The Product List
If you are going to do a protein treatment Aphogee Re-constructor is one of the most popular products on the market but do your own research to decide what is best for you based on your hair’s needs.
There are also countless protein conditioners if you only require light protein; one of the most popular being the VO5 Moisture Milk series that are about a dollar a pop.
To clarify use a good shampoo and follow with a good moisturizing conditioner*; be it a commercial brand or your own deep conditioning* mix that you mix up in your kitchen. Whatever you decide, just make sure it works for your hair. If you are unsure about the products you wish to use, seek out reviews and do a strand test before committing to it.
Products with silicone can be quite beneficial to you in the conditioning process as well as for the protectants you will add to the hair in preparation to treat with heat. Of course, if you are anti-cones, there are alternatives such as grapeseed oil*, cocoa butter and argan oil.
The products you will need to ensure your style is locked in include anti-humidity or anti-reversion spritz, sprays or hair milk; however, in the event you are in a humid state or country, chances are you will need to use a texture management system that assists in keeping hair straight or you may need to apply curling wax.
Now here’s the thing, most curling waxes have petroleum or parafin so they are great at combating humidity. That’s really how stylists really get that hair to lay like a relaxer.
Tools
You may need a blow dryer (preferably one with a comb attachment). If your blow dryer has no comb attachment you may need a paddle brush or a round brush to help you stretch the hair so heat can pass through the strands evenly.
A flat iron that has ceramic or tourmaline plates is ideal. If you have one that infuses steam that will be a big plus. Some persons opt for an Instyler over a flat iron since it is ergonomically designed with a brush and a rounded edge that makes bunting or curling easier on straightened hair.
You will also need clips to keep the hair sectioned off as well as a rat tail comb* to do the comb and chase method with the flat iron if you are not using an Instyler.
The Process
After you’ve done your treatment, cleanse and deep conditioning*, you need to be sure to carefully but thoroughly detangle your hair. This way you don’t suffer excessive or undue breakage when blow-drying the hair or doing the comb chase method with the rat tail comb* and the flat iron or whatever heat styling tool you will use to straighten your hair.
You will then need to stretch your hair either with a heat-less blowout or an actual blowout using heat. Section off the hair and work in small sections and applying your heat protectant* or anti-humidity product. If you are using a curling wax, apply it to each small section of hair you will flat iron.
When apply the heat it’s best to start from the back then roll the heat treated sections to keep them out of the way so that you don’t hit one spot with heat too much. Try to angle the brush downward as you blowdry the hair so you can stretch it enough to only require one pass with the flat iron.
when you’ve finished your whole head, use an anti humidity hair spray to set the style. after a minute, wrap the hair around your head and wrap with saran wrap. Finally, sit under a hooded dryer for 10-15 minutes. Take off the saran wrap and gently comb your hair into the desired shape. That’s how you slay straightened hair like it’s relaxed.
Tiela Lewis says
Lol!! Love your ‘disclaimer’
Natasha Thomas says
I flat iron my natural hair on occasion at my salon and love it.
Arika Heard says
Looks good
Phoenix McGee says
I flat iron mine and people swear I get perms. When I actually started wearing natural styles, people asked when did I go natural. I’ve had one perm in my life.
Shoot, I can slay some curls with a flat iron.
Darlene Guinty says
Why we have it good… the levels in which our hair can go….
Karen Love says
A video would have been nice!
Reggie Blackman says
It’s on the website
Kallicia Nicole says
I think it’s on YouTube. Try searching it on YouTube under Saran Wrap
Kallicia Nicole says
It’s under Saran Wrap technique by Deeper Than Hair TV
Marsha Buchanan says
Here you go http://community.blackhairinformation.com/video-gallery/natural-hair-videos/the-saran-wrap-technique-video/
Patsy Phillip says
Yes it’s time we embarrassed our natural side!! We were born with it so it couldn’t be a mistake love to see so many natural sisters.
Becky Wilsdon says
My daughters hair is identical to the natural style on the left, what grade is this classed as? X
Kimberly Estriplet says
4b
Tynika Nelson says
That’s me all day
Markisha Tingle says
I just use olive oil
Susan Cartwright says
Yes
Ms. Jenita Miller says
Looks amazing until you go outside and it’s 70 degrees (humid) during Christmas.
Karie Renee says
Try 80 ????????
Ms. Jenita Miller says
I’m learning about this. (First year natural in over 20 yrs) ????
Rosy Rose says
Without permanently changing your hair texture? Anyone know of a product that REALLY works to keep humidity from messing it up? 4c
Jekia Dowdell says
Check out Design Essentials STS line. It’s a smoothing system that lasts up to 12 weeks.
Jaime Wilson says
I’ve personally gotten a blow out on my 4c hair and my texture bounced right back after I washed it. No heat damage whatsoever. During those few weeks I had my blowout (since I would never go more than 2-3 wks without washing my hair) my hair looked like I had a relaxer the entire time. No frizz. I used a very light Argan oil every day and wrapped my hair at night.
Denise Bishop Sorells says
Beautiful
Basha Blvckz says
Still cause damage.
Basha Blvckz says
Put on a wig… And stop ruining your natural roots
Nicki Hallett says
All good hair dressers can make you look relaxed, if yours can’t switch
Sunja Mumfree says
I just use a flat iron and spritz a little Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hair Sheen and I am straight, sleek and good to go.