“A big part of maintaining healthy hair during the straightening process is finding a professional stylist who is educated about natural hair,” advises Robertson. “The shampooing stage is also key because it’s the first step of building proper moisture.”
“A big part of maintaining healthy hair during the straightening process is finding a professional stylist who is educated about natural hair,” advises Robertson. “The shampooing stage is also key because it’s the first step of building proper moisture.”
TAG Concept Salons Shampoos come in two custom sulfate-free formulas that won’t strip natural hair. ($20 each, tagconceptsalonsproduct.com)
Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo contains vegetable protein, natural oils, and organic botanicals that help strengthen the hair. ($10, Target.com)
The next integral step in straightening naturally curly hair is deep conditioning. “Conditioning the hair helps to build moisture content and leads to less breakage,” advises Robertson. “Don’t just use a dollop and pat it on top of your head. Liberally apply conditioner through the hair section by section so that each strand is saturated.”
The next integral step in straightening naturally curly hair is deep conditioning. “Conditioning the hair helps to build moisture content and leads to less breakage,” advises Robertson. “Don’t just use a dollop and pat it on top of your head. Liberally apply conditioner through the hair section by section so that each strand is saturated.”
TAG Concept Salons Quench Conditioner contains deep-penetrating peptides that strengthen the hair shaft. ($20, tagconceptsalonsproduct.com)
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner contains soothing coconut milk and great slip for detangling curly hair. An added bonus is the price! ($5, Target stores)
Robertson’s secret weapon when it comes to deep conditioning is steam therapy. “Make sure the dome of your steamer is able to steam your entire head, not just the crown,” advises Robertson. “Also, always use distilled water, never tap water in your steamer.”
Robertson’s secret weapon when it comes to deep conditioning is steam therapy. “Make sure the dome of your steamer is able to steam your entire head, not just the crown,” advises Robertson. “Also, always use distilled water, never tap water in your steamer.”
The Huetiful Hair Steamer is portable, easy to store, and even easier to use. It also restores moisture up to 5-times more effectively than conditioners alone. ($115, behuetiful.com)
If you have more space in your home, you can use this professional quality steamer for salon-like results. ($188, samsclub.com)
“Before I use a blow dryer or flat iron, it’s imperative to use a heat protectant,” advises Robertson.
“Before I use a blow dryer or flat iron, it’s imperative to use a heat protectant,” advises Robertson.
When it comes to the Fantasia Heat Protector & Straightening Serum, a little bit goes a long way. ($8, beauty supply stores)
The TAG Concept Salon Shine Drops can be used as a pre-blow dry heat protectant or after styling shine serum. ($18, tagconceptsalonproduct.com)
“Always use an ionic blow dryer,” advises Robertson. “An ionic blow dryer breaks down the water molecules in the hair as opposed to boiling them, which creates a smoother cuticle that dries faster and with less heat.”
“Always use an ionic blow dryer,” advises Robertson. “An ionic blow dryer breaks down the water molecules in the hair as opposed to boiling them, which creates a smoother cuticle that dries faster and with less heat.”
The FHI Nano Salon Pro 2000 Hair Dryer prevents static and frizz to keep hair smooth and shiny. ($99, amazon.com)
The Super Solano 3600 Ion Professional Hair Dryer has tourmaline technology that seals the hair cuticle, preventing moisture loss. ($99, amazon.com)
Flat ironing natural hair requires extra care and precaution. “I always recommend going to a professional,” says Robertson. “Be sure to check what tools your stylist is using; they should be ceramic or tourmaline. If any stylist pulls out a pressing comb, walk right out the door!”
Flat ironing natural hair requires extra care and precaution. “I always recommend going to a professional,” says Robertson. “Be sure to check what tools your stylist is using; they should be ceramic or tourmaline. If any stylist pulls out a pressing comb, walk right out the door!”
The FHI Heat Platform Ceramic Tourmaline Styling Iron has rapid heating technology which makes it ready to use in less than two minutes. ($90, amazon.com)
The Solano International Sleekheat Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron has ceramic plates that help lock in moisture while straightening. ($98, amazon.com)
Once your hair has been prepped and straightened, it’s time to apply a shine serum which not only prevents poofiness, but also adds a healthy glow.
Once your hair has been prepped and straightened, it’s time to apply a shine serum which not only prevents poofiness, but also adds a healthy glow.
The TAG Concept Salons Shine Spray is an alcohol-free, non-oily formula that gives you shine, shine, shine! ($17, tagconceptsalonproducts.com)
The Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss contains rice bran oil which smoothes ends, conditions and makes your hair easy to comb. ($26, aveda.com)
After spending time and money getting your tresses nice and sleek, make sure to invest in the proper tools and techniques to keep it that way!
After spending time and money getting your tresses nice and sleek, make sure to invest in the proper tools and techniques to keep it that way!
These Goody Ouchless Bobby Pins with double dipped tips and extra crimps are perfect for holding your wrapped hair at night. ($3, luvnaturals.com)
The Denman 9 Row Styling Brush has gentle nylon-coated bristles and an anti-static rubber pad to keep your mane sleek and breakage-free. ($10, Amazon.com)
By following these tips and building well-moisturized, stronger strands, you’ll be able to keep your relaxer-free tresses straight for up to a week. “Building healthy hair is not an overnight process, but with proper care, natural hair can definitely be straightened without damage,” says Robertson.
What are your tips for straightening your natural hair? Share them below!
By following these tips and building well-moisturized, stronger strands, you’ll be able to keep your relaxer-free tresses straight for up to a week. “Building healthy hair is not an overnight process, but with proper care, natural hair can definitely be straightened without damage,” says Robertson.
By following these tips and building well-moisturized, stronger strands, you’ll be able to keep your relaxer-free tresses straight for up to a week. “Building healthy hair is not an overnight process, but with proper care, natural hair can definitely be straightened without damage,” says Robertson.
