Achieving sleek, straight hair with natural textures can be a time-consuming and potentially damaging process. This article details a streamlined method for straightening natural hair using the CHI Lava flat iron, significantly reducing styling time and minimizing heat damage. It outlines a comprehensive approach, incorporating pre-styling treatments and techniques designed to protect hair health while delivering a polished, glossy finish. The process emphasizes the importance of preparation, from deep conditioning and heat protection to proper blow-drying techniques.This step-by-step guide showcases the author's personal routine, highlighting the specific products and tools used, including the CHI Lava 1.5-inch flat iron, Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Hair Mask, and several heat protectants. Learn how to achieve professional-looking results at home, transforming your natural hair into a smooth, straight style that's both beautiful and healthy. Discover how the author reduced their styling time from three hours to just 80 minutes, all while preserving the health and shine of their hair.
Pros And Cons
- Good quality
- Ceramic plates infused with volcanic rock
- Consistent and gentle heat
- Heats up quickly (about one minute)
- Makes hair feel healthy
- Smooths and shines hair
- Locks in moisture
- Less damage than other methods
Read more: TRYING OUT THE BEAUTY WORKS PROFESSIONAL STYLER ON THIN HAIR
Step 1: Preparation is Key
Starting with clean, conditioned hair is crucial for successful straightening. I always deep condition my hair with Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Hair Mask before any heat styling. This adds much-needed moisture and leaves my hair incredibly soft, protecting it from heat damage. Taking this extra step ensures my hair is healthy and less prone to breakage.
Before blow-drying, I apply two heat protectants: HSI leave-in conditioner (up to 450 degrees) and Garnier Smooth blow-dry cream. The Garnier cream is especially helpful in reducing frizz and creating a smooth base for straightening.
Step 2: The Blow-Dry
I use the Revlon One-Step Detangler and blow dryer brush to blow out my hair. This tool helps me achieve a smooth, straight base before flat ironing. I work in sections, ensuring each is completely dry and smooth before moving on. Once each section is dry, I braid it to keep it out of the way until I'm ready to flat iron.
A smooth blow-dry is essential; the straighter your hair is before flat ironing, the better the final result will be. This step significantly reduces the time needed for flat ironing and minimizes heat exposure.
Step 3: Flat Ironing with the CHI Lava
Finally, the flat ironing! I use the CHI Lava 1.5-inch flat iron. Its ceramic plates infused with volcanic rock provide consistent, gentle heat, preventing damage. The flat iron heats up quickly, ready to use in about a minute.
I section my hair again, working from the back to the front. Before flat ironing each section, I add a tiny amount of CHI Silk Infusion for extra shine and heat protection. This serum helps lock in moisture and enhances the sleek finish. I slowly make a pass through each section of hair, ensuring every piece is perfectly straight and smooth.
Results and Conclusion
The CHI Lava flat iron is exceptional. The quality of the plates is outstanding; my hair feels healthy and shiny even after using heat. The volcanic rock infusion truly locks in moisture, leaving my hair smooth and glossy. This flat iron significantly reduced my styling time – from roughly three hours to an hour and 20 minutes!
I highly recommend the CHI Lava flat iron for natural hair. It's gentle, prevents damage, adds shine, and cuts down on styling time. For anyone looking for a high-quality flat iron that delivers both sleek results and hair health, this is the one.