Can Afro Hair be Straightened Permanently?

Afro hair can be straightened permanently. And this can be achieved using several methods. However, you want to be informed about the advantages and disadvantages of the methods used to straighten afro hair permanently and that’s what we will uncover in this article.

Permanent or Temporary Method of Straightening Afro Hair

If you are desiring a straightened afro hair. This can be achieved for a temporary period or permanently depending on one’s preference. And peradventure, you want to simply rock a straightened hair for a short period, the heating method is often the go-to method. However, if you are wanting a permanently straightened hair. Then you may consider using chemicals relaxers.

Chemical Straighteners for Afro Hair

We are in a century where there are hundreds of brands focused on producing chemicals and hair treatments that can permanently straighten afro hair. These hair relaxers and treatments contain alkaline chemicals that break down the natural hair protein and structure – which allows it to become straightened permanently.

Heating Method: Blow-drying your Afro Hair

If you would like your hair straightened just for a temporary period; then you should consider the heating method. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to take.

1. It is important to always deep condition your hair, at least 24 hours before applying any heating equipment on your hair. This should be carried out using afro-friendly leave-in conditioners with as little chemicals as possible.
2. Proceed to wetting your hair with a spray bottle, this makes it damp and easy to comb through. You do not need your hair dripping wet – just a little dampness will be sufficient.
3. Section your hair – this can be parted into 4 equal sections. Then focus on one section, and with a wide-tooth comb, brush through to ensure it is tangle free.
4. Heat protectant: Applying a heat protectant will not only protect your hair from the heat, but will also prevent long term damages often caused by heating equipment.
5. Hair dryer: Get your hair dryer ready, hair brush ready. And from the roots of your sectioned hair, move the brush and hair dryer in a slow and upward movement at the same time. This allows your afro hair to get slowly dried and straightened simultaneously.

Hair-Straightener Method

As this method also involves direct heat to your afro hair. It is important to deep condition your hair with a leave-in conditioner. At least, 24 hours prior to using any hair straightener equipment. As always, use an afro-friendly conditioner, wash the hair with a shampoo and rinse thoroughly to get your hair ready for the hair-straightening method.

It is advisable to dry your hair for better result (Either naturally or with a blow-dryer). And just like in the blow-drying method above. Follow all the steps recommended. And in the final stage (i.e. step E) after applying the heat protectant. Get your hair straightener ready.

In small sections, close the hair straightener around the roots of your hair. Pull gently but firmly down to the tip of the hair. Repeat this act until your hair is completely straightened and dried to the tip.

Remember, do not apply too much pressure unto a particular section more than the others – as this may cause overheating and the hair gets frizzled.

Downsides: Watch Out!

All the above methods can surely get an afro hair permanently straightened or straightened for the desired length of time. However, there are downsides to most of these methods. Some if which can cause long-term damage to the hair.

Thus, it is advisable to seek professional consultations prior to using any of the above methods especially if you want to carry out a DIY afro hair straightening method.

If you must use hair relaxing chemicals- kindly go several days without a hair wash as this allows your hair to have some natural protection.

Hair texturisers are good alternatives and less damaging to the hair compared to hair chemical relaxers. And texturisers can even achieve similar results.

For more Afro-Hair care tips; questions, or enquiries, follow us on X @teesafrohair and be sure to engage with our other useful content and reads on here!

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