Style Options
Disclaimer: Please do not use these pictures without my express permission.
If you’re looking for styling suggestions, here are the many that I’ve tried over the short time I’ve been natural. These are pictures of my hair at different lengths. If you’re interested in learning how to do these styles, please check my video section or the tutorial category. If I don’t have a tutorial up for the style you want, check out YouTube!
Twists
- Two or three strands of hair twisted around each other
- Can be done on wet or dry hair
- This is a protective style and also stretches the hair out
Two Strand Twists done on dry hair.
Twists done on wet hair
Twists done on wet hair
Twists on wet hair
Twists done on dry hair
Twistouts
- Formed from twists that are unraveled
- Can also be a protective style
- Can give hair a wavy/curly appearance, depending on size of twists
- Has variation called twist n curl in which rollers are placed on the ends after being twisted
Chunky Twistout (done on dry hair)
Twistout (from twists on dry hair)
Twistout (from twists done on wet hair)
Twist out (from twists done on dry hair)
Twist out (from twists done on dry hair)
Bun
Buns are the ultimate protective style. You can do them on wet hair, but I prefer to do them on stretched, dry hair. You can stretch the hair by braiding, twisting, or banding.
Bun done on wet hair
Twists in a Bun
Bun done on twist out
Wash N Go or ‘Fro
Just wash and go! Applying gels and products can change the look of your hair. Wearing your hair “out” like this also increases the risk of tangles and knots. I rarely wear my hair out anymore, but it’s still fun every now and then!
TWA wash n go
Wash N Go, lots of product
Afro
Puff
A puff, or ponypuff, is like a ponytail but with kinky hair. You will find it very difficult to pull your hair back into a ponytail after chopping but pulling the hair back will create a puff, however small or big.
Puff made with scarf (not long enough to make a ponytail)
ponypuff (long enough to do a ponytail)
Puff
Box Braids
Braids done without extensions. Parts are often made in square shape, but I don’t ever do this. These take longer to put in and are harder to take out than twists (in my experience).
Box Braids
Braids with clip
Braid out
The style resulting from braids being undone. Creates a slightly different pattern than a twistout.
Braidout from large braids done on wet hair
Straight Styles
First and foremost, be cautious with heat styling. It can cause damage and ruin your texture, especially with no heat protectant. Having said that, I do occasionally heat straighten, usually with a flat iron set on medium temperatures.
flat ironed
Bantu Knots/ Knot Out
This is a style I’m still pretty much a novice to. I’ve only done it once or twice and loved the results. The knots themselves make a unique protective style. Take them out and you have a beautiful pattern.
Bantu Knots
Bantu Knots
Bantu Knot Out (knots undone and briefly twisted)
Banding
Banding is stretching the hair out using rubber or ouchless bands. I do this before putting in twists and also a bun. Be careful! The bands may dry your hair out if you’re not careful!
Hair Banded with Ouchless Bands
Hair Styled after Banding
Hair after taking out bands, completely dry
Banded hair in a bun
Fingercoils
Fingercoils/combcoils/palm rolls are often mistaken for locs when I wear them. The hair is tightly coiled in small sections. You can separate them, creating a coily/curly fro or, sometimes, just more coils!
Fingercoils
coils
Coil out
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Annabel, you should be able to do twists without them unraveling once you are fully natural. Some naturals with a very loose texture still have that problem, but not all. While transitioning, you could try a small perm rod on the end or you could use some extensions.
Thanks so much, I’ll definitely try a small perm rod on my next styling day!
I truely have enjoyed this website. Question. I have a a 4b-z pattern hair type. My hair is about one inch long. What can I do with my hair. I am going through a frustrated time.. Can you help me?
Cute styles…
C. Andy, you can do twists or coils. I have seen it done before on inch long hair. You can also get some braids if you are feeling frustrated and want to take a break from your hair. The simplest thing to do, and what I would do in your shoes, is to just moisturize it and go. Wear that TWA with pride. Enjoy it!
