Naturalistas love the versatility of their hair. People often think that because our hair is natural, there are limitations to styling it. But we have the option of styling our hair anyway we want. There’s always room for something different and unique. When we’re finished with one style, we can always go back to our original look until we decide on what style we want to have next. We are never stuck with any one style. Us naturalistas often do our best to pick styles that often aid the growth and/or protection of our crowns.
But one style we often avoid is straightening our hair. That is due to the potential heat damage. If you’re like me, you do not want any damage at all and want to find ways on how you can use as much minimal heat as possible. Especially after the effort you put into get your hair to this point. Straightening your natural hair doesn’t have to be a natural disaster. It can open the door to other hairstyles that fear have prevented you from trying. I recently got my hair trimmed and straightened. Yes, I was apprehensive at first being that my hair is short, but my experience was great.
So for all my natural sistas out there I have a few tips that can help keep us from adding excessive heat to our hair and allow our tresses to remain straight for longer periods of time.
Silk Press
A silk press is when your hair is blow out and then straighten with a flat iron. I appreciate both stylists that I use because in between both processes, they allow my hair to air dry for a while to avoid any using access direct heat to my hair. Obtaining a silk press on your natural hair is meant to last longer due to the process it takes to straighten it.
Low Heat Flat Iron
Because my hair is still slightly tapered in the back, I use a mini flat iron to keep it straightened. I apply my flat iron on my hair every two to three days. Avoiding daily usage is the best way to assure no damage to your natural hair. After a few days, I do not personally need it to be bone straight. Most flat irons come with different settings. Using one of the lower settings on your flat iron allows you the option of not applying as much heat and can decrease your chances of any heat damage.
Using Rollers or Flexi Rods
These are my favorite items to use when my hair is straight. They allow my mane to have a fuller look. I love how they show another side of my hair while in its straight state. I apply these before I go to bed. When I wake up in the morning, I take them out and wrap my hair to let the curls sit in. Then I remove them before I go out for the day. Using other alternatives such as rollers and flexi rods, allows you to maintain your straight hair with the least amount of heat possible. I also like that they both have different sizes. The different sizes are great because the dimensions coincide with the length of your hair.
When you are ready to transform your hair back into its natural state, it is important to use the proper hair products. Especially if you plan to produce the best results. You should know your hair better than anyone one else.
To ensure minimal damage, it is best to use the products that you have responded best to. I recently found that my natural hair has responded great to Cantu Beauty New Anti-Fade Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner. I opted for these products because my hair is still colored. Also, because I wanted to optimize on the best products to allow my natural tresses to return moisturized with great curls. With these products, I could return my hair to its naturally curly state. Remember every woman’s crown is different. Although this product has given me amazing results, stick to what works best for you and your hair.
April Christina
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