Sunshine, pool days, and rocking your naturally straight hair all summer long? Sounds like a dream, right? But hold up, sis! We’ve all seen those clickbait articles claiming you can band your curls into submission for weeks of sweat-proof straightness.
Girl, where’s the logic in that? Especially when you factor in summer humidity! Unless you live in a climate-controlled bubble and avoid breaking a sweat (which, let’s be honest), those “life hacks” are about as effective as a pool noodle in a hurricane.
Here at emilycottontop.com, we understand the struggle to maintain sleek, straight strands when the mugginess levels soar. We talked to some hair care experts (aka naturals who know what’s up), and they spilled the tea on how to keep your straight hair on point for a whopping five weeks – no matter how hot and humid it gets.
Get ready for expert tips, product recommendations, and protective styling secrets that will transform your summer hair game. From frizz-fighting formulas to techniques that actually work, this tell-all guide will be your summer MVH (Most Valuable Hair) resource.
So ditch the misleading clickbait and join us on the path to straight-hair fabulousness all season long!
How To Maintain Straight Natural Hair All Summer Long
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Shower Time = Straight Hair Prep Time!
Remember that bomb shower routine you have down pat? Well, guess what? Maintaining those sleek, straight strands starts right there! Just like with your regular hair care, choosing the right products sets the stage for success.
According to Sheila Ndinda, Founder & CEO of Spritz Hair Studio, an anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner are your BFFs. The Mielle Organics Avocado & Tamanu Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner ($14 each) are a great option to tame frizz and keep your hair happy.
Pro Shower Power Tips
Cool It Down, Babe
Swap that scalding hot water for a cool rinse at the end. This seals the hair cuticle like a tiny zipper, trapping moisture and keeping frizz at bay.
Ditch The Rough Towel
Be gentle with your hair! Skip the regular towel and grab an old T-shirt or a microfiber towel. These guys are way softer and won’t rough up your hair.
Detangle Like A Pro
Now that your hair is nice and conditioned, let’s tackle those tangles! Tangles are no match for the right tools and a gentle touch.
Grab your detangling weapon of choice—a wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, or ceramic hair pick (whichever your hair loves most). Remember, be gentle! Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots in sections to minimize pulling and keep your hair happy.
Deep Condition Your Way To Summer Straight Hair
Summer heat is the enemy of sleek strands, drying your hair out and making it frizzier and more likely to revert to its natural texture. But fear not, straight-hair warriors! Deep conditioning is your secret weapon for summer success.
Why It Matters: Natural hair influencer @abbiecurls states, “Deep conditioning is one of the best ways to keep your straight hair smooth for weeks, even in summer!” While it won’t magically straighten your hair, deep conditioning dramatically improves texture, making it easier to manage and straighten. Plus, it helps improve hair elasticity and prevent damage, both crucial for maintaining those summer-straight styles.
Hydration is Key: Look for deep conditioners packed with moisture and high-quality ingredients. We recommend the Bondi Boost Anti-Frizz Conditioner for Smooth Sleek Hair ($30) for its intense hydration power.
Pro Tip: Skip the Leave-in Before Straightening! Leave-in conditioners are great for everyday use, but using them before heat styling can weigh down your strands and make it harder to achieve that sleek, straight look.
Flat Iron Is The Key To Long-Lasting Straight Hair
The key to achieving long-lasting straight hair, especially with curly or coily textures, is using the right flat iron. Here’s how to choose the perfect tool for your specific hair type:
Understanding Flat Iron Types
• Coarse & Thick Hair (3C-4C): For these coarse, thicker, and stubborn hair textures, a high-heat, tourmaline, or titanium flat iron is ideal. These heat up quickly and can handle even the most stubborn curls. The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Flat Iron Hair Straightener ($160) is an excellent option thanks to its fast-heating power.
• Fine & Easy to Straighten (3A-3B): A ceramic flat iron is a gentler option if your hair is finer and easier to straighten. The T3 SinglePass StyleMax Professional Flat Iron ($150) is popular for its smooth glide and hair-friendly properties. “Ceramic is healthier for your curls and is gentler on the hair shaft, especially for at-home use,” celebrity hairstylist and beauty educator Karen Miller says.
• Combination Plates: For those who fall somewhere in between, consider a ceramic-titanium hybrid flat iron like the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic Flat Iron ($160). These combine the benefits of both materials, offering faster heating and smooth gliding.
Remember: When choosing a flat iron, prioritize features that cater to your specific hair type and heat styling habits.
