How to Keep Your Sponge Coils Moisturized

Sponge coils is a natural hairstyle created by using a sponge and a styling cream or gel to coil the natural hair. Sponge coils are an easier way to create a coiled natural hairstyle without having to coil each individual hair strand. After you have styled your hair in sponge coils, you will need to regularly moisturize your hair. Follow these steps to learn how to keep your sponge coils soft and hydrated.

1. Use a water-based spray or cream instead of a butter or oil. A creamy spray like Alba Botanica Hawaiian Leave-in Conditioning Mist Drink It Up Coconut Milk will be better at adding moisture to your hair than a thick butter. A water-based spray is easier to apply and it adds water to your hair and seals it in for longer-lasting moisture.

You can also make your own spray. Simply add 1/2 cup of distilled or bottle water, 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice, and 1/4 cup of your favorite oil like olive oil, grape seed oil, or avocado oil to a spray bottle. Keep refrigerated.

2. Sleep on a satin or silk pillow case. Sleeping on a satin pillow case will protect your hair, while also preventing it from being flattened down by a scarf or sleeping cap. Just make sure you do not apply your moisturizer before you go to bed or else the oil from your hair will seep into the pillow case. To avoid this, moisturize your hair in the morning.

3. Massage your scalp regularly. Massaging your scalp will help it secrete its natural oil, sebum. This will keep your scalp from getting dry or irritated. You can also dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil use it in your massage. Some good essential oil choices are lavender, rosemary, or tea tree essential oil.

To learn how to make sponge coils, watch this Sponge Coils video tutorial.

More: Everything You Need To Know About Sponge Coils

"Make The Switch" Photo courtesy of: Michelle Phan

How do you moisturize your sponge coils?

Lookbook: Braided Crown Protective Hairstyle

Try this braided crown protective hairstyle by revele-toi.

Braided Crown Hairstyle Tutorial | Outfit

Protective hairstyles are crucial for healthy natural hair, especially during the colder seasons. Style your hair in braided crown and pair it with a gray, black, or lavender outfit.

This article is part of My Fair Hair's "Hairstyles for 4c Hair" series. These hairstyles are selected especially for women with 4c, short to medium length natural hair. If you have thick hair, thinning edges, or a less "visible" curl pattern, these styles are for you as well!

Natural Beauty Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Treat yourself to natural beauty holiday gifts. All of the items on this list are all natural and made with the highest quality ingredients. Why not try some all natural lipstick to go with your new outfit? Or how about a calming drink of organic hibiscus tea? Click the links below to find out more about the products.

1. Hello Beautiful Lipstick & Peppermint Lip Scrub 

2. Traditional Medicinals Organic Hibiscus (available at Kroger & Whole Foods)

3. EO Organic Peppermint Hand Sanitizer (available at Whole Foods)

4. California Baby Calming Shampoo & Sensitive Skin Conditioner

How to do a Straw Set for 4c Natural Hair

A Straw Set is an ideal hairstyle for women with 4b or 4c hair that is tightly coiled. A straw set can be done on short to medium hair to provide a curly haired look similar to Shirley Temple curls. Watch these two tutorials to learn how to create a straw set on your natural hair and then read the tips below.

Tutorial #1 - The Chic Natural



Tutorial #2 - Vee Pee Jay



How To Create A Straw Set on Natural Hair

Materials You Will Need:

• Bobby pins
• Staws (cut in half) - available at Target and most grocery stores
• Styling cream or jelly
• Wide tooth comb

Tips for Creating A Straw Set

1. Choose a good styling or holding cream. The stronger the hold, the more defined your curls will be. Look for a styling cream that smooths your hair and gives it shine.
2. Leave your straw set in for 2 days before taking it down. If you style your hair over the weekend, leave the staw set in for 2-3 days so that it will be defined when you take it down.
3. Part your hair in small to medium sized sections when styling. The smaller the sections, the more volume your hair will have when finished.
4. Style your hair when it is wet. This will ensure curl definition and smoothness.

**If you have thinning edges: apply an all natural holding gel like Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle, Qhemet Biologics Honeybush Tea Soft Gel, or California Baby Jelly Mousse to your edges and brush them back gently with a SOFT bristled tooth brush. You can also wear a silk scarf or headband. (Note: All of these gels provide a very soft hold)

This article is part of My Fair Hair's "Hairstyles for 4c Hair" series. These hairstyles are selected especially for women with 4c, short to medium length natural hair. If you have thick hair, thinning edges, or a less "visible" curl pattern, these styles are for you as well!

What are your styling tips for creating a straw set?

4c Natural Hairstyles You can Easily Do

Thanks to Nekisha of Black Zulu, women with 4c tightly coiled natural hair now have options for how to style their hair. Many times natural hair that is tightly coiled is sidelined for looser coils and curls. However, Nekisha offers two TWA, 4c hairstyles that are professional and chic.

The Flat Twist Out

A flat twist out provides a coiled look on 4c hair. Pick your roots with a wide tooth comb and a pick to add volume and shape.

Black Zulu Blogger shows a flat twist out on 4c natural hair

The Bantu Knot Out

A bantu knot out can provide a volumous look on 4c natural hair. Dress it up with a headband and you're ready to go!

Black Zulu Blogger shows a bantu knot out on 4c natural hair

Resources:

How to Create a Bantu Knot Out on 4c Hair

This article is part of My Fair Hair's "Hairstyles for 4c Hair" series. These hairstyles are selected especially for women with 4c, short to medium length natural hair. If you have thick hair, thinning edges, or a less "visible" curl pattern, these styles are for you as well!

How do you style your 4c natural hair?