LifeTYME Blog

Can you curl braiding hair with a curling iron?

Image of a girl with a protective style and curled ends. Taken from Instagram/Eva Marcille

The dos and don’ts of curling braided hair with a curling iron

Protective style girlies, this is for you. Let’s talk about something we’ve all wondered—can you curl braiding hair with a curling iron? We’ve all had that moment where we love our braids but feel like they could use a little extra *something, something*. Maybe you’ve got an event coming up, or maybe you’re just in the mood for some bouncy curls to switch up the vibe for your brunch date. I mean, who doesn’t love a good glow-up, right?

 

But here’s the real question: is it even possible to curl those gorgeous braids without ending up with a hot mess? Like, will that curling iron play nice with your braids, or will it leave you regretting your life choices? Because, babe, we’re not here to fry those ends.

 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re rocking synthetic braiding hair or splurged on the real deal, we’re going to spill all the tea on how to curl your braids without any drama.

 

What’s a protective style? And why does it matter?

Let’s start with the basics, girlie. Protective styles—they’re more than just a pretty look. When you’ve got your hair in braids, twists, or any other protective style, you’re shielding your natural hair from daily wear and tear. It’s a way to give your hair a break while still looking fierce, which is why we love them so much! Whether you’re protecting your natural curls or just want to try something new, these styles help keep your hair healthy by minimizing manipulation and reducing exposure to heat, weather, and all the things that can cause damage.

 

But here's the catch: while protective styles like braids are meant to shield your natural hair, they also require some TLC—especially when you’re thinking of adding heat into the mix. That’s where knowing your braiding hair comes in handy.

 

Real vs. synthetic braiding hair—The heat debate

So, which type of braiding hair are you working with—real human hair or synthetic hair? Trust us, babe, it makes a big difference when you’re reaching for that curling iron.

 

Real human hair braids: If you’ve opted for human hair, congratulations! You’ve got a bit more flexibility when it comes to styling with heat. Human hair is more durable and can handle heat styling tools like curling irons, just like your natural hair would. But don’t get too wild—use heat protectant spray and keep your iron at a lower setting to avoid frying those gorgeous locks. After all, just because it can handle heat doesn’t mean it’s invincible.

 

Synthetic braiding hair: Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is a whole different story. Made from fibers like Kanekalon, it’s designed to mimic real hair but isn’t as resilient when it comes to heat. Curling synthetic braids with a curling iron can be risky business. Cranking up the heat can cause the fibers to melt, frizz, or lose their shape entirely—and no one wants to deal with that mess. However, all hope isn’t lost! You can still curl synthetic hair; you just have to be more creative (and careful) with your approach. Lower heat settings or even heat-free methods can help you get the curls you crave without the drama.

 

In short: Human hair = more heat-friendly, synthetic hair = proceed with caution. Knowing what type of hair you’ve got is the first step in making sure your curls come out looking fabulous, not frazzled.

 

Next up, we’ll take a look at exactly how to curl both types of braiding hair, breaking down the best techniques for achieving those perfect curls while keeping your braids intact. Because we’re all about bringing the heat—without the damage.

 

How to curl braiding hair—techniques for both real and synthetic hair

Now that you know what kind of braiding hair you’re working with—whether it’s real human hair or synthetic hair—it’s time to talk about how to actually curl it. Trust me, girl, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. No matter if you’re a heat styling queen or prefer more gentle methods, we’re here to help. Let’s break down the best techniques for each type of braiding hair so you can get those dreamy curls, minus the fuss.

 

Curling human hair braids with a curling iron

Guessing you’ve got human hair braids? Lucky you! Curling them is a lot like curling your natural hair, but you’ve still gotta be careful. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Prep your hair: Before you even think about turning on that curling iron, make sure your hair is protected. Spritz on a heat protectant spray to shield your braids from heat damage. Trust me, babe, this step is non-negotiable.
  2. Choose the right temperature: One of the biggest mistakes you can make is cranking up the heat. Keep your curling iron on a low to medium setting—around 300°F to 350°F. Human hair can handle heat, but let’s not test its limits.
  3. Section your braids: To get those perfect curls, work in small sections. Grab a braid or two at a time, depending on how tight or loose you want your curls to be.
  4. Wrap and curl: Wrap the ends of your braids around the barrel of the curling iron, hold for a few seconds, and release. If you want looser waves, opt for a larger barrel. For tighter curls, a smaller barrel will do the trick.
  5. Set it: Once you’ve curled all your braids, lock in those curls with a light-hold hairspray. This will help your curls last longer without weighing them down.

