For years, I have subjected my beautiful blonde curls to the relentless heat of styling tools. My hair has seen everything from straighteners, curling irons, and even the most obscure contraptions. The combination of bleach and heat has been absolutely detrimental to the health of my hair, and it wasn’t until I looked in the mirror and saw a parade of frizz looming atop my head that I knew what I had to do.
Break up with my straightener.
I know, it’s hard for me to say out loud too. But through lots of trial and error, going cold turkey from my variety of stylers was the best decision for the health of my hair, and my overall confidence.
I’ll be honest: The first couple of weeks were a struggle. My hair immediately rebelled against this stark change, causing me to flip back and forth between straightener abstinence and a lack thereof. My best advice is to go completely cold turkey from the heat.
As difficult as it may seem, going cold turkey is the only way that you will successfully stop using heat.
In the past, I had a “reward system” for straightening my hair, which was ultimately detrimental to its health. I primarily straightened it on the weekends- for going out and such, but simultaneously hated my natural hair on the days when I hadn’t applied heat to it. I finally realized that even applying heat once or twice a week was damaging, so- why not cut it out as a whole!? Of course, this is easier said than done, but as you slowly find a haircare routine that works for you, your hair will be incredibly grateful for this change!
Everyone’s hair is vastly different, so experimenting and researching brands for your specific hair texture is critical to loving your natural hair! Try talking to your hairdresser for advice or asking peers what products/routines they implement.
During this weird transitional period of not straightening my hair, I tried to keep myself as busy as possible. My days consisted of homework, workouts, and impulsive little day trips to keep my hands off the straightener. And honestly, it worked! I found that I could allocate more time towards the people and things that I love, and that ultimately was my favorite outcome from this journey.
As a bonus, you’ll be flooded with compliments as your natural hair gets healthier—it really is quite an exhilarating rush of emotions. Each and every day that my hair flourished stronger and stronger was a testament to my growing self-confidence. I’m proud to say that I love my hair just as much, if not more, than my hair when I’ve applied heat to it!
While I continue to embrace my natural hair, I’d like to invite you to break up with your straightener and allow yourself to hold the power!
Here’s to a semester of self love, exploration, and healthy hair!
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