So Your Going To Straighten?

For those of you who don't know I have a love hate relationship with my CHI. This little flat iron can give silky results and  reek havoc at the same time on an unsuspecting head. Theres no question about the high performance of this flatiron. It is ranked among my top 5 favorite heat tools as a matter of fact. But for all the great benefits of the CHI if precaution isn't used your hair will suffer the consequences of heat damaged hair. So what can you do to avoid the heat damage monster?

1. Use heat sparingly. Theres no reason to run a flat iron through your tresses daily, doing this will surely leave you on the wrong end of a Dr. Miracles commercial.
2. Always Always Always use a heat protectant. This product is meant to be used on the hair prior to any heat styling, it is designed to coat each strand  in a protective layer in order to reduce the amount of heat your hair is exposed to. CHI has a great protectant.
3. Deep condition is a must. This goes without saying, keeping your hair moisturized and perfectly ph balanced is one of the most important factors to retaining healthy hair with or without heat. Find a Moisturizing conditioner to ensure the moisture is replaced, heat tends to dry the hair.
4. One pass per section. Instead of running that flat iron over your hair two, three, four or eight times, learn how to use smaller sections and perfect getting great results with a single pass over each section. Your hair will thank you for this.

Those are just a few steps that can be taken when using a CHI or similar heat tools on natural or relaxed hair. Ultimately if you don't want to run the risk of an altered curl pattern than my suggestion to you is to stay away from direct heat. If you haven't read my heat damage post go here to understand what heat damage is and how it can affect your hair. Learning how to use heat correctly can save you from commiting to another BC.

Oh NO!!! Heat Damage!

If you are one of the unfortunate ladies to find yourself on the end of a heat damaged head fret not, there may still be hope. For the hand full of people who have no clue as to what heat damage is I'll take the next few lines to detail exactly what this beast is:

Heat damage is exactly how it sounds; damage to hair from a source of heat. It is usually associated with direct heat but there are few instances where indirect heat has cause a form (although not as severe) of damage to the hair follicle i.e over exposure to the sun, improper use of chemicals just to name a few. Each strand of hair on our head contains three layers: the cuticle, cortex and inner most layer labeled the medulla. Heat damage occurs when the heat from a heated styling tool is used on the hair and damages or completely destroys the cuticle and cortex layers of the hair strand. The cortex layer contains the bulk of hair and is the main source of your hairs elasticity. It plays an important role in your hairs curls and bounce.

                                                   

 So while your curling away, imagining your hair swaying in the wind next to Pretty Ricky's, its safe to say that if you hear a sizzle and your not frying a pack of Jimmy Dean's sausage patties, you may have just damaged one of the most important layers of your hair. So lets get to it, here's why your reading this article, the golden question:

                                    

                              Can Heat Damage Be Repaired?

The answer is YES! but it takes alot of TLC. The following is a guide you can use to restore those curls you so lovingly scorched:

* Moisture! Moisture! Moisture!- This cant be repeated enough ladies. Push moisture into the hair using oils such a jojoba, coconut, almond, sunflower and many more. Look in your health food stores and local beauty stores and take your pick.

* Deep Condition- If you haven't already, you may want to invest in a hood dryer or steamer. This time you can use heat to help your hair. Sitting under a dryer or steamer for 30- 60 mins weekly using good deep conditioners mixed with pure honey is a huge step towards restoring your hair's elasticity. Heat opens the cuticle allowing moisture to be deposited into the hair shaft. Research products that promote moisture and curls.

*Protective Styling- For the ladies who are used to having that straight and swangin' look you may not like this but your going to have to retire your heat styling tools (or at the very least limit the amount of times per year you heat style). Try to find styles that can work for you without the use of direct heat. For example, twists, braids, knots or even wearing stylish scarves and hats will allow your hair to rest while keeping you a diva fashionista.

*Water- up your water intake honey, let that moisture work from the inside out. Water is a crucial part of healthy living and hair care. Drinking 8 or more cups of water a day will not only improve your hair but will have your skin glowing so drink your way to a healthier you!

*Patience- this is the most important part of your hair's recovery. It takes time to replenish and restore the beautiful texture that may have only taken a few minutes to destroy. Give your hair time to heal, it wont happen overnight but with patience and  the combined advice given here your hair will improve!

Remember dont give up on your hair and it wont give up on you!

Got a heat damaged story to tell? Share it with us by leaving a comment.