Voilà! You’ve just added some bounce and glam to your pricey braids without breaking a sweat (or your wallet…again). 

 

Curling synthetic hair—low heat and heat-free techniques

Okay, babes, if you’re rocking synthetic braiding hair, you’ve gotta approach this with a little more finesse and care. No one wants to accidentally melt their braids, right? Here are two ways to curl synthetic hair without the stress.

 

1. The hot water method

Yep, you read that right—hot water! This tried-and-true method is one of the safest ways to curl synthetic braids. Here’s how it works:

– Prep your braids: Start by sectioning your braids just like you would with human hair. If you’re going for tight curls, use flexi rods or perm rods to wrap the ends of your braids. For looser curls, you can braid the ends together or twist them up.

– Boil water: Heat up a pot of water until it’s steaming hot (but not boiling). You don’t need to submerge your entire braid—just dip the part you’ve wrapped around the rods or braided.

– Dip and hold: Carefully dip the ends of your braids into the hot water for about 10-15 seconds. Be sure to hold onto the braid above the rod so you’re not dipping your entire hand in there!

– Cool and release: Gently pat your braids dry with a towel and let them cool down completely. Once they’re cool, unravel the rods or untwist the braids, and voilà—perfect curls!

 

2. The low-heat setting on a curling iron

If you’re *set* on using a curling iron, make sure you’re using one with adjustable heat settings, or you could risk some pretty unsightly FRIED ends. Here’s how to do it safely:

– Set your iron to low: Start with the lowest possible heat setting—something around 250°F or less. You don’t want to go any higher, trust me.

– Use a heat protectant: Yes, even on synthetic hair! Spray a heat protectant designed for synthetic fibers to minimize any potential damage.

– Curl quickly: Wrap the ends of your synthetic braids around the curling iron for no more than 5-7 seconds. Any longer, and you risk melting the hair.

– Let it cool: Just like with human hair, let the curls cool before touching or styling them. This helps the curls set and stay in place.

And there you have it! If you’re using hot water or a low-heat curling iron, you can achieve kick-ass curls in your synthetic braids without the stress of ruining them. Perfect, perfect, perfect.

 

How to keep your curls and braids looking on point

You’ve now got the hang of curling your braiding hair, so let’s talk maintenance. Because, girl, what’s the point of getting those perfect curls if they don’t last? Here are a few key tips to keep your curls and braids looking fresh for as long as possible.

 

1. Keep your hair moisturized

Protective style girlies, IYKYK! Even though your braids are in a protective style, it’s still important to keep your hair and scalp moisturized. This is especially important if you’re applying heat. Dry hair can lead to breakage, and no one wants that. Use a light leave-in conditioner or braid spray to hydrate your braids regularly. Focus on the roots and your scalp to keep your natural hair nourished underneath. This step is NEEDED no matter what type of hair you’re using. 

 

2. Satin is your BFFL 

Don’t let your beauty sleep ruin your curls! Before bed, wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf, or better yet, invest in a satin pillowcase. The smooth texture will help reduce friction, preventing frizz and keeping your curls intact. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for making your curls last longer without waking up to a frizzy mess.

 

3. Don’t overdo it with the products

We all love a little extra shine, but too much product can weigh your braids down and make them look greasy. When you’re curling your braids, especially with heat, stick to lightweight products like a heat protectant and a light hold hairspray. You want your curls to be bouncy and beautiful, not sticky and stiff.

 

4. Touch up when needed

If your curls start to lose their bounce, don’t stress! You can always refresh them. For human hair braids, a quick touch-up with your curling iron can bring those curls back to life. For synthetic hair, simply re-wrap the ends on your rods and dip them in hot water again. Easy peasy, babe.

 

5. Be gentle when detangling

Finally, when it’s time to take down your braids, be gentle. Detangle your hair slowly and with care to avoid unnecessary breakage. After all, you’ve spent all this time protecting your natural hair, so let’s keep that energy going until the end!

 

Dreaming of hair with braids and curls? You’re almost there

Who says you can’t mix it up with your braids? If you're flaunting human hair or synthetic braids, adding curls is a fun and fresh way to level up your look. With the right technique and a little care, your braids can go from sleek and straight to full-on fabulous with those perfect curls.

 

Remember, your hair journey is all about experimenting and finding what makes you feel your best. Choose between a curling iron, flexi rods, or going old-school with hot water, just know that your protective style has a truckload of options.

 

At the end of the day, it’s all about rocking the style that makes you feel confident and empowered. So go ahead, add some curls, shake things up, and let your braids do ALL the talking.

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