Libra08 gave me a grand idea… she suggested that I dedicate a day to answering Twist-n-Curl questions. So, for the rest of the week, the Hair Tip of the Day will be…..The Twist-n-Curl Edition! If you have T-n-C questions, email them to me (nikki@curlynikki.com), or leave them in the comments section. Here’s a link to the video: http://www.curlynikki.com/2008/10/as-promised-t-n-c-tutorial-is-here-d.html
Now, for today’s question:
When you apply the WDT and DevaCare One to your hair are you just massaging it from root to end or are combing one product through and then the other. I tried doing this with my daughter’s hair and found that by the time I had reached the front part of the head, the hair was already starting to dry and hard to work with. I was applying the Castor oil to the ends as I went along. Thanks for this site. It is great!!
Great question! My T-n-C routine has evolved over time. While in the shower, after my hair is detangled (with my fingers then a wide tooth comb), I apply the DevaCare One Condition to each side- remember, I do everything in 2s (left and right). I don’t comb it through, I just ‘smoosh’ it through, and finger comb a bit for even distribution. To make sure the hair is very slippery, sometimes I’ll run my conditioner soaked head back under the shower head for a few seconds. I then make two big twists, and step out of the shower. In order to retain the most water (which keeps your hair slippery and easier to manipulate), I no longer wring my hair at all. At the sink, my hair is soaking wet, and loaded with Deva.
I start with the left side, and divide that section into two. I clip the front half of that side out of the way, and apply Jessicurl WDT to the back section…twist, and apply Set it Free to the ends. I don’t use a comb for the Jessicurl application either- it’s a smoothing action turn fingercomb :0) Repeat with the front section, add clips to the roots, and roll that side up. Repeat with the right side. If the right side has begun to dry out, I add water by cupping some in my hand and applying it to the hair. A spray bottle would probably be more effective, but I’m lazy. Whatever you do, keep your hair wet. It results in a smoother, shinier set, and you lose less hair while twisting.
Later Gators,
Nik
Hi Nikki, 1st love your hair. And thanks for taking time to educate us. During the week if/ when you retwist, do you re wet your hair and apply more product? And do you put the rods back on the ends. Or just retwist as is? I'm still trying to get this twist n curl down pac. Thanks again
@anonymous: I cover my head with a bonnet (search the blog for which one), or sleep with it out. Lately, I’ve been sleeping with it out, on a satin pillow case.
@Tamstyles: Check out the Journey To Natural Stories. I’ve never had short curly hair, so I’m not the expert in this area. Many of the women who submit interviews for Journey to Natural have recently BC’ed, or have pics from their BC, and how they styled their hair. hth!
@anonymous: I do around 20-25 twists.
@anonymous: I never moisturize the length. My length is generally healthy…I moisturize the ends daily, or every other day with SIF or Shea Butter.
@Pam, the crown and back of my hair has much tighter curls as well. I agree with what LBell said…do more twists, use more styler, and don’t separate as much. I just don’t care anymore, lol 🙂 I can’t see back there anyway!
Thanks for the comments and questions ladies! Keep reading 🙂
Thank you LBell. I actually did that the night before last and more of the area had the coils.
Nice to know I am not alone 🙂
Pam, I have the same issue and what I’ve had to do is make the twists smaller AND not separate as much when I take them out/down. Literally: I use my index finger and thumb to gently separate each small twist into only a few sections (like, 2 or 3).
Nikki, have you ever tried a braid-n-curl?
nevermind CN. I found the protein revisted post with jill. thanks.
Nikki…how do you identify if your hair doesn’t like protein? What ingredients are protein? What effect does protein have on your hair? I’d like to know because I’m sorting through my many products and I want to know what to look for as well in the products as well as the condition of my hair. I did a search for protein on your site but didn’t find specifics. Thanks.
Thank you so much for doing this. I am 3 weeks in my quest to master twists.
My routine is: Nightly, I apply my ors lock and twist gel and two strand twist then seal with coconut/shikaki oil and mango butter mix I made. Wrap my hair with my silk scarf and go to bed. Morning, go to the gym, come home, shower and undo my twists.
My question: How do I get definition in the back center of my head to match the front? I twist my whole head and for some reason, I get coils in the front and along my edges but the center back of my hair is just a fro. Also, is there a moisturizer I can use in the morning that wont uncoil my hair?
Thank you for all your tips, they really have helped.
I was wondering whether or not you moisturize the length of your hair in between the time your twist-n-curls. Thanks
Do you ever sit under the dryer to set your twist and curl? I don’t think my hair will dry overnight.
How many twists do you do total? Your hair is so fabulous…I can’t wait for my relaxer to grow out so I can try all of your amazing tips!
Thanks for taking my suggestion! Well that’s one question down because I was definitely wondering about how you kept your hair soaking wet.
Are there no chicks with short curly hair…I cut my hair and would like to see some short curly styles.
Nikki…What do you do in the morning if your twist haven’t dried completely?
Thanks
Thank-you so much! The video answers all my questions. I didn’t realize that you had a done a video back in October.
Nikki,
I love your site. I Was just wondering, after you t-n-c do you cover or tie your head with something? Thank you.
Thanks for the tips, I actually wondered about this very question. What are all the product combos you use to t-n-c with and what is your favourite combo?