Straight Natural Hair Routine - 6 Weeks of Maintenance after Flat Ironing

As you all know, I'm currently on a long term protective style challenge so my hair is in braids! But I still wanted to share with you all how I maintain my type 4b/4c flat ironed hair after I straighten, which I did right before my current braids. I find this to be the EASIEST of all of the maintenance routines I have tried. I was able to keep my hair "straight" like this for 6 weeks (no touch ups)! Hope you all enjoy! Let me know what you do to keep your natural hair straight after a flat iron.

[@owamuhmza]

If my hair ever gets here, I don’t know how I’m gonna act🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@kaheaisaac1]

Ikr!

[@bluebird4815]

😂😂😂 i'll start walking like a disney princess complete with a tiara.

[@FrauMase]

I would have to move out! No one in my house could stand me if I had this length 😁

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Lol!!!! Had me waking up laughing at this comment.

[@FineNaturalHairandFaith]

@@bluebird4815 lol

[@mjgarner123]

Your hair is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your technique for keeping your hair straight for 6 wks. It as fresh as it did when you initially flat ironed. Also thanks for demonstrating your usual hairstyle worn in the hospital.

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Thank you!!!! And thanks for watching! 🤗

[@kasniquesariawn4694]

I watched your hair journey when I went natural years ago. Now, it's been 7 years; my hair is to my butt ( when straight, I get a lot of shrinkage). You and a few others here inspired me; I'm so glad I didn't give up! I just straightened my hair today; our routine is similar. Thank you for this video, your hair is beautiful!

[@funo3308]

A flat iron tutorial please😍

[@daniellemetoyer]

You hair is so pretty, and your voice is so soothing!

[@rachamus4674]

I can't maintain a flat iron hair😅. Last time I got it straightened, the second I walked out of the salon my hair poofed. I sweat on my head too easy. I like the volume that it created though 😅

[@arraiacc]

You look so much thinner, as though you have lost weight. I hope this isn't an unwelcomed comment, I mean it with the best intentions. Love your content!

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Not unwelcome at all!!!!! I struggled to lose the baby weight for several years. I’ve lost about 30-40lbs over the last year and a half or so mostly with intermittent fasting...so thank you!!! ❤️

[@niolab7]

@@EfficientlyNatural Please share tips. I gained 30 pounds during this time ( NO BABY) and I need it to goooooo

[@valvacious2793]

Fabulous!! I do not understand the dislikes. I usually wash every two weeks. I use the bantu knots but do one on top. I will try for 4 weeks or longer!

[@Beautifulbeliever]

My face when you showed us the shrinkage! Your hair is so very healthy!

[@IndigenousStrandz11]

Beautiful 😍

[@menow7903]

That's an insane amount of hair! Thanks for sharing, some really good tips!

[@feliciadunn644]

You have such beautiful, gorgeous hair! You’re my hair goals.

[@kaheaisaac1]

Girl!! Your hair is goals! I flat ironed my hair 3 days go and its super thick and puffy but still straightm

[@shannonarmstrong6364]

Always SOOOOOOOO satisfying watching your videos

[@sabrinae.6361]

Your hair is gorgeous! We have the same hair type. Thank you so much for these videos, I’m on a natural hair journey and you give me hope for retention ❤️

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Aww! Thank you! Best of luck on your journey! ❤️

[@jazzyc22]

Goals!!!! Your hair is gorgeous!

[@truthserum1271]

BEAUTIFUL!💃🏾 Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏾❤️ I just had my daughter's hair👧🏾 professionally flat ironed for the first time in her 10th birthday 🎂🥳on Thanksgiving🦃. I've been searching for nightly maintenance routines to maintain her straight hair as long as possible. Keeping Type 4 hair straight for 6 weeks is insane! 😲😱🤯

[@rosahealthyhair8646]

Nice 😁😍😍my daughter wants me to straighten my hair, it is good to know that the style could last more than a week😍🤗

[@tf3496]

You and your hair are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing these tips.

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Awww, thank you!! ❤️

[@shonaloren5117]

Thank you for your videos. You come across so sincere and give such genuine practical tips and advice

[@ThePatriciaPatrick]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have decided to wear my hair straight so this is very helpful.

[@prissNcurlss]

Beautiful hair 😍! I maintain my straightened hair in Bantu knots after 2 weeks of wearing it straight. I love the wavy look it gives.

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Nice! It works so well, right?!? For me it’s far easier than a lot of other options out there.

[@jasminerosewater3891]

YESSSSSSSS, I have a very similar routine. I'm going to try and stretch mine to 6 weeks as opposed to my usual 4. I love alternating between oiling my scalp and using a cooling dry shampoo. Keeps it so fresh.