Your hair is gorgeous and so are your styles, I love the versatility of natural hair and you have mastered that! Your natural hair looks beautiful on you and thanks for sharing with us by creating a blog.
Have you ever used Henna? I’ve been natural for 2 years and I’m thinking about trying that, I know it’s very messy!
Much sisterly love,
Tia, no, I ‘ve never used henna. I’ve used cassia and ZSC before though. Good luck if you try it out!
This a very beautiful variety of hairstyles that can keep your natural hair fresh and great for almost any occasion. Thanks for the great blog!
I’ve been natural for 2 years and recently decided to cut my hair off This pat August for my bday. To my surprise it had grown back very quickly and even curlier, what are some things I can do to keep the back from drying out when I am sleep and I’ve noticed that some parts of my hair in the front are not as curly as the rest its kind of straight with a slight wave and recommendations on what I can use to make it look the same?
Your website is so excellent. I’m transitioning from weaved hair to natural hair and its soooo hard for me. My twistouts don’t come out and I don’t have other ideas for my hair and I stil wanna look nice when I’m out but I feel weird to be without my weave!! Seeing your site gives me tons of ideas and helps me not be so frustrated. Thanks for this site and your assistance
Hello lady, im having a problem ph balancing my hair. in other words i cant get it soft. its either wet or hard from eco gel. i just did the big chop nov 28, 2011. can you please give me step by step instructions for a fresh chop with the best product recommendations. i dont know if im moving too fast or what but please walk me through this. Your hair is so beautiful and i would love to follow your lead. thank you
princez, congrats on your BC. I would say stop doing the gel thing right now. Or try using a leave in conditioner under it, though you might experience some residue from the two products mixing together. I would just make sure your hair is moisturized at this point. Check out my posts on moisture under the FAQ section. I also have many product recommendations under the “Products I Love” section.
Thanks for this. I’ve been natural for a year and a half now. I’m doing it successfully this time, after my 16 year old self gave up the first time. The only style that I’ve done myself has been twists. No twist out, just twists. I’m going to try braiding my own hair. and I’ll try the coils. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
I have just transitioned fully to natural hair and I am loving it. My beautician is the one that actually suggested that I go natural. Now that I have transitioned, about how long do you think it will take for my hair to grow. It is at the back of my nape. I am hoping to have some length in the spring for my twists.
shelle24, congrats on finishing your transition! Average hair growth is 0.5 inches a month, but that is not set in stone.
hi kcurly, I really love the styles you do with your hair. I haven’t had a perm in a year now and my hair is so thick and I was wondering about any suggestions that you have for me since I’m just starting out. I see it takes a lot of work but I just don’t know where to start from. I did the Bantu knots an I liked it but idk what else to do.
I am so happy I found this site. I have been thinking about going natural for years and always chicken out. This Saturday as I was about to make my appointment for my next relaxer I decided that I just wasn’t going to do it anymore. Immediately I started doubting myself and wanted to take it back but I am trying to stick to it. Some people are suggesting that I wear weaves or sew ins since I am not ready to make the BC. Do you have any suggestions about this method during transition?
Olivia, if you turn to weaves, please watch your edges so that you don’t lose them or have them thinned out. Make sure to give your hair a break from the weaves every now and again. And be sure to moisturize your hair underneath. Good luck to you!
Thank you so much for your advice and fast response! I will certainly consider this!
I have never been on to do my own hair. I have been wearing”puffs” for weeks now and I want a change. I yet to find a style that I can do myself. Right now the hair is all natural and the top is longer than the back. I need easy styles and I have yet to find any that I can master. Is there any hope for me?
What’s the difference between coil twist and twist??
How long have you been natural? I checked your story and didn’t see a start date. Your hair is beautiful.
Hello and thank you this is awesome. I am going natural too. I am 2 weeks in. I will get my hair professionally done in 5 weeks by a natural stylist. I am so excited.
I’ve been natural for five months and I don’t know how to wear my hair or what to put on it cause its a short Afro. Do you guys have any ideas?
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