Flat Twist-n-Curl for Transitioners

Alysha writes:

Hi CN community! I’m a college student in NC and a long term transitioner going on 6 months. This style has turned into a staple- -I tried a few styles at the beginning of my transition, but gravitated toward this one because it’s not as time consuming as some of the other styles, dries quickly, and it’s really easy to do. I usually do it once or twice a week depending on if I’m feeling lazy. Hopefully this can be a new style for some ladies out there ^_^

Here is what I do:

• On wash days (usually Sunday) I shampoo with Garnier Fruits Triple Nutrition Fortifying Shampoo and condition with Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Butter Conditioner. I detangle my hair (in 4 sections) while it’s loaded with conditioner and twist.

• If it’s a DC week, I mix some Garnier Frutis Sleek & Shine Fortifying Deep Conditioner with honey, EVOO and/or coconut oil, and grapeseed oil (it smells so yummy). I put a generous amount in my hair and sit under a hooded dryer for 5-10 mins with a plastic cap, and then I detangle under cool water.

• After detangling and rinsing I blot the twists with an old t-shirt, take them out, and put a small amount Shea Moisture Curl & Styling Milk in each section. I really like this product, it leaves my hair very soft and moisturized the next day.

• Then I let my hair air dry for about 20-30 mins.

• Before I start the flat twists I make my side part and then I section off some hair usually with my fingers and put some coconut oil near my roots and at the line of demarcation.

• I put 8-9 flat twists in my hair. I learned how to do this from a tutorial video by Curly Chronicles on YouTube (below).

• After each twist I put more coconut oil on my ends and roll them with flexi rods all the way up to my scalp. I feel like this gives me a fuller curl. Try not to roll it too tight because it won’t be comfy to sleep in and it could pull at your roots.

• Once I’m finished I go about the rest of my evening which is homework or video games. When it’s time for bed I put on a satin bonnet or sleep on a satin pillow.

• In the morning I take my twists down separate them and fluff my hair at the roots. If needed, I may rub some coconut oil in my hands and run it through my hair.

• This style usually lasts me all week if I take proper care of it (re-twisting at night). Between school and work I don’t have much time to wash and reset my hair again in the middle of the week. So by the end of the week I’m usually rocking a high puff or curly pony tail and a cute little pomp in my bangs.