My naturally curly locks have been looking more like waves lately from all the constant heat and pulling they endure whenever I get my hair blown out. Heat styling can really do a number on your tresses. Overusing hot tools like flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons can cause dryness, breakage, and thinning. My abuelita has had silky smooth hair her whole life, and it's because she always goes back to the old school Latina hair methods they used back in the day when hair appliances weren't as popular and accessible as they are now. These alternative heat styling methods still work and are a great way to keep your hair looking pretty and polished without the heat damage. I do them ALL the time, especially the doobie (hair wrap), my all-time favorite.
Check out a few more of my favorite heat damage-free styling methods below!
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Rollers: Setting your hair in rollos is one of the best ways to prevent heat damage because it uses the least amount of direct heat. It's also a great way to boost volume. If you have straight or wavy hair, let it completely air dry first, then add in some hot rollers, like Conair Extreme Instant Heat Multi sized Hot Rollers ($58). For naturally curly hair like mine, try investing in an affordable hood dryer, like Hot Tools Salon Hair Dryer ($60) and a set of plastic rollers. I like Ricky's Fusion Ceramic Magnetic Rollers ($5). Prepare clean, damp hair with a setting lotion or leave-in conditioner. Comb hair using a rattail comb and continue smoothing out as you wrap each section around the roller. Secure with bobby pins.
Try a doobie: The doobie came into existence back when Latinas didn't have hand held dryers at their disposal. Wrap clean damp or air-dry hair using a large wide-tooth comb or a brush pressing hair flat around the scalp and using large roller pins to secure it as you go around. Wait until hair is completely dry, then remove pins for sleek and smooth results.
Do a top knot: If you have straight hair and looking for a little more wave and texture, try pulling clean, damp hair into a high bun. Leave the top knot on over night and in the morning you'll wake up with gorgeous, voluminous waves!
A single braid: A lot of curly haired Latinas that like to wash their hair the night before tie their tresses into a damp, loose braid. This not only helps preserve your curls for the morning, but it also prevents hair from frizzing without disturbing your natural curl pattern. Make sure to apply styling products before braiding.
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