hall.joel•2mo agoMost Upvoted

Just realized I was wrong about using a 1-inch flat iron on natural hair after a client in Atlanta showed me her results from a method she calls 'ribboning'.

I always thought it would cause too much heat damage, but seeing her healthy, defined curls after 6 months of her routine has me debating if gentle, proper technique with the right tools is actually safe versus avoiding heat altogether.

4 comments

4 Comments

lilyp372mo ago

My stylist in Miami convinced me to try a flat iron on low heat last year, and my curls have never looked better.

emma_flores1mo ago

You know, I used to be totally against any kind of heat on curly hair. But seeing how careful people are with low heat and good protectants is starting to change my mind. Maybe it's not as harmful as I always assumed if you're really gentle about it?

wesleym482mo ago

Wait, isn't that still causing damage over time? I mean, low heat is better, but it's still direct heat on your hair. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like even with protectant, you're still cooking the curl pattern a little bit each time. I tried something similar and my curls just got weaker and frizzier after a few months. Idk, maybe some hair can take it, but it seems risky.

ruby_jones2mo ago

Right? It's all about the technique and heat protectant. I've seen people with amazing curls who use heat once a week but their method is so careful, it's like they're not even using direct heat.