I might add but that doesn't matter too much for this particular style) using my SheaMoisture Curl and Style Milk and Creme of Nature Argan Oil Foam Wrap Lotion. This time I tried putting rollers on the ends to protect them and add a uniform shape. I then tied a scarf around the edges so that they would "lay" a bit. As usual, I let it air dry but sitting under a hair dryer would be just fine in a pinch.

I always miss that stupid piece in the back, lol

Finished product and yes another car photo shoot :)

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Week #2 Hair Styling Technique - Shingles

Hello good people! Moving right along in my little "hair styling technique experiment" I posted about last week. Week #2 of my experiment was all about Shingling! I have seen this technique done many times in pics and vids on youtube and on popular natural hair product websites like Miss Jessie's and Kinky Curly.  Shingling is simply applying product with some hold to it (such as a gel, curl cream, or a combo of things) and combing through small sections of hair to create uniform, defined, and long-lasting curls throughout the entire head.

You don't necessarily have to use Miss Jessie's or Kinky Curly to achieve this style. I used my Eco-Styler clear gel on top of SheaMoisture Curl & Style Milk on small sections and brushed through using my trusty Denman Paddle Brush, scrunching a little after each comb-through. Many shinglers sit under the dryer after the whole head is complete. I prefer to air dry.

One section shingled

Shingles completed

Yes, this a photo shoot in the car :)

4 weeks 4 techniques - Week #1 Braid-out on straight hair

Hello all! It's been a minute and I have lots to share...about my hair!!

I have hit many blahhhh stages in my 4 years of being natural. This is due mostly to my sheer laziness and my preference for an extremely low-maintenance routine. Hey...that's just me!

But with new lengths to my hair, new-found hair blogs (shouts out to curly nikki and moptop maven), and friends who are newly natural... let's just say that my interest in my hair has been renewed!!

I ended 2010 with an obsession with all things henna. That was pretty cool, but nothing I could do on a regular basis. Like I said...I'm low maintenance. 

Then I wondered...why haven't I played around with technique?? Sure I love my spirally coils just as they come out of my head, but why not try something different? My hair is about bra-strap length now. But with my usual wash n go's, it shrinks right back up above my shoulders...sometimes more depending on the products I'm using. I have never had a problem with that shrinkage but I'm getting to the point where I'd like to show some of that length :) 

Shrinkage Deluxe