3 Ways to Stretch Natural Hair Without Heat

Every natural past shoulder length hair needs to be clued up on the top 3 non-heat ways to stretch their hair.

This is because in order to retain length, you need to prevent heat damage on natural hair. 

On the other hand, keeping your hair stretched is one of the ways to prevent knots and tangles, helping you retain your length.

There are other ways to stretch afro-textured hair with little to no heat that allows you to still maintain and showcase your hair length.

NaHaZo will be discussing the following methods:-

*Pssst, catch up on the 411 on LCO or LOC method for Afro-textured Hair.  

1. African Threading 

You will need:-

• Freshly washed and conditioned hair
• A ball of wool

African Threading Method 

1. Part your recently washed hair into four plaits.
2. Secure each section with a hair clip, and then work section by section. This will allow you to pay attention to each sectioned part of your hair.
3. Depending on your hair length, you can section it into 4, 8 or even 10 parts. (Note that the more sections you thread, the more stretched your hair will appear).
4. Before your section, lightly dampen, but not wet your hair and then smooth a small amount of your preferred hair oil, followed by your hair butter.
5. Hold the sectioned hair at the root and thread the wool tightly from roots to tip, securing the end in a knot.
6. Do this all over your head, repeating until your whole head is threaded.

NaHaZo advocates stretching freshly washed hair, and keeping the hair in wool for at least a minimum of 12 hours.

To retain more moisture, and thus hold the style for longer, apply a deep moisturising treatment as well as do the LOC /LCO process before threading your hair. This will give it added sheen and lustre when you unravel the threading.

Should you want to maintain this stretched look, you can repeat this process before you go to bed, and simply unravel the plaits the next morning.

Catch up on our 5 hacks to introduce moisture into your hair. 

2. Tight Plaits

You will need:-

• Freshly washed and conditioned hair
• Hair ties or ribbons

Tight Plaits Method

1. Part your hair into four sections and then secure them with a clip, working section by section. Make sure that your hair is slightly damp and moisturised (using LOC or LCO method).
2. For each section, part into 3 or more sections, depending on your hair length and how stretched you want it to be.
3. Then secure the root of your hair tightly with hair toes or ribbons. Make sure you use ties that do not snag on your hair or cause breakage.
4. Tightly plait each section, securing it at the tip with another tie.
5. Unravel your plaits after a minimum of eight hours or you can leave them overnight and undo them the next morning. The longer your keep the plaits the more stretch your hair will be.

Enjoy your stretched look the next day! To maintain this style, simply repeat the process, making sure to keep your hair is well-moisturised with the LOC / LCO process.

Need a moisturising DIY spray for your hair? Why not try make our DIY Hibiscus Water for Hair. 

3. Flexi-rods method

You will need:

•  Freshly washed, conditioned & detangled hair
•  Flexi-rods

Flexi-rods Method

1. Section your hair into four parts and secure with hair clips or hair bands to get it out of the way.
2. Starting from the back, spritz your hair lightly with your preferred DIY or leave-in-conditioner. Or you can mist it lightly with water and then apply your LOC or LCO products, depending on your regime.
3. Place the flexi-rod at the end of your hair and twist it all the way till you get to the root of your hair, before bending it to secure it snugly. (Remember to tuck your hair over the flexi-rod, rather than under it).
4. Repeat this for all sectioned parts of your hair, until all of your hair is secured in flexi-rods.

To get the best results (and since you are not using heat), keep your flexi-rods in for at least 12 hours (less if you did not use the rods on damp hair).

Unravel your rods and enjoy your no-heat stretched hair.

Did you know that using a good sealant can help keep your hairstyle looklng fresher for longer? Try our top DIY hair sealants – DIY Moringa Butter and DIY Shea Butter & Flaxseed Cream. 

Clued up with these 3 tips, you will get the most out of your hair without resorting to the dreaded hair dryer or curling iron.

Sound off on the comments and lets us know what your experience has been stretching your hair without heat.