Straightening natural hair can be a great way to switch up your look and achieve a sleek, polished style. However, one common problem that many people face after straightening their hair is frizz. Frizz occurs when the hair cuticle becomes rough and raised, causing the hair to appear dry, tangled, and puffy. If you’ve straightened your natural hair and are struggling with frizz, don’t worry – there are several steps you can take to reduce it and keep your hair looking smooth and shiny.
Step 1: Use a Heat Protectant
Before you even begin straightening your hair, it’s important to apply a heat protectant product. Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and the heat of your straightener, preventing damage and breakage. Apply the product evenly throughout your hair, paying special attention to the ends, which are often the most fragile.
Step 2: Straighten in Sections
To achieve the best results and reduce frizz, it’s important to straighten your hair in small sections. This allows you to focus the heat directly on each section, making it easier to smooth out any bumps or kinks. Use clips to separate your hair into manageable sections and work through them one at a time.
Step 3: Use the Right Temperature
Using the right temperature setting on your straightener is crucial to reducing frizz. While it may be tempting to turn up the heat to get your hair straighter faster, this can actually cause more damage and lead to more frizz. Use a low to medium heat setting and be patient as you work through each section.
Step 4: Don’t Overwork Your Hair
When straightening your hair, it’s important not to overwork each section. This means avoiding going over the same section multiple times, as this can cause damage and frizz. Instead, work through each section once, using a slow, steady motion to achieve the desired straightness.
Step 5: Use a Finishing Product
Once you’ve finished straightening your hair, use a finishing product to help reduce frizz and add shine. Look for products that contain natural oils like argan oil or coconut oil, as these can help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz. Apply the product evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends.
Step 6: Avoid Humidity
Humidity is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to frizz. If you live in a humid climate, try to avoid going outside with freshly straightened hair. If you do need to go outside, wear a hat or use an umbrella to protect your hair from moisture in the air.
In conclusion, reducing frizz after straightening natural hair is all about taking the right steps before, during, and after the straightening process. By using a heat protectant, straightening in small sections, using the right temperature, avoiding overworking your hair, using a finishing product, and avoiding humidity, you can achieve a sleek, straight look without the frizz.