Depending on who you are talking to, the meaning “natural hair care” varies from person to person. For example: Many natural hair wearers are anti-chemical, while others choose to color their natural hair with commercial hair coloring. Some naturals enjoy wearing their hair protected in braid extensions or under wigs, while others prefer hair to be added to preserve a long lasting hairstyle. Then, there are some naturals who are conflicted within themselves whether or not to apply heat to their hair. Wanting to prevent heat damage, many will opt out of the blow drying method all together. Today I provide 3 options for those who choose not to apply heat to their children’s natural hair.
3 Ways to Dry Natural Hair Without Heat
- Air Dry: It’s no secret air drying is one of the best no-heat hair drying options. The benefits of air drying are: Natural curl pattern remains the same, No breakage as a result to heat damage, Hair stays moisturized longer than 1 or 2 days, and shrinkage. The most beautiful wash-n-go’s and afro puffs are a result of air drying. After shampooing, conditioning, applying product of choice, and styling, allow hair to air dry.
- Blow Dry on Cool: Many electrical hand-held blow dryers have 3 to 4 hair drying options on its device. The cool setting is among those options and is my second no-heat preference. However, many children typically dislike being cold. Especially cold while having wet hair. I do not recommend the cool blow drying setting for children under age 3. A cold, crying child isn’t a great combination for a successful hair bonding experience. So to make this option more suitable for a child, I have personally wrapped a thick bathrobe (or thick towel) around my six-year-old daughter’s body to keep her warm while I blow dried her hair on the cool setting. Drying hair on cool takes longer than blow drying while using heat. To ensure a smooth process, warn your child before blow drying the hair on cool. Pack your patience! Allowing your child to watch the movie Frozen would be an awesome prop during this time. It would distract them from the cold or even make the movie more relatable to their current situation.
- Bantu Knots: Who doesn’t love Bantu Knots? It isn’t just a hairstyle, but also a no-heat hair drying option. Once you’ve shampooed and conditioned the hair, pat dry hair with a towel to absorb excess water. Apply your favorite moisturizer to your child’s hair. Bantu Knot the hair early in the day so the hair has time to completely dry by the next morning. Take the Bantu Knots out, and your child will have a beautiful curly hair style.
However, I do have one reservation about air drying. I do not recommend sending a child to bed with wet hair. Wet hair is cold and uncomfortable to sleep on. If air drying is the option you choose, I would recommend air drying be done earlier in the day to give the hair enough time to dry completely before sending a child to bed.
I’m sure there are other ways to dry natural hair without heat.
How do you dry your child’s (or your hair) natural hair?
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