Drying & styling your curls with scrunchies??

Natural hair enthusiasts know that twist outs and wash and go styles can be tricky to maintain. The challenge lies in preserving the curl definition and reducing frizz, ensuring your hairstyle looks as fresh on day three as it did on day one.

Enter the scrunchie banding method – an effective and gentle technique to help maintain your gorgeous twist outs and wash and gos for longer. In this blog, we'll delve into the details of this method, explaining how it works, why it's beneficial, and how to do it effectively.

What is the Scrunchie Banding Method?

The scrunchie banding method is a hair preservation technique that involves using soft scrunchies to stretch and secure sections of your hair. This method helps to elongate curls, reduce shrinkage, and minimize frizz while maintaining the integrity of your twist out or wash and go. Unlike traditional banding methods that use elastic bands or other hair ties that can cause breakage, scrunchies are gentler on your hair, reducing the risk of damage.

@hairjourney_vlh ⚡️Night Routine: Banding Method⚡️ The banding method is a great way to heatless stretch the hair. I love this method because it keeps my hair stretched while i sleep and my roots don’t have the chance to scrunch back up. It’s super easy to add to your routine routine. Start off with one scrunchies per section. The longer your hair is the more scrunchies you may need. #naturalhair #type4hair #bandingmethod ♬ Instrumental R&b - Teaga

Why Use the Scrunchie Banding Method?

There are several reasons why the scrunchie banding method is an excellent choice for preserving twist outs and wash and go styles:

1. Reduced Shrinkage: Natural hair tends to shrink as it dries, which can lead to a loss of length and curl definition. The scrunchie banding method helps to stretch the hair, maintaining length and reducing shrinkage.
   
   
2. Minimized Frizz: Frizz is a common issue with curly and coily hair. Using scrunchies to band your hair helps to keep the curls defined and reduces the amount of frizz that can occur overnight.
   
   
3. Gentle on Hair: Unlike traditional hair ties, scrunchies are made from softer materials that are less likely to cause breakage or damage. This makes them ideal for maintaining the health of your hair while preserving your style. Our satin scrunchies are the perfect pairing for your curls.
   
   
4. Longer-Lasting Styles: By using the scrunchie banding method, you can extend the life of your twist outs and wash and gos, allowing you to enjoy your hairstyle for several days.

How to Preserve Twist Outs with the Scrunchie Banding Method

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Hair for Bed: Before you start banding, make sure your hair is at least 50-70% dry. Banding soaking wet hair can lead to unwanted stretching and potential damage. Lightly mist your hair with a leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing spray to keep it hydrated.
   
   
2. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into 4-8 sections, depending on the thickness and length of your hair. The smaller the sections, the more stretched your curls will be, but be mindful not to over-section, as this can be time-consuming.
   
   
3. Start Banding: Take a scrunchie and place it at the base of one of the sections. Wrap the scrunchie around the section a few times, ensuring it's snug but not too tight. Move down the section, adding additional scrunchies every 2-3 inches until you reach the ends. Repeat this process for each section.
   
   
4. Secure the Ends: To protect your ends, you can tuck them under the last scrunchie or use a satin or silk scarf to wrap the ends. This helps to prevent them from becoming frizzy or damaged.
   
   
5. Cover Your Hair: Once all sections are banded, cover your hair with a satin or silk bonnet or scarf. This further reduces friction and helps to maintain moisture.
   
   
6. Morning Routine: In the morning, carefully remove the scrunchies, starting from the ends and working your way up. Gently shake out your hair and fluff the roots with your fingers or a pick to restore volume.

How to Preserve Wash and Gos with the Scrunchie Banding Method

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Lightly Mist Your Hair: Use a leave-in conditioner or a light oil mist to add a bit of moisture and reduce frizz. Make sure your hair is detangled and ready to section.
   
   
2. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into 4-8 sections, depending on your hair's density and length. Larger sections are typically better for maintaining the wash and go look.
   
   
3. Apply Scrunchies: Place the first scrunchie at the base of a section and wrap it around a few times. Add more scrunchies down the length of the section, spacing them out by 2-3 inches. Be careful not to wrap too tightly, as this can alter your curl pattern.
   
   
4. Protect the Ends: Just like with twist outs, tuck the ends under the last scrunchie or wrap them with a satin or silk scarf to prevent frizz and breakage.
   
   
5. Cover Your Hair: Wear a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your hair overnight. This helps to reduce friction and maintain moisture.
   
   
6. Morning Routine: Remove the scrunchies carefully, starting from the bottom and moving upwards. Fluff your hair with your fingers or a pick to restore volume and shape.

Tips for Success

Use the Right Scrunchies: Opt for scrunchies made from satin, silk, or other soft materials that won't cause breakage. Avoid scrunchies with metal parts or those made from rough fabrics. RevAir makes the perfect pairing for this style - shop here.

1. Don't Overdo It: While the scrunchie banding method is effective, over-banding can lead to unnecessary tension on your hair. Be gentle and avoid pulling your hair too tightly.
   
   
2. Moisturize Regularly: Keep your hair hydrated by misting it with water or a leave-in conditioner before banding. This helps to maintain moisture and reduce frizz.
   
   
3. Experiment with Sections: Depending on your hair type and the look you're going for, you might need to experiment with the number and size of sections. Find what works best for your hair.
   
   
4. Be Gentle: When removing the scrunchies, be gentle to avoid causing breakage or frizz. Take your time and work from the bottom up.

RevAir + Banding Method?

When you want to style your hair the night before and ensure it stays perfect while you sleep, combining the RevAir reverse-air dryer with the scrunchie banding method is an ideal approach. Start by drying your freshly styled twist out or wash and go with RevAir. The reverse-air technology of RevAir dries and smooths your hair gently, ensuring minimal heat damage and maximum moisture retention.

Once your hair is completely dry, immediately divide it into sections and apply the scrunchies as described earlier. By doing this while your hair is freshly dried, you lock in the stretch and smoothness achieved with RevAir. After banding all sections, cover your hair with a satin or silk bonnet to reduce friction and preserve moisture overnight. This combined technique not only ensures your hair remains elongated and frizz-free but also maintains the curl definition, so you wake up with beautifully preserved hair ready to be fluffed and styled without the hassle of redoing your twist out or wash and go! 

The scrunchie banding method is a simple yet effective way to preserve the beauty of your twist outs and wash and gos. By reducing shrinkage, minimizing frizz, and maintaining curl definition, this technique allows you to enjoy your natural hairstyles for longer periods. Remember to choose gentle scrunchies, moisturize your hair regularly, and be patient as you find the best banding routine for your hair type. With a little practice, you'll master the scrunchie banding method and keep your twist outs and wash and gos looking fabulous day after day.