Category Archives: Accessorizing a protective style

How To: Turning an old Twist-out to Braid & Curl Low Manipulation Style

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I wanted to share one of the methods I use to remoisturize old hair & how I style my hair in a low manipulation style (when I went camping for 2 nights).

wrap up braid-out

So I was off to a beach camping trip for 2 nights and my hair was a MESS! I had it in a twist out that turned into a messy bun. The curls were tangled, dry and just not in a good way! Since I was camping I knew I didn’t want to do anything “drastic” especially since I would be washing my hair once I got back. I also knew I wanted my hair tucked away since sand and my hair just don’t play nice at all so I figured I would remoisturize, bring back some texture but still keep my hair tucked away.

My remoisturizing method was simple, the L.O.C method (Leave-in/liquid, Oil, Cream/Whipped butter) I also used permrods and that was it. I did not use a comb to get through my hair since I wanted low manipulation and to protect my hair during the trip I used a scarf to keep my hair up and away from my shoulders and presto.

Braid and Perm Rod Set

Braid and curl

Braid and curl after separating

Braid and curl

Products/Tools Used:

DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner (I have two versions on my blog: here and here)
DIY Coffee Infused Almond Oil
DIY Whipped Double Coffee Butter
Perm Rods
Scarf (the next day for styling)
Bobby Pins (to hold my hair in place)

Method:

I parted my hair into sections (roughly 15 – 18 in total), spritzed my hair with my DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner followed by my oil. I then gently, carefully and slowly detangled my hair and get rid of shed hair. I braided my hair but left my ends unbraided. I added a little extra spray leave-in on the ends, smoothed on some whipped butter before wrapping them around the perm rods and then rolling up to my roots.

wrapped up braid out

Once I was done I covered my hair at night (I kept it uncovered right until I went to bed). The following morning I took down the perm rods and using a little oil on my fingertips I undid the braids. Now if you want to have definition then take the braids down carefully to keep the integrity of the curl pattern (since I just wanted a little texture, a little volume and was going to cover my hair it didn’t really matter for me). After I took down the braids I separated my hair a tiny bit and covered my hair with the scarf, leaving a swooped bang at the front (the ends tucked away) and pinned the rest of my hair upwards. Presto: happy moisturized and protected hair ready for camping!

I have a video of the whole process:

P.s. In case you were wondering, here is a peak at the spot where we camped.

What is your go to method to remoisturize “old hair” mid-week/before washing your hair?

Thanks

Maicurls

2 Head Wrap Styles for Winter (Protective Styles)

1 Reply

Hey Lovely Maicurlies,

So this post comes a little late (I am currently sitting in a hotel in Dubai waiting to check out). I wanted to yet again share some head wrap styles! I had posted a few photos on Instagram (yes I am addicted) and was kindly requested to do a demonstration of one of the styles so I figured I would do 2 styles in one video.

2 head wrap styles for winter

In the first example of my video I start of with a messy bun that is covered with a satin scarf first (since the outer scarf I use is neither Satin nor Silk) and then I used the outer scarf.

For the second style I start off with 2 really rough flat twists that I pin down and again use my satin scarf first followed by the outer scarf.

It is easier to explain in video which I of course have:

I would love to hear if you use scarfs during winter to help protect your hair?

Thanks

Maicurls

Easy Milkmaid Twists

3 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

So today I have a styling tutorial of my Milkmaid Twists.

Milkmaid Twists

Now I will point out that I am not all that crazy about how this particular style looks on me (I love the style on others) the main reason why I don’t like it on myself that much is because my forehead and ears become quite obvious because all my hair is pulled back and away from my face LOL. I do like the fact that it is a protective/ low manipulation style since your hair is tucked away and can be left alone for days even.

The style of course is a breeze to do and doesn’t require too many products either. Please note: I actually recorded this video working on old, frizzy hair (that had seen better days) but even with the frizz and mess the final look still ends up looking polished and neat. The video was recorded a few months back but since I was not that big of a fan I put it away without editing it, until I was kindly requested to share the video so I did 🙂

Tools/Products used:

2 ouchless Hair Bubbles
2 Bobby Pins
Dye Brush (the pointy part to make a middle parting)
DIY Flaxseed Gel (FSG)
DIY Hair Pomade
Soft Bristle Brush

Method:

The first step is to split my hair in the middle in order to make two side ponytails (please note again apart from the frizz I also don’t make neat partings – I have issues). After parting, I use some FSG to help smooth out my hair and “tame” the frizz a little. I also follow up with a little of my Hair Pomade on my edges to help provide a little extra shine and thanks to the ingredients in the pomade it also helps protect and aid in the health of my edges. I use the soft bristle brush to bring my hair together and distribute the products applied. The soft bristle brush along with the gel and pomade really helps to give that “smooth” look. I pull my hair together into two side ponytails and then two strand twist each side. I then cross each twist over the top and bobby pin them on the opposite side (under the base of the twist) and tuck away the ends under the base of each twist and that is it.

