No-tie bandana/bandanna curls

[Eirelin]

Since I kind of hijacked another thread about heat-free curls (the method that uses a stretchy headband), I thought it might be better to post this somewhere else. Oh, and the reason for the "bandana/bandanna" bit is that both spellings are apparently correct: http://onelook.com/?w=bandanna&ls=a and http://onelook.com/?w=bandana&ls=a, but spell-check likes it with 2 "n's."

Anyway, I got the basic idea of using bandannas from http://rapunzelsresource.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/bandana-curls-or-rag-curls-for-long-hair/ but changed a few things. Also, when I was looking here to see if anyone had done the same thing, I did a few searches here for both "bandana" and "bandanna" and only found the idea of using a bandana/scarf/rag, etc., with an elastic to curl a ponytail upside-down, similar to a sock bun.

So, I decided to post this as another thread. I have done it with 3, 4, 6, or 8 bandannas, depending on how curly vs. wavy I want it to be. It doesn't require any elastics, and you can position them wherever you like. For instance, my part begins slightly to the right but works its way back to the middle at the crown. So, when there is a row down each side, it goes with my natural part, but when there is just one row down the center, I can then style it with a different part.

Here is what I am talking about:

I split the hair roughly in half and use 3-4 bandannas on each side. It has been working so much better for me than rag curls or pin curls, mainly because they end up sitting on top of my head, so it is really easy to sleep in.

Also, there is no tying involved to get them to stay. Start by rolling the bandanna up like a sausage and then folding it in half. I section out some hair, spritz it just a bit, and then start with the bottom of the hair, positioned about an inch and half to 2 inches from the fold in the bandanna and then start rolling it upward in a spiral fashion.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-02-2011_Bandanna-curls_A.jpg

When you have it rolled all the way up, take the loose ends of the bandanna, pull them around the rolled hair, and tuck them through the folded side. (Does that make sense?)

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-02-2011_Bandanna-curls_B.jpg

Pulled through.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-02-2011_Bandanna-curls_C.jpg

And now snugged down just a bit; not tight, just snug.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-02-2011_Bandanna-curls_D.jpg

Now the whole head with 6 bandannas (8 bandannas make tighter curls; 4 bandannas make it more wavy):
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-02-2011_Bandanna-curls_F.jpg


Here are the results the following morning:

Just removed the bandannas and shook it out a bit with my fingers (ignore the nightie):
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-03-2011_Bandanna-curls_B.jpg http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-03-2011_Bandanna-curls_A.jpg

And then after getting dressed and putting in a couple of clips (the bangs are still a problem):
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-03-2011_Bandanna-curls_C.jpg http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_12-03-2011_Bandanna-curls_D.jpg

Maybe tomorrow I will post the results with a single row of bandannas.

Oh, and you can change a lot of it by where you put the bandannas. For instance, you can try curling just from eyebrow height downward, or just the bottom of the hair, etc. I just prefer having it up high for the volume in the roots and also because when they are sitting on top, I can sleep with them in and hardly even feel them. Big plus for me! :D

[akilina]

i like it! i want to try this...i dont know if it would even work on my hair because it is so short though

[jacqueline101]

That looks like fun. I like the curls.

[Fairlight63]

I like it! I looked at the headband way to curl but I don't think that it work with my hair - my hair is too long & I am afraid that I would have a tangled mess. But this one looks good. Thank you!

[Eirelin]

i like it! i want to try this...i dont know if it would even work on my hair because it is so short though

Maybe if you just tried it on the back part and perhaps small strips of fabric on the shorter pieces?


That looks like fun. I like the curls.

Thanks! I keep looking for methods that are comfortable for sleeping, and this is so far the best in comfort in relation to results.

Now, I might end up selling my Curlformers ;P

[Eirelin]

I like it! I looked at the headband way to curl but I don't think that it work with my hair - my hair is too long & I am afraid that I would have a tangled mess. But this one looks good. Thank you!

