Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Press your hair without the damage

You have been allowing your natural hair to grow in healthy and strong, with no relaxing. But, for a change, you want to have a different look for a few days. Smooth and straight, just to do something different. What should you do? Hmm, purchasing a weave or a lace front wig is an option. However, you decide to go for the classic "press and curl."   How do you begin?

This post contains some information about safely pressing the hair without damaging it.

Getting started

According to O'Brien  Lynch, Hair Educator at Avlon, in the article, "Damage Control," intense heat causes hair to lose elasticity and cooks the hair's protein. Both of which combined can cause the hair to become limp and lifeless.  For this reason, it is best to keep the setting on medium.

For coarser hair, it is okay to start with a slightly higher setting to help break down the curls.  Then, lower the setting.  Test the temperature of the comb by applying it to white paper before pressing the hair.  If the paper turns brown, then it is too hot.

If your hair is fine, don't go over a medium setting.

For protection, also use a heat protecting serum or spray.  Use a ceramic iron which will distribute the hair more evenly.

When blowing out the hair, don't start with wet hair or, start with a lower setting to dry hair. Then increase once the hair is thoroughly dry, increase the heat to straighten the hair.

Don't use blow dryers with over an 1800 or 1900 wattage.

Sources:

"Damage Control" Essence Magazine



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