Heat Damage Free Hair

Styling| Straight hair how-to without the damage!

For most natural hair gems we are often torn between wearing our beautiful curly, kinky coils and our silky smooth straight mane; but dread the potential damage of heat and straightening. Whether you are relaxed, transitioning or au naturale heat usage should definitely be something that is approached with caution and care! Don’t fret when proper steps are taken you can achieve beautiful heat damage free tresses!

First thing of importance is whenever using any heat tool in your hair you should always use a heat protectant! If using a natural oil make sure it has a high smoke point such as grapeseed oil, olive oil or coconut oil! Or use “Oh So Natural Stimulating Growth Oil”

Tip: Have all your products and tools set up and ready to go!

Step #1 Pre-poo

First start with a pre-poo treatment (conditioning treatment applied before shampooing) to give extra moisture and strength in preparation for straightening phase. Use your favorite deep conditioner or mix coconut oil and honey! It is best to start this process at least a day or two before or overnight plastic bag method (GHE).

Step #2 Shampoo/Cleanse

When cleansing and shampooing hair it is best to avoid products with sulfates; which strip hair of natural oils and moisture. Look for sulfate-free shampoos or try Oh So Natural’s Deep Cleansing Clay Mask made from bentonite clay to gently absorb toxins and product buildup while adding moisture back into the hair. (Not advised for individuals that color or process hair, as it can fade processed hair.)

Tip: Wash hair in sections for easier cleaning and finger detangling for decreased breakage!

Step #3 Deep Condition

Don’t skip this step! Make sure you take the time to deep condition your hair to put oils and moisture back into the hair; critical to straightening preparation. Besides this will leave you hair much softer and replenished! Apply your favorite conditioner and continue to finger detangle hair. Cover with plastic cap and let sit for min of 15 minutes and rinse clean with cool water to lock in moisture!

Step #4 Detangle and Section

Now that your hair is squeaky clean and conditioned it’s getting closer to the heat phases! Continue with sectioning the workable sections followed by thoroughly and gently detangling. Apply leave conditioner at this point as well; try a keratin leave-in like the Sauvé brand. (See Picture)

#5 Blow dry

This part can be opted for air drying, African threading or banding to help stretch hair without heat. If you choose not to skip here’s where it is critical to use caution, care and heat protecants. I prefer to use products that are buildable to create nice layers of protection; like oils, serums, sprays, and butters Oh So Natural’s Whipped Crème Brulee also products that have humidity resistant properties! (Humid weather can be a bummer!)

Start with a section and smooth in product of choice; Oh So Natural Stimulating Growth Oil or Whipped Crème Brulee. Begin blowing drying each section- Warm heat, medium/high speed with comb attachment, round brush or paddle brush. Give each section a Cool Shot after drying to seal in moisture. Continue and repeat for all sections.

#6 Flat iron

Here is the final moment you’ve been waiting for! Begin to warm flatiron, curling iron, etc.; remember Less is More in terms of heat in this case so keep the heat down (Example set 2-3 points or ¾ of the way from the highest level).

Section the hair into workable sections once more. Start with one section and smooth/spray in next styling product and put emphasis on ends of hair as they are more prone to damage.

I find it easier to section smaller sections within larger section (Hope that makes sense J)

Place flatiron at base of hair/scalp and press firmly and slowly slide flat iron down the section of hair, give a little curl or bumped ends (depending desired look).

If needed repeat once more for each section.

Finish with finishing spray or serum.

#7 After care

Hope you achieved the healthy beautiful straight look you were going for! And of course we don’t want all that time consuming hard work to go to waste just yet…Here are a few things you can do to stretch the wear of the style:

Wrap hair at night and secure with scarf or wave cap

Pin curl or use soft rollers to achieve bouncy curls, secure with bonnet at night.

Moisturize and oil hair as needed.

Try to avoid using heat tools afterwards styling at least for a few days, and remember to use heat protectant!

Keep an umbrella close by for rainy days!