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Before installing box or yarn braids, stretching your hair is crucial. It ensures easier insertion and longer-lasting security for your braids when your hair is as straight and long as possible. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to stretch your natural hair, with or without heat styling tools, in preparation for your braids. Feel free to experiment with different techniques until you find the one that suits you and your hair type the best!
Steps
Preparing Your Hair
Start by cleansing your hair with shampoo and conditioning it normally. Opt for hydrating products to add moisture to your hair, avoiding those containing silicones and sulfates.
- Ensure your hair is clean before braiding to maintain a healthy scalp.
- If your hair is already clean, simply dampen it with water instead of washing it again.
Pro Tip: If you want to further enhance moisture in your hair, consider using a deep conditioner or hair mask.
Thoroughly rinse off the shampoo and conditioner with cool water. Ensure complete removal of all product residue from your hair to prevent scalp buildup. Opt for cool water to minimize damage and dryness.
- Consider rinsing with cool water every time you shampoo to protect against damage and dryness.
Gently blot excess moisture from your hair using a microfiber towel. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel; instead, gently press it against your hair to eliminate excess moisture. Continue until your hair is no longer dripping wet.
- Microfiber towels are gentler on your hair as they do not cause snagging or tearing.
For added moisture, evenly apply a leave-in conditioner from root to tip. If your hair is dry or prone to breakage, apply leave-in conditioner from the roots to the ends. Ensure it is absorbed into your hair, leaving no visible residue on the surface.
Detangle your hair from the ends to the roots using a comb or brush. Begin detangling from the ends and work your way up with a comb or brush to eliminate any knots or tangles. Starting with smoother hair makes it easier to stretch and lengthen.
- Consider using a wet brush to minimize snagging or tearing. Wet brushes have wider bristles, reducing the risk of hair damage.
Using Heat for Stretching
Apply hair oil evenly from roots to ends for added moisture. As heat styling tools can cause slight dryness, applying hair oil throughout your hair helps retain moisture. Coat your hair with oil and allow it to penetrate for approximately 5 minutes before beginning the drying process.
- Consider using coconut oil or Argan oil for enhanced shine.
Divide your hair into 5 to 10 sections. Separating your hair into smaller sections speeds up the drying process. Use hair ties or clips to divide your hair into sections, ensuring they are secure. Adjust the number of sections based on your hair's thickness.
- Ensure there are at least 3 sections in the front and 2 in the back.
Attach a concentrator nozzle to your hair dryer. These nozzles resemble flat duck bills and concentrate the airflow. Attach one to the front of your hair dryer to expedite the drying process.
- Concentrator nozzles are commonly available at beauty supply stores.
Set the hair dryer to LOW heat and dry each hair section individually. Release one section of hair and brush it out. Hold the hair dryer close to your hair, using a brush to separate and dry each strand. Move the dryer slowly from roots to ends. Repeat for each section until all hair is dry.
- Use a paddle brush or wet brush to detangle your hair while drying.
Pro Tip: If your hair needs additional stretching after blow-drying, you can use a straightener or flat iron for further smoothing. Remember to apply heat protectant spray to dry hair before using the flat iron to minimize damage.
Braiding or Twisting Your Hair
Divide your hair into 3 to 5 sections. Adjust the number of sections based on your hair thickness. Aim for 2 to 3 sections in the front and 1 to 2 sections in the back for optimal results. Ensure sections are even using a fine-tooth comb and secure them with hair ties or clips.
- If you have 3A or 3B curls, you can even opt for 2 large sections.
Part 1 section into 3 segments for braiding. Divide the hair from 1 section into 3 equal parts. Ensure your hair is smooth and free of lumps before starting the braid.
- Smooth and straight hair facilitates better stretching.
Create a braid for each section for an effortless stretching technique. Gather the 3 hair segments at the base of your head and cross the right segment over the middle one. Then, cross the left segment over the middle one. Repeat until you reach the hair's end for a small braid, then secure it with a hair tie.
- Braids elongate the hair downward while maintaining straightened curls. However, they may leave a subtle wave in the hair.
Divide 1 section into 2 parts if you prefer twists over braids. Ensure each section is brushed and smooth, then use your fingers to split it into 2 even parts. Strive for even parts to ensure uniform stretching.
- You can run a comb through your hair once more if necessary.
Twist the section around itself for a classic stretch. Take both parts of your hair and wrap one over the other. Continue wrapping in the same direction until reaching the end, then secure the twist with a small hair tie.
- Twists, like braids, won’t leave as pronounced waves in your hair when undone.
Braid or twist each hair section. Ensure all sections are either braided or twisted before allowing your hair to dry. Maintain consistent sectioning and tightness for even stretching.
Keep your braids or twists overnight. Since these styles may take time to dry, leaving them overnight ensures your hair dries straight and stretched.
Pro Tip: After removing your braids or twists, brush your hair again to eliminate any remaining curls.
Threading or Banding Your Hair
Divide your hair into 10 to 15 sections. Adjust based on your hair thickness, aiming for sections about 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm) wide. Use hair ties or clips to keep them separate.
Pro Tip: Threading and banding are most effective on thinner hair sections, so the more sections you create, the better.
Wrap a thread around the base of each section to thread your hair. Hold one section of hair in your hand and wrap crochet thread around its base with the other hand. Wrap the thread several times around your hair to secure it in place.
- You can purchase crochet thread from most craft supply stores.
Secure each section with a hair tie to band your hair. Use a 1 in (2.5 cm) hair tie to ensure a tight hold. Wrap the hair tie around the base of your hair twice to secure it.
- If you don’t have small hair bands, larger ones wrapped 2 to 3 times around your hair will suffice.
Continue wrapping thread or hair ties along your hair's length. If you're threading, wrap the thread around each section tightly. Secure the excess thread around your hair. For banding, add hair ties every 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) until the end of your hair.
Leave the hair ties or thread overnight. Allow your hair to dry in the threaded or banded style. This method straightens your hair without using damaging heat, ideal for preparing it for braids.
- If you have thick hair, drying may take longer.
Pro Tips
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Avoid using heat to stretch your natural hair to prevent damage. Minimize or eliminate the use of a hair dryer during the stretching process.
Materials Needed
Prepping Your Hair
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Microfiber towel
- Comb or brush
- Leave-in conditioner (optional)
Using Heat for Stretching
- Comb or brush
- Hair ties
- Hair dryer
- Hair oil (optional)
Styling Your Hair
- Preparing Your Tools
- Threading or Banding Your Hair
