How to Dry Wrap African American Hair

If you have African-American hair, you have a wide array of styling options available to you. One of these many options is the dry wrap technique. It only takes a few minutes to do and when you remove the wrap, the result is a head full of loose, bouncy, luxurious curls.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Moisturizing shampoo for black hair
• Conditioner for black hair
• Hair gel or setting lotion
• Wide, flat-toothed bristle brush
• Hair clips
• Large hair net
• Scarf (optional)

1. Shampoo the hair with a moisturizing shampoo, then condition it thoroughly before you begin the dry wrap. Massage in a small amount of hair gel or setting lotion.

2. Brush any tangles and snarls out of the hair with a wide, flat-toothed bristle brush.

3. Brush and swirl the hair in one direction around the head like a beehive, keeping it neat and flat and smoothing it with the brush and your hands as you go. Apply a little more hair gel if necessary to keep frizz under control. If your hair is longer, hold it in place with clips.

4. Tie a large hairnet over the dry wrap to keep it firmly in place. If you don't like the look, hide the hair net under an attractive scarf.

5. Leave the dry wrap in place for several hours, or overnight. Remove the hairnet and allow the hair to fall in soft curls, brushing it gently and shaping it with your hands.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep African-American hair sleek and healthy, it's a good idea to use leave-in moisturizer every day. A conditioner specially formulated for black hair is best.