Black Hair and Heated Appliances
Written by Samara on September 28, 2008
Flat irons, straigtening combs, curling irons, all these appliances our dry hair dreads so dearly. These appliances actually dry out and damage our hair and can cause breakage if used way too often.
Do you flat iron or press your hair daily? How many times have you used your curling iron this week? Do you blow dry your hair when you wash it?
Daily flat ironing should be avoided, along with pressing the hair and/or curling it daily. Once or twice a week is fine and it should be limited to one use per washing and conditioning treatment. You should also apply a moisturizer such as the Organic Root Stimulator Carrot oil, Shea Butter, or the Curls Milkshake to the hair 5 minutes prior to applying a heated appliance. Using a heated appliance more than this will cause drying and breakage of the hair.
Blow Dryers on the other hand should always be avoided. They are extremely damaging because the dry the hair by focusing an extreme amount of heat on the hair. I will NEVER recommend using a blow dryer. Instead try air drying your hair or sitting under a dome hair dryer with the setting set to medium.
Marcel Ovens are also a particular no no because there is no way of knowing what the temperature is of the heated appliance you’ve placed in the oven. You will end up burning out your hair! Instead always use electric appliances, this way the temperature is controlled and you are aware of how hot the appliance really is.
Using heated appliances is one of the reasons why our hair is short and damaged. They give us a luxurious look and feel, but at what cost? Our hair falling out our heads and breaking! It is okay to use heated appliances, but limit them to once or twice a week and be sure to only use electric appliances.
Credits: Photo from cachebeauty.com
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1 Comment on this entry · Add a Comment
I’ve been natural for over 6 years. In my transition, I was fortunate enough to find a beautician who had many natural clients. What she did was press (with a flat iron) my newgrowth and cut off my permed hair. I went to her every two weeks and every time I went, I got a deep conditioner and a trim (of the relaxed hair). This way, my hair never was drastically short. Once all of the relaxed hair was cut, she began pressing my entire hair. Personally, I know many women who have their hair pressed with an iron, and I do admit that if not controlled, it can be very damaging. However, under the supervision of a professional, I was able to maintain very healthy hair. As far as the heat altering my natural curl, as soon as it gets wet, it goes back to its natural state. More recently, I visited a Dominican Style shop where you are roller set and put under a dryer after a wash. Instead of a flat iron, my hair roots are blown straight. Again, I want to note that my hair is very healthy and I often get comments on its state. If any, I would recommend Ojon hair products. Also, I want to emphasize that if you’re interested in transitioning in this fashion, that it is a process and it’s probably best to start when it’s not too humid outside.
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