Q&A for How to Curl Hair with Braids

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  • Question
    Do braids make your hair grow longer and faster?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Braids protect your hair so that it is less prone to damage and breakage but they don't increase the amount your hair grows.
  • Question
    Can you curl kanekalon hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can set kanekalon hair on a roller or bendable rod, but you can't use a curling iron or any other heat styling tool to curl it.
  • Question
    What happens when you braid your hair when it's wet?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    When hair is wet it stretches farther and is more fragile. Braiding it when it is wet can cause it to break.
  • Question
    How do you loosen tight braids?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Grip opposite sides in your fingers and gently pull, starting at the top of the braid and working down.
  • Question
    Can a fishtail or normal braid work as well?
    Community Answer
    They can, though each type of braid will give somewhat different curls. A fishtail works better for a full head of curls and is normally tighter too, so they will last noticeably longer.
  • Question
    Will plaiting my hair in several braids tightly every night damage my hair?
    Community Answer
    If they are too tight, yes. Avoid that by loosening them just a bit.
  • Question
    Will the water really help the curl stay?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but make sure your hair is not too wet when you braid it, or it will take longer than 8 hours for it to dry. Also, make sure that your hair is completely dry before you take the braids out.
  • Question
    Can I also do multiple mini braids with short hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes. That works too if you have short hair. As long as you follow the directions carefully, any length and number of braids should be fine.
  • Question
    How can I braid the curls in very little time?
    Community Answer
    Split your hair in fours and braid, then put them in four buns. Wait three or hour hours, or overnight.
  • Question
    How long do the curls stay in your hair?
    Community Answer
    If you use hairspray or gel, it should last a while. If you are not using hairspray/gel, it lasts a day or two.
  • Question
    Can I make some braids in the morning and take them out at night?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just make sure your hair is completely dry when you make them.
  • Question
    What should I do if I have thick, straight hair?
    Community Answer
    It is easiest to French braid thick, straight hair right out of the shower.
  • Question
    If I braid my hair and leave it in and it isn't wet, will it still work?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you leave it in for an extended period. Depending on your hair, that means at least overnight; for some, a day or two may be necessary.
  • Question
    How long will my hair stay curled if I use dry hair and hairspray?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how long you leave in the braids. Leave them in for 2-3 days and spray with hairspray. They'll last 2-4 days if you are careful not to brush and only use your fingers or a wide tooth comb.
  • Question
    How do I curl my hair with braids?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of the curls fast for short hair?
    Community Answer
    Flat iron your hair or take a shower. If you don't have time to shower, spritz your hair with water and comb the curls out.
  • Question
    What do I do if braids won't stay in my hair?
    Community Answer
    Try using hairspray to hold the braids in. A few loose strands here and there won't hurt. Also, try making 4-6 ponytails and then braiding them for better support.
  • Question
    Can I still do curls with dry hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you will have to leave them in for longer. Probably about two days.
  • Question
    How long do you keep the braids in?
    Community Answer
    It depends on whether your hair is wet or dry when you braid it. If your hair is wet, then you should wait until the braids are dry to take them out. If your hair is dry, you might have to wait a few hours or overnight. If you have thicker hair, I recommend getting your hair wet before braiding.
  • Question
    Do the braids need to be left in overnight?
    Community Answer
    They don't have to, but the longer you leave them in, the better a curl you will get. Overnight usually works well. A few hours might not be enough for some people.
  • Question
    Will a normal braid work if I do it tightly and sleep with it overnight?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It makes pretty curls.
  • Question
    Is it okay to braid my hair while it is still wet?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you just need to be sure that it is dry when you take it out. If you don't, it might flatten when you brush it.
  • Question
    If I make braids and lie on them overnight, will my hair curl?
    Community Answer
    Yes, leaving the braids in overnight is the most effective way.
  • Question
    Can I use a blow dryer to make it dry faster?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! You're still drying your hair and will get slight curls. However, sleeping on the braids is way more effective, will give you bigger curls and will save your hair some heat damage. If you want to get adventurous, try making two or three normal braids (not French) and straightening them with a flat iron. The results are some neat waves that are versatile and really pretty.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of the curls on short hair?
    Community Answer
    Simply wet your hair and brush it. That should straighten it instantly. Otherwise soak and wash your hair.
  • Question
    My hair is naturally straight. Will doing the twist braid and bun make my hair really curly?
    Community Answer
    It will definitely make it wavy and somewhat curly. Experiment with it to see how wavy you can get it.
  • Question
    For Method 1, should I use hairspray or hair gel?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your hairstyle. Hairspray would work better with flat hair, thin hair, and/or straight hair, and vice versa for gel.
  • Question
    Can I sleep with them in?
    Community Answer
    If they are done tightly, and you sleep on the opposite side of your head, the end result should be the same, however the top of your hair could be slightly knotty.
  • Question
    Will cornrows curl my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will just make them tight curls. If you want beachy waves, make the sections of your hair larger.
  • Question
    What if I don't have any hair oil but I do have mousse?
    Community Answer
    Apply the mousse the same way you would apply the oil, by putting it on your hands, then lathering it into your hair. Just be sure to use extra shampoo (if you have the type that moisturizes hair without needing conditioner) or conditioner the next time you are in the shower so that your hair doesn't get too dry or damaged.
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