Instructions for Afro Puffs

Afro puffs can be simple or adorned according to personality.

Afro puffs are an adorable hairstyle for little girls with natural hair, and a chic and playful look for older females. This style does not require expensive chemicals or time-consuming heat processing. Afro Puffs can be created with items you already have at home and without learning any special techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizing shampoo
• Conditioner
• Leave-in conditioner
• Hair bands
• Moisturizing spray

Instructions

1. Wash your hair as you usually would. Towel blot hair, removing the majority of water. When hair is only slightly damp, apply a leave-in conditioner according to the product instructions.

2. Part your hair down the middle if you are creating Afro Puff ponytails on the sides of the head. For a single puff to be worn at the rear of the head, skip to step 3.

3. Pull hair into firm, but not excessively tight pigtails using cloth or covered elastic bands. Rubber bands should never be used because they cause hair to break. If you experience discomfort or if your hair is strained and pulling at the temples, this is a good indicator that your pigtails are too tight. For puffs on the side of the head, make two pigtails. For a single puff look, create one high ponytail at the back center part of your head.

4. Braid your hair. There is no wrong style or size of braid to use for this process. Smaller braids will create more tightly curled afro puffs, while larger braids will create a look that is more wavy and less like a traditional 70s afro.

5. Dry your hair. Allow your hair to air dry. This sets in the wave pattern created by the braids.

6. Remove braids only after hair is completely dry.

7. Use fingers or a plastic wide-toothed comb or pick to pick out your braids and create fluffy puffs. Apply a small amount of moisture-enriching spray to your hair for sheen and softness.

Tips & Warnings

• Metal tipped picks and combs with small teeth should not be used on natural hair. These cause significant breakage.

References

• Motown Girl: Afro Puffs