

Until recently, I was under the impression that all flat irons had the same effect on all hair types, but that’s actually not the case. To curb damage, I’ve tried just about every heat protectant out there and although that’s a game-changing step, the key could actually be finding the right straightener for your hair type. Because in all honesty, you’re going to have to pry my flat iron out of my cold, lifeless hands. But for those like myself who won’t be swayed by thermal damage and finger wagging, it’s more realistic to find ways to keep heat contact brief and damage minimal than to stay away entirely. I know, I know: heat styling is less than ideal. If I’m not wearing my hair in box braids or pulling it into a slicked-back bun, I’m straightening it on the daily, much to the chagrin of my curls, edges, and the natural hair community at large.

I don’t take pride in how often I flat iron my hair.
