Steps To Use A Hot Comb On Natural Hair

Yes, the hot comb is still used on natural hair to this day!

Many natural cringe at the thought of the evil hot comb gliding through their kinks, or trying to glide through their kinks! Some may even have flashbacks of sitting in their grandmother’s hot kitchen for hours getting nicked in the ear by the hot comb!

But there is a reason why the hot comb is still favored by some.

The hot comb was one of the very first styling tools used on curly hair since the turn of the century. It is a complex history. Some have praised the hot comb for allowing African American women to achieve a more acceptable and desired look while some say it makes women with curly hair feel inferior to their bone-straight haired counterparts.

But even with the confidence embracing the natural hair movement, some naturals may occasionally desire to straighten their hair and the hot comb is a classic way to do that.

Hot combs are now made electronically so users can better determine what heat degree they choose to put on their hair with it.

Some steps still have to be followed to prevent heat damage, just as if a natural were using a flat iron.

• Hot comb on freshly washed and dried hair. Blow dryer hair is best.

• Use a heat protectant. A small amount will go a long way.

• Use a moisturizer. A heat protectant will only moisturize but for so long.

• Use as minimum heat as possible to acquire the desired straightness. Try to stay below 375 degrees.

• Section the hair. Do not try to hot comb larger sections. Your efforts will be a time waster.

Check out this video on a natural using the hot comb correctly in comparison to a flat iron.