How to Straighten Curly Hair with Less Damage

Typically, I straighten my hair 1-3 times a year. It can get really cold where I live so, I usually straighten my hair during the winter when my wash-in-go routine doesn’t like the snow 🥶 . I also like straightening my hair for special occasions when I want a new look. Straightening my hair can take hours. But, with this routine, I can finish straightening my hair quicker than before with little to no heat damage. 

Of course, applying heat to your hair if not great for your curls. But, sometimes you just wanna try a new look and have a little fun! I realize that a lot of Curly Queens go years without using any heat and that’s great! But,  some Curly Queens still use heat styling tools and that’s great too! So, whether or not you use heat styling tools, here’s how I like to straighten my hair with little to no damage! 

Disclaimer: A lot of these products can be used for any hair type. However, I have curly hair and these products are what have worked best for me personally. I can’t promise they will work for you because everyone’s hair is different.💕

1. Use a hair mask or treatment
   • DIY Hair Mask for Strength and Moisture
   • Best Affordable Hair Masks
   • Olaplex no.3
   • Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair
     • if you use this, please follow the directions on their website!
     • 1. shampoo 2. protein treatment 3. moisturize 4. Deep condition
2. Shampoo and condition your hair using Natural, sulfate-free products
   • SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo & Conditioner
     • This makes my hair feel super soft and hydrated. The conditioner is also a great detangler!
   • SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
     • This one makes my hair feel super nice and clean!
     • they also sell it as a set with the curl enhancing smoothie! 😍
       1. The curl enhancing smoothie is amazing! I never do a wash ‘n go without it! (I think I repurchased this like 50 times, I love it!)
   • Shea moisture kukui nut & grapeseed oil conditioner
     • This is a great product! I would purchase this again but, I can’t find a good price anywhere. (I once found it on sale at Marshalls so, stop by if you live near one!)
3. Leave the conditioner on for 10-30 min before rinsing it out
4. Put a small amount of your favorite moisturizing product in your hair
   • Avoid oils, this will fry your hair once you apply heat.
5. Braid your hair and let it dry overnight 
   • I usually make 2-4 braids.
6. Once your hair is dry, undo the braids and apply a heat protectant 
   • Use whatever heat protectant you like! Right now I’m using, Garnier Hair Flat iron Express
7. Straighten your hair! (I like to apply heat protectant again before I straighten each small section)
   • grab a tiny section of hair -> add heat protectant -> straighten it ->grab a tiny section of hair -> add heat protectant -> straighten it -> (repeat until your hair is finished ✌🏾)
8. Optional: Sometimes I use serum for extra shiny hair!
   • OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk
   • Pantene Smooth and Sleek
   • TRESemme Expert Selection

Disclosure: This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that if you click
on an affiliate link and purchase a product, I may receive a small
commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend
products/programs/services that I personally use, trust, and love. Thank you! 🌸💕