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And for many people with kinks and coils, straight stylesincludingsilk pressesand blowoutsare part of the rotation.
Call it a follicular catch-22.
Getty Images / Design by Cristina Cianci
Meet the Experts
Should You Blow Dry Natural Hair Before Flat Ironing?
Blow-drying on curly or kinky hair would also make the flat ironing process a lot easier."
Who Should Avoid Blow Drying Before Flat Ironing?
Second, is your hair relaxed?
If so, there’s no need to blow drybefore ironing it.
You should also step away from the blow dryer if your hair isn’t in its best health.
“Before blow-drying and flat ironing hair, its really important to prep the hair,” says Powell.
“After showering, Ill use a leave-in conditioner, followed by a heat protectant.”
The anti-frizz serum will help heat tools easily glide through haira must for anyone with natural hair."
“With each section, I do tension drying with the blow dryer.
I find that this is the best way to get a perfect canvas for the flat iron.”
Ready to Flat Iron
Here’s where our experts diverge a little.
While Powell firmly caps heat at a ceiling of 400 degrees, Hill says it depends.
“You never want to go over 400 degrees for the blow dryer or the flat iron.
For natural hair, the lower the heat, the better.”
“From ionic, ceramic, porcelain, infrared, titaniumall of these technologies are more hair health-friendly.”
“There is a huge debate over heat prefs.
“Keep the flat iron at two passes max,” adds Powell.
“Starting at the roots and taking the iron down the hair shaft.”
Powell likes to wrap things up with a little gleam and gloss.
“Hasks Keratin Oil Smoothing Shine Hair Oil is great because its strengthening and reduces frizz.”
This “helpsretain the moisture in the hair and keep the cuticle flat,” says Hill.
“Have fun with your freshly flat-ironed hair!”
