Hey Curlfriends! Fall is here, and that is the best time of the year for blowouts and straightening! Having colored natural hair means it is a MUST to be strict and protect my strands at all costs. Here are 3 tips on applying heat to natural hair – without damage!
1. Less is more.
My most frequent advice in regards to straightening natural hair without damage is – less is more. I was once an avid flat iron user…until I started noticing the damaging effects of the flat iron on my hair. At that point, I had to make a choice. I went from applying heat to my hair every two weeks to once every 3 months. Eventually, it increased to once every 6 months, and now I flat iron annually.
Applying heat to my hair-less often caused a complete turnaround in the damage done to my curls. It was worth it! If you want curls, you will have to say goodbye to the constant use of flat irons. Also, when you straighten your hair, daily touch-ups for those stubborn front pieces are a big NO. Do not aim for perfectly straight hair at all times. The more heat = more damage.
2. Always use Thermal Protection products when applying heat!
Straightening your hair is not bad – it is just essential to do it in the right way. There are a lot of naturals who apply heat to their hair more often than I do without any damage. It is all about the products that you use!
For example, the Maximum Thermal Protection collection from Uncle Funky’s Daughter should be your best friend! Using the Primer (heat protectant) before applying ANY HEAT is a game-changer. When I would straighten my hair in the past, I wouldn’t use a heat protectant! This definitely contributed to a lot of the damage.
The entire collection was created with your curls in mind, and it definitely has my mind at ease for my upcoming straightening. The moisture-rich purifying cleanser and deep conditioner give your hair that extra boost of moisture. They even have a split-end serum and shine booster to apply after the heat. As long as you are using the necessary protection – straightening your hair more than once a year won’t be a problem!
3. Use a low heat setting for blowouts!
As far as blowouts are concerned – less is also more. Use the lowest settings on your blow dryer to prevent any unwanted breakage. It may take a little longer to dry, but your hair will thank you for it! The aim is a good stretch instead of a silky straight look.
If you are someone who goes to the salon, let your stylist know your preferences. Many stylists will use a high heat setting on heat tools. Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns!
So let’s have some fun this fall and show off some length! Be disciplined with your haircare routine – patience is key! Also, remember to protect your curls! Less is more. YOU GOT THIS!
xoxo
Jasmine Oliver (@jascoloredcurls)
