| How to Curl Hair with Braids Sep 17th 2012, 03:00 Zig-zag curls can be achieved easily through the use of a braid when you don't have a curling iron. The beauty of this method is that there is minimal impact on your hair, unlike the drying damage that a curling iron can inflict. The end result is usually a crimped style that can worn as is or slightly enhanced with a hair accessory. The best time to do this method is at night, after the shower––it'll be done in just a few minutes and ready first thing next morning. - Take a normal shower or bath. Shampoo and condition your hair like you usually would. When you're done, comb but do not brush your hair. Pin the top half of your hair on the top of your head.
- Put your hair in braids. The number and thickness of braids will depend on how curly you want your hair. The important thing is to braid tightly, because a looser braid will create more of a wave than a curl. Try to braid tightly or the curls will be really frizzy and possible oddly kinked. Start as close to the scalp as possible. After you're done with the bottom layer, let down the top half and repeat the step.
- Braid damp hair. Braiding hair that is slightly wet also helps when curling your hair.
- Use two or three large, thick French braids for thick, luxurious curls. The benefit of using two French braids is that you can wear them the day before, keep them intact overnight, and have curls the next day––getting two distinct hair styles in a row. French braids will also help the curls start up higher towards the roots of the hair.
- Braid one-inch (2.5cm) strands for loose curls. Clip each one on your head so that they don't get mixed up.
- Use smaller braids for tight "crimped" or "afro" style curls.
- Let the braids dry. This will take longer if you have thicker hair, as you will have had to do more braids. It's best to sleep on them (or wear them one day and release the braids the next). The braids should keep your hair from getting tangled, but if you're worried that it will get messed up while you sleep, you can use a shower cap or something to protect it.
- Take out all the hair bands. Don't use a brush to separate your hair.
- Slowly comb through each curl with your fingers. Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb or just rake your fingers through it. Fluff it up a little and either let it sit as is, or add a hair accessory.
- Add hairspray or some curl sculpting gel for longevity of the look. Adding sculpting gel will keep the hair from getting frizzy, while the hairspray will ensure that humidity doesn't cause your curls to wilt.
- For a faster result, braid dry hair, go over with a straightening iron a few times, and slowly unravel the braid.
- The tighter the braid, the smaller and kinkier the waves.
- Try applying hairspray to the plait, before you unravel the weave.
- Using mousse on damp hair before plaiting and leaving to dry gives a stronger long lasting result. Leave overnight for maximum effect.
- Don't comb through hair too much or the curls will not have bounce.
- Learn how to curl hair if you're not already sure what to do.
- The number of braids changes the amount of volume that you want your hair to have. If you put tons of skinny little braids, you will take them out the next morning and have a tight, crimped look, but if you put two braids in each layer, you will have soft waves.
- Do this on a weekend or during a break if you are doing it for the first time.
- When tying the braids, use the kind that are covered with thread. Don't use rubber bands. It will pull hair out when you remove it, which isn't fun.
- Try one or more layers for a different look to the curls.
Edit Warnings - Do not use a brush on the curls. Brushing will cause frizz and can break hair cause split ends, which damages the hair.
- Don't add too much hairspray or gel. It will make your hair really hard and stiff.
Edit Things You'll Need - Hair
- Hair ties
- Hairspray or gel (optional)
- Mirror
- Clip to hold your hair up
- Water
- Shampoo and/or conditioner
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