Step 5: Separate
Next we need to Separate our curls.  In some cases, you will need to go through your hair and Separate the curls by finger-combing or plucking and pulling individual sections out and up.  Whether you pluck or finger-comb is tricky because we've already Sectioned our hair.  Depending on our curl type, finger-combing can actually disrupt the section and destroy all of our work. 

What I've discovered is that in following this technique, finger-combing is best left to those with Type 3 (and some 4a) hair.  Reason being, Type 3's have greater curl discernment and the act of finger combing can actually work to smooth frizzies, separate and elongate curls.  For all others, pluck and pull the sections apart.  

Step 6: Sculpt
Regardless of whether you finger-comb or pluck, Sculpt your hair style as desired.  This is the step where you will add any parts or special styling flourishes that are best achieved on damp hair.  In some cases, you may need to reverse steps 6 and 7 if you prefer to set your hair (dry it), then style.

Step 7: Set
Finally, we Set our hair which is still damp due to the addition of the aloe.  I prefer air drying.  The aloe, as long as you didn't over do it, will dry relatively quickly.  If you're under time constraints, I recommend using a dryer on as low a heat setting as possible.  The addition of heat can break the Seal if you're not careful.

Step 8: Sleep
4a-b clients in particular, to preserve your style, sleep with a satin scarf, pillow or head covering.  The following day, repeat the Seal step.  You may have to Seal (coat) and Squish and Separate (pluck) simultaneously to reinvigorate flattened areas but your bread and butter will be the aloe...trust me.  You will only need to repeat the Smoothe(Curly Custard) step if you want to layer your products further which increases definition, combat dryness or add sheen.  And don't worry, these products are light and non-greasy.  You'll be amazed at how soft and touchable your hair will be even with layering.

Recap, to achieve Separation, Sexy, Shiny, Silky S~Curls on Type 5 Hair....
Step 1: S~ection your hair with clips, braids, plaits, etc...

Step 2: S~moothe Curly Custard on your hair.

Step 3: S~eal your curls with Aloe Vera.

Step 4: S~quish the sections to fully incorporate the aloe.

Step 5: S~eparate the sections using a plucking, pulling motion or finger-combing.

Step 6: S~culpt your style

Step 7: S~et  your style.

Step 8: S~leep  properly to preserve your style.
 
Achieving Curl Discernment with Type 5 and Combination Hair
According to naani's hair typing system, Type 5 hair is best suited for structured hair styles like braids, coils, Dreadlocks and twists because they force individual strands to work together.  Such styles protect Type 5 hair, make it easier for natural oils our hair produces to work its way throughout the hair and limit styling damage.  But what happens when Type 5's want to accentuate their s/z/o-curls?  We will operate on our known premise that structred hair styles work best.  In this case, we rely on two-strand twists as our foundation.

To achieve Separation, Sexy, Shiny, Silky S~Curls on Type 5 Hair....
Step 1: S~ection your hair with clips, braids, plaits, etc...

Step 2: S~moothe Curly Cust
ard on your hair.

Step 3: S~ection your hair with two strand twists or braids...

Step 4: S~eal your curls with Aloe Vera.

Step 5: S~quish the twisted sections to fully incorporate the aloe.

Step 6: S~et  your style.

Step 7: S~eparate the twists by unraveling.  Then using a plucking or pulling motion, further separate the sections.

Step 8: S~culpt your style

Step 9: S~leep  properly to preserve your style.

In step 1, we Sectioned our hair.  In step 2, we Smoothed.  In the case of Type 5 hair, we're going to repeat step 1.  In other words, Section, Smooth, Section.  We follow steps 1 and 2 according to the above directions for types 3-4 but after we have smoothed the first section of hair, we are going to plait or two-strand twist it.  The structure of the two-strand twist will encourage Type 5 hair strands to work together and increase curl discernment.  

Keep in mind that the we don't want the twisted sections to be too big, but we also don't want them to be too small as we're going to be unraveling them later.  The twists are merely temporary so you dont have to worry about them being perfect but the more twists you have, the more curls you'll end up with.

After we have sectioned, smoothed and sectioned (twisted) our hair, we will proceed to step 4, Seal.  We will apply the aloe directly to the twists being sure to coat the top and undersides. Next, we will Squish the twists and fully incorporate the aloe.

Step 6 will be to allow the twists to air or heat Set.  Type 5 hair is the reverse of Types 3 and 4.  Once dry, we want to keep type 5 dry until we have to layer and start the process all over again.  And unlike the other types, we should use heat to set Type 5.  In this case, put your dryer on a medium setting.

Once our twists are completely dry, we will Separate them.  Unravel the twists gently.  At no point will you finger comb.  Finish separating all of your twists.  

Step 8 involves Sculpting our hair style.  To increase the volume of your curls, further separate the twists by pulling the clumped sections apart.

Finally Step 9 is about preserving your style while you Sleep.  Be sure to sleep with a satin scarf, bonnet or pillow case.  In the morning, separate (pluck) to reinvigorate flattened areas.  Avoid finger-combing.

Recap, to achieve Separation, Sexy, Shiny, Silky S~Curls on Type 5 Hair....
Step 1: S~ection your hair with clips, braids, plaits, etc...

Step 2: S~moothe Curly Custard on your hair.

Step 3: S~ection your hair with two strand twists or braids...

Step 4: S~eal your curls with Aloe Vera.

Step 5: S~quish the twisted sections to fully incorporate the aloe.

Step 6: S~et  your style.

Step 7: S~eparate the twists by unraveling.  Then using a plucking or pulling motion, further separate the sections.

Step 8: S~culpt your style

Step 9: S~leep  properly to preserve your style.

Ready to Maximize Your Curls?
If you're ready to maximize your curls, what are you waiting for?  Get started by purchasing the following products individually or Save 15% when you order the Type 3-4 MaxiKurl Kit or Type 5 MaxiKurlKit.

Products Needed
1 ~ 9oz Aromatherapy Sulfates Free Moisturizing Shampoo
1 ~ 9oz Aromatherapy S~Factor Herbal Deep Conditioner
1 ~ 16-32oz Curly Custard Maximum Definition Hairdress
1 ~ 16-32oz Aromatherapy Moisturizing Aloe Vera Jelly or Gelly