Heatless Methods For Natural Hair Styles
Written By Venus L
The phrase ” natural hair” seems to mean something different to everyone. While many argue over the usage of products such as henna, dye, flat irons, and blow dryers, the most basic common denominator amongst all Naturalistas is that they have embraced their natural hair texture and do not use chemicals in order to alter it. While there are a number of hairstyles that any given #TeamNatural subscriber can try at any given time, some of these styles also include a heating element that many are seeking to shy away from. Despite the fact that the sporadic usage of a blow dryer or flat iron is not the end of your natural world, it is always in the best interest of your natural hair to try and achieve styles with as little heat as possible. That being said, the following is an overview of some cute, chic heatless styles as well as tips on how to achieve each look.
Heatless Perm Rod Set
IG: @iamvonneyb
A super cute and versatile style, perm rod sets can be achieved in a number of different ways. For the purpose of achieving a heatless style, it is best to start with dry, stretched hair. One possible way to stretch your hair without heat is to use an old twist or braid-out. Then, utilizing perm rods in the size of your choosing, you will section your hair into a size that is appropriate for the perm rod you’ve chosen. After that, you just add some type of holding agent (try your favorite gel or mousse) and apply if from root to tip while detangling the hair with your fingers in the process. You then use your wrist to roll the hair around the rod until you have rolled the entire section and repeat. After that, all you need to do is wrap your hair up with a satin scarf and let your hair air dry. After allowing your hair to dry completely, you then take out the perm rods and style your hair as desired. For a more in-depth tutorial on how to achieve this style, click here!
Bantu Knot-Out
IG: @havfreedom
Another very cute heatless style is a Bantu knot-out. For this style, you can either start with dry, stretched hair or you can create this style using your freshly washed tresses. Begin by simply sectioning the hair into fairly small sections and detangling the hair. You then use some type of moisturizer and/or holding agent on your hair and roll each section into a Bantu knot. Once you have rolled your entire head, you simply let the knots dry. The next day you will apply a small amount of oil to the hair to prevent flaking and enhance its natural sheen, then finish the style by untwisting the knots. This method leaves you with soft, well-defined ringlets which last for days at a time. For a more in-depth tutorial on achieving a Bantu knot-out, click here!
Heatless Blow-Out
IG: @hairscapades
An awesome heatless method of styling your natural hair, a heatless blow-out, or straightening your hair without the usage of any heat or chemicals, is not as difficult as it sounds. Achieved by starting with dry, stretched hair or a curly-do that is a bit old, using a good hair serum, you section the hair and either gentle brush in the serum on regularly stretched hair or brush the hair in the opposite direction of the curls for hair that is curled. You then wrap the hair, secure it with bobby pins, and tie it down with a satin scarf. The next day, your hair will be straight enough to wear in a wrap, chic ponytail, or any other straight hairstyle your heart desires.
Heatless Flexi Rod Set
IG: @eclectic_vibez
Beginning with freshly washed and detangled hair, you simply part the hair into 4 sections and begin to part your hair into smaller sections in order to install the flexi rods. After saturating the hair with your favorite products (a moisturizer, curl enhancer, and/or gel are all good options) you then roll your hair around the flexi rods and bend down the ends of the rod in order to hold them in place. Tip: for more defined curls, twist the hair before wrapping it around the flexi rod! Once the curls are dry, remove the flexi rods and style your hair as desired. For an in-depth tutorial on how to achieve this style, click here! Dutch Braid/Cornrow Another great styling option for those seeking heatless, natural styles is dutch braids or 2 cornrows to the back. This style is sleeker when created from stretched hair but you can also use freshly washed hair if you prefer. You simply part the hair down the middle of the head, oil, and aDd any of your favorite leave-ins, then braid each section in cornrow fashion, towards the back of the head. For an in-depth tutorial on achieving this style, click here!
Heatless Braid Out
IG: @naturallychea
Yet another great heatless styling method for those with natural hair, the braid out is a simple, chic style that is multifaceted and long-lasting. Achieved by either braiding your hair into single plaits or cornrows and taking them out, this styling method will leave you with luscious waves that will last you days and days. For a more in-depth tutorial on achieving this style, click here! Overall, there are a number of heatless styles you can achieve on your natural hair. Just be sure to keep your ends clipped, wrap your hair at not with a satin scarf and/or bonnet, and condition it regularly to avoid overly dry/ damaged hair. By using these tips as well as the others mentioned within this guide, you will keep your hair super healthy, trendy, and beautiful without causing unnecessary heat damage in order to do so.
