How to Prevent Heat Damage on Natural Hair

Protecting your natural hair from heat damage can feel overwhelming.

However, by following these six easy steps, you can get the most out of heat styling your hair, while still protecting your hair strands. 

*Pssst, for a comprehensive list of all the natural hair lingo to know when you embark on your exciting Journey, Na Ha ZO’s Natural Hair Glossary can bring you up to speed on the top 50 natural hair buzz words.

Step One: Detangle your Hair

Detangling your hair is an important part of prepping your hair for heat.

Proper detangling prevents any knots that may cause breakage when blow drying your hair. 

Finger Detangling

Finger detangling is key to gently unravelling your hair with minimal snapping and breakage. 

To finger detangle your hair, section it into 4 to 8 parts (depending on your preference and length). Then work in sections, using water in a spray bottle (you can mix with your preferred essential oil or conditioner).

Spritz each section generously and then use your fingertips to gently detangle any knots. 

Using a Detangling Conditioner 

Conditioner is an effective hack for detangling natural hair. 

To use, apply a generous amount of conditioner section by section, using your fingers to work any knots and tangles. Be sure to use a conditioner with a lot of slip.

Hair Tip: NaHaZo recommends Tresseme conditioner to detangle your hair – it is not too pricey, has great slip, and is therefore a good addition to your hair care regime. 

Step Two: Pre Poo

It is good practice to pre-poo your hair before using heat.

Pre-pooing helps to strengthen your strands, making it easier for your hair to withstand exposure to heat. 

Soak your Hair in Oil 

Drench your hair in an oil of your choice. 

After soaking your hair in oil, wrap it in a plastic bag / shower cap and secure it with a towel or head scarf for added heat. 

You can then either keep this oil overnight  (beware though of your bed linen and oil on your face should you be a restless sleeper), or you can let it soak in for at least 2 hours and then wash it off before moving to the next step. 

A word of caution – Experiment with different oils until you find your preferred pre-poo oil choice. While some naturals get great results with coconut oil, some experience stiff hard hair when they use it. 

Step Three: Wash your Hair

After pre-pooing your hair, wash off the oil with shampoo (or co-wash with a conditioner).  

Should you decide to go the co-wash route, follow through with an ACV scalp rinse to further clarify your scalp. 

After washing your hair, use a clean old cotton tee shirt or towel to dry your hair. Using cotton to dry your hair is preferable as it minimised snags and tangles. 

Bonus tip – Use warm water to wash your hair as this helps to loosen any build-up.

Step Four: Protein Treatment (Optional)

Depending on your hair needs and to promote natural hair growth, doing a protein treatment before introducing heat can help strengthen your hair strands.

This will minimise shedding after exposure to heat. 

Step Five: Deep Condition your Hair for at least 15 mins

This is an important part of the heat preparation regimen and allows you to reintroduce moisture into your hair, which is key for a healthy, bouncy and lustrous look.

Do not need the deep conditioner for longer than 15 minutes, as the effect is the same whether you keep it for an hour after that or the whole night.

Bonus tip: As a final part of this heat preparation step, rinse your hair with cold water, as this helps close the hair follicles, allowing the shaft to lie down smoother.

Step Six: Heat Protectant

Now your hair is heat ready.

Make sure you use a heat protectant on your hair to prevent damage. If you are styling your hair at home, use the medium heat setting and avoid blow drying your hair on the maximum setting for too long.

If you use a hot iron after blow-drying, allow for no more than two heat passes on a medium heat setting.

Bonus Tip: Supplement your straightened hair look with the African threading method to maintain your stretched look for longer.

Alternatively, wrap your hair the night before to avoid having to use heat to re-style your hair.

What has your experience been using heat on your hair? Do you have any handy tips to protecting your strands from heat?

Sound off on the comments below on how you protect your hair from heat.

Until the next time beautiful ladies, happy naturaling!