When you’re ready to style your natural hair with a flat iron, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent heat damage. This means applying the right products to your hair prior to styling to protect it from the high temperatures of the flat iron.
Choosing the right products for your hair can be confusing, but it’s important to note that not all products are created equal. In this article, we’ll discuss what you should put on your natural hair before flat ironing and the benefits of using these products to achieve smooth, sleek locks without sacrificing the health of your hair.
Best Natural Hair Products to Use Before Flat Ironing
Flat ironing natural hair can be a daunting task without the right products. It’s important to ensure that your hair is protected from heat damage while achieving the desired sleek and polished look. Choosing the best products to use before flat ironing will depend largely on your hair type and texture. Here are a few recommendations for natural hair products before flat ironing:
1. Heat protectant: A heat protectant spray or serum should be applied to your hair before flat ironing. This product helps to protect your hair from heat damage by creating a barrier between your hair and the flat iron. Look for a heat protectant that contains ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or keratin.
2. Moisturizer: Flat ironing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. To avoid this, apply a moisturizer to your hair before flat ironing. This will help to keep your hair soft and flexible, preventing breakage. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
Understanding the Importance of Heat Protectants on Natural Hair
Natural hair is prone to damage, and it can be especially vulnerable when using heat tools like flat irons. Heat protectants are important to use before flat ironing natural hair as they create a barrier between the hair and the heat, reducing the risk of heat damage. They work by coating the hair strands and preventing moisture loss, which also helps maintain the hair’s natural texture.
Heat protectants can come in different forms, such as sprays, creams, or serums. It is recommended to choose a product that is specifically designed for natural hair, as it should contain nourishing ingredients that will help keep the hair healthy. Using heat protectants can also help prolong the lifespan of flat ironed hair, as it will reduce the need for excessive heat styling, thereby reducing the risk of breakage and split ends.
How to Moisturize Natural Hair Before Flat Ironing
Moisturizing natural hair before flat ironing is crucial to protect your strands from heat damage. Dry hair is more susceptible to heat damage than hydrated hair. So, it is important to use a moisturizer to add moisture to your hair. You can use a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to moisturize your hair. Apply the product evenly throughout your hair, concentrating on the ends that tend to be drier.
Another tip to prevent heat damage is to apply a heat protectant. After applying a moisturizer, wait for a few minutes to let it absorb fully. Then, apply a heat protectant that will form a barrier between your hair and the heat. There are several types of heat protectants available in the market, such as sprays, serums and creams. Choose the one that suits your hair type and apply it throughout your hair before flat ironing. By moisturizing and using a heat protectant, you can keep your natural hair looking healthy and shiny after flat ironing.
Tips for Prepping Natural Hair for Flat Ironing
Prepping natural hair for flat ironing is crucial to achieving the best results. Here are some tips to follow before you flat iron your hair:
1. Start with Clean Hair: It’s essential to have clean hair before flat ironing. Natural hair typically has a lot of build-up, so it’s important to clarify your hair before styling. You can use a clarifying shampoo that contains sulfates to remove any build-up.
2. Use Heat Protectant: Heat protectant is a crucial step in protecting your hair from heat damage. Apply a heat protectant to your hair before blow-drying or flat ironing. Look for a heat protectant that contains ingredients like argan oil and coconut oil to nourish your hair while protecting it from heat damage.
3. Section Your Hair: Sectioning your hair makes it easier to flat iron your hair. Divide your hair into 1-inch sections, and clip each section out of the way. Start at the back of your head, and work your way forward, flat ironing each section until you’ve covered your entire head. Working in small sections will ensure that you don’t miss any spots and that your hair is evenly straightened.
Must-Have Tools for Prepping Natural Hair Before Flat Ironing
When it comes to flat ironing natural hair, proper preparation is key to achieving a sleek and polished look. To ensure your hair is in the best possible condition before applying direct heat, there are a few essential tools that you’ll need to have on hand.
First and foremost, a good quality detangling comb or brush is a must-have. This will help you to remove any knots or tangles from your hair, making it easier to work with and reducing the risk of breakage during the straightening process. Another important tool is a heat protectant spray or serum, which will help to minimize the damage caused by the heat from your flat iron. Look for a product containing ingredients like argan oil or keratin, which will provide extra nourishment and protection to your strands. Finally, a high-quality flat iron with adjustable heat settings is essential. Choose one with ceramic or tourmaline plates, which will distribute heat evenly and reduce the risk of hot spots that can cause damage to your hair. With these tools in hand, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a stunning straightened look while keeping your hair healthy and happy.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Prepping Natural Hair for Flat Ironing
Prepping natural hair for flat ironing can be tricky, and making mistakes can lead to irreversible damage. One of the most common mistakes is not properly detangling the hair before applying any products. This can cause the hair to break and tangle even more during the flat ironing process. Before applying anything to your hair, make sure it is completely detangled and free of knots.
Another mistake to avoid is using too much heat on your hair. While flat irons can get very hot, using the highest setting is not always necessary. Overheating your hair can lead to split ends, breakage, and dryness. It is recommended to start with a lower heat setting and gradually increase if needed. Additionally, using a heat protectant spray or serum can help protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling.
How to Achieve Long-Lasting Straightened Natural Hair with the Right Prep
Achieving long-lasting straightened natural hair requires proper preparation. One essential step is to detangle your hair and apply a heat protectant product. This product will protect your hair from heat damage and ensure that it stays straight for an extended period. Additionally, you can use a leave-in conditioner to help with frizz and ensure your hair stays hydrated throughout the straightening process.
Another vital step is to section your hair before flat ironing. This technique will make it easier to straighten your hair, and you can work on each section thoroughly. You can use clips to hold each section in place while straightening. Lastly, avoid touching your hair after straightening it. This will prevent your hair from reverting to its natural state. Following these steps will guarantee long-lasting straightened natural hair that will look beautiful and healthy.
Verdict
Taking care of your natural hair before flat ironing is crucial to avoid any damage or breakage to your hair. Using a heat protectant spray or serum, deep conditioning treatments, and minimizing heat usage are all essential tips to keep your hair healthy while achieving the desired style. Additionally, incorporating natural oils like coconut or argan oil can provide additional nourishment and shine to your hair.
Remember, maintaining the health of your natural hair should always come first. Don’t sacrifice the health of your hair for a quick style, as repairing damaged hair can be costly and time-consuming. With proper care and the right products, you can achieve beautiful, healthy hair while flat ironing. Take the time to research and experiment with different products to find what works best for your hair type and texture.