Tis’ the season for dried out, damaged & breaking natural hair. That’s if you don’t do an appropriate protective style. It’s important to not only protect your natural hair from the elements during the winter season, but to give your hair a break from daily manipulation in order to retain growth. In comes finger coils.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of protective styles may be braids, twists, faux locs and other traditional options. But what if your natural hair is not quite long enough for those styles, without having to put too much tension on your scalp? Throw in some finger coils. Finger Coils is my go to winter protective style when my natural hair is super short. Don’t get it twisted though… the style can be worn any time of year, and at any length. It’s actually a really cute choice for vacation too.
Simply wash and deep condition the hair to prep it. Then add leave-in conditioner and seal in the moisture with jamaican black castor oil before doing the coils. Coil the hair with gel to hold the style longer. Finger Coils can last up to three weeks with minimal maintenance. I simply oil my scalp once a week, gel my edges when I feel like it, and sleep in a satin bonnet. That’s it. And my hair grows like crazy. That’s what happens when you protect your natural hair from the elements and keep your hands out ya head.
This protective style is really easy to do yourself. Watch this Finger Coils On Super Short 4C TWA Tutorial for a step-by-step. Give your hair a break and watch your fro’ grow!
- Prep with a gentle wash and deep conditioning to restore moisture.
- Apply leave-in conditioner and seal with a lightweight oil to lock in hydration.
- Section the hair and coil each small strand with gel to define the curl and reduce frizz.
- Maintain by oiling the scalp weekly, refreshing edges as desired, and sleeping with a satin bonnet.
Key benefits of finger coils for short natural hair
- Low manipulation while protecting ends and reducing breakage.
- Versatile styling that works at multiple hair lengths, including super short TWA (teeny-weeny afros).
- Can extend the time between washes since the style helps retain moisture and minimizes tangles.
- Creates defined curls and a neat, uniform look without heavy tension on the scalp.
- Easy to customize with different partings, sizes of coils, and finishes (glossy, matte, or hydrated).
Steps to achieve crisp finger coils on short natural hair
- Start with clean, well-conditioned hair. Deep condition to restore elasticity and softness.
- Detangle gently to prevent shedding and breakage before styling.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner, followed by a sealing oil like Jamaican black castor oil to lock moisture.
- Apply a lightweight gel or styling lotion and comb through to distribute evenly.
- Take small sections, twist them around your fingers to form coils, and let them set as they dry.
- Allow hair to air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat, then seal the style with a light oil or satin scarf.
Maintenance tips to maximize longevity and growth
- Limit scalp manipulation; avoid frequent touching to prevent frizz and loosening.
- Sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
- Refresh edges and separated coils as needed with a light gel or edge control.
- Keep the scalp moisturized and inspect for buildup; wash as necessary to prevent flaking.
Why finger coils work well for winter and for very short hair
- The style is gentle on the scalp and relies on coils rather than long braids or tight twists that increase tension.
- Short hair can still achieve a defined, voluminous look without the need for lengthening extensions.
- Moisture retention is enhanced through a moisture-dense routine and protective sealing oils.
- The look is versatile enough for everyday wear or vacation styling and can be adjusted for different occasions.
Product and technique notes
- Use a lightweight gel to avoid flaking and product buildup on short strands.
- Jamaican black castor oil helps seal moisture but avoid heavy oils that can weigh down very short hair.
- Deep conditioning before styling improves manageability and coil formation.
Visual overview and practical demonstration
For a step-by-step demonstration, a short tutorial can be a helpful guide to ensure even coils and consistent results. Give your hair a break and watch your fro’ grow!
This post was originally published on 1/29/2021 and updated on 2/28/2024. This post contains affiliate links. I may receive commissions from purchases.
