Is it possible to use a flat iron on naturally curly hair? Is it necessary to use a flat iron on your magnificent locks? I can see why you’d be concerned about ruining your hair.
If you don’t take the necessary precautions and your hair suffers heat damage, it might become lifeless, dry, and dull.
To learn how to straighten your natural hair using a flat iron, please refer to the brief instruction manual provided below. You’ll also notice a list of typical blunders and easy maintenance guidelines to follow.
Flat Ironing Natural Hair
The best flat iron technique for straightening natural hair. Here’s a quick method to help you to straighten your hair, whether you’ve never done it before or just want to do it properly.
Step 1: Wash Carefully
If you want to use a flat iron, you should wash and shampoo your hair beforehand. A spotless surface is essential for optimal results.
Once a week, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment after washing it with a clarifying shampoo. Carry out this step before you attempt to straighten your hair.
Step 2: Moisturize
If your hair is dry, you should not flat iron it. They will become more lifeless and brittle as a result of the heat. The next step is to give it the right amount of moisture.
This calls for the use of a hydrating hair mask, a thick leave-in conditioner, and maybe even a change in shampoo.
These items will help restore your mane’s hydration and get it ready for the future. If your hairs are rough and irritating, you must do deep conditioning every week, as we’ve already discussed.
Step 3: Protect From Heat
Avoid using a straightener on hairs without a heat protectant. Now, more than ever, you may take advantage of incredible sprays and treatments that need just a moment of your time to apply.
Why not just acquire a spray and use it regularly before you straightened your hair instead of taking the risk of permanent damage? Because they act as a shield between both your hair and the heating, heat-protecting materials greatly reduce damage.
Keep in mind that if the temperature of your flat iron is set higher than 450 degrees Fahrenheit, it will cause irreparable damage.
Step 4: Prepare the Tool
Locate a suitable flat iron and adjust the temperature to your liking. Since natural hair seems to be more easily damaged, lowering the temperature is recommended.
Never go beyond 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and use 300 degrees wherever possible. Keep lower temps if your hair is thin, fine, or has been chemically treated, dyed, or relaxed in the past.
Another helpful suggestion is to alter the temperature setting in accordance with your hair’s natural curliness. High heat should be used on the curliest sections, while lesser heat should be used on the wavy sections.
Investing in a high-quality flat iron can save you a lot of time and frustration, so don’t think twice about doing so.
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To avoid damaging your hair, do not use hair oil before using a flat iron.
Step 5: Start Straightening
Hold off until the hair is totally dry. The hair will be severely damaged if you put heat on it while it is still damp. You may either hang it out to dry or use a hairdryer or both! It’s dry enough for you to partition it off and start the flat iron.
Take manageable chunks of hair, start at the roots, and gently move the iron down. Although you should take your time, you shouldn’t leave one spot for too long before switching to a new part. Furthermore, you should try to avoid straightening the same part again.
There are a few things to keep in mind while choosing the plate’s size and quality. Because ceramic warms up more uniformly and is also safe for curly hairs, ceramic plates are a great choice for natural hair.
Although 1-inch and 1-and-a-half-inch plates will work well, you may use any size that is appropriate for your length.
You may use creaseless clips to keep the parts apart and avoid using too much force during straightening. At that point, you may get ready and show off your new do.
Common Mistakes In Straightening Black Hairs
How can one avoid damaging their naturally curly hair while straightening it?
If you want healthy hair, then you need to take extra care to keep it safe and steer clear of any dangers.
Not Using A Heat Protectant
Before handling any piece of hot equipment, you should always be sure to use some kind of effective heat protection, since this is one of the holy grails. You are doing the right thing if the product you use on your hair is meant to protect it from the damaging effects of heat, regardless of whether it is a spray, a gel, or a cream.
Going For High Temperature
You shouldn’t use the highest heat level on any flat iron, even if it goes up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the temperature down and use a high-quality salon flat iron, as we suggested.
Doing It It Too Often
Damage may be done if a flat iron is used on 4c hair more than once a week. As an alternative, you should only flat iron it a maximum of twice each month.
Use caution when using heat tools on your beautiful locks; doing so will dry them out and make them brittle. For those with wavy or curly hair, this guideline is necessary. Advertisements
Skipping Deep Conditioning
The key to maintaining hydrated, healthy, and straightenable hair is weekly deep conditioning. Hair might become more dry and dead if you flat iron it when it’s still damp, so avoid doing that.
Choosing The Wrong Hairstyles
Black hair may be safely styled with a flat iron. Don’t overdo it with tight hair ties or other accessories that might cause breakage.
Using Hair Oils Before Straightening
Using oil as a finishing touch after flat ironing your hair is a must if you need silky smooth results. However, you must never use this procedure before pressing. Your hair will suffer severe damage from the heat.
Applying oil after straightening is recommended since it is nutritious and will also help you get a healthy shine. Keep in mind that using too much of it might leave your hair oily and heavy.
How To Care For Your Straightened Hair
Freshen It Up With Oil
To do this, any light oil will do. Simply add a little amount to your hands, massage it together, and then distribute it throughout your hair. This will prevent frizzy hair and make the surface softer. Keep the oil away from the plant’s roots.
Use A Hair Wrap
Cover your hair in a silky hair band before bedtime to preserve your look for the next day. Using silk at night will keep your hair smooth and protected from damage caused by friction. It is airy and retains moisture, making it ideal for hair.
Avoid Water-Based Products
For natural hair that has been straightened, water-based solutions aren’t recommended since they may restore curl. As an added responsibility, they must track down and capture any escaped animals.
What To Put On Natural Hair Before Flat Ironing?
It may appear simple to use a flat iron on your natural hair, but this is not a fact.
Preparing your mane properly is essential for preventing thermal damage and maximizing the longevity of your style. Use a residue-fighting shampoo first, then follow up with a thick conditioner, dry your hair thoroughly, and finish with a heat-protective agent.
What Temperature Should You Flat Iron Natural Hair?
The answer to this question is mostly dependent on the texture and health of individual hair. If your hair is thin, use a lower heat setting (no more than 360 degrees Fahrenheit) while styling.
Heat styling temperatures from 390 to 410 ° Fahrenheit are safe for normal hair types, although 410 degrees and above are safe for thick, fine hair.
Is It Better To Flat Iron Wet Or Dry Natural Hair?
If you have natural hair, you must not flat iron it when it is damp. However, you should allow your hair air-dry before straightening it using a flat iron and cover it with heat-protecting hairspray. Doing this when the hair is moist increases the risk of splitting and damage.
How Often Can I Flat Iron My Natural Hair?
A formerly flat ironing rule is a good one to follow while caring for natural hair. Avoid doing it over twice a month, since prolonged heat exposure might create serious problems. It will become even more dry, weak, and lifeless if subjected to high heat, as well as no amount of products can save it.
Conclusion
With this newfound knowledge, do you still feel inclined to take the flat iron and subject your natural hair to heat damage? There is no need to alter a curly hairstyle since it is lovely just the way it is.
For special occasions, a weekly straightening is OK, but doing so regularly may cause significant damage and alter the natural pattern of your hair.