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(see picture). 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!
.JPG)
(Severe heat damaged hair)
(Pictured: China Ashleigh, CEO).JPG)
(Heat Protectant supply)
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!
Blessings,Oh So Natural
