HEAT APPLIANCES : Getting the best results

Tongs - GHD's - Dryers: Great for styling. Can cause damage.

Hair dryers, hot combs and tongs are widely used on Black hair, but these can cause damage if not used properly or over used.

Heat styling problems

Hot combs and tongs can reach high temperatures, this heat can raise the temperature of pomades to become heated oil, if the hot oil touches the scalp is can cause minor burns.

If the hot oil seeps into the hair follicle it can cause inflammation and even hair loss, which could become permanent.

Heat styling solutions

Washing - wash hair every 7 to 10 days.
Washing - select a conditioning shampoo for dry damaged hair.
Conditioning - use deep or reconstructive conditioner.
Conditioning - apply hair treatment for 15-30 minutes.
Conditioning - for very dry hair, alternate between hot oil and conditioner  
Styling - After hair has been pressed/blow dried, curl ends with warm (not hot) curling tong/iron.
Styling - use rollers at night, or wrap hair.
Trimming - Get your hair trimmed every 8 weeks.

Alternative to blow-drying

Apply a wrapping lotion
Comb hair flat.
Sit under the dryer. This will leave hair straight.

When using tongs...

Apply a heat protector product before tonging, this will both protect and set the style, defining it and making it last longer.

Read our tips for other hair issues, such as frizzy hair, shedding/breakage, hair loss/thinning, and dandruff/dry scalp.