How to Flatiron Natural Hair Without Heat Damage

   As I've stated in a previous article of mines, one of the best things about natural hair is its versatility and I cannot stress that enough. While the overuse of heat can become damaging to natural hair, it does not hurt to use it everyone once in a while. I especially enjoy it during the cooler months because I won't sweat it out and end up looking like distressed poodle (unless that's the look you are going for).

   Maybe you need a temporary break from your curls or you just want to change up your look a bit. No matter the reason, it is always important to have a proper routine in order to have the best results and prevent heat damage! Shown below are the steps I take to achieve silky, sleek hair that I know will revert back when it is time!

How to Flatiron Natural Hair:

Step 1: Pre Poo (Pre Shampoo)
   It protects the hair from the harshness of the shampoo that you’ll use after this step, nourishes the scalp, aids in retaining moisture, and helps with detangling. I suggest coconut and jojoba, but you can use any oil of your choice or conditioner. You can even mix the two for maximum results.

Step 2: Cleanse Using A Clarifying Shampoo
   The best flatiron is on CLEAN hair. Be sure to use a shampoo that will be able to remove all of the product buildup you may have acquired from your last wash day until now.  I suggest a sulfate free shampoo, like Shea Moisture or even using an apple cider rinse. However, your shampoo doesn't have to be sulfate free. Use what works for you.

Step 3: Use A Moisturizing Conditioner
   Because you will be applying heat, you'll want to put as much moisture into your hair prior to flat ironing. Sometimes I’ll turn it into a deep conditioner by sitting under the hooded dryer to be sure it is penetrating my strands! Some conditioners I suggest are Joico K-Pak, Argan 5, or Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner.

Step 4: Apply A Heat Protectant
It's best to use a silicone based heat protectant because it offers extra protection from heat. I also suggest using a liquid heat protectant along with the serum. An example would be using Bio Silk Serum and Tressemé Heat Tamer Spray.

Step 5: Section Hair and Blow dry
   Now this is one of the most important steps in this entire process. The Blow dry will determine how your flatiron will turn out. I suggest parting the hair into sections and if you have more dense hair, like myself, then parting the sections into sub sections. Be sure to detangle properly. It also helps to use a comb attachment to focus the heat and get a straighter blowout

Step 6: Time to Flatiron
   Whew! You've completed all the steps and now it's finally time to start straightening! Section off your head and put the rest up. Get your flatiron (make sure it's clean) and set it at the appropriate temperature for your hair, but remember that hair burns at 451 degrees Fahrenheit. Glide the flatiron down your hair with a comb in front for sleek results (comb chase method). Try not to go over you hair more than 2-3 times. Now repeat this process all over your head and viola!
You've got super sleek, silky results.

Sincerely,
   A Natural