How to Get My Daughter's Kinky Hair Curly Without Using Chemicals

Chemical hair products are designed to permanently alter the structure of hair strands so the wearer can easily manipulate them into curls and other styles. However, the chemicals can damage the scalp and hair. Fortunately, you can curl kinky hair without having to apply chemicals by using a hairstyling process like Bantu knots. The curls from the knots may be temporary, but you can help your daughter maintain the style for at least a week. Begin the process with clean hair that has been conditioned, detangled and moisturized.

Things You'll Need

• Rat-tail comb
• Gel or setting lotion
• Bobby pins (optional)
• Hooded hair dryer (optional)
• Wide-tooth comb
• Holding spray (optional)

Instructions

1. Part a section of hair that is about 1 inch by 1 inch. You may make the section larger or smaller, depending on the length of your daughter’s hair and the size of curls you wish to create. Use the tail end of a rat-tail comb to make precise parts.

2. Apply a holding product such as gel or a setting lotion to the sectioned hair. The product gives the hair strands a smooth appearance and keeps the finished knot in place.

3. Hold the sectioned hair at the roots and begin to twist the strand. Keep twisting down the shaft of hair until you reach the end. The twisted section should resemble a “rope” of hair.

4. Hold the end of the hair rope tightly between two fingers to prevent it from unraveling. Hold the base of the hair rope with two fingers of the other hand. Wrap the rope around the base tightly. Continue wrapping, placing a new wrap under the previous wrap, until the end of the rope is tucked under the knot. If you cannot tuck the end of the strand under the knot, secure it to the base with a bobby pin. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to create more Bantu knots with the rest of your daughter’s hair.

5. Dry the knots by having your daughter sit under a hooded hair dryer, or let her hair air-dry.

6. Unwrap the knots when the hair is completely dry. The hair should have thick, curly strands at this point. Separate each strand into smaller curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

7. Spray your daughter’s hair with a holding spray to complete the process, if you wish.

Tips & Warnings

• Your daughter should wear a satin scarf or bonnet on her hair at bedtime nightly to maintain the curls for as long as possible.

References

• Going Natural: How to Fall in Love With Nappy Hair; Mireille Liong-A-Kong
• The Knotty Truth: Managing Tightly Coiled Hair at Home: DIY Survival Guide; M. Michele George