You are very welcome. That is the problem I ran into with the headband technique. Also, while it was quite cute up, I was not at all happy with the results:

Headband: http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_07-2011_headband-curls_1A.jpg http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_07-2011_headband-curls_1B.jpg And the results (just finger-combed): http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn245/Eirelin/Hair/th_07-2011_headband-curls_E.jpg

[CSallaround]

I have tried a similar teqhnique with paper, but the curls definitely look prettier when using bandanas. I don't really have any bandanas though, but I want to try this. Maybe it will work the same way just using some kind of fabric instead

[Eirelin]

I have tried a similar teqhnique with paper, but the curls definitely look prettier when using bandanas. I don't really have any bandanas though, but I want to try this. Maybe it will work the same way just using some kind of fabric instead

I found some bandannas for $1 each at the dollar store.

[Sunny Elf]

That looks soooo pretty! Too bad my hair isn't long enough to do that...

[Addy]

You are my new enabler! :D I have so many bandanas because my husband and I ride a Harley Night Train... now I have to do this because it looks so simple! I love curls but don't have an iron nor do I want one but Oh Em Geeee! I have bandanas! :cheese:

[fridgee]

Wow lovely result and great idea! For those without bandanas, steal DBF/DH/brother's (clean!) Socks (because they are normally longer than ladies) and use those instead :) I'm going to have to try this this week, might be an anniversary dinner hair style if it works! Thanks for sharing :)

[Eirelin]

Mostly I love it because
Once they are up on top of your head, you hardly notice them (just don't go anywhere)
The size and tightness of the curls is adjustable, depending on how many bandannas you use
You can put them on the very top of your head, as I do, or leave them lower
They don't require any pins or elastics to hold them up; just tuck the ends into the U-bend and there you are.


I like the idea of substituting socks, too, especially for shorter hair where the bandannas may be too thick. These are basically rag curls except that they come out spiraled and the top positioning changes the overall look of them. Every time I tried regular rag curls, they never came out right, so doing the spiral rolling and tucking the ends into the U-bend, instead of rolling up in the middle and tying the ends, has made a big difference for me

[Eirelin]

You are my new enabler! :D I have so many bandanas because my husband and I ride a Harley Night Train... now I have to do this because it looks so simple! I love curls but don't have an iron nor do I want one but Oh Em Geeee! I have bandanas! :cheese:

Pictures!


Wow lovely result and great idea! For those without bandanas, steal DBF/DH/brother's (clean!) Socks (because they are normally longer than ladies) and use those instead :) I'm going to have to try this this week, might be an anniversary dinner hair style if it works! Thanks for sharing :)

Pictures!


That looks soooo pretty! Too bad my hair isn't long enough to do that...

You can try; maybe with the sock idea?

[WaitingSoLong]

I am not sure I understand the fastening part...without just trying it...and am curious to see results from someone with my length or longer hair. so...FAIRLIGHT63...try this and post pictures. LOL (pleeeaaase).

ETA: I think I understand the fastening part now.

Also, a video would be awesome...just one curl demonstrated.

I am thinking any fabric would work...I have T-shirt material (stretchy and less volume than most materials). I have tried ragcurls and JUST couldn't do it. It put stress pain on my scalp from the weight of the rags/hair pulling and there was NO WAY I could sleep in it. (I sleep on a special pillow for my cervical vertebrae...think donut).

I am pretty pleased with the curls I get from braids (see my album) but these type curls are just different.

[Oceanmoon]

Eirelin, your hair looks lovely. I like to colour too. Do you use Henna?

[owlathena]

It turned out perfect! I'll have to try it! I've yet to find a no heat curling method that reliably turns out well.

[Eirelin]

Eirelin, your hair looks lovely. I like to colour too. Do you use Henna?

The length is all my natural color, but I did start using henna last May on the patchy white and gray roots. I wouldn't mind if it was all turning white at once, then I would just let it go. But when there are just patches, it looks horrible!


It turned out perfect! I'll have to try it! I've yet to find a no heat curling method that reliably turns out well.

Pictures! So far, mine are the only ones on here. Need more :)

[Natalia]

i have tried this before i knew what it was but i think my fabric ws too stiff since even loose it hurt and didnt stay through the loop. plan to re-try when i get softer fabric. glad to have proper instructions :)