How to Curl Natural Black Hair

Contrary to popular belief, natural black hair is not difficult to manage. Although the strands are tight spirals, it is still possible to create many of the hairstyles that are common for straightened hair. You can curl natural black hair by setting it with flexi-rods or straws. The end result is called a flexi-rod set or a straw set, depending on which tool you use.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Setting lotion
• Comb
• Flexi-rods or straws
• Bobby pins

Instructions

Flexi-rod Set

1. Wash and condition your hair. It is best to use products that are free of elements that will strip your hair of moisture, such as dimethicone and alcohol. Use a towel to pat the excess moisture from your hair; then apply a setting lotion and comb it.

2. Separate a 1-inch section of hair. Roll this section with a flexi-rod. When you get down to the scalp, bend the ends of the flexi-rod toward its center to keep the hair in place. Repeat this step for the rest of your hair. You can use straws if you do not have flexi-rods. Wrap the hair around a straw then pin the straw down with a bobby pin.

3. Dry your hair under a hood dryer. This may take an hour or more, depending on the setting you select.

4. Remove the flexi-rods when your hair is dry. You can separate the curls if you want a fuller look. Spray a light hair on your hair daily to keep it moisturized.

Tips & Warnings

• In “Thank God I’m Natural-The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair,” Chris-Tia Donaldson suggests varying the size of the flexi-rod or the amount of hair you put on each rod for different looks. This increases or reduces the size of the curls.

References

• “Thank God I’m Natural-The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair”; Chris-Tia Donaldson; 2009