To use heat or to not use heat?
This is a question that many transitioning curlies face during their hair journey. The fear of long-term heat damage is now a thing of the past. Using this blow-drying method and extra TLC can help overcome your fears.
The Tension method is a blow drying technique that allows you to minimize the amount of heat and manipulation that you put on your hair.
The Tension Method
Part your hair in sections so it would be easy for you to manage. Hold your hair as if you are stretching it. Instead of using a blow dryer attachment or a brush, you move the blow dryer in a vertical motion along your hair. This allows you to dry and stretch your hair without over manipulating it and using an excessive amount of heat.
While blow-drying the hair, make sure the blow dryer is not on the highest temperature setting, as this can cause dry and brittle hair. In addition, it can permanently alter your beautiful curl pattern (AKA heat damage”>. With using this technique, these 3 tips can help prevent heat damage and improve your overall experience with applying heat to your hair.
1. Allow Hair to Air Dry
Before using the tension method, allow freshly washed hair to air dry. If you blow-dry your hair while soaking wet, you use an excessive amount of heat. Let’s also state the obvious, blow-drying your hair can be exhausting.
Relaxing a little longer and letting your hair air-dry can help the health of your hair. Read your favorite book or surf your favorite blog on the web to allow the time to past. If needed, use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to dry hair. Not only does it speed up the drying process, it also prevents frizz.
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2. Moisturize and Protect
Apply a leave in conditioner to add moisture to your hair. Applying heat can cause dryness because moisture is taken out of your hair. Keep hair moisturized after the use of heat to replenish any moisture that was lost during the blow-drying session.
Next, apply a heat protectant serum. The serum can help protect your curls from heat damage that can come from heat tools. Heat protectant serum can also make your hair shiny and prevent frizz. It can also allow straight hairstyles to last longer.
3. Maintenance
After your blow-drying session, try not to use any more heat on your hair until the next time you plan to use the tension method. Use a satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase at night to maintain your hairstyle and you won’t feel the need to grab a heat tool the next morning to fix your hair. You should also rock a head wrap or hat the next day to let your hair rest from styling.
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Watch how to do it
pictured: Journey to Waist Length