Milkmaid Twists

Additional:

I tend to add a wide ribbon to help accessorize the look, I like to think it makes the style look a little more “fancy” while at the same time helps me feel that I have caused some distraction away from my forehead and ears (yes I am not a fan of them!)

Milkmaid Twists with Ribbon

Whenever I do this style I actually just take down the bobby pins, cover my hair with a scarf for the night and the next morning I touch up my edges if there is need to and then re-pin them down so I get to protect my hair for a few days.

I have a video of course:

Would love to hear if you do Milkmaid Twists, if your method is different or if you have any suggestions for me.

Thanks

Maicurls

Nefertiti Head Wrap

3 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

It is another wrap day today! I like to call this my Nefertiti Head Wrap. 🙂

I put these photos on my Instagram page a little while ago:

From my Instagram Page

and was sweetly asked if I could do a tutorial which I was very happy to do. These are the things I use to do the style:

A hair bubble
Silk Satin Scarf
Scarf/wrap (external wrap)

I have a quick “how to” method in photos:

Bun First

Cover with silk/satin scarf

Then cover with a wrap

I make a bun (mine was a messy bun)
I use the silk satin scarf to cover the bun – I use this to help protect my hair from the external scarf/wrap since that is made of cotton and also because it helps to make the wrap appear bigger.
I first tuck one end of the external scarf against my scalp and then wrap upwards, tugging/pulling and adjusting as needed. I then tuck away the other end at the very top and continue to adjust till I am happy. Le fin!

To make it easier I of course have a video tutorial of the whole process. I also did a little “demo” of the same style with different scarves.

I hope my IG friend get’s to see this video 😀 and I would love to hear what you all think of this style!

Thanks

Maicurls

Double Twist Head Wrap

3 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Yup, I am back with another head wrap (I am sorry but I am obsessed so you will probably see more of these types of tutorials for a while!) 😀

It is yet again a really simple and quick wrap that can be done in 5 minutes, who doesn’t like a quick style that also happens to leave your hair protected??? 😀

All you really are doing it covering your hair once with the wrap and then twirling the remaining material to make a fake “twirled rope” stretching them across your head and tucking away the ends. The End 🙂

I as always have a video tutorial for an easy explanation.

I have a few other head wrap videos and tutorials: Double Knot Head Wrap & Turban Wrap. Would love to hear what you think!

Thanks

Maicurls

Lazy Girl Gibson Tuck (protective style)

8 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

I (yet again) wanted to share a simple protective style that I seem to turn to whenever I am really not in the mood to fuss around with my hair or if my hair should be washed and I am slacking for the day (don’t judge me it happens!) 😀

There are a number of different ways in which I like to do the Gibson Tuck and today I wanted to share this method.

It really is as simple and easy as it looks. 2 two strand twists on either side, 1 forward “flat twist” at the front (don’t judge my “forward flat twist” I know it is ugly LOL) and then you tuck away the rest of the hair by rolling and tucking it away under the headband. Pin back the twists and presto you are done!

I use a headband for two reasons. 1. it acts as an accessory and 2. I use it to help tuck away the hair that isn’t twisted.

Like I said there are several different ways in which you can do the Gibson tuck so on the day when I recorded the video

I also took a few pictures of another versions of the style and changed up the headband (I really need to make a new headband to spruce things up).

What do you think, Gibson tucks yay or nay? Do you have favorite Gibson tuck styles? If so let me know, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

2 Simple Valentines Day Styles

Loose Bun with Cowrie Shell Headband

10 Replies

Hello Maicurlies!

So I have got (drum roll please) a super simple style to share! LOL yes super simple, AGAIN! I am trying alright 🙂

Buns in the natural hair “community” seems to be a go to especially when you want to do something quick and this style is no exception. It takes no more than 5 minutes and you are on your way. You can “smooth out” your edges by using a scarf for 10 minutes and then hit the road to get on with your business for a more “polished” look (I used a scarf).

Tools/Products

DIY Whipped Conditioning butter* (I literally whip some of my creamy leave-in conditioner together with a little whipped butter.)
DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner
Ouchless Hair bubble
Bobby Pins
Soft bristle brush
Scarf
Cowrie Headband (optional)

*You want to make small batches of the whipped conditioning butter because water (a water based leave-in) mixed together with butter & oils can cause bacteria to grow in the container. So only make a little at a time, I also suggest storing the mix in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it “fresh” longer. You might need to experiment with the Leave-In conditioners you use because not all Leave-Ins play nice with butter – experiment time.

How to

I put a little bit of my whipped conditioning butter on my edges and ends, brush in the butter (on my edges) with my soft bristle brush and make a ponytail.
I very loosely twist only the ends of my hair, pull the twist above my head and then start to roll the hair downwards (in the direction of my forehead) and bobby pin the bun in place.
To get smoother edges I tie my scarf for 10 minutes.
After taking the scarf down I sort out the bun if it gets a little messy and then add the headband around the bun. That is it!

