What Is Hot Pressing & Pulling Hair?

To straighten tightly coiled hair, many African-American women hot press or flat iron their hair. The hair is sectioned and "pressed" with a temperature-controlled hot comb that is pulled through the hair from the scalp down the length of the hair until it is straightened.

Pressing Preparations

Black hair care specialist Ololade Franklin says the hair needs to be washed, conditioned and detangled before pressing. Franklin says even though most black hair is thick and kinky, a thermal hair protectant needs to be applied to dry, clean hair before pressing.

Hot Comb

A hot comb, also referred to as a pressing comb or straightening comb, is generally metal, but there are a few out there that are ceramic coated.

Flat Iron

Flat irons can also be used to press and pull the hair. Franklin says the best flat irons have an adjustable temperature gauge and are made of ceramic or ceramic touralamine plates (not coated plates).

Tips

Pressing the hair at the right temperature (starting at 300 degrees Fahrenheit) is important. Be careful not to turn the gauge too high, as it will burn your hair.

Warnings

Daily pressing of the hair is damaging. The pressing of relaxed or color-treated hair could also cause hair loss and breakage.

References

• Pressing Hair
• "How to Properly Press Ethnic Hair;" Grace D. Dooley; 2009
• Sally Beauty Supply