Braiding hair has become a staple in protective styling, allowing individuals to experiment with various lengths, colors, and textures without altering their natural hair. However, a common question arises: Can you use heat on braiding hair? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of braiding hair, the amount of heat applied, and the desired outcome. Let’s delve into the nuances of using heat on braiding hair.
Understanding Braiding Hair Types
Braiding hair isn’t a monolithic product. It comes in various materials, each with its own properties and heat tolerance. Knowing the type of braiding hair you’re working with is crucial before considering any heat styling.
Synthetic Braiding Hair
Most braiding hair available on the market is synthetic. This category can be further divided into several types, including:
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Kanekalon: A widely used synthetic fiber known for its soft texture and natural look. It’s relatively heat resistant compared to other synthetic fibers, making it a popular choice for various braided styles.
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Toyokalon: Another synthetic fiber that is often used in braiding hair. It is known for its durability and resistance to tangling.
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Regular Synthetic Fiber: This is often the least expensive option and usually has the lowest heat tolerance. It can melt or become damaged easily with even moderate heat.
The chemical composition of synthetic fibers directly impacts how they react to heat. Some are formulated to withstand higher temperatures than others. It is crucial to know the specifics of your hair to avoid damage.
Human Hair Braiding Hair
As the name suggests, this type of braiding hair is made from real human hair. It offers the most natural look and feel, blending seamlessly with natural hair.
Human hair braiding hair responds to heat styling just like the hair on your head. You can use curling irons, flat irons, and other heat tools to create various styles.
The Effects of Heat on Different Hair Types
Applying heat to braiding hair, whether synthetic or human, can have different results. Understanding these potential effects is critical to achieving the desired outcome without causing damage.
Synthetic Hair: Melting and Distortion
One of the biggest concerns with using heat on synthetic braiding hair is melting. Excessive heat can cause the fibers to melt, distort, and become sticky. This can ruin the braids, make them difficult to remove, and potentially damage your natural hair.
Even if the hair doesn’t melt completely, it can change texture and become frizzy or rough. This will detract from the overall appearance of the braids.
Human Hair: Similar to Natural Hair
Human hair braiding hair, on the other hand, behaves similarly to the hair growing from your scalp. You can curl it, straighten it, and style it with heat tools. However, just like natural hair, excessive heat can lead to dryness, damage, and breakage.
It’s essential to use heat protectant products and avoid using high heat settings to minimize potential damage.
Heat Styling Techniques for Braiding Hair
If you decide to use heat on your braiding hair, it’s crucial to do so carefully and strategically. Here are some tips and techniques to minimize damage and achieve the desired look.
Testing a Strand
Before applying heat to the entire head of braids, test a small, inconspicuous strand. This will allow you to gauge how the hair reacts to the heat and determine the appropriate temperature setting. This is especially important for synthetic hair.
Using Low Heat Settings
Always start with the lowest heat setting possible and gradually increase it as needed. Lower heat settings are less likely to cause damage and will give you more control over the styling process.
Applying Heat Protectant
Even if you’re using human hair braiding hair, it’s essential to apply a heat protectant product before using any heat tools. Heat protectants create a barrier between the hair and the heat, minimizing damage and preventing moisture loss.
Using Steam
Steam is a gentler alternative to direct heat. It can be used to smooth out frizz, soften the hair, and blend the braiding hair with your natural hair. Steam is particularly useful for synthetic hair as it’s less likely to cause melting.
Wrapping Braids for Curling
For synthetic braiding hair, a common technique involves wrapping the braids around flexi-rods or perm rods and dipping them in hot water. This method uses the heat from the water to set the curls without directly applying a hot styling tool. The hair cools in the curled position and retains its shape.
Safety Precautions
Working with heat and braiding hair requires careful attention to safety. Here are some essential precautions to keep in mind:
- Never leave heat tools unattended while they are turned on.
- Use a heat-resistant mat to protect surfaces from heat damage.
- Keep heat tools away from flammable materials.
- Be mindful of the temperature of the water used for steam or hot water dipping.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat, even with human hair braiding hair.
Specific Styles and Heat Application
Different braided styles may require different approaches to heat styling. Here are some examples:
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Box Braids: If using synthetic hair, steaming can help smooth flyaways. Human hair box braids can be curled or straightened using heat tools with proper heat protection.
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Cornrows: Steaming can help blend the braiding hair with your natural hair, creating a smoother, more polished look.
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Faux Locs: Depending on the material, steam can be used to soften the locs and reduce stiffness.
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Twists: Similar to box braids, twists can be styled with steam or heat (if using human hair) to achieve different textures and shapes.
Maintenance After Heat Styling
After styling your braiding hair with heat, proper maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life of the style and preventing damage.
Moisturizing
Keep your hair and scalp moisturized by applying a light oil or hair lotion regularly. This will help prevent dryness and breakage.
Wrapping at Night
Wrap your braids or twists with a satin scarf or bonnet before going to bed. This will help reduce friction and prevent frizz.
Avoiding Over-Styling
Minimize excessive manipulation of the braids or twists. This can lead to breakage and damage, especially if heat has been applied.
