As the term implies, a no-heat method is a process of achieving stretched hair without using heat-styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons. Experts often advise naturals to limit their use of heat styling tools. This is because too much or constant use of such tools can cause damage such as split ends, dryness, and hair breakage, among others to the hair. Thus, it is best to use no-heat methods instead when it comes to straightening your natural hair.
What Are The Benefits of Using No-Heat Methods For Straightening Natural Hair?
1. Minimized Damage
As heatless methods do not use heat, they cause little to no damage to your hair. This then helps to preserve the texture, length and overall health and appearance of your hair.
2. Affordability
Heatless methods, in general, are not costly to use. This is because their supplies are things that you can afford to buy. In fact, they may be supplies that are readily available in your home. This is a good way to save money while still getting your desired style.
3. Gentle On The Hair and Scalp
No-heat methods are gentle on the hair and scalp. This is good for people with sensitive scalps as it reduces the tendency of irritation.
4. It Saves Time
Most heatless methods are quick to do. You may need less than an hour or at most, a couple of hours to do them. This saves time when you compare them to heat styling methods which can take a lot of hours to do.
5. Convenience
With heatless methods, you do not need to visit a hair care professional or salon. Instead, you can do them from the comfort of your home.
5 No-heat Methods To Straighten Your Hair
1. The African Threading Method
Video credit: Seun Okimi The people of Africa have practised the African threading method for generations. It is not only a method for stretching out hair but it also serves as a great protective style. Here is how to do the African threading method overnight:
You’ll need these hair supplies
- Spray bottle containing water
- Leave-in conditioner
- Any natural hair oil of your choice
- Wide-tooth comb
- Rattail comb
- African threads or any other hair threads
First of all, make sure your hair is clean. Secondly, spritz the hair and massage your leave-in conditioner to soften your hair. Thirdly, use the tail of your rattail comb to split your hair into sections. After this, pick a section and apply your oil to it. Then gently comb with your wide-tooth comb until it is free of knots or tangles. Next, take a piece of thread and wrap it around the hair section. Start from the roots all the way down to the ends. Repeat this for the other hair sections. When you’re done, wrap your threaded hair in a silk scarf to bed. Take out the threads the next day and rub in some oil to your stretched-out hair.
2. The Wrap Method
Video credit: Ashali Davis
This is one of the quickest heatless methods to straighten your hair. It entails wrapping your hair all over your entire head and pinning it down.
Here are the hair supplies you’ll need for this style:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Bobby pins
- Silk scarf
As usual, start on freshly-washed moisturized hair. Then take your wide-tooth comb and begin to comb your hair from front to back. When you get to the back, pin to secure the wrap in front and at the back. Continue wrapping and pinning this way until you have wrapped all your hair. Wrap your silk scarf around your hair and leave it overnight. Take off the scarf the next morning and gently remove the Bobby pins. Unwrap your hair and style.
3. The Bantu Knots Method
Video credit: Adanna Madueke
Bantu knots are a beautiful protective style that have been existing in African communities for generations. The good thing is they can also help to straighten your hair.
To do this, you’ll need these hair supplies:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Bobby pins
First of all, make sure your hair is clean, detangled and moisturized. Next, part your hair into small sections and twist each section. After that, take a twist and wrap it around the base to form a firm knot. Then, hold it down with a Bobby pin. Make sure you repeat this for each of the sections and leave them to dry. The next day, unwrap the knots and style your stretched hair.
4. The Curlformers Method
Video credit: Ms Kegz
Although their primary use is to create curls, you can also use them to straighten your hair.
For this, you will need:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Moisturizer
- Curlformers
Split your clean damp hair into sections. Then apply moisturizer on a section and comb. Next, put the curlformer through its hook. When you have done this, use your finger to coil your hair. This will allow the curlformer to pass through your hair easily. With your coil still in place, attach the hook to the base of your hair. Then push your curl-former up to close the gap between the mouth of the hook and your hair. With your grip of one hand still on the hook, use your other hand to pull at the bottom of the hook. This will then pull your hair into the curlformer. Repeat this for the other sections and leave overnight. The next morning, pull out the curlformers and style your hair.
5. The Rubber Bands Method
Video credit: Ifffa’s Channel
Although similar to the African threading method, you have to be careful when doing this. This is because rubber bands can be rough on natural hair and cause the hair to break. However, you can oil your bands first to make them gentler on your hair.
The hair supplies you’ll need are:
- Natural hair oil
- Leave-in conditioner or hair moisturizer
- Wide-tooth comb
- Satin scarf
- Rubber bands
Split your clean hair into sections and then apply your moisturizer. Follow this up with your oil to lock in the moisture. After this, hold up a section and comb. Then wrap the rubber bands around the hair from base to tips. Do this for the other sections. Finally, wrap your satin scarf around your head to bed. The next morning, take out the bands and style your hair.
