How to Straighten African-American Hair Without a Relaxer

Relaxers can be damaging to African-American hair if not done properly. Of you want to know to straighten black hair without a relaxer and still get shiny, bouncy, healthy looking hair, this guide is for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hot oil treatment
• Blow dryer
• Flat iron
• Paddle Brush
• Small-toothed comb
• Satin scarf
• Oil sheen spray

1. Start with a fresh head.
   Starting with a clean head of hair will give you the best results when straightening your African-American hair. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and condition the hair. If your hair is weak, try doing a protein treatment to strengthen it. Be sure to do a hot oil treatment to help seal in moisture.

2. Blow dry your hair.
   After washing, conditioning, and doing a hot oil treatment, section your hair into four sections and pin each section. Start in the back right section and divide that section into two pieces. This will make it easy to straighten your hair. Spray each section with a little heat protectant and coat with a very SMALL amount of leave-in conditioner if needed. Blow dry each piece from root to tip slowly using a comb attachment or paddle brush. Continue until entire head is complete.

3. Use a flat iron.
   The key to getting straight African-American hair without a relaxer is using a quality flat iron with just the right amount of heat and minimal product. I recommend using a CHI flat iron, or something similar. Now would be a great time to apply a small amount of CHI Silk Infusium to the hair. Starting in the back of the head, part small rows about 1/2 inch wide. Comb each piece with a small toothed comb. Start flat ironing hair in 1/2 piece slowly from root to tip. Make sure the heat is from 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This may sound hot, but it will get your hair straight on the first run-through and ultimately prevent heat damage. Continue until entire head is complete.

4. Wrap your hair.
   Immediately after straightening your hair, apply a small amount of oil and wrap. Cover with a satin scarf. Wait about 15-30 minutes to allow hair to "settle" after being straightened. After your hair has "settled", unwrap your hair and spray it with oil sheen (preferably one with a humidity blocker), and Voilà! There you have it! Beautiful straightened African-American hair without a relaxer!

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to put too much product in your hair, this will weigh it down.
• Do not do this to frequently. It can lead to heat damage (i.e breakage, split ends)

Resources

• For more information, check out this site