Natural Hair Stretching Method:Banding

Hey Curlies,

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Banding is another way of stretching the hair. As you all know you can also use twists, braids and bantu knots for stretching. The art of banding goes back into the days of slavery where women wouldn't be given time to care for their hair,so they would band it.

I figured why not try it. The only reason I hadn't tried it before is because I kept forgetting to buy the hair bows lol. So last night I washed my hair using Shea Moisture's African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo and conditioned with Twisted Sista De-Frizz Conditioner.I deep conditioned for 20 minutes using Amika Olive Oil Mask.

I divided my hair into about 6-7 sections on wet hair, I twisted using vitamin E oil. Soon after creating about 4-5 twists in each section I began banding. I used 4 hair bands per section. I gathered all 4-5 twist in the bigger section and secured hair bands on them collectively about one inch apart. This elongates the hair and prevents it from shrinking.

If you are using this technique, be sure not to use hair bands that contain a metal piece. These pieces can tug and pull on hair. In the end, it did work out pretty well for me, but it wasn't amazing. It did stretch my hair better that twists normally would when my hair is wet. I did notice that my ponytail seemed longer the next day.

-Victoria (@Classycurlies)