It’s that special time of year, let’s venture down the path in how to straighten curly hair. For curlies, when the weather gets dry, cold, many of us decide to be adventurous with our curls for the holidays. Many of us know the woe and joy that can come applying heat to our hair whether it’s via the blow-dryer or flat iron. It’s got a different texture, hangs around our face differently, and we can even run our fingers through it. Whether you love it or hate it, straightening curly hair never gets old, but they are ways to keep your natural hair protected, nourished, and healthy. Here are our best serums, heat protectants, and tips for how to straighten curly hair throughout the straightening process.
Serums
The first thing to know about serums is that they are all about strength. They work to cover up dryness, heal damage, and nourish your hair. The best serums contain natural ingredients that work together to tame frizz and work as a finishing product for your hair. Some serums can be used before/after your straightening process, but think of them as the icing on top of a very elaborate cake.
Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Finishing Oil Serum ($11.99″>
If you want a silky smooth finish, this is your winner. It’s light, silicone-free and works to lock in your moisture instead of weighing it down or building up product gunk.
TGIN Argan Replenishing Hair and Body Serum ($14.99″>
You can never go wrong using an oil-based serum to keep your curls hydrated. This beauty blends coconut, argan, and vitamin E for manageable hair that leaves makes taking care of your hair much easier after straightening.
Curlfriends Shine Hair Gloss ($28.50″>
A gloss is always the best way to finish out the grueling and hot process of straightening your hair. Remove the frizz, flyaways, and sleek down that straight hair with just a few drops. The key to gloss is to use it sparingly, don’t over saturate your hair and give it an oily appearance.
Heat Protectants
If serum is the ying of straightening, then think of heat protectants as the yang that helps complete the perfect picture. Most heat protectants help replenish moisture in curls while defending them from the damage heat can do. Heat protectants are a must-have to keep your curls healthy as you are applying and afterward to keep them dry at bay.
Cantu Thermal Shield Protectant ($4.99″>
No frizz, flyaways, or fry are key to this thermal protectant that keeps your curls healthy up to 425 degrees. The magic ingredient is shea butter that provides moisture and a light hold.
Tresemme Thermal Creations Protectant Heat Spray ($6.99″>
This is one of my personal favorites I’ve been using for years when straightening my curls. The lightweight spray is great as a pre-protectant that won’t leave your flat iron sizzling or your hair frying. The biotin enriched formula will also leave your hair super soft so no worries about over drying.
Flawless by Gabrielle Union Heat Protectant Spray ($19.00″>
The fierce comes in all sizes with this product that contains essential oils like argan, marula, and avocado to keep your hair enriched with vitamins. The ultra-light formula won’t weigh your hair down and gives a beautiful shine that will keep you smiling all night long.
Outside of products, you should remember these key tips for maintaining your straight hair:
- You can’t control the weather, so pick your days to straighten your hair wisely so rain/snow doesn’t ruin your hard work.
- Finding your ideal straightening combination will take time. Whether it’s serum, blow dry, flat iron, heat protectant or all of them, there will be trial and error.
- Don’t keep reapplying heat to your hair. Try to spare daily or repeated usage of the flat iron on your hair, depending on the length of time your hair will be straight, make sure to keep as much heat off it when it’s done to prevent damage.
