Heat styling is poised as a natural’s worst enemy and for good reason. It can threaten your new growth by drying out your hair follicles and damaging your curl pattern, not to mention be harsh on the pockets with speciality salons charging north of $100 to do blow outs that fizzle with the slightest hint of moisture in the air (like mine did below).
Still, heat styling provides a fun way to switch things up and when you’re creative with accessories you can hold on to sleeker strands for quite a while. Here are my 5 favorite ways to extend my blowout for a few extra days.
Coat With Serum
It’s tempting to rush to the comfort of your retired flat iron the second a hair slips out of place but resist the urge! It’s much better to add some heat resistant serum and let the hair lay heavy.
That way when you have no choice but to come back for a touchup it’s protected and you won’t need as much heat. My go-to is Fantasia IC Heat Protector Straightening Serum ($4.99, Walmart.com). I’ve been using it since before I went natural seven years ago and it’s never let me down.
Add A Headband
No matter how careful you are or how liberal you are with the Creme of Nature Perfect Edges Black ($4.59, Target.com) your roots start telling secrets after a steaming hot shower. Play things close to the vest by covering your edges with a headband. I chose one that was sporty here because I was headed to an outdoor event but any one will do.
It’s also a good way to do a length check.
If all else fails and the front is completely hopeless tuck what you can beneath a bandana.
