I have a love/hate relationship with my flat iron. For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved a good blow out and honestly I still do. However, since I have started to wear my natural curls more I’ve noticed my hair’s tolerance for heat is at an all time low. Last year, I experienced a severe case of heat damage although I thought I took all the necessary precautions. Yes I deep conditioned and used heat protectant but honestly my fine strands were just too delicate for the high temperatures of the flat iron on that day. As a result, I’m trying something I’ve never done before and I want you to join me….
Yes you read that correctly. Not for 3 months, not for 6 months, but the rest of the year. And yes, I know this will be super difficult which is why I think it will be more fun and easier for people to join me along the journey. I posted the image above on Instagram which simply stated “No Heat 2016. Who’s Down?”. I knew I wanted to do this whole giving up heat thing but I also wanted to see how many women wanted to do it as well. The comments started to pour in so here we are! Maybe you haven’t decided what your new year’s resolution will be. If not, then this is a perfect opportunity. The goal of this challenge is to fully recover from my heat damage, encourage growth and enhance my natural curl pattern (one of these days I will be able to do a wash and go lol).
But this challenge is also about discipline. How many times have you started something and stopped halfway though? How many challenges have you started in the past but never saw it all the way to the end? For me, too many to count, which is also why I’m taking this challenge publicly simply as another way to hold me accountable. There’s also no secret that embarking on a challenge with a support system increases the completion rate so, that’s exactly what I plan to do! Below are few FAQs and how this will work.
How do I join the challenge?
I’m glad you asked! Click here to officially join the challenge. I will be sending out sporadic emails with styling tips, encouragement and special giveaway offers exclusively for challenge members. Once you sign up you will receive a welcome email with further instructions. So what exactly does no heat mean?
No heat, in terms of this challenge, means no DIRECT heat. Meaning:
- No flat ironing
- No blow outs
- No curling iron (including wand curls)
Can I use heat to deep condition?
Of course! Deep conditioning with mild heat or with a steamer is strongly recommended and is part of my weekly healthy hair regimen. Also since naturally curly hair is typically drier you will definitely need to keep up with your deep conditioning routine. I like to use my Huetiful steamer or Hair Therapy Deep Conditioning cap for a quick session.
What about sitting under the dryer to set hair styles?
Yes, using a hooded dryer to dry a twist out, perm rod set, or flexi-rod set is allowed for this challenge as that is not considered direct heat to me.
What if my stylist blows out my hair for my trims?
The goal of the challenge is to encourage no heat as much as possible; however, feel free to maintain your trims as your stylist sees fit. I let my stylist know I was undergoing a no-heat challenge for the year so she decided to blow my hair out on low heat with a comb attachment first. She then proceeded to trim my ends and installed a flat-twist out on my stretched hair. They key is not to have this done every month of course. On average I trim my hair 3 times a year.
I mean…how many styles can I REALLY do if I don’t use heat?
Oh my…the options are endless! Below are just a few.
- Box Braids & Crochet Braids
- Perm Rods, Flexi-rods
- Twist-outs/Braid-outs
- Curlformers
- High buns
- Curly Clip-ins
- Wigs, weaves
- Crown-braid/halo braid
- Twisted or Braided Updo
- Faux Locs
I just stumbled upon this challenge can I still join?
Yes, please do! Start now, start where ever you are. You might not want to do a full year or maybe you just ran across this post. You can join whenever. The goal is to commence at the end of the year 2016. Once you sign up for the challenge you will receive a welcome email with further instructions.
Click here to join and share this post with a friend to join with you!
If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask. Cheers to your best curly year ever!
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this is awesome. I have not had heat since October 2014. And I found a stylist that can trim my hair in its curly state. because as I mentioned it before, it makes NO sense to trim curly hair in its straight state if you wear it curly, (which I do.) The only times I would ever get it straight was for my yearly trim. Hope you meet your girl. YOU GO GIRL
Author
Thanks Crystal!!!!
I’m in sis!! This goes perfect with my Take Better Care of My Hair Challenge!! And besides I don’t even use heat like that, so it would be the perfect time to just really stay away from it. As well, I’ve been wanting to try a straight hair wig, so this would give me a good reason to get one and rock that when I want the straight hair look. 🙂
Author
Cool! I’m so excited!!!