[@seriphingritly6745]

The hair look beautiful and shiny😍😍😍

[@Zania16ify]

Amazing!! Love love love this!! And wow, the sulfur seems to be so effective at keeping a nice, clean scalp. I take MSM in a powdered form (with smoothies & juice) & I've noticed the same effect with my own scalp with prolonged styles. Also, I spray fenugreek infused water on my scalp at night, so maybe it's a combo of things? Anyway... this video is in my "liked" playlist now & I can't wait to watch this later on for reference! God bless you.

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Really!!? I’ll have to try the MSM. I used to use it on occasion back in the day and it was amazing at increasing hair growth...should have paid attention to my scalp as well. Will have to try it again. Thanks! Fenugreek is definitely great for hair too!

[@tinkalinks]

Oooweee my hair is NOT with the business. If there is more than 30%moisture in the air my hair will revert. Your hair is gorgeous! 😍

[@manisymone8622]

Love this! Definitely giving it a try

[@Virtuenow]

I do the same - except one single Bantu knot every night. works beautifully ☺️

[@andreax7939]

Thank you for sharing. You are so inspirational. ❤️

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Aww! Thank you!

[@aradiavenus]

Gorgeous hair and wonderful length! Brava,

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Thank you so much!

[@coreenamusic]

This came right on time! I am getting my hair flat ironed in a few days and I keep my flat iron for a month in a half! But these tips will def have it looking good the WHOLE time! THANK YOU!!!

[@cakesinthecity]

This is so inspiring thank youuuuu!

[@emawilliams3284]

Thank you for this video. You have beautiful hair.

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Thank you!!!!

[@Susan_Brandy]

Stunning hair 👌🏾💝

[@metalbabee]

My hair is much shorter than yours, but we have the same routine, which means I'm on the right track! I use sulfur 8 as well and it works wonders! 💕

[@earlmoss4841]

Wow your hair is gorgeous

[@Virtuenow]

Real MVP 👍🏾

[@shareeminor9125]

Fabulous!

[@nikkifranklin2737]

I need a tutorial because right now I’m kicking myself for the sporadic heat damage in my hair. I am at bsl and some of my hair is damaged all the way to the root. My flat iron was lower than 400! That’s what happens when you by a flat iron from the people in the mall kiosks 🤦🏾‍♀️ I should have known better.

[@imdifferent7294]

Can you do an updated how I grew my hair?

[@Msleelee9487]

Beautiful!

[@TansieStephens]

Your hair is beautiful! I also keep my hair stretched in bantu knots after ironing for 3-4 weeks. 😊

[@graciegrace2558]

Hello, so you wash your hair after 3-4 weeks? How do you keep it hydrated?

[@TansieStephens]

@@graciegrace2558 I oil it every three days and I add extra oil to my ends. I also let my hair get some exposure to the elements (humidity) :) My hair reverts just a little but it feels moist. I no longer do bantu knots. Instead, I section and do three big braids and put satin scrunchies on the ends for protection. 💪🏽❤

[@jessicadonaldson4085]

This is great 👍

[@hereforit2347]

I’ve become friends with satin scrunchies as well! 💜

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Yes!!!! Love them now

[@musiclover92185]

I'm interested in knowing how you keep it straight while sweating? I sweat a lot in my head and scarfs and bonnets make it worse.

[@DS-Trina]

I have the same problem, and this is the reason why I have used polyester scarves for years. I recently found an alternative a few years ago.. if you get a piece of satin, it has two sides. One side is smooth and shiny, and the other side has a rougher texture. I bought a satin headscarf, and when I wrap my hair at night, I make a triangle with the rougher side. I find that I don’t sweat in my head as much. If your head feels damp after a shower, leaving on the scarf until it’s completely cool tends to help my hair stay smooth and not revert.

[@DS-Trina]

I forgot to mention that the satin doesn’t slide off my head either, and I realized that a silk scarf or silk/satin bonnet would never work for me because the material keeps my head hot. Hope this helps!

[@deesenuts8730]

Bun it tight and wrap it in a satan/silk scarf. A lil dry shampoo and warm blow dry over the hair while the scarf is on!

[@joycekyalo8117]

Wow! Your straight hair looks beautiful. If only it was our natural hair and don't stress about humidity. You can imagine!!! Lol!!!😄😄😄 Anyways I have a question. Is it safe to do a protective style when natural hair has been silk pressed? I did a little bit of research on this on the internet and I saw it may bring some breakage problem considering this approach.

[@mydestiny84]

I’m in the journey with you and I was literally thinking I’m going to drop out this weekend and here goes this video. My cornrows are growing out so the tension from the crotchet extensions are painful. I want to refresh the front but that feels like a cheat. I never figured out how to post in the discussions on the site 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Definitely not a cheat to refresh the front as needed. I will definitely be refreshing my braids today actually because they look a mess. I think the most important thing is that even if you refresh or redo it, for the most part you are avoiding daily manipulation of your hair. I haven’t ever done long term cornrows/crochets, but I would imagine If they are starting to feel painful from the tension on your hair after growing it out then it might be worth taking them down/redoing them.