Now that you have the right tool, let’s learn how to use a flat iron to achieve frizz-free, straight hair!
How To Use Flat Iron To Straighten Curly/Coily Hair
Renowned hairstylist @x0juliaa recommends following these simple steps to achieve frizz-free straight hair in the summer:
- Prep Is Key: Start with clean, conditioned hair (remember that shower routine?) to ensure a smooth foundation.
- Protect Your Strands: Apply a generous amount of an anti-frizz, anti-humidity heat protectant spray like Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector ($30) throughout your hair. Remember to reapply throughout the flat ironing process, especially for longer hair, to shield your strands from heat damage and frizz.
- Section, Conquer, & Repeat: Divide your hair into sections for a more controlled straightening process. This helps achieve a sleeker, longer-lasting look.
- Pre-Blow Dry For Better Results: Unlike other hair types, curly and coily hair benefits from a low-heat blow dry before flat ironing. This pre-stretches strands, minimizing direct heat exposure and reducing the number of flat iron passes needed.
- Low & Slow Heat For Healthy Straight Hair: Low heat settings are the best way to achieve healthy, straight summer hair. The recommended is 325°F-410°F for curly hair, 375°F-450°F for coily hair, and 250°F-300°F for damaged/processed/color-treated hair.
- Comb & Brush Chase For A Flawless Finish: The comb-and-chase method is a game-changer when flat ironing! Use a wide-tooth comb or boar bristle brush to smooth your hair section by section right before flat ironing.
- Shine On: Finish your look with a lightweight oil like Olaplex No.7 Bonding Hair Oil ($30) for extra shine and frizz control.
Less Sweat & Humidity Means Longer Wear
Humidity and sweat are a recipe for disaster when it comes to straight hair during summer. But fear not, because with a few summer-smart moves, your straight hair can dominate for five whole weeks:
• Shower Power: Ditch the scalding water – hot showers open the hair cuticle, inviting frizz. Opt for cool or lukewarm water and rock a sturdy shower cap.
• Umbrella Chic: Even a little mist can mess with your mane. Embrace your inner Rihanna and whip out that umbrella – your hair will thank you.
• Tame the Elements: The harsh sun can zap moisture from your hair, leading to frizz. During peak sun hours, chill indoors or wear a hat.
• Workout W wonders: Love staying active? No problem! Low-impact workouts like yoga or pilates are your frizz-fighting friends. But if you’re feeling a more intense sweat session, grab a sweatband like the “Dri Sweat Edge Active Wear Headband ($5)” since it captures and holds sweat, preventing it from reaching your straightened hair,” says best-selling author and wellness blogger Ty Alexander.
Pro tip: After your workout, leave the headband on for 20-30 minutes to let your hair dry completely underneath before removing it.
• The Low Manipulation Mani: High ponytails and buns might be tempting, but opt for looser styles like braids or low buns for frizz-free straight hair all summer. These keep your hair protected without adding extra stress.
• Poolside Paradise: Beach or pool day? No sweat (literally)! A swim cap is your best friend, or try protective styles for straight hair to keep your strands tucked away and shielded from chlorine.
• Hands Off!: We know playing with your hair is tempting, but resist the urge! The more you touch it, the more you disrupt the style and encourage frizz.
Ditch The Heavy Stuff
Let’s face it: heavy styling products can leave your hair feeling limp and lifeless. Opt for lighter formulas that fight frizz without the extra bulk. Think of it like trading your winter coat for a breezy summer dress – your hair will thank you!
The Color Wow Dream Coat Spray ($28) is our favorite straight hair anti-frizz treatment for summer. The magic-in-a-bottle spray features groundbreaking, lightweight technology that smooths and silkens hair.
It forms an invisible matrix that acts like a water-repellent raincoat, shielding your hair from humidity and keeping it frizz-free all day. Plus, it adds a touch of shine and helps your blowout last longer, so you can spend less time styling and more time soaking up the summer sun!
Remember: When choosing products, check the label and avoid anything with water listed as a main ingredient. Water-based products can be the enemy of straight hair in summer.
Straightening Brushes Are Your Summer Straight Hair BFF
Straightening brushes are a summer lifesaver for keeping hair sleek and smooth for weeks. We especially love the TYMO Ionic Hair Straightener Brush’s ($40) ceramic tourmaline bristles, which glide effortlessly through even 4C hair.
The innovative design uses purple heating teeth on both sides to evenly distribute heat and straighten your hair without causing frizz or damage. The result? A sleek, long-lasting blowout finish that looks like you just stepped out of the salon.
