Heat Styling Regimen for Natural Hair

We all like to change things up sometimes! I have always warned against using heat in your hair because of the damage it can wreak, but if you’re careful, it is possible to have a healthy heat styling regimen for natural hair.

Don’t use heat on your hair when it is wet or dry, but when it’s damp. Hair that’s totally dry tends to get burned under heat and heating dripping wet hair is potentially very damaging, tending to leave hair rough and brittle. If you’re pressed for time, spraying your hair with water should be sufficient.

Regularly condition and deep condition your hair. This is always a good idea, but it’s especially necessary if you are using heat. Also, be vigilant about regularly moisturizing your hair daily. Product buildup may not only damage your hair, but your heating appliance as well, so use clarifying shampoos a couple of times a week.

Use the best quality heating equipment that you can afford. When using a blow dryer,use the coolest setting (yes, it will take longer!) and keep the air flow away from your roots, which may loosen up due to the heat. Keep the blow dryer a few inches from your head. Also, don’t use a flat iron that surpasses 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t use heat too often, though. Everyone’s head is different, so you really have to experiment to see what works for you. But don’t expect bone straight hair! That is a sure sign of damage and over heating. Responsible heat usage will remove about 80% of your curl pattern.

If your hair is already damaged from heat, sorry,but there is no healthy heat styling regimen for your natural hair! Keep away from curling irons and other heating mechanisms until your hair is healed. Instead, use nourishing products in your hair, get regular trims and have patience. It shouldn’t be too long until you can use some heat in your hair again.