Straightening natural hair without the use of heat is a way to minimize heat damage, retain moisture, and maintain overall hair health. Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can lead to dry, brittle hair and can damage hair over time because the high temperatures of these tools break down the hair's natural proteins. For those with natural hair⎯which can already be more susceptible to dryness, frequent heat styling is something you should avoid.
You don’t need to rely on heat styling tools to stretch or straighten your hair. Here are three easy ways to effectively straighten your natural hair.
1. Roller Setting
(Lashawnda Davaette via Instagram)
Roller setting is a great way to straighten your hair without heat. By using large rollers to stretch and smooth your hair as it dries, it gives your hair volume and a shiny finish.
How to use a roller set:
- Start with damp hair, detangled hair.
- Divide your hair into sections and keep hair straight and taut as you roll from the ends toward the scalp. Use clips or covers to secure each roller at the root.
- Once all sections are rolled, allow your hair to air dry completely. The length of time you should keep hair rollers in depends on the type of rollers you're using and the desired style. Here are tips for roller types and styles:
Achieving The Best Results With Rollers
Using quality rollers with smooth surfaces will prevent snagging and damage. Larger rollers will give you straighter results, so choose the size based on your desired outcome. When you’re ready to remove the rollers, finger-comb your hair for a sleek, straight look.
2. Hair Wrapping
Hair wrapping is a technique used to straighten hair as it dries while maintaining its natural shine and body.
How to wrap your hair:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a smoothing serum or oil.
- Begin at the front of your head, smoothly tucking and pinning your hair around your head towards the nape. Use bobby pins or hair clips to secure the hair tightly against your scalp.
- Allow your hair to air dry completely⎯this method works best overnight.
- When you’re ready to take the wrap off, gently remove the pins or clips.
3.Twists and Braids
(Tenia Hoskins via Instagram)
Twists
Twists help to stretch hair by twisting hair into sections while damp, and then taking them out once dry.
How to get straight hair with twists:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a smoothing or defining product.
- Divide your hair into manageable sections, and twist each section from root to tip.
- Allow your hair to dry completely, then gently untwist each section to remove the twists.
Braid-Outs
Similar to twists, braid your hair while damp, and then take the braids out once your hair is dry.
How to get straight hair with braid-outs:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a smoothing or defining product
- Divide your hair into sections and braid each section tightly from root to tip.
- Let your hair dry completely⎯preferably overnight, then carefully undo each braid.
Straightening natural hair without heat is achievable by using one of these ways to get straight, shiny hair. Experiment with different styles to see which works best for your hair type and desired level of straightness. Maintaining the health of your hair is important, so prioritize gentle styling methods, as well as the right hair products. Here are our recommended hair products that will help straighten your hair and maintain its healthy shine.
Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme⎯Great to use when stretching hair via bantu knots and chunky braid outs.
Peppermint Tea Tree Hair Oil⎯Adds shine that helps maintain stretched or straightened hair.
Coconut Shea Edge Control Gel⎯Helps to lay down curly edges.
