I've been trying to blow dry and straighten my hair myself. It's a struggle, but I've found having the right tools goes a long way. These are the products I've been using that seem to make a difference.
Sections
9
Cleansers
Conditioners
Deep Conditioners, Masks, & Treatments
Leave-Ins
Cream Stylers
Oils
Cleansers
The key to a bouncy blow out and a silky straightening is clean hair. These products ensure my hair is free of any product while not stripping my hair dry.
Lightweight yet powerful cleansing. Leaves hair squeaky clean, but not dry. Smells fantastic!
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls No Build up Micellar Shampoo
Surface Curls has me looking forward to wash day! A shampoo that you can use to detangle, which is essential to avoiding breakage while blow drying. Hydrates, moisturizes, and smooths. Creamy and luxurious. A little goes a long way. Smells like ...
CURLS SHAMPOO
Concentrated, so it's sure to last a long time. Cleanses, hydrates, and smooths. Fresh, light fragrance. Bond building technology helps prevent breakage and damage.
Nº.4 BOND MAINTENANCE® SHAMPOO
For fine strands. Yes, you can have thick curly hair and it still be fine. I prefer the original, but I use this before straightening my hair since it's lightweight which should help produce silkier results.
N°.4FINE BOND MAINTENANCE® SHAMPOO
A powerful, yet gentle clarifying shampoo. Leaves hair literally squeaky clean. I love looking over Kinky-Curly's ingredient lists because it's always mostly natural ingredients that you can easily recognize.
Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo
I've only tried the Rose Water edition which leaves the bathroom smelling like roses days later. Leaves my hair squeaky clean, yet hydrated. The applicator tip ensures that just the right amount is applied to the scalp. A little goes a long way.
Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Shampoo For Curly Hair
Conditioners
Conditioning may be the most important step in straightening hair. Your hair needs to be hydrated to prevent breakage and frizz. Ensuring you get enough moisture into your hair prior to straightening also means the longer your style will last, mean...
This might be my all time favorite conditioner. (I've only tried the Rose Water edition.) Everything it claims to do it does. A little goes a long way. It instantly moisturizes and melts tangles. Truly makes wash day a delight!
Wash Day Delight Wash Day Delight Conditioner
So creamy and good! Works so well and so fast it's almost like a deep conditioner; I even feel like I can get away with no leave-in. You need less than you think. Great for detangling. The shampoo and conditioner have me wanting to buy the entire...
Surface Curls Conditioner
Gave me juicy, bouncy curls, even on my dry ends. Penetrates a little quicker than No. 5. I used it before straightening my hair hoping lightweight products would result in a silkier result. My hair was smooth and maintained its moisture for weeks.
N°.5FINE BOND MAINTENANCE® CONDITIONER
Deep Conditioners, Masks, & Treatments
Straightening hair not only involves heat, but heavy manipulation, increasing chances of breakage and damage. These products work double duty to prevent damage and strengthen hair.
Long lasting moisture! More slip, so easier detangling. Perfect before protective styles or when you won't be washing your hair for a while. Leaves hair incredibly soft.
Nº.8 BOND INTENSE MOISTURE MASK
I occasionally use this for basic maintenance. I always use it before straightening and am left with shiny hair and no heat damage. The instructions state to leave for at least 10 minutes, however I find I experience less breakage when I let it sit for at least 20 after pairing with No. 0. If I choose not to use No. 0 I find less breakage if I let it sit for 30 minutes +.
Nº.3 HAIR PERFECTOR® BONUS SIZE
A curly girl must have! Always have this on hand for lazy wash days and ultra tangled hair. Deep conditions in only 3 minutes (yes, even on Type 4 hair) and makes detangling a breeze.
3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner w/ Avocado
This mask coats and smooths the cuticle resulting in a frizz free blowout. My hair felt healthy, hydrated, and smooth weeks after the initial blow dry. I also noticed I had less breakage during the blowout and the weeks following when using this and other Olaplex products.
