Sometimes you can get away with a sulfate free shampoo* that is less stripping but does a great job of cleansing your hair.
However, to rid your hair completely of silicone build up, nothing works better than a sulfate containing shampoo.
Step 3: Deep Conditioning*
Create a strong base by doing a protein treatment on your hair. Protein helps to add resilience to your hair strands so that when you do apply heat, your hair can withstand any damaging effects.
A protein treatment doesn’t always have to be a hard Aphogee 2 step* treatment, when a good quality protein deep conditioner could accomplish a similar effect.
Choose your protein wisely, if you have not had a protein treatment in a while, use a product that contains hydrolyzed protein so that it can penetrate the hair shaft.
Always check the ingredients of your product to make sure you are getting what it is you need to prepare for your flat iron*.
Using some heat has been show to be the best way to deep condition hair. Steaming is a great way of accomplishing this and is excellent for restoring moisture too, so if you haven’t tried it already invest in a steamer. Your hair will thank you for it!
Step 4: Detangling
Detangling is a very important step when trying to achieve a smooth finish with a flat iron*. Detangle your hair gently but thoroughly using a wide tooth comb* or a denman brush*.
Separate your hair into sections so that you are detangling thoroughly and braid or lightly twist each section when you are done to prevent re-tangling. Always detangle starting from the ends of your hair working your way up towards the root.
Step 5: Air drying
Air drying is the healthy option in this case, especially if you know you are about to turn up the heat with a flat iron. It is totally understandable why natural ladies with tight coils would need to blow dry their hair first but relaxed ladies for the most part can get away without this step.
If you can avoid using heat twice during your heat styling session you are removing another potential area where you could pick up heat damage. Air dry your hair in the same braids you used for detangling or alternatively wrap your hair in rollers to stretch and smooth it ensuring your hair is completely dry before you begin flat ironing.
Andrea Dames says
Does anyone agree with me. Since the flat ion has come on the scene there is alot of talk about heat damage. I only speak for me because when I use to get my hair pressed and curled never had heat damage. Since I have gotten my hair flat ironed now I have severe heat damage. Does anyone agree.
Rivian Jones says
That is why you wrap your hair smh