From braids to up-dos, there are an endless number of ways to embrace your natural coils with unique, eye-catching styles. Whether you’re searching for a go-to hairstyle that’ll get you out the door in under 10 minutes or intricate twists that are sure to turn heads, you can unleash the beauty of your tresses with an array of stunning looks.
In fact, one of the major perks of having a coily texture is its versatility. Keep reading to explore popular options for your bountiful coils that will keep your natural curl pattern looking & feeling its best.
Effortless Wash & Go Styling for Coils
There’s nothing quite like the ease of mastering an effortless wash-&-go look. It’s one of many easy hairstyles for coily hair, & you can create it without the use of heat or manual manipulation (think braiding or twisting). All you’ll need are a few styling products right out of the shower.
A wash-&-go look typically showcases your natural curl pattern & highlights the volume of your coily hair. Here are some steps to help you master your wash-&-go look every time:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Curls
The key to any quick natural hairstyle is an easy wash day routine, so you’ll want to begin with a gentle cleanser. Your natural coils require more moisture than other wavy or curly hair types, so you’ll also want to find a product that offers a thorough clean while locking in moisture.
Our Hydration Shampoo is full of high-quality ingredients & cleansing oils that will leave your tresses feeling soft & hydrated before you even reach for the conditioner.
Step 2: Quench Your Coils with Conditioner
When it comes to coils, conditioning is everything. Your pillowy-soft curls are full of intricate twists & turns which can prevent the distribution of sebum, your scalp's natural oils, throughout your strands.
This may leave your hair feeling a little dry, but not to worry. With a nourishing conditioner like our Intensive Conditioner, you can easily quench your thirsty coils. This preps your tresses for an easy wash-&-go look full of the shine & volume you love.
Step 3: Lock-In Moisture with Styling Products & Techniques
Once your curls have been thoroughly cleansed & conditioned, you’ll want to detangle before styling. A gentle detangler, like our Detangling Nectar, can help you tease apart your coils while steering clear of any unnecessary breakage.
Then, you can follow up with products made for your unique coil pattern, like our Styling Cream, Curl Gel or Curl Mousse. Understanding your curls’ porosity & protein sensitivity can ensure you find stylers with the right ingredients for your coily hair type.
Protective Braids, Twists & Locs for Coily Hair
Protective styles are popular among coily-haired queens. Not only do they keep your tight coils healthy & moisturized, but they also allow you to explore your personal style.
Here’s a look at three popular protective hairstyles for coily hair:
- Bountiful braids – Braids are one of the most versatile protective styles for natural hair textures, & there are dozens of braiding techniques you can use to craft the look you want. Box braids, created by parting your coils into two square-shaped sections, are a unique & refined style, while micro-braids are an intricate, low-maintenance option great for any length.
- Traditional twists – With stunning, tight-textured coils, you can also opt for a variety of traditional twists, including ultra-chic & low-maintenance two-strand twists. Easier to craft on your own than some braided looks, twists & twist-outs can become your new go-to protective style.
- Luscious locs – Locs is a long-term styling method that works with the natural density of your hair to craft a stunning protective hairstyle. With a little care & maintenance, you can transform your coils into thick locks, or opt for finer microlocs for added flair.
Iconic Coily Looks
If you’re looking for a styling method with cultural significance, you may want to give Bantu knots a try. This traditional technique is an iconic Afro-centric hairstyle that offers your coils the protection they need while embracing the sacred power they hold.
These neatly separated twists originate from the Zulu Kingdom in Africa. You can craft them by separating your coils into sections & securing them into small, twisted buns, creating a knot-like shape. For added edge control, apply a styling mousse or gel to your tresses before sectioning off your strands.
Bantu knots are super versatile, & you can add creative flair to your styling by free-handing abstract lines when parting your hair or adding small accent braids to your coils. If you’re ready to release your knots but aren’t sure what to do next, you can always unravel them to reveal gently tousled curls (also called a Bantu knot-out).
Flaunt Your Coily Hair Type with PATTERN
No matter what look you choose for your coils, you’ll want to have the right coily hair products & styling tools at the ready—that’s where PATTERN comes in.
At PATTERN, we’re passionate about helping you care for your natural hair texture. That’s why we offer products formulated with high-quality ingredients to invigorate your curl pattern & help your tresses flourish, as well as tools designed specifically to style & protect curly hair.
Unsure whether you are rocking coily or curly hair? Take our curl quiz & discover our collection today to give your locks the TLC they need to thrive.
Sources:
Byrdie. The History of Bantu Knots Is Important to Know. https://www.byrdie.com/bantu-knots-history-5214601
Reviewed by Ashley Ludgood
With over 12 years of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, Ashley Ludgood brings a wealth of expertise to her current role at PATTERN. Her insights have been featured in reputable publications like American Salon Magazine, American Spa Magazine, and Skin, Inc. Ashley has also shared her knowledge at conferences, including Face & Body, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to contributing to the industry. Having been an integral part of the team at PATTERN for nearly 4 years, Ashley continues to make significant contributions. Holding a degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, she remains passionate about her field. Among her favorite products, Ashley turns to the PATTERN Styling Cream, Moisture Milk, and the Cleansing Shampoo as her go-to essentials.
