Useful tips

Can you flat iron your hair while transitioning?

Can you flat iron your hair while transitioning?

If you’re looking to completely straighten your hair while transitioning from a relaxer, a great heat protectant is key. “I usually like to use a thermal leave-in cream before blow drying, and a heat protectant spray throughout the hair before straightening.

Does flat ironing your natural hair damage it?

Unfortunately, flat irons can cause severe heat damage, especially to natural hair. But if you take a few extra precautions, you can straighten your natural hair without ruining it. To minimize the risk of damage, prepare your hair for the heat with conditioning treatments and heat protectors.

Does flat ironing permanently change hair?

Flat ironing, using curling wands, and excessive blow drying can permanently damage hair. Straightening curly hair may be a fun change, but it does come with side effects. Keratin in hair has a natural twist in it called an alpha helix. This twist is present in all hair — straight or curly.

What do you put on natural hair before flat ironing?

It’s imperative that you use a heat protectant before blow drying or flat ironing your natural hair. Carefully apply a heat protectant to every section of your head and apply the protectant from root to tip. While a heat protectant does provide a barrier, even the top brands won’t sustain heat that’s too high.

Is coconut oil good for transitioning hair?

Shea Butter, coconut, and jojoba oils bring this product to life, making it great for transitioning tresses. It moisturizes effectively, seals lightly, and helps impart shine, improve elasticity, and nourish the hair.

How do I get my curls back after flat ironing?

“I would use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and then follow that up with a leave-in conditioner to ensure that your curls snap back,” says Wright. She recommends shampoos and conditioners rich in moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, proteins, and safflower oil.

Does blowout damage natural hair?

Although using a blow dryer to stretch your curls is less direct heat than a straight iron, it can still be a cause of concern for curlies who have a concern of losing their natural curl pattern.

Is it bad to straighten your hair every 2 weeks?

The short answer is yes, straightening natural hair every 2 weeks can be bad, the level of “badness” depends on how much heat you’re applying and if you’re using an elite heat protectant product or not. However, breakage is the most common problem among people who straighten their hair too often.

What’s the best way to style transitioning hair?

Rod sets, twist outs, braid outs, flat twists, buns, braids/extensions (not too tight), straw sets, etc. should become your go-to styles. See my posts on styling transitioning hair. Here was one of my favorite styles to wear after YouTube taught me how to flat twist… If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Where can I find support for my hair transition?

Visit and join the Napturally Curly Transitioning and Natural Hair Forums and get support and questions answered from other transitioners and naturals. It’s a growing, friendly community where you can come share your joys and woes about your natural hair journey.

What’s the best way to switch to natural hair?

“Braids and wigs are a great alternative. Bantu Knots and cornrows are great, too,” says Wright. Wright says wigs are a great option because they allow you to put your natural hair away and switch things up easily.

How long does it take to transition from processed hair to natural hair?

The time you take to transition is up to you; some women want a very short one and plan to cut off their processed locks within several months, while other ladies want as long a transition as possible, which can be more challenging. Ahead, check out 10 expert-approved ways to ease your transition to natural hair.

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