How to Stretch Natural Hair Without Heat Damage

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Many women love their natural hair but don’t always prefer to wear it in its shrunken state. For some, preventing single strand knots that come with frequent wash and go’s and avoiding heat damage is a priority. Fortunately, there are several heatless methods to stretch natural hair, giving you the length and style you desire without compromising your curl pattern.

If you’re looking for easy ways to stretch your natural hair for extra length or before protective styling, here’s how to stretch hair without heat.

Benefits of Stretching Hair Without Heat

Stretching your natural hair without heat is a great way to preserve its health while enjoying a variety of styles. Heat-free methods reduce the risk of heat damage, which can alter your curl pattern and cause dryness and hair breakage. Using these techniques, you can maintain your natural curls while reducing hair shrinkage.

How to Stretch Your Natural Hair Without Heat

Curlformers

Curlformers are one of the most popular methods for stretching natural hair, regardless of length. They are available for short, medium, and long hair and can be used on all hair types, wet or damp. The best part about Curlformers is that they create beautiful spiral curls when your hair is dry. For the best results, apply a leave-in conditioner before using Curlformers to keep your hair moisturized.

How to Use Curlformers

1. Start with Damp Hair: Section your hair into smaller sections.
2. Apply Curlformers: Insert the Curlformers onto the hair shaft, starting from the roots and moving down to the ends of your hair.
3. Drying Process: Allow your hair to air dry completely, or use a blow dryer on low heat if you’re short on time.

Curlformers are a great way to stretch your hair without heat, and the results are well worth the effort. Plus, they’re reusable, making them a favorite among curly girls.

You can purchase official Curlformers online, or Curlformer dupes for those who like deals.

Check out my video of stretching hair with Curlformers using the Deluxe Range Styling Kit Spiral Curls for Long Hair below.

Braids and Twists

Braids and twists are the most common methods for stretching natural hair. These styles not only stretch the hair but also provide a protective hairstyle that can last for several days. You can even mix things up by using flat twists or two-strand twists for different textures and curl patterns.

When the braids and twists are dry, wear them in a braid-out or twist-out. If you’re stretching natural hair with braids or twists after washing, you can also do them in chunky twists or braids and dry them overnight.

How to do Braid Outs and Twist Outs

1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into medium or large sections, depending on its length.
2. Braid or Twist: Braid or twist each section tightly, ensuring the hair is smooth and tangle-free.
3. Dry Overnight: For best results, let your braids or twists dry overnight. In the morning or several days later, gently unravel them for a stretched look.

Banding Method

The banding method is an excellent method for stretching natural hair without heat. This technique involves using elastic bands or rubber bands to stretch sections of hair.

Steps to Band Your Hair

1. Start with Damp Hair: Section your hair into small or medium-sized sections.
2. Apply Elastic Bands: Wrap elastic bands around each section from the roots to the ends, leaving the hair stretched.
3. Allow to Dry: Let your hair dry completely before removing the bands.

African Threading Method

African threading is one of the oldest and most effective heatless ways to stretch natural hair. This method involves wrapping thread around sections of hair to stretch it out.

How to Thread Your Natural Hair

1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into smaller sections.
2. Wrap with Thread: Use thread to wrap each section from the roots to the ends, pulling the hair taut as you go.
3. Leave Overnight: Allow your hair to dry completely before unraveling the thread.

African threading not only stretches hair but also protects it from breakage and single-strand knots. This method is particularly effective for thick and long hair and provides excellent results.

Flexi Rods and Perm Rods

Flexi rods and perm rods are another great way to stretch natural hair without heat. These tools come in various sizes, allowing you to create different curl patterns and achieve the best stretch for your hair type.

Using Flexi Rods and Perm Rods

1. Apply to Damp Hair: Section your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner.
2. Wrap Hair Around Rods: Wrap each section around a flexi rod or perm rod, securing it tightly.
3. Dry Completely: Allow your hair to air dry, or use a blow dryer on low heat for quicker results.

Flexi rods and perm rods are ideal for creating a curly, stretched look that lasts for days. They’re also one of the best choices for those looking to avoid the use of heat.

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a fun and easy way to stretch natural hair while creating defined curls. This stretching method is perfect for curly girls who want a different look without using heat.

How to Create Bantu Knots

1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections.
2. Twist and Knot: Twist each section tightly, then wrap it into a small knot and secure it with bobby pins.
3. Dry Overnight: Let the knots dry completely before unraveling them the next day.

Bantu knots not only stretch your hair but also create a beautiful curly pattern once they’re taken down. They’re a popular protective style for many naturalistas.

Roller Sets

Roller sets are another common method for stretching natural hair without heat. This technique involves setting your hair in rollers of different sizes to achieve a stretched, curly look.

How to Set Your Hair

1. Start with Damp Hair: Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair.
2. Roll Sections: Section your hair and wrap it around the rollers, securing it with bobby pins or elastic hair ties.
3. Allow to Dry: Let your hair air dry, or use a blow dryer on low heat if necessary.

Roller sets are a great way to achieve stretched curls with minimal effort. They work well on fine hair and can be worn regularly.

Stretching your natural hair without heat is not only possible but also beneficial for maintaining healthy hair. Keep in mind that to get the best effect of these stretched styles, you must make sure your hair is fully dry.

Whether you choose Curlformers, braids, banding, or Bantu knots, these different ways to stretch your hair without heat offer the best stretch for your hair type while preserving your natural curls. The next time you’re looking for a heat-free way to stretch your hair, try one of these methods for the best results.

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How do you stretch your hair without heat?