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?

How To Create Bantu Knots on 4c Natural Hair

A Bantu Knot Out are strands of hair that are twirled and wrapped in a circular motion and later unwrapped to create a loose, somewhat springy hair texture. Bantu Knot Outs are ideal for 4c hair as they create a coil look on hair that does not have a promiment curl pattern when dry.

Bantu Knot Outs can be styled into an afro puff, a mohawk, or an up do. Follow these tips from Black Hair Information to create a Bantu Knot Out on 4c, short natural hair and then watch the video tutorials for additional help.

Tips for Styling Bantu Knots with 4c Natural Hair

1. Section size determines curl size - The more sections you have the curlier your hair will be and the larger the section the wavier you hair will be. 

2. Moisture levels – For some reason Bantu knots work better when the hair is at least slightly wet and moisturized but not soaking wet. Let you hair air dry first or use a blow dryer on a cool/warm setting before twisting. Moisturize your hair with a hair spritz that contains water. You can also make your own by mixing together a little Aloe Vera Juice and water in a spray bottle.

3. Make sure your hair is smooth – Use a Denman brush if necessary but make sure your hair is smooth and the product is spread evenly throughout the section before twisting. 

4. Use a styler – Aint nothing wrong with a little hold! So pick out your best styler and use it on each section. Holding creams are probably a little better than hardcore gels, but it really depends on what works best on your hair. Put the styler on your hair first then follow up with a dime size amount of gel before twisting.

5. Air Dry – Air dry your hair if possible, it will take longer but the results are well worth it. Still a hooded dryer or a bonnet dryer are also really great in a pinch because they use gentle diffuse heat rather than direct heat. But make sure to wait until your hair is completely dry before unraveling the knots. 

Products to Use for Styling with 4c Natural Hair

• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
• Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle 

How to Create Bantu Knots on 4c Natural Hair - Video Tutorials 

Technique #1



Technique #2



Technique #3

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!

Ladies, do you have any tips for styling Bantu Knots on 4c natural hair?