Heat Protectant?
I have a cousin who is a hairstylist, and she has fabulous looking natural tresses. Although her hair is curly, she chooses to wear it straight most of the time. Envious of her super straight, shiny locks, I asked her what products she uses when flat ironing her hair. Seeing that I was prepared to run out and buy whatever product she named, I was flabbergasted when she said she uses absolutely nothing on her hair. She doesn't use a heat protectant prior to blow drying or flat ironing, nor does she use any moisturizers to protect her ends from splitting. Believe it or not, she's not the first sistah whose locks I've admired that does the same.Now, most of us in the natural hair community would absolutely resist the idea of not using any product to protect or moisturize our hair, as natural hair tends to be drier than relaxed. However, I recall how I used to "grease" my scalp regularly, as most of us were conditioned to do so during childhood. At one point I would have looked at someone sideways had they told me my scalp didn't need any oil or grease. Yet, I don't put any product on my scalp today, and haven't done so for many years now, as I've learned that my scalp really doesn't need all that product. With that in mind, I'm now wondering how essential a heat protectant really is.
Now, don't get me wrong, I have no plans of going the product-free route, as I really don't think my fine hair could handle high heat with no protectant. I think everyone's hair is different, and although some folks, like my cousin, can be product free and still have long, shiny locks, I don't think that forumula would work well for everyone. I can admit that I've been guilty of using too much product, so I will definitely consider using a lighter touch when it comes to a protectant. After all, in order to get that salon "swang," the hair can't be bogged down with too much serum or oil.
What do you divas think about heat protectants? Do you know anyone who has fabulous hair, who claims not to use one? If so, do you think you would get the same results? If not, what is your heat protectant of choice? I look forward to hearing your responses.
XOXO,
DPrincess28
8 comments:
Hey. It's been about 3 years since I've applied grease to my scalp. Healthy hair takes care of itself. I, myself, have very thick, coarse, curly hair and through experimentation have adopted a successful process when straightening. Going from curly to straight is a challenge for me so what I do to prep my hair is first wash it, condition it, then apply wrapping/setting lotion thoroughly throughout my hair. I noticed the more saturated my hair is with water and wrapping lotion, the more protected my hair is when flat ironing. I live and die by Organic Root Stimulator product line. After applying the wrapping lotion, I wrap my hair and smooth it out as much as possible then tie it up in a scarf. I choose to air dry because I also believe the less heat the better. After air drying (which I usually set the entire day aside for), I comb out my hair and then flat iron it. I think the wrapping method trains the hair to lay down and allows the lotion to penetrate the hair to assist in heat styling. I said all of this to say (lol) if you want your hair to be lightweight & free-flowing yet have a smooth, shiny appeal to it without the greasy or oily feel, use some sort of setting lotion. I would even recommend trying the Olive Oil Root Stimulator Wrapping Lotion. Good luck honey! I would love to see how your turn-out is.
Much Love
Thanks i.am.me.chelle! I will give it a try.
I have fine hair, I don't think I could flat iron without it anymore. I use Chi Iron Guard.
Great post. I rarely flat iron - only about 2x per year (i'm relaxed) but I use a product that is glossifying and a heat protectant all in one now. I no longer do the leave-in, seal, heat protectant then glossifier or serum when my hair is flat ironed. I think a good moisturizing deep condition and a heat protectant/shine serum is all that is necessary if you flat iron as rarely as I do.
ooooh! beautiful hair! I personally loooovvve the biosilk silk therapy serum...but I think I remember you saying how much you hate serums & oils. lol.... the funny thing is, i never really thought of it so much as a "heat protectant" but more so as something to just make my hair feel silky and be shiny! =]
I use sabino's lok& blok, it is also great for keeping reversion at bay and being that I am transitioning to natural hair that is a big plus for me.
I don't know anybody that doesn't use any product. But I do know of people that don't use heat protectant. To straighten my hair I do try to use the least amount of product as possible. I usually do a roller set and then flat iron. So before my roller set, I use Tresemme heat tamer spray along with a setting lotion for that. When I go to flat iron my hair, I use Beyond the Zone Turn Up The Heat spray which is more oil based. That way my hair doesn't revert. But that's really about it.
I went from bouncy curls when i did my big chop, to loose wavy locs... I believe I have extreme heat damage and I don't know what to do at this point. I only straightened my hair every 6-8 weeks when I needed a trim and its still damaged. I honestly believe that some people do not have to use a protector because they set their irons at the right temp. My stylist loves the stoves and her flat iron is really hot. Do you believe its best to transition or is there a product you can use to repair the damage?
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