Quinn Smith: 3B
NaturallyCurly: Do you straighten or have you straightened in the past? How do or did you do it (professionally, yourself, keratin treatments, blow outs”>?
Quinn Smith: I used to always wear my hair straight. For the past 12 years, I’ve alternated between straight and curly, but I always stay curly for longer than I leave it straight.
NC: Why did you straighten?
QS: I straighten just to change up my style. I like how drastically straightening my hair can change my look.
NC: Do you still straighten sometimes? If you have a different method now when you straighten, what is it and how has it changed?
QS: I used to use an old fashioned, heat up on the stove hot comb. But now I use a professional grade flat iron. The results are much better and it’s far less damaging to my hair.
NC: What is the best way to protect curls from damage when straightening?
QS: The best way to protect your hair is to make sure it’s clean and thoroughly conditioned before straightening, use the least amount of heat possible and minimize the number of heat tools you use. Using a good heat protectant is also really important.
NC: What straightening methods have you heard about or tried and what do you think about any one of them?
QS: I’ve never had a relaxer or used any chemical straightening process. I usually straighten my hair myself (I let it air dry then use a flat iron”>, but sometimes I’ll visit a Dominican Salon for a blow out. Even there I only have them use one heat source.
NC: What do you think is the best, least damaging and “curl-offensive” way to straighten?
QS: I had a friend who could straighten her hair by pulling it back into a low ponytail while it was wet, and then use several ponytail holders down it’s length and letting it air dry. That has to be the least damaging way I’ve ever heard of.
NC: Have you ever heard of or experienced your curls not coming back?
QS: I’ve never worried about my curls not forming after straightening, but I always want to maintain the overall health of my tresses.
NC: What do you think about curlies or naturals who straighten most of the time?
QS: I think that your hair is a personal matter. It’s no one’s place to determine what styles or methods are appropriate for you.
NC: What do think of some of them calling themselves “natural?”
QS: There’s no need for judgement. If your hair is chemical free, it’s natural.
NC: If you were talking to a new curly, would you discourage straightening or instruct and encourage them about healthy straightening habits?
QS: Curly, straight or in between, maintaining the health of your hair and just being comfortable with and accepting your mane is what’s most important.
Read More: Curly Hair Manifesto: I Like Straightening Too!
