How to Wet Set Hair for Spirals Without Rollers or Rods
Braids can bend your hair into spirals and waves for a natural looking curl pattern without rods or curlers. Often referred to as a "braid-out," the styling technique is a healthy alternative for hair because it does not require drying direct heat or chemical applications. Hair fashion addicts, who worry about the potential damage of pulling hair while it is wet, may be reassured to learn that this wet set protects hair with disentangling and conditioning products as well. Intricate braiding skill is not necessary and the style is a possibility for all hair types. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Smoothing conditioner
- Cool water
- Towel
- De-tangling spray
- Wide-toothed comb
- Rat-tail comb
- Hair clips
- Gel or mousse (thin/straight hair)
- Spray bottle (thick/coarse hair)
- Leave-in conditioner (thick/coarse hair)
- Oil (thick/coarse hair)
- Small, elastic bands
- Scarf
- Blow dryer (optional)
- Holding spray (optional)
Instructions
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1
Start with clean, disentangled hair. Shampoo your hair and condition it with a smoothing conditioner.
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2
Leave the conditioner in for three to five minutes and rinse it out with cool water. A cool water rinse flattens the hair cuticle and prevents frizz.
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3
Towel dry the hair gently. Do not rub the hair vigorously but enfold it in the towel and squeeze the water out. This method prevents tangles.
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4
Spray detangler onto the hair liberally. Let the detangler penetrate the hair for a few minutes.
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5
Glide a wide-toothed comb through hair from root to tip to remove any tangles and knots. This is especially important to facilitate the braiding process.
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6
Use the tail end of a rat-tail comb to part your hair into even sections. The size of the section determines the size of the braid and the eventual size of your spirals. Make small sections for small, tightly wound waves and large sections for a loose curl pattern.
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Separate the sections with hair clips. Your hair will begin to air dry during the process. If you have straight hair, keep hair gel or mousse on hand and skip to Step 9.
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8
Blend a mixture of leave-in conditioner, hair oil and a few drops of water in a spray bottle if you have coarse or thick hair. You will need this to keep your hair lubricated during the braiding process.
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9
Release each section a clip at a time. Rub your hair with gel or mousse if it is naturally straight to add texture and combat frizz.
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10
Spray the conditioner and oil mix onto the section of hair if your hair is coarse or thick. The spray works well in chemically relaxed hair and also to combat frizz.
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11
Braid each section with gel or conditioner mix until your entire head of hair is braided up.
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12
Wrap a coated elastic band around hair ends to keep them from unraveling during the drying process.
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13
Allow your braids to air dry or blow dry. Cover them with a scarf and leave them in overnight for best results.
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14
Remove the elastic bands from the dry braids and unravel for a spiral wave pattern. Apply a holding spray if you so choose.
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References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Digital Vision/Getty Images
