Style
New hair, who dis? Trading in your signature kinks and coils for a straightened 'do can make a naturalista feel like a brand new woman. Whether you make a salon visit or tackle pressing your strands yourself, finding ways to make a blowout on natural hair last is no easy feat.
The paranoia kicks in strong whenever I get a blowout. It seems like every little thing threatens to destroy my newly straightened locks, whether its humid weather, the slightest bit of steam from a shower, heck, even making too many sudden movements. I'm definitely being a tad dramatic with that last one, but it proves just how difficult maintaining a blowout is for a curly girl like myself. I'm lucky if it doesn't puff up within minutes of leaving the salon, so making it last for a week is generally out of the question; That is, unless the hair gods have mercy on my poor soul.
As tempting as it is to re-straighten frizzy strands every other day to stretch a blowout, nobody wants to risk over heat styling natural hair. Here's the scoop on getting the most worry-free days out of your pressed mane without breaking out the flat iron again.
1
Start With Curls Galore
Starting with a head full of gorgeous curls is the way to go. The more curls you add from the beginning, the less likely you are to use a straightener as a crutch for the next few days. These curls will gradually fall, giving way to beautiful waves, but you won't feel pressured to re-style your hair with more heat.
2
Use Humidity Defense
You'll want to create a buffer between your hair and the elements. Whether you're sweating it out in the gym, partying hard on the dance floor, or you simply live in a humid climate, protection against frizz is key. Using frizz-fighting products that seal your strands, from conditioners to hairsprays to styling creams, can coat your hair with necessary humidity blockers.
3
Avoid Water-Based Stylers
Water is not your friend. If you go overboard, water-based products can threaten the longevity of your blowout. Using too many water-based gels and edge tamers can weigh your hair down and cause it to revert back to its natural wave. Nobody has time for that!
4
Shower With Protection
Moisture is the enemy! As relaxing as steamy showers are, they can completely ruin your blowout. Be sure to bathe with a shower cap completely covering your tresses. Even throwing on a moisture wicking headband underneath your cap can help better repel moisture away from your hairline. Showering with a cooler water temperature or cutting bathing time short can make a world of difference, too.
5
Lay Edges With A Silk Scarf
After applying your favorite edge control, tie your crown down with a silk scarf. Even if only for a few minutes, the pressure from tying down your edges can help lock them into place better.
6
Pin Curls
A heat-free method for preserving your 'do, sleeping in pin curls can keep the oomph in your style for days. Simply roll sections of hair around your finger loosely and pin them at the root, covering a finished head with a silk scarf or bonnet. You can even start pin curls on recently straightened hair, rather than already made curls, and achieve the same results.
7
Wrap Hair
Perhaps stating the obvious here, but laziness can get the best of anyone at times. It's essential that your mane be secured at night so NEVER go without tying your hair up if you want a shot at a long-lasting blowout. If pin curls or rollers aren't your cup of tea, wrapping your hair around the base of your head should be your go to. This sleep solution will keep your hair neatly in place, revealing a well-preserved 'do after your morning takedown.
8
Roller Set Hair
It may feel a little old school, but hair rollers are go-to stylers for a reason. Rolling your hair up at night will help keep your curls in tact, whether perm rods, flexi rods, or jumbo rollers are your weapon of choice. Cover your head in a silk bonnet and you'll be sure to wake up to a good as new 'do.
9
Alternate Styles
Naturally, you'll want to show off your pressed strands, letting them flow freely. But switching it up from wearing your hair out everyday can make a difference. Try styling your mane in high buns, top-knots, ponytails, and other styles. If your strands aren't fully exposed to the elements all of the time, you can definitely stretch your blowout.
10
You spend hard earned moolah and great effort taking your mane from a curlicious fro to a sleek masterpiece, so you'll want to get the most out of a blowout. Keep these tips in mind and you'll be able to hold onto to your new look for days — even a couple of weeks if the odds are in your favor.