Plus, straightening brushes are perfect for quick touch-ups! They allow you to target areas that might have gotten a little frizzy or reverted without applying heat to your entire head.
Don’t forget the classics! Roller setting is another fantastic option for maintaining straight hair throughout summer. It’s a heat-free way to keep your strands elongated and moisturized, all while achieving that bone-straight look.
Ummm… Your Comb Matters, Too
Believe it or not, the type of brush you use can make a big difference in the survival of your straight hair in the summer.
Ditch the metal or plastic bristles—they can damage your hair’s cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage. Instead, opt for a gentle touch with a boar bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb. These minimize snags and breakage, keeping your straightened style smooth, shiny, and frizz-free all season long.
Plus, a gentle brush can even help reduce scalp irritation – a win-win!
Nighttime Hair Protection: The Best Kept-Secret To Your Straight Haircare Routine
Summer nights can mean tossing and turning, which can wreak havoc on your straight hair. Here’s how to keep it sleek all night long:
Silk or Satin Scarfs/Bonnets: Tying your hair up with a silk or satin scarf is a must. These materials reduce friction, helping your style last longer and preventing breakage, especially for chemically treated/relaxed hair.
Don’t Forget The Satin Pillowcase, Too: Satin pillowcases allow for a smoother surface for your hair to glide on, minimizing frizz and keeping your straight style looking fresh. Hair experts even say you can expect your hair to stay straight for over ten days with this combo!
Bonus Tip: For extra protection, twist your hair into a high bun or ponytail before securing it with the scarf.
Schedule Regular Trims: Your Hair Will Thank You!
Summer heat can be brutal on your straight hair, but split ends can be even worse! They’re like little gremlins, traveling up the hair shaft and causing frizz and breakage.
The secret weapon? Regular trims! Every 6-8 weeks, schedule a visit to your stylist for a split-end takedown. Trimming doesn’t just prevent those pesky split ends, it also:
- Boosts Overall Hair Health: Removing damaged ends promotes healthy hair growth and keeps your straight style looking vibrant.
- Maintains Your Style: Split ends can make hair appear uneven and affect the shape of your hairstyle. Regular trims ensure your straight look stays sleek and defined.
- Blowout Bliss: Say goodbye to frizz and flyaways! Trimming removes dead ends that can disrupt your blowout, making it last even longer.
So, stop split-end drama in its tracks! Book your next trim now for a smooth, flawless finish all season.
What About A Keratin Treatment? Yay, or Nay?
If you’ve always wanted to rock straight hair in the summer but your curls/coils never seem to cooperate, keratin treatments are the next best thing. ‘Keratin treatments help straighten hair and fight frizz,’ says celebrity stylist and CEO of The Kimble Hair Studio.
Keratin treatments also differ from relaxers or texturizers. They’re physical treatments that use heat, similar to your hair tools, to mold your curls/coils into sleek, straight hair. They also boost hair growth, improve length retention, and reduce breakage.
However, unlike your flat irons and blow dryers, keratin treatments take at least a couple of hours from start to finish.
Also, keratin treatments require regular upkeep, as they need to be touched up every two months. The long-term effects can also damage your hair cuticle, causing the very damage they’re intended to repair.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, keratin treatments feature formaldehyde, a toxic substance linked to cases of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
So, you need to carefully consider your options before opting for a keratin treatment. Ensure you find a certified professional who knows how to perform these treatments. Ask if they offer formaldehyde-free keratin treatment options, which are much safer for your natural hair.
For more insights into keratin treatments, check out this discussion on Reddit.
Don’t Make It a Habit, Sis: Your Curls Deserve a Summer Vacation Too!
You’ve been slaying the straight-hair game all summer, looking like a total goddess. But listen up, queen: constant heat styling ain’t cute. Think of it like your favorite pair of heels – gorgeous, but you wouldn’t wear them daily, right? Your curls deserve a summer vacation, too!
Give them a break every now and then. Let those coils breathe the fresh air, soak up some deep conditioning love, and remind themselves why they’re the real MVP of your mane game.
Straight hair is fun, but healthy hair is forever. So rock your straight strands confidently, but don’t forget to show your curls some love throughout the summer.
Summer shouldn’t mean sacrificing your straight hair dreams. With the tips and tricks in this guide, you can rock sleek, straight strands all season long, defying humidity and embracing confidence.
From deep conditioning to protective styles, you’ve got everything you need to maintain healthy, frizz-free, straight hair. So, bookmark this guide, share it with your fellow curl queens, and get ready to rock that summer straight hair with pride!
