BY MS ALICIA JAMES VIA CURLYNIKKI
Heat stretching for me is just about convenience and preference.
I heat stretch because it is easier for me to manage my hair and I enjoy it. I’ve used heat for over 2 1/2 years, which is over half of my journey. I’ve had great success and feel it has helped me to retain length.
Benefits of Heat Stretching
- minimizes knots and tangles
- makes wash day a breeze
- helps retain length
- easier to manage
No Heat Stretching
- twist outs
- braid outs
- roller sets
How I Heat Stretch:
1.”> Cleanse
I only add heat to clean hair (I like Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo”>.
2.”> Protein Treatment
Heat is known to break down the protein in hair, I like to add a little protection before using any kind of heat.
I’ve tried a couple of different products:
- Aphogee 2 step
- ORS Hair Mayonnaise (mild treatment”>
3.”> Deep Conditioning or Hot Oil Treatment
Heat can and will dry the hair out. I do a good deep conditioning/hot oil treatment. I mix my conditioner with my oil and sit under a hair dryer for about 30 minutes.
- Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4.”> Air Dry
I put my hair into one low ponytail. I braid the hair and then tie down my edges with a satin scarf. I let my hair dry overnight.
5.”> Flat Iron
I have started using the flat iron instead of the blow dryer. My hair tends to hold more moisture when I skip the blow dryer and go straight to the flat iron. When I flat iron my hair the goal is not bone straight hair. The less heat the better. My flat iron goes up to 375 degrees. The temperature is labeled in numbers 1-20. I flat iron on heat setting 10. In the end I have hair that looks like a blow out. I use extra virgin olive oil or Cantu Shea Butter Leave In as a heat protectant. I use heat twice a month or every two weeks on wash day.
- Andis Ceramic Flat Iron
