We’re always raving about on-trend ways to style our manes without reaching for hot tools, whether it’s beach waves or overnight curls. But, aside from the beloved protective hairstyles you can get at the salon, textured hair types are often overlooked when it comes to no-heat-hairstyle options you can achieve at home. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to style curls and coils without heat from the comfort of your bedroom—and Jada Jenkins, Mizani artist and texture expert, is here to share them with you.
Jenkins breaks down three of her favorite no heat hairstyles for textured hair. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the looks plus the hair products you need to achieve them.
The Best No Heat Hairstyles For Natural Hair To Try
Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask
An intense moisturizing hair mask.
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner with heat protection that detangles, calms frizz, and treats damage and dryness.
True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel
A moisturizing hair gel that fights frizz and is flake- and crunch-free.
Humidity Resistant Mist Hairspray
A humidity-resistant anti-frizz spray delivering light hold.
Sleek Pigtail Braids
No, these aren’t the popstar pigtails you remember from grammar school, but rather an easy, sophisticated way to style natural hair without heat. Begin by shampooing your hair with Mizani’s Moisture Fusion Shampoo to give your mane a refresh before you style. Follow your shampoo with a hydrating hair mask like Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask.
“Because I do have textured hair, I wanted to lock in that moisture and cleanse my scalp as well,” Jenkins says.
Use a microfiber towel to soak up any excess water once you’ve thoroughly rinsed any product from your mane. Apply a few spritzes of leave-in conditioner like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk throughout your hair. Then, use a paddle brush to gently detangle. Pro tip: Use hair clips to section the hair and detangle one segment at a time. Take a tail comb and use your nose as a guide to create a straight center part.
Split your hair into two even sections on each side of your head and use clips to secure each one. Working on one side of your head at a time, apply a quarter-sized amount of Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel throughout your hair.
“This hair gel has oil benefits in it,” Jenkins explains” “It isn’t going to dry your hair out like most gels do.”
Once you’ve applied your hair gel, use a brush to smooth the hair and ensure that the product is evenly applied. Gather the hair into a ponytail and secure it a few inches away from your neck. Use a bungee cord in place of a hair tie. Hook one side of the bungee cord at the base of the ponytail and wrap the rest around the ponytail to lock it in place. Repeat these steps on the opposite side of your head.
Take a satin hair scarf and wrap it around your head to lay down your part while you work on braiding. Then, create a plait with each ponytail.
“The reason I want to do a plait is because when I add the braiding hair, I want to make sure that my real hair is tucked underneath so it doesn’t show,” Jenkins says.
Wrap the braid around itself to form a knot and secure it with hair pins. Now, it’s time to grab your braiding hair. Jenkins recommends using two packs of the hair for each pigtail to create fuller-looking braids. Pro tip: Wrap two rubber bands around your braiding hair to help control it as you style. Apply one to two pumps of Mizani Foam Wrap to your braiding hair before adding it to your hairstyle.
“I like to emulsify the product in my hands because I want to ensure that the product is evenly distributed through the hair,” Jenkins explains. “It also helps to lay down any untamed hairs.”
Next, separate the braiding hair into three even sections. Plait the hair by repeatedly crossing the outside sections underneath the middle section until you reach the ends. Use a hair elastic to secure the plait. Remove your hair scarf and apply Mizani Lived-In Sculpting Paste around your hairline. Use an edge brush to detail and smooth your edges.
Apply a few spritzes of Mizani HRM Humidity Resistant Mist Hairspray throughout your mane. Now, it’s time to add your braid. Take both of the rubber bands you added to the braiding hair and use them to apply your plait around the knot. Use hair pins to hold the hair in place. Repeat this step on the opposite side of your head
Space Buns
Transform your pigtail braids into space buns by following just a few simple steps. Start by rolling the braid around the base of each pigtail to create a bun. Use hair pins to secure each one. Lock in your look with a few spritzes of hairspray.
Halo Braids
Wrap your braids around the back of your head to create a simple halo braid updo. Working with one braid at a time, pull it towards the back of your head and wrap it around the base of the pigtail on the opposite side. Use hair pins to secure the braid and repeat this step on the opposite side. Try wrapping the braids around the crown of your hair if you’re looking for more of a traditional halo braid.
Interested in more hairstyles ideas? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Moisture Fusion Intense Moisture Mask
An intense moisturizing hair mask.
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner with heat protection that detangles, calms frizz, and treats damage and dryness.
True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel
A moisturizing hair gel that fights frizz and is flake- and crunch-free.
