Hair Experiment: Flat Twist w/ a High Bun

In reality my "high" bun wasn't quite as high as I would have liked but it was close. Anyway, as usual I did this style on freshly washed and conditioned hair. I didn't blow dry this time but instead braided my hair in about 6-8 large braids to help stretch while it dried. I let my hair dry about 80% before I just couldn't wait anymore and started twisting.

The only products I used were the Kinky Curly Knot Today leave in, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothing and a little Eco Styler Gel. I used the Shea Moisture just because I've had it for a while and I'd never used it. It didn't seem to make any significant impact on my hair one way or another. I usually use Miss Jessie's products for flat twists so I just wanted to try something different this time.

I divided my hair into 4 sections (2 in back, 2 in front) then started twisting in the back going up towards the crown of my head. I had a little trouble twisting the sides just because I wasn't sure which direction would be best for me to part (straight up, curved, etc.). I like my results and it's a very simple, low maintenance style for the summer. I think I would have liked this style better if I had made the twists smaller but I just didn't have the patience at the time. At this point I've had the style for almost two weeks which I think is a good amount of time. Pictures to follow....

Hopefully they'll look better next time I try.

Hair Experiment: Flat Twists w/ Small Bun

After having my hair in mini-twists for a few weeks, I decided I wanted an even more low maintenance style that I could just get up and go with for the summer. I went simple and just flat twisted my hair going back and wrapping the loose hair into a small bun. Next time I want to try to twist up so I can wear a high bun but this style is working for now.

My hair was freshly washed and blown dry to stretch and to make it easier for my to twist. To be honest, I really hate working with my hair while it's wet. I also hate all the shrinkage that comes with it so I often blow dry my hair before styling. The only products I used were Mixed Chicks straightening serum and a little bit of  Eco Styler gel with argan oil when I thought I needed it.

A Few Weeks of Mini-Twists

Somewhere around week 2 I decided it might be a good idea to take pictures of my mini-twists to document how they're holding up. Around week 3 there was a bit of new growth so they started looking kind of fuzzy but not terrible. I thought about retwisting a few rows just in the front of my hair so they look fresh again but I haven't decided yet. I did not wash them because I was a little scared they would unravel or there would be a lot of shrinkage which I didn't want. I moisturize my hair nightly with water and shea butter before tying it up in a silk scarf and bonnet for bed. I didn't actually make it to 4 full weeks because they were starting to look a little raggedy and I just needed a change.


Week 2:

Week 3:

 

PS: I decided not to retwist the front of my hair. I just kept it pinned back most of the time to hide the new growth.

Another Mini Twist Attempt

I may be well into my month without heat experiment but if I'm not this will get me there. Once again I've put mini twists in my hair. I believe this is my third time trying. I really didn't do anything different from the previous times besides making the twists smaller.

As much as I like the style I don't know if I can stand doing this to myself again. If I can find someone to do them for me great but if not it'll be a long time before I do them again. I started the twists Tuesday afternoon and finished Friday night. I like my results much more than the first two times but my hair is still a lot thinner around the front of my head compared to the back so that's annoying.

I did my twists on freshly washed and blown dry hair to stretch (does that mean I cheated on my month with no heat?). I worked in sections to make it a little easier on myself. This is definitely a good low maintenance style for the summer. Hopefully next time I can find some kind soul to do them for me so it won't take a week.

Here's a few pictures of the results:

Hair Experiment: Two Strand Twist Out

In continuing with my month of no heat experiment I decided to try a two strand twist out. I have to say that I really like the results. The style was very quick and easy to do and I'll definitely do it again.

I did this style on freshly washed wet hair and let it dry over night. The products I used were: Eco Styler Gel, Kinky Curly Knot Today leave in and a little castor oil. I also had a spray bottle of water in case my hair started to get dry. The process is pretty simple: apply product, detangle, twist, repeat. The one little extra thing I did was to add bobby pins at the root of each twist to keep them flat. I got that idea from Naptural85 on YouTube.

Here are some pictures of the twists and the results: