Nappy hair has an extremely tight curl pattern, which often makes it difficult to style. Chemicals straighteners, such as relaxers and texturizers, can make the hair more manageable, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also warns that these products can damage the scalp. Heat provides a natural way to straighten and style the hair without harmful chemicals. Heat will not permanently straighten the hair but, with proper care, heat straightening can last a week or more, according to Diane DaCosta, author of "Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair."
Straightening Your Hair
Step 1
Plug in the hot comb or flat iron and set the temperature to medium. Use a flat iron if your hair is longer than the width of the flat iron. Use a hot comb on shorter hair.
Step 2
Wash and condition your hair as normal. Pat your hair dry with a towel.
Step 3
Apply the heat styling product and dry your hair with the hair dryer. Use the comb attachment to initially work out the kinks.
Step 4
Part your hair into four equal sections, in a cross formation from ear to ear and front to back, with the wide-toothed comb. Use the hair clips to hold each section in place.
Step 5
Dampen a paper towel and clamp it between the plates or wrap it around the hot comb. The towel should sizzle but remain clean. If the towel chars, turn down the heat. If the towel does not sizzle, turn up the heat. Test the appliance again before use.
Step 6
Start on one of the back sections and release a section of hair that is less than 1/4 inch thick. The section should be thin enough that the heat penetrates all the way through. The exact thickness of the strand depends on the individual. You may need to experiment to get the correct thickness. Clamp the hair between the flat iron plates, close to the root and slide the plates to the end. For a hot comb, comb from the root to the end and turn the comb so that the back of the comb is pressed against the hair.
Step 7
Repeat the straightening process on your entire head. Wear your hair loose or style as desired.
Maintaining the Straightened Hair
Step 1
Use the wide-toothed comb to part your hair on the side. Part it on either the left or right side depending on your personal preference. Comb through your hair to work out any tangles.
Step 2
Wrap your hair around your head with your hands, starting at the large side of the part and working around to the short side.
Step 3
Smooth your hair with the brush and clip the hair in place. Tie a silk scarf around your head for sleeping.
Step 4
Remove the scarf in the morning and style your hair as usual.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid touching your scalp with the hot appliance. Ask a friend to help you work around your ears to avoid burning yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Electric straightening comb or flat iron
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Towel
- Hair dryer with comb attachment (optional)
- Wide-toothed comb
- Hair clips
- Heat styling product
- Paper towels
- Brush
- Silk scarf
References
- "Thank God I'm Natural";Chris-Tia E. Donaldson;2008
- No Lye! The African-American Woman's Guide to Natural Hair Care"; Tulani Kinard; 1997
- "Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair";Diane DaCosta with Paula T. Renfroe;2004
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Hair Dye and Hair Relaxers
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