Why No Heat Hair Care?

After my recent post on detoxing your hair, the conversation in the comments wandered into the topic of no heat hair care. Many readers understood that no heat hair care was undeniably healthier for their hair, but they didn’t know how to fully  implement this change.

I approach my own hair care with the goal of scalp health minimal maintenance. I’ve been practicing my own version of no heat hair care for the past year and I’ve finally found a routine that works for me. In this post, I’ll discuss what I do for my own hair but also give tips for different hair styles and hair types. 

I believe the most important factor in finding your own No Heat Hair Care Routine is going with, not against, the natural texture of your hair. While naturally straight hair can often be curled well with no heat methods, it is not possible to achieve flat-iron straight results if you have a naturally curly locks. With the following tips, you will be able to improve natural curls, add beachy waves, tame frizz, polish straight hair and add volume… all without damaging heat tools. 

1. Stop the foaming shampoos and heavy conditioners

We equate shampoo with lather. All those bubbles means clean hair, right? Nope! Unfortunately, if your shampoo lathers, it is not doing your scalp any favors. Even natural and organic shampoos contain synthetically-derived foaming agents to create lather. The result is that the foaming agents strip the scalp of the natural oils, and this disrupts the entire cycle of the oil production of the scalp. Regular conditioners are also problematic, because the synthetic ingredients can weight down the hair.

When it comes to No Heat Hair Care, the goal is usually shinier, softer and healthier hair. That’s why I recommend starting from the roots –  pun intended – when making the switch to no heat. If you’ve been reading about my natural hair care journey, you will know that a post about hair care is not complete without me professing my adoration for Morrocco Method products. This is the only line of hair care that I use because there is not another brand that fits my strict ingredient policy and holistic approach to scalp health. The entire line of shampoos, conditioners and styling products form Morrocco Method contain only 100% raw ingredients without foaming agents or synthetics to disrupt the scalp. Check out my discussion on Holistic Hair Care here for more details!

Now is definitely the time to try Morrocco Method, because I was able to get a very special coupon at Morrocco Method for you. See the coupon details below.

A common question that arises when I discuss non-foaming shampoo is the No ‘Poo Method (baking soda and water “shampoo” followed with an apple cider vinegar rinse.” While No ‘Poo works well for some people, I already discussed why I’m not a fan of No ‘Poo here. P.S. It’s all about the pH balance… and lack thereof. If you’ve been struggling with No ‘Poo, I know you will find Morrocco Method products a welcome relief.

2. Squeeze water from your hair, don’t rub it with a towel

If you want to practice no heat hair care, you’ll probably start washing your hair in the evening (unless you are fine with going to work in wet hair). No one wants to sleep in soaking wet hair, however, so here’s an interesting tip I learned from a stylist years ago: when you are towel-drying your hair, press and squeeze the moisture from the hair without rubbing the towel. When you rub the hair to dry it, you can damage hair and create frizz. Gentle squeezing removes more moisture and keeps the hair cuticle smooth.

3. Boar bristle brushing tames frizz without heat

A boar bristle brush carries the sebum from the scalp and evenly distributes it to the ends of the hair. This not only reduces the oil build-up at the scalp to prevent greasy roots, it moisturizes the entire hair shaft since sebum is the best conditioner and anti-frizz serum ever invented. A high-quality boar bristle brush (any of these), is more of an investment than a regular hairbrush, but one brush literally lasts a lifetime. You can read more details in my Benefits of Boar Brushing post here.

I’ve been using my Morrocco Method Boar Bristle + Nylon brush and following the instructions in this video with Anthony Morrocco (it’s important to follow the directions and brush from root to tip with each stroke). The nylon bristles help detangle and make it gentler on the hair, while the boar bristles distribute the natural oils.

One thing you’ll likely notice is that your hair poofs out immediately after boar bristle brushing. This alarmed me the first time, but it is actually a result of the boar bristle contacting each strand of hair. If you have straight or wavy hair, give your hair a gentle twist to relax it and it will become smooth and fall naturally.

4. Try Sapphire Volumizer Mist and Zen Detox for no heat volume

Years of very severe health issues left my hair extremely thinned. Thankfully, I’m experiencing regrowth with my dietary changes and Morrocco Method products. In the meantime, I can really use all the help I can get in the volume department. I’ve had fantastic results with the Sapphire Volumizer Mist, found on this page, and Zen Detox, found here, from Morrocco Method to achieve fluffy, natural volume.

I’m someone who normally shies away from using any type of styling products after washing my hair, because is usually weighs down my hair or makes it greasy. So I couldn’t believe the results after using the Volumizer Mist, made with grapeseed extract and essential oils, for the first time! Bouncy, full and natural volume without any residue or added weight. 

Made with volcanic clay, plant proteins and a proprietary blend of raw minerals, Zen Detox provides an extremely deep and rejuvenating cleanse for the scalp. It also delivers volume like nobody’s business. My friend recently used Zen Detox after hearing me rave about it and was floored by the results. Check out my tips for using Zen Detox here.

5. Get no heat beachy waves with epsom salt

I recently began using epsom salt for more than my regular detox baths… I use it in my hair whenever I want to enjoy beachy waves!

