Natural hair has become increasingly popular over the past decade, with more and more people embracing their natural curls, kinks, and coils. However, many naturalistas still like to switch things up with straight hair every once in a while. That's where the flat iron comes in handy. But how do you achieve straight hair without damaging your natural strands? In this article, we'll provide tips, reviews, and tutorials for flat ironing natural hair.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Natural hair has become increasingly popular over the past decade, with more and more people embracing their natural curls, kinks, and coils. However, many naturalistas still like to switch things up with straight hair every once in a while. That's where the flat iron comes in handy. But how do you achieve straight hair without damaging your natural strands? In this article, we'll provide tips, reviews, and tutorials for flat ironing natural hair.
Tips for Flat Ironing Natural Hair
1. Start with clean, detangled hair. It's important to remove any product buildup or tangles before flat ironing to prevent snagging and pulling on the hair.
2. Use a heat protectant. This is a must for preventing heat damage. Apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair before flat ironing.
3. Section your hair. It's easier to flat iron your hair in sections to ensure all strands are evenly straightened. Use clips to section your hair into manageable parts.
4. Use the right temperature. Natural hair is delicate and requires lower heat settings. Set your flat iron between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit for fine hair, and 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for medium to coarse hair.
5. Don't flat iron your hair too often. Flat ironing should be done sparingly to prevent heat damage and maintain hair health.
Reviews of Flat Irons for Natural Hair
1. BabylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron. This flat iron is great for natural hair because it has a temperature range of 300-450 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to choose the best setting for your hair type.
2. HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron. This flat iron is affordable and effective, with a temperature range of 240-450 degrees Fahrenheit. The ceramic and tourmaline plates also help to reduce frizz and static.
3. Dyson Corrale Straightener. This high-end flat iron uses flexing plates to gather hair and reduce heat damage. It also has a temperature range of 330-410 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used cordless for convenience.
Tutorials for Flat Ironing Natural Hair
1. The Tension Method. This method involves using a comb to hold the hair taut while flat ironing, which reduces the need for multiple passes and minimizes heat damage. Check out YouTube tutorials for this method.
2. The Chase Method. This method involves using a rat tail comb to chase the flat iron down the hair shaft, which helps to smooth out the hair and prevent frizz. Check out YouTube tutorials for this method.
3. The Silk Press. This method involves using a blow dryer to blow out the hair before flat ironing, which creates a silky, smooth finish. Check out YouTube tutorials for this method.
FAQs
Q: Can I flat iron my natural hair without heat protectant?
A: No, it's not recommended. Heat protectant is crucial for preventing heat damage and maintaining hair health.
Q: How often should I flat iron my natural hair?
A: It's recommended to limit flat ironing to once or twice a month to prevent heat damage.
Q: Can I flat iron my natural hair if it's wet?
A: No, it's not recommended to flat iron wet hair. Always start with dry hair that's been detangled and heat protected.
Q: What's the best flat iron for natural hair?
A: The best flat iron for natural hair depends on your hair type and personal preference. Look for a flat iron with adjustable temperature settings and ceramic or tourmaline plates for reduced frizz and static.
