HOW TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR 4C HAIR WITHOUT DAMAGING IT

Curly and coily hairs are the most susceptible hair types to shrinkage. Some people find it difficult to work with our beautiful 4c curls. This is probably why you want to learn how to straighten your 4c hair, especially without damaging it.

Many of the straightening methods people adopt are dangerous for their hair’s health. They leave the scalp, hair, and all its components damaged. Some of these dangerous methods include relaxing the hair and using heat. 

The good news is that you don’t have to always be stuck with your curly hair. Understandably, you may need to straighten your hair for you to try out a new hairstyle, trim your ends or even check your hair’s length. This is why we bring you this ultimate guide to straightening your natural hair without damaging it. Let’s go!

1. African Threading Method 

The African threading method is one of the best ways to straighten your 4c hair without damaging it. What makes this method unique is that it’s a hairstyle on its own. So, while your hair is busy stretching under those threads, you can carry your beautiful hairstyle around. 

What you need for the African Threading Method

• A wide-tooth comb
• A rat-tail comb
• Weave thread
• Leave-in conditioner
• Essential oils like carrot oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil

How to Straighten Your Hair with African Threading Method

1. Shampoo and deep-condition your hair. 
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner and oil to your hair.
3. Comb and detangle your hair gently but thoroughly with a wide-tooth comb.
4. Part your hair into small sections with the rat-tail comb. 
5. Cut a piece of thread and wrap it around the hair from the roots to the ends. 
6. Apply some oil to your scalp and you’re good to go. 

2. Flatiron Method

If used carefully, a flatiron can straighten natural hair without damaging it. Use a flatiron that can be regulated to a temperature that will not harm your hair. 

What You Need for the Flatiron Method

• A flatiron
• A heat protectant
• A rat-tail comb
• A hydrating serum or humidity-resistant gel

How to Straighten Your Hair with the Flatiron Method

1. Start parting your hair into sections while your flatiron heats up. Apply your heat protectant to the hair to prevent heat damage. 
2. With very low heat, grab one hair section and run the flat iron through it going from the roots to the ends. 
3. Repeat step 2 for the remaining sections. You may need to do each section more than once for your hair to straighten well. 
4. After straightening all the sections, apply a hydrating serum or humidity-resistant gel. This is to prevent dryness and frizz. 

3. Bantu Knots Method

Bantu knots are a great way to wear your natural hair as well as a protective hairstyle. But aside from this, putting your hair on Bantu Knots can also help straighten the hair without doing any damage to it.

What You Need for the Bantu Knots Method

• A wide-tooth comb
• A rat-tail comb
• Water-based moisturizer
• Essential oil like carrot oil, olive oil, sesame oil, etc
• Bobby pins

How to Straighten Your Hair with the Bantu Knots Method

1. Moisturize and detangle your hair thoroughly. 
2. Part the hair into four sections for easy handling. 
3. Part a section into smaller sections and twist the hair. 
4. Wrap the twisted hair gently but firmly around the roots of each section and secure it with a bobby pin. 
5. Repeat step 4 till you’re done twisting and wrapping all your hair. 
6. Take down the knots after a day or two and style as you wish. 

4. Blow-Drying Method

Blow-drying your hair after washing is another way to straighten your 4c hair. This method gives the hair a voluminous poise that always looks good. Like we said about flat irons, the blow-dryer must be on very low heat to avoid heat damage. 

What You Need for the Blow-Dryer Method

• A blow-dryer
• A heat protectant
• A rat-tail comb
• A brush

How to Straighten Your Hair with the Blow-Dryer Method

1. Apply a heat protectant to prepare your hair and divide it into sections. 
2. Set your blow-dryer in a low-heat setting. 
3. Blow-dry the hair while brushing it gently to avoid tangles. Hold the dryer close to your hair and glide the brush and air from the dryer slowly from the roots to the ends of your hair. 
4. Apply the oil of your choice and style your hair as you want. 

Conclusion:

If you use any of the above methods to straighten your 4c hair, you can rest assured that your hair is protected from damage. What other natural hair straightening methods are you familiar with? Let’s know in the comments!