Video Tutorial

Would love to hear what you think of the bun!

Thanks

Maicurls

Protective Style & Castor Oil Week 6 Update

5 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Week 6

So I have come to the end of my Protective Style and Castor Oil Challenge and have to admit I am a little sad. Figured B&W pictures would show “sadness” but to be honest I just love the look of B&W photos!

Anyways, I will have a separate overview of the challenge as a whole, along with a video shortly but I just wanted to share how my last week went in this post.

For a recap of my previous weeks check below:

How did my last week go?

Not to sound like a broken record but it went well. I did two protective styles over six days and of course also massaged my Castor Oil Mix on my scalp, hairline and ends four times in the week. My two styles were as always super simple. For the first three days I did a really quick & loose pinned back up-do using only bobby pins. On the last three days I did a roll and tuck with 3 two-strand twists & accessorized the style with my DIY Floral hairband.

What Did I do?

I did my wash day routine on Sunday, moisturized and sealed before twisting my hair at night.

Day 1 – After taking down the twists in the morning I massaged my Castor Oil Mix on my scalp, hairline, ends and did one of the simplest styles since starting the challenge for the next 3 days.

Literally all I did was very loosely take my hair back fold it over and pin it down. The style was so loose that you could see a little frizz I call this being “carefree” ( it doesn’t bother me but I could be done the style with a little of my DIY Flaxseed gel for a “neater” look.)

Day 3 – I reapplied the Castor Oil mix to my scalp, hairline and ends at night.
Day 4 – In the morning I moisturized my hair with my DIY Creamy Leave-In Conditioner and sealed with my whipped butter mix then put my hair into a rolled back up-do accessorized with a DIY floral headband. (I had my DIY shell earrings on that day and it get a beach feeling when I wear them) 😀

I left two sections on the sides and one at the front to make two-strand twists. The rest of my hair was pulled back and rolled up. I pinned my hair at the top instead of under (by my neck). I took the twists to the back to give my hair a little texture and pinned the twist at the top as well.

Day 5 – At night I took my hair down, massaged my scalp, hairline and ends with the Castor Oil Mix and pineappled to sleep.
Day 6 – Redid the style and at night I repeated the night method of day 5.
Day 7 – Was supposed to wash my hair but got caught up with house work

Castor Oil Challenge:

As mentioned, I used the castor blend 4 times during the week. My hair felt a little limp by day 7 because I might have used a little too much whipped butter after re-moisturizing but I was still left with smooth, moisturized, shiny and soft hair.

So that was my first attempt at 6 weeks of protective styling and castor oil massages. Like I mentioned I will have a recap post of my final results along with a video explaining my experiences and plans but I can tell you now I enjoyed the whole challenge and it shall be repeated!

Thanks

Maicurls

Protective Style & Castor Oil Week 3 Update

12 Replies

Good day Maicurlies,

I’ve reached the halfway mark of my Protective Style and Castor Oil challenge and I am still digging it!

You can read about my previous weeks here:

How did my third week go?

I must admit I sort of hit a little bump on the road in terms of how to style my hair but I figured something out in the end.

Protective Style challenge week 3

I did not plan properly, washed my hair late at night on Sunday and everything just got dragged out but I managed. Similar the my previous weeks I did 2 styles (kept the styles for 3 days each) and then washed my hair at the end of the week.

The styles I did were “flat twists” (I’ve mentioned before – flat twists and I are still trying to build a relationship) but I figured I would get to practice some more…

What Did I do?

To start the week I had washed, Deep Conditioned, moisturized and sealed before twisting my hair into 5 chunky twists.
Day 1 – After taking down the twists I massaged my Castor Oil Mix on my scalp, hairline, ends and put my hair in my first hairstyle: 3 really loose flat twists (one on either side of my head and one in the middle). I accessorized with different ribbons over the 3 days…to distract people from my not to neat flat twists.

First style – 3 loose flat twists and accessories (this was the last day before I changed the style).

Day 3 – I reapplied my Castor Oil mix to my scalp, hairline and ends.
Day 4 – I moisturized my hair with my DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner and sealed with Rose infused Grapeseed Oil. I then put my hair into my second hair style: one loose big flat twist on the right and a two strand twist at the front which I pinned back to the right.

Second style – One big flat twist (on the right) pinned down and a two strand twist pinned back.

Day 6 – I took down the flat twist at night, massaged my scalp, hairline and ends with the Castor Oil mix and pineappled my hair to sleep.
Day 7 – Wash day routine and then got my hair ready to be set for week 4.

Castor Oil Challenge:

I used the oil 4 times and think I might stick with just applying it 4 times. I do not think my hair will be happy with me if it is coated even though I have diluted the Castor Oil…I know my limits :D. I have my recipe and a video of the mixing process here.

Again my hair felt great throughout the week: moisturized, soft, smooth, less tangles and shine galore! While I am not really looking to “grow out” my hair, I will admit that I am interested to see how much length I retained/gained at the end of the challenge.

Week 4 here I come!

Maicurls