Alternatives to Heat Styling
If you’re concerned about the potential damage from heat, there are several alternatives you can explore:
- Curlformers: These create curls without heat.
- Flexi-rods: Great for creating curls and waves on human and some synthetic hair types when dipped in hot water.
- Braiding: Creating smaller braids within the braids can add texture and dimension.
- Crimping: Crimping tools designed for synthetic hair exist and can create textured looks without extreme heat.
Conclusion
So, can you use heat on braiding hair? The answer, as we’ve seen, is nuanced. Synthetic hair requires caution and careful consideration of the fiber type, while human hair braiding hair can be styled with heat similarly to natural hair, but with the same precautions. The key is to understand the type of braiding hair you’re working with, use low heat settings, apply heat protectant, and prioritize the health and longevity of both the braiding hair and your natural hair. Careful planning and execution will allow you to achieve beautiful, heat-styled looks without compromising the integrity of your protective style.
Can I use a regular curling iron on synthetic braiding hair?
Using a regular curling iron directly on synthetic braiding hair is generally not recommended. Most synthetic braiding hair is made from plastic fibers that can melt or become damaged when exposed to high heat. The curling iron’s high temperature can cause the fibers to become sticky, matted, or even ignite, potentially damaging your hair or causing injury.
If you wish to curl synthetic braiding hair, consider using the boiling water method, steam styling, or low-heat styling tools specifically designed for synthetic hair. Always test a small, inconspicuous section of the hair first to gauge its reaction to the heat and avoid irreversible damage. Remember safety is paramount when working with any type of heat on synthetic fibers.
What type of braiding hair is heat resistant?
Not all braiding hair is created equal when it comes to heat resistance. Some synthetic braiding hair types, such as those labeled as “heat-resistant” or “high-temperature kanekalon,” are specifically designed to withstand moderate heat. These types usually have a higher melting point and are less prone to damage from styling tools like curling irons and flat irons.
Before using any heat on your braiding hair, always check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm its heat resistance. If the packaging doesn’t specify, it’s generally safer to assume the hair is not heat resistant and avoid direct heat application. Opt for alternative styling methods to preserve the integrity and appearance of your braids.
How do I know if my braiding hair is melting when I apply heat?
Melting is a clear sign that your braiding hair is not heat resistant and is being damaged. You may notice a distinct plastic-like smell, and the fibers may become sticky, clump together, or change texture. The hair might also start to lose its shape or become discolored, indicating it’s undergoing a physical transformation due to excessive heat.
If you observe any of these signs, immediately stop applying heat and allow the hair to cool down. Continuing to apply heat will only exacerbate the damage and potentially ruin the hairstyle. It’s crucial to remove the damaged strands or consider redoing the braids with heat-resistant hair if you desire heat styling. Prevention is always the best approach – start with a low heat setting and monitor the hair’s reaction closely.
What is the best heat setting to use on heat-resistant braiding hair?
When styling heat-resistant braiding hair, starting with a low heat setting is always recommended. Generally, temperatures between 250°F and 300°F (120°C to 150°C) are considered safe for most heat-resistant synthetic fibers. This allows you to style the hair without immediately risking damage.
It’s best to test the heat on a small, hidden section of the braiding hair first to see how it reacts. If the hair responds well, you can gradually increase the heat, but avoid exceeding the recommended maximum temperature specified by the manufacturer. Monitor the hair closely during styling to prevent melting or damage.
Can I use a hairdryer on my braiding hair?
Using a hairdryer on braiding hair is generally safe, but it depends on the type of hair and the hairdryer’s heat setting. Cool or warm settings can be used to dry braids after washing, helping to prevent mildew and maintain the style. Avoid using the high heat setting, as it can damage non-heat-resistant synthetic hair.
For natural hair braids, a low heat or cool setting can help dry the hair faster without causing excessive dryness or frizz. When using a hairdryer, keep it moving and avoid concentrating the heat on one area for too long. Always apply a heat protectant spray to your natural hair before blow-drying, regardless of the heat setting.
Is steaming braiding hair a safer alternative to using a curling iron?
Yes, steaming braiding hair is generally a safer alternative to using a curling iron. Steam provides a gentler way to manipulate the fibers without exposing them to direct, intense heat. The moisture from the steam helps to soften the hair, making it easier to mold and shape.
Steaming can be used to create curls, waves, or simply to smooth out frizz and flyaways in synthetic braiding hair. It reduces the risk of melting or burning the fibers, which can occur with curling irons. Always maintain a safe distance between the steamer and the hair, and ensure the steam is evenly distributed for best results.
How should I care for my braiding hair after heat styling?
After heat styling your braiding hair, allow it to cool completely before touching or manipulating it. This helps the style set properly and prevents the fibers from becoming misshapen. Applying a lightweight oil or serum can help to add moisture and shine to the hair, keeping it looking healthy and vibrant.
Avoid using heavy products that can weigh down the braids or cause buildup. Regularly moisturizing your scalp and keeping your braids clean will help to prolong the life of your style and maintain its overall appearance. Be gentle when handling the braids to prevent frizz and breakage, and consider sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet to protect the hair overnight.