Twist and Curl Wikihow

Wikihow is a online website that helps provide the steps to do/ complete anything you can possibly think of. Topics range from hair tutorials, how to maintain clear skin, how to create a new wardrobe, how to take care of a pet, how to work softwares, how to get rid of a cold, but also conventional topics like how to fix a flat tire or anything that may be broken. For the class assignment for COM 336, students were instructed to create a wikihow page, which can also be known as a tutorial. The instructions were to create a fresh and original idea while also creating steps that anyone can follow; whether they have prior knowledge or not.

For this wikihow the focus was on a twist and curl hairstyle; a multiple step process where you stretch/ style the hair in two ways to elongate the hair against its natural shrinkage. Within this two part styling process the first part showcased styling the hair in two strand twist, while the second part showcases wrapping the twist into permrods, which are curl formers;  In addition to the multiple parts included are images for each step and also other wikihows such as how to do a two strand twist, how to do Bantu knots and more.

For the project the first round consisted of doing the style on a model (anyone with natural hair within the type three to four range). This style can be done on any hair type but is ideal on natural hair types within this range; because type three and four textures (curly and coily) tend to shrink up on itself causing the hair to appear shorter. This style stretches the hair and makes your Afro bigger while also adding definition to curls. The first attempt to do this wikihow was to complete the style and document the steps. The second attempt was to complete the steps exactly how they are  written the first time, while also checking for corrections and additions.

To start off the hairstyle for the tutorial you have to make sure you have the right products and thoroughly wash and deep conditioning the hair. This is essential because the style can serve as a protective style with very low maintenance and styling throughout the week if the hair is moisturized and taken care of prior to styling. In addition to steps, background information on how to do the LOC method (leave in conditioner, oil, and creme) are also included within the wikihow.

For each step, included in the wikihow is a visual in addition to text making it easier for anyone to learn and follow. The first round consisted on many missed photos because it is easy to think steps may be self explanatory, but you essentially have no idea who may come across the page and what prior knowledge they may have; which is why it is smart to complete this assignment two times. Some of the steps have reference to other wikihows due to their close relation. The beginning steps of how to do two strand twist are are in reference to the already published how to do a two strand twist wikihow. After the initial preparation of the hair, the wikihow is broken up into parts with multiple steps within them.

Part 1) Section hair into 4-6 section for an easier process, moisturize each section with the LOC method (apply the leave in conditioner to hair in a praying hands method; applying product, then pressing hands together on hair in a downward motion to coat each strand. Then repeat  the same with the following oil and creme products)

Part 2) Use a 2-strand twist technique to prepare for a twist-out, within one of the sections, separate a smaller section of hair. Then divide the square into 2 strands and twist them around each other, allowing each strand to twist on itself as you twirl the strands together. To finalize this part of the tutorial, repeat, dividing and twisting one square at a time until each section is fully twisted.

Part 3) Take a permrod and wrap it around the end of the twist twice around the ends to secure hair around permrod, then wrap up in a winding motion; take end cap and secure the permrod close. Then repeat until each twist is wrapped to the scalp with a permrod.

Allow style to set, you can sleep with a the bonnet over hair to protect at night or sit under hooded dryer until hair is fully dry.

Part 4) To remove the permrods and twist, unravel hair while fully dry. Remove the permirods opposite direction you put it on; then unravel twist. Separate the twist strands, slowly rotating each twist in the opposite direction that they were twisted to separate the strands. Work from tip to root.

Part 5) When separating twist/curls, the hair naturally will create sections from the hair clumping together, unravel for fullness but do not disturb the curls formed, this will create frizziness. To maximize bigness of style/afro you can pick at the roots and style hair to frame your face or style into another style.

Then there is maintaining the style, which can be done by protecting the style at night. Wear a bonnet or sleep on a satin pillowcase to maintain your style. Re-twist your twists and put permrods back on at night or put hair into a pineapple.

After the steps, included were tips as well as warnings for the wikihow.  

Tips:

1. For protective styles it is important to properly moisturize the hair to gain full benefits of low manipulation and styling, the best way to do this for thicker and curlier hair types is through the LOC method (leave in, oil, creme)
2. The amount of product for each section varies on thickness of hair, do not drench hair in products.
3. Working on each section smaller twist creates a more defined look, while bigger twist creates bigger hair but less defined
4. Unraveling hair while hair is still wet can lead to excess frizziness
5. Rub coconut oil or another conditioner on your hands to reduce frizziness from unraveling twist
6. Sleeping with a satin or silk scarf will only flatten the hair unless it has been re-twist to unravel again at night.

Warnings:

1. Hair that is too wet will take longer to dry. Hair that is too dry will not twist together properly.
2. Do not rip part hair while unraveling, this can lead to breakage
3. Failure to protect hair overnight can cause hair to look smashed on head

    In conclusion, this wikihow assignment was a multifaceted assignment that played a lot into detail. As a content creator you cannot assume that anyone knows what you mean unless you are thoroughly descriptive. Photos and videos are a excellent aid to ensure clarity of steps to cater to multiple types of learners.

The twist and curl is a great protective natural style, it combats shrinkage by stretching the hair through a two-step process of a twist and permrods resulting in maximum volume for moisturized, big and defined curly hair. With this wikihow you can create a salon-quality style from home with simple steps.