Straightening Brushes: A Cop or Flop?
Naturalistas of all hair types value the power of versatility; the ability to go from curly to straight and back is always a marveling experience. In our pursuit for a stretched style, we search for the most effective ways to straighten while minimizing the risk of damage. The latest craze on the hair care market is the straightening brush. Of course, everything has its pros, cons, and a cautionary tale. Let’s feast our eyes on this new hair tool.
What is a Straightening Brush?
A straightening brush is a hair tool that promises to heat style the hair with sleek results. The labeling of the straightening brush promises that by using this tool other styling tools will no longer be needed.
The benefits
Through the tedious and lengthy process of straightening naturally kinky, coily, and curly hair, we have to thoroughly dry our hair in the form of a blowout. After reviewing many videos and experimenting on my own trusty cousin, I’ve noticed some aspects of this tool that are more beneficial versus using a traditional flat iron.
Temperature selection
The straightening brush can reach a maximum of 550 degrees. This is a great feature for naturals with looser curl patterns because it allows for only needing about two passes with the straightening brush to achieve a sleek style. Not saying that anyone should be using this device at the maximum temperature.
No more “Chase Method”
When going through the straightening process, many naturalistas use the Chase Method to ensure that the heat being applied smoothes out each strand. Because a straightening brush has evenly distributed bristles throughout, all strands of the hair are separated–thus, given an equal amount of heat application. Essentially, the bristles of a straightening brush will streamline the straightening process.
For the nervous nellies that fear the potential damage of smashing their delicate hair strands between metal plates, worry no more. The straightening brush does not require any additional parts to aid in creating a smooth polished look.
The risks
Whenever we decide to embark on the journey of applying heat to our precious hair, we have to be very careful to minimize damage as much as possible. When using the straightening brush there are specific precautions to look out for beside traditional heat damage.
Melting hair
The hair-melting factor is a major risk of using the straightening brush because it reaches such a high temperature. Different hair types require different temperatures (the keratin in hair strands begins to melt at 325 degrees”>. Beyond 325 degrees, the chances of completely melting the hair strands increases. To save heartbreak and trauma, don’t be hasty and use extreme temperatures. You know what your hair can handle better than anyone.
Mechanical damage
Mechanical damage can occur when using the straightening brush because the tips of the bristle can snag on to the ends of the hair strands. This happened very rarely throughout reviews; however, the snagging of the hair can cause terrible split ends that require those ends to be trimmed.
Lastly, when using any direct heat to our hair we have to take caution of heat damage. Always be sure to use a heat protectant to decrease the potential of long-term damage. Your hair will thank you.
