Heat damage & how to avoid it, according to actual curly hair experts
You don't need to avoid heat at all costs to have healthy natural hair.
Heat damage. Nothing scared me more than those two words when I first started my natural hair journey. I spent years growing out my heat damaged hair and I was terrified of having to start all over. I didn’t use direct heat for well over a year because I was convinced that the only way I could have healthy, bouncy curls was to avoid heat at all costs.
Heat is not the enemy and there is a lot of fear mongering and misinformation in the natural hair community about heat styling.
I spoke to Jaxcee, colorist and founder of The Coily Collective, and stylist Shay Gomez about heat damage, how to avoid it, and the products they use on their clients.
I’ve been wearing my hair in silk presses and blow outs more often, which means I’ve become well versed in heat protectants. Heat protectant is essential if you’re doing any sort of heat styling on your hair, especially using direct heat like a flat iron or blow dryer with a brush or comb attachment.
Here are the best heat protectants and products for heat styled for natural hair that I use, all sulfate and paraben free:
I was so ready for my bachelorette party in Palm Springs. Before traveling, I got a fresh silk press (dry weather=silk press weather) and I packed all the products I’d need to keep my hair looking good for a weekend in the sun. Then the unthinkable happened: The airline lost my bag along with all my hair products and tools inside it!
Air travel is already stressful enough; your hair shouldn’t add to it. With the right products and some preparation, traveling with your natural hair doesn’t have to be an ordeal.
Product of the week: Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
I forgot I had this in my closet and used it to re-twist a two day old twist out before I went to bed. The next day, my hair was super moisturized and my curls were extremely bouncy and defined. It also has a really nice smell. I’m going to use this on my next wash day paired with a gel to see how it turns out.
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