Home»Posts
October 2, 2024·6 min·1188 words·Jared Houck
How To Straighten 4C Kinky Hair Without Heat Damage
It is a challenge to straighten curly hair, especially if it has tighter curl patterns like type 4C hair. But not protecting your hair from heat can damage it irrevocably. Hence, to go from kinky to straight hair without heat damage, you must use products that protect your hair from the heat of a hair-straightening tool.You Will Need
A moisturizing shampoo A conditioner A heat protectant A silk infuser Tangle teaser brush Rat-tail comb Hairbrush Blow dryer Flat iron
Step 1: Wash your hair with the shampoo and apply a deep conditioner.Step 2: Part your hair into four sections.Step 3: Take a section and apply the heat protectant to the coils, this will help maintain hair texture.Note: It is a good idea to keep a spray bottle with a mixture of argan oil and water, so you can mist each parting before using the blowout to keep locking the moisture in.Step 4: Apply the silk infuser for a silky smooth finish.Step 5: Hold the hair section with the tangle teaser brush and blow dry it.Step 6: Use the hair brush to lift the roots and blow dry again for a straighter finish.Step 7: Twist this section and start blow drying another section of your hair.Step 8: Use the rat-tail comb to section your hair.Step 9: Take a small section of your hair and use the flat iron (at a medium heat setting) to straighten it.Step 10: Follow the “chase method” – comb your hair and slowly use the flat iron to chase the comb.Step 11: Repeat the process.Step 12: Use the flat iron to add volume and waves.Step 13: Brush your hair.Voila! Can you stop seeing yourself in the mirror?
Straighten 4C Curly Hair – Before And After
The main drawback of straightening 4C natural hair is that it causes shrinkage. This means your hair curls back again and becomes short. However, there are ways to reduce shrinkage. Check out the next section to know more.
How To Control Shrinkage
Blow Dry The Roots – Section your hair and use a brush to lift the roots. Blow dry those areas and brush your hair thoroughly. This is an easy way to control shrinkage. Twist Your Hair While Washing – Section your hair and twist it before washing. You can also make Bantu knots. Untwist only one section at a time and apply shampoo and conditioner. Yes, this might take time, but it will save you from going back to square one. Keep Frizz Away – If your hair becomes frizzy, it might shrink. The best way to keep your hair frizz-free is by applying argan oil or a coconut milk hair mask. Apply coconut oil gently to your hair and blow dry it. Apply coconut milk hair mask and twist your hair in sections. Wash it the way mentioned in the previous point. Wrap Your Hair With A Scarf – This is definitely one of the best ways to prevent shrinkage. Use a silk or satin scarf to wrap your hair (do not twist your hair) before sleeping. Use A Shine Butter – Shine butter is rich in oils that prevent frizz and shrinkage and keep the hair shiny. Moisturize Your Hair – It is essential to keep your 4C hair moisturized. Apply almond, olive, or argan oils to your hair every day. This will keep the strands hydrated and prevent shrinking. Go For Blowouts – Blowouts are the easiest way to keep your hair straight and control shrinkage. However, avoid frequent blowouts as that can damage your hair. Apply Aloe Vera Gel – Aloe vera gel is enriched with amino acids, rich enzymes, and minerals that may help provide hydration to the tresses (1). Apply the gel before styling your hair to prevent shrinkage and promote smooth, silky hair. Trim Your Hair – Regularly trimming the hair is also important for 4C curly tresses to get rid of the dead and dry ends and combat shrinkage and hair damage. Opt For Deep Conditioning – Deep conditioning is essential for 4C hair type as it helps add moisture to the dry strands, thereby preventing hair breakage and shrinkage. It also makes the hair more manageable and allows for easy styling.
It is important to allow your hair to recover from heat exposure to maintain your curl pattern. Syleste, a blogger, who has 4C type hair, shares on her blog: “I think it’s important to give my hair a break from the annual silk presses. Even when you have the most well-educated natural hair stylist, too much direct heat from a flat iron will change the look and feel of your hair, and will lead to breakage. At least, that’s true for my coily hair (i).”There are several benefits of straightening your 4C kinky hair. Scroll down to know what they are.
Benefits Of Stretching 4C Hair Type
You Can Flaunt Long Hair: Straightening your hair can add length to your locs. If you have an upcoming occasion or want to flaunt long hair, consider straightening your 4C curls.
Makes The Hair Manageable: Curly hair is gorgeous but can be challenging to manage. Not combing or taking proper care can make the hair frizzy, rough, and brittle. Straightening helps make your coily hair manageable. You do not have to worry about tangles or spend time and money on hair maintenance.
No More Tangles: Detangling curly hair can be a good arm workout. Jokes apart, detangling is time-consuming, tiring, and can lead to hair breakage. Straightening the hair helps reduce time and energy detangling knots. Also, you can protect your hair from breakage and frizz.
Conclusion
Straightening or stretching 4C natural hair can be done easily at home. It can help you achieve a stylish hairstyle and prevent breakage. What are you waiting for? Follow the hair care steps mentioned above and flaunt your silky smooth hair!What is the normal percentage of 4c hair shrinkage?You can expect up to 10% shrinkage of 4c hair after straightening it.Is shrinkage a sign of healthy hair?Yes, shrinkage is normal and a sign of healthy hair. If your hair shrinks easily, it means you have minimal or no heat damage.What is the best temperature to straighten 4C hair?The optimal temperature to straighten 4C hair will be between 280-400 °F. Start with the lowest temperature, see how your hair responds, and then gradually increase it. This will reduce the chances of heat damage.How often should you straighten your 4C hair?Once a month. It’s because 4C hair needs moisture, and using hair tools for heat styling frequently may cause dryness and breakage.Is keratin treatment good for 4C hair?Yes, keratin treatment can work on 4C hair. It smoothens the curls and prevents frizzy hair.
Illustration: Straightening 4C Hair With Reduced Shrinkage
Learn how to do salon-quality silk press on 4C natural hair at home with this video! Get the perfect blowout and flat iron look without leaving your house. Check it out!