Rich Hydration Mask for Dry or Medium to Thick Hair
Leave-Ins
This is a leave-in treatment that can be used on wet or dry hair to help fill in the cuticle and create silky smooth hair. It's really made all the difference in my at home silk presses. I like to use it on blow dried hair right before straightening. I've found that the more I use, the better the results, maybe a quarter sized amount per section. It also smells great and helps hide the "burnt" hair smell that comes with straightening.
Silk Therapy Original - Biosilk
Cream Stylers
Adds moisture and creates a smooth blow-out. Not too heavy on the hair.
Nº.6 BOND SMOOTHER®
Oils
Somehow thick and lightweight. Fast absorbing. Actually assists in hair growth with results you can see. Comes with a dropper applicator. Smells oh so good.
Bond Repair Hair Oil
Small but mighty. A little truly goes a long way. Heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Instantly smooths, improving manageability and reducing tangles and frizz. Smells citrusy, floral, and slightly gourmand.
OLAPLEX Nº.7 BONDING OIL™
Tools
I've always struggled to blow dry my hair, but this has me eager to. High speeds and Ultra-care setting means fast and easy drying with no heat damage. The attachments fit securely and remove easily with the push of a button. The pick attachment is sturdy- no broken teeth! I've gotten the smoothest, straightest blowouts at home using this. I highly suggest for beginners or those that struggle with blowing out their hair.
Infiniti PRO by CONAIR DigitalAIRE Hair Dryer Drying Wand, Straightener and ...
I struggle with blow drying my hair and found the design of this very helpful. It gets very hot and the wide vent covers more area. The attachments snap into place, and I have had to buy replacements since some of the teeth in the wide tooth attachment broke off. There is a cool shot button that needs to be held down to use.
1875 Watt Styler Dryer
Detangles thick, curly hair quickly. Easy to clean. Sturdy; no broken bristles!
RED by Kiss Dry Vent Heat-Resistant Hair Brush, Detangling Fast Blow ...
Did I need another wide tooth comb? No, but I wanted to treat myself, and I'm glad I did. I love the feel of the comb and the sectioning tip. I love the sleek color and design, and how the teeth feel against my scalp. I usually start with a light detangle using the comb, then switch to the paddle brush for a more thorough detangle. The pick is great for lifting roots and adding volume, as well as doubling as a travel sized detangling comb.
KAZMALEJE Kurls Plus Wide Tooth Hair Comb
Perfect shape and size. Convenient size to fit in your purse for on the go touch ups. Smooth teeth ensures no snagging.
KAZMALEJE Kurls Plus Wide Tooth Pick Hair Comb
So much better than relying on just a wide tooth comb. It cuts down on detangling time so much, especially since I can work through larger sections. I like the sectioning tip. “All one piece” allows for easy cleaning- no trapped water forming mold growth. Not only do I feel good supporting a Black woman owned brand, but it's also plastic neutral!
KAZMALEJE Kurls Plus Wide Tooth Paddle Brush
Accessories
The best hair towel! Soft and very stretchy. The cotton and bamboo t-shirt material means less friction and breakage. Absorbs water without drying hair too much. The length and size are great for thick, long hair. The elastic strap offers multiple ways to “style”. I have one already, but just may buy another it's so good.
Life changing! May be considered a leave-in, but is an ultra-hydrating water. Instantly smooths and aids in detangling. Instantly softens. Instantly hydrates and moisturizes. Makes maintenance and refreshing easy. When feeling lazy, I like to spritz onto my twists and top with the Bond Oil. If you must buy 1 thing from this list it's this!
As I Am Bond Damage Repair, Strengthening Water Hair Treatment - 16 fl oz
This lightweight hair serum instantly detangles and helps to define curls. As you apply it, it starts to foam up like a mousse, however it does not add any hold. I like to apply it before applying No. 10. If straightening hair, apply a little as i...