Blow Drying and Flat Ironing Techniques for Natural Hair

Sure, you love your curls and kinks, otherwise you wouldn’t be natural. Sometimes, though, you may want to change things up. Naturalistas often opt for a straight hair style when they want a new look, to do a length check, or when trimming or cutting their hair. Whatever your reason, sleek, smooth natural hair from heat styling results from the right technique. If you’re transitioning, creating a straight style can be a bit of a challenge but has great rewards if you can blend the two textures. Your blow out method won’t be much different, and the flat iron techniques you use will be similar too. The major difference may be the increased amount of time it takes to style your hair, so you’ll want to make sure you have the patience and can devote the right amount of time to achieve your desired look.

Start with clean, conditioned tresses. Check out our wash day routine for some quick tips and tricks. Make sure you moisturize your hair well, try Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Leave-In Conditioner on wet hair. Be sure your hair is fully detangled and allow it to mostly air dry before you begin to blow dry. Remember, the best way to handle heat damage is to prevent it.

Source: naturallycurly.com

To blow out natural hair, try a larger brush like the Denman Paddle Brush. Work in small sections. Hold the blow dryer away from your hair and begin at the root and swiftly smooth the brush through hair, moving the blow dryer along with it. Repeat twice or so to achieve desired sleekness. Follow up with a cool shot.

For further sleekness, consider these flat iron techniques. Continue to work with hair in small sections and apply a little hair oil. Slowly move the flat iron through, from root down to tip, repeating no more than once or twice.

Protect your style by sleeping wearing a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase.