Heat 101

There is alot of talk when it comes to heat and its effect on hair. Everyone knows that if you want that shiny, full of body and glamorous style, a heated tool will help you create the look that you desire. Now although using heat makes it a whole lot easier to achieve a desired look, you must truly be careful not to abuse your tools. African American hair is pretty dry by nature, so we shouldn't do anything to dry our hair out any worse. Here are some tips to help you maintain the health of your hair while creating the look you want.

• Always, always always make sure your hair is clean and free of buildup and product before applying a curling or flatiron



• Shampoo and DEEP Condition always before styling with heat tools



• While hair is wet, lightly apply a leave in conditioner or hair serum to add moisture



• Always use a heat protectant on your hair prior to curling or flatironing

Tip: There is alot of controversy about how often to use heat on your hair. I flatiron my hair on an average of every 3-4 months. Some people may have to use some form of heat on the hair either everyday, or at least once a week. If I did use heat on my hair regularly, I would opt for once a week at least, being sure to deep condition and use a heat protectant on my hair.

My Flat Ironing Regimen

1. Shampoo with a moisturizing Shampoo (Keracare or Design Essentials)



2. Deep Condition (ORS Replenishing Conditioner or Keracare)



3. Towel Dry



4. Spray on Design Essentials HCO Leave In (this is a heat protectant for blowdrying)



5. Apply Design Essentials Nutriment Rx very lightly



6. Blowdry



7. Spray Silk Elements Heat Protectant on each section before Flatironing