[@mydestiny84]

@@EfficientlyNatural yes that’s what made sense to me too. I just thought it would knock me out the challenge. It’s definitely only the front with the finer hairs. The back is fine if I don’t pull my hair up. Thanks for the reply

[@veronajones7869]

@@EfficientlyNatural are you going to have a video up with the refreshing of braids? Please I wanna see lol

[@peacebeyondpassion2]

Georgeous!

[@fiberisacarb9877]

Lemme take notes... 📝💯

[@DS-Trina]

What kind of brush did you use on your hair and what brand? Thanks for sharing!

[@sayladytea]

Prayers for no rain and cool weather to keep my hair straight ... but South Florida 😢 humidity is so disrespectful. I can only straighten in February.

[@EfficientlyNatural]

I know the struggle. Lived in New Orleans for 6 years and I never straightened my hair because it was pointless with the humidity. I only could do this method when I moved to Cali.

[@sayladytea]

Cali Yaaaa!!! Singing my Baby face, 🎶🎵 It never rains in Southern California. Lol.

[@Ms_Brendi_B]

Wowzah 💓💓

[@timmistarr9800]

Do a Domincan tubi if you want it completely straight...worked for me.

[@hereforit2347]

I love your hair. ❤️

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Thank you! ❤️

[@hereforit2347]

@@EfficientlyNatural: 💜

[@FineNaturalHairandFaith]

When you are ready to wash do you twist it or will you just wash it ? Btw your hair is just looking beautiful❤️ it’s nice and shiny too

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Thanks so much for watching!!!! I definitely still twist it prior to washing ...I have a lot of shrinkage as soon as it gets wet so I keep it in at least 8 twists or so to help keep it from tangling too much.

[@niolab7]

Your hair looks like BUNDLES literally!! BUNDLES !!

[@meekaetienne4812]

thank you!

[@kerriewithpurpose5722]

How???? How????? Mine just wont behave when blow dried...how come you didnt get post partum hairloss??? My sister has a bold spot..would monistat application for a week and prenatal vitamins help stop the shedding???

[@eduns123]

Do you have a hair straightening video?. I can’t see it?. If not what products did you use to straighten your hair please? :)

[@EfficientlyNatural]

No, actually I haven’t done a video on that yet. I do use the Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray as a heat protectant.

[@Jayariee]

Please show how you flat iron your hair

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Yes! I will definitely plan to the next time I actually flat iron

[@Queen-of-the-Burbs]

Sulfur 8 works but I don’t miss that smell.

[@pearlkloberie3300]

You are amazing beautiful woman. Not all of us can have such lovely long luxiuos thick hair. Please tell us how did you get there & how long it took you to see the results.

[@MoniLuv]

My issue is always the steam from the shower...I wrap my hair with 2 scarves and a shower cap and sometime, the steam still gets in...What is your shower routine?

[@5pctLowBattery]

Probably, Cool 5 min showers. I take steaming hot 20 mins showers, which is why my flat iron hair last 1 day. Ha

[@sherynngofa6175]

How long have you been natural? How long did it take your hair to grow so long?

[@EfficientlyNatural]

Thanks for watching! I started my natural hair journey in 2009 when I stopped relaxing my hair. I never big chopped, but slowly cut the relaxed ends off over several years. I’ve been fully natural since about 2015 probably and at about this length for a few years.

[@bettyj5502]

What do you suggest for keeping short hair straight?

[@deesenuts8730]

heat training here i come!

[@EfficientlyNatural]

❤️ let me know how it goes for you!

[@kaheaisaac1]

Do exercise? How do you keep it straighten during exercise?

[@EfficientlyNatural]

I’ve definitely let my work out routines slip for the last few months so that wasn’t a factor. When I’m exercising more consistently, 4 weeks of maintenance is probably more realistic

[@kaheaisaac1]

@@EfficientlyNatural thats still amazing!

[@kaheaisaac1]

Do you have a flat iron tutorial?

[@EfficientlyNatural]

No but I’ll try to do one next time. Thanks for watching!

[@kaheaisaac1]

@@EfficientlyNatural great!

[@kathyhernandez8316]

Is it true that daily application of coconut oil damages your hair? I am doing your routine and it is a miracle with this coconut oil , but don’t want to damage my hair overtime with the oil for my hair grows slowly .

[@chel6730]

yeah apparently it dries out hair

[@mss.e.johnson6156]

I’m allergic to coconut and mineral oil. Can you suggest alternatives?

[@autumnmosley7090]

Try grapeseed oil. The cold-pressed, natural kind.

[@drtruth5291]

Do you flat iron every 6 weeks?

[@inspirestrength505]

Very beautiful. xoxo

[@5pctLowBattery]

Most I can go is 6 hours 😂. Never mind 6 weeks.