You’ll find reviews and use tips for epsom salt spray here on MakeupAlley. I mix together 1 cup of warm water and 2 Tbs. epsom salts until dissolved. Then I put it in a spray bottle and mist my hair. Voila, instant volume and beachy waves! For a more moisturizing version, try this Beachy Waves Spray recipe with coconut milk.

6. Detangle and add shine with Instant Crystal Mist, no heat needed!

I find that I don’t require any conditioner when using MM shampoos. With that said, I do love using the Heavenly Chi Conditioner, found on this page, in the shower and then using the Instant Crystal Mist, found here, on my damp hair. It works like an instant detangler while adding shine and taming frizz. If you have fine, curly or coarse hair that tends to tangle after washing, I highly recommend using Instant Crystal Mist. It’s also nourishing and moisturizing if you are trying to repair heat-damaged hair. Just a few sprays will do you – I find that if I use too much, especially at the roots, it makes my hair a bit greasy.

Because Instant Crystal Mist is naturally antimicrobial and extremely soothing, you can spray it directly on areas of dandruff or irritation on the scalp. It works great for me if I have a flaky or dry patch on my scalp, I just spray it a couple of times and gently massage it in.

7. Brush and set your hair for a polished, no heat result

If you want to polish the natural texture of straight or wavy hair, try this brushing and setting technique shown by Anthony Morrocco. It takes just about 5-10 minutes for the hands-on part, then you let your hair set while you do your makeup, answer emails, eat breakfast and do whatever else you do in the morning.

8. Straighten straightish hair without heat

No heat hair care means following the natural texture of you hair. I wouldn’t recommend trying to achieve no-heat, stick-straight hair if you are blessed with curls. If your hair tends to be on the straighter side, however, and you find that it looks a bit unfinished when simply air-dried, I found this creative technique to straighten your hair without heat.

9. No Heat Curls

There are so many ways to achieve no heat curls. The simplest, and my go-to method, is simply twisting my freshly washed but dry hair in a bun and letting it sit for a couple of hours. (Freshly washed hair, either wet or slightly damp, will hold no heat curls better than day-old hair.)

I’ve also had success with the following two methods of no heat curls, both of which are comfortable enough so I can sleep while my hair curls overnight. Although I have naturally curly/wavy hair, I find that using one of these no-heat curl techniques creates a more polished effect.

(Find the flexi-rods used for this method here on Amazon)

10. Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel and Pomade

If you are looking for more control and hold, I recommend the Blood of the Dragon Styling Gel, found here, and the Styling Dragon Pomade, found here. Like all MM products, these are 100% raw and extremely nourishing for the hair. For the pomade, think texture and shape. For the gel, think smooth and shine. 

The styling gel can be use on wet or dry hair to provide gentle or moderate hold. When used on my wet hair, I  find that is helps define the natural curl. Don’t use too much – you just need a dab. I’ll use it on dry hair to smooth out flyways. It is not sticky nor does it leave hair crunchy, instead hair is still soft and touchable.

The pomade works beautifully for me to hold and define my wavy hair. To use, wet your hands and rub a small amount, about a dime-size (use a quarter-size if you have thick hair), between your hands. Then, use your hands to shape and texturize your hair. Without any heat, I can twist and arrange my hair into a natural style that holds all day. If I need to quickly refresh my hair, I just wet my hands and re-set the hair. I always reach for this pomade on humid days because it works wonders to prevent frizz. The pomade leaves my hair toucheably soft with natural movement, but enough hold to keep the style and curls.

11. Bonus – Henna for body, texture and shine 

I’m counting this last point as a “bonus” because, although I experience fantastic results with it, results vary depending on your hair type and concerns. Previously, I assumed that henna was a natural hair dye that turned hair red. Through Morrocco Method, however, I learned that henna can improve hair texture, volume and shine with or without changing hair color. 

There are a few important facts to know before jumping into henna. First, if you want to use a colored henna, color results vary and may require a couple attempts to mix your perfect color fit. MM henna will not necessarily give your hair a red or orange tint, and MM offers a variety of colors here including Colorless, Blonde, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Red and Black. The color variations are obtained by mixing the leaves, stems and roots of the Lawsonia plant – the “henna plant.”

Unlike hair dye, henna coats the hair shaft instead of permeating it. This means it wears off evenly without roots being a different color. This is also what allows the henna to nourish, volumize and condition the hair. You won’t be able to dye your hair with a regular hair dye until your henna completely wears off, which takes about 8-12 weeks. Also, it is my understanding that you can’t use henna on conventionally-colored hair (you have to wait until it grows out).

I don’t want to color my hair, but I absolutely love using the Neutral henna, found here, every 3 months as a styling treatment. In this post, I describe the directions and results you can expect from Neutral Henna.

If you have non-color treated hair and are looking for shine and volume, I’d highly recommend giving the colorless henna a shot. If you are more adventurous, experiment with the Blonde henna or Light Brown Henna (browse the colors here) to bring out even more highlights. The MM hennas are very affordable as a deep conditioning treatment, which can cost $60 and up at a salon. One container of colorless henna costs $10 and lasts me 2-3 uses!

Do you practice no heat hair care? Are you making the switch? Do you use MM products?