If you're a part of the natural hair community, you've probably seen the rise of the "Straight Natural" movement across TikTok and Instagram. Curly, coily, and textured hair is known for its incredible versatility, but when it comes to straightening, preserving the integrity of the curl pattern should always be the top priority.

Whether you're craving a silky, smooth silk press or just looking to change up your look without compromising your healthy curls, it’s absolutely possible to straighten your natural hair safely — without chemicals and with minimal heat damage.

Here's everything you need to know — plus recommended products from Cloré that’ll help protect your crown at every step of the process.

Being a "straight natural" means wearing your hair straightened without permanently altering your curl pattern through chemical treatments like relaxers. Instead, you temporarily straighten your hair with heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons — but the key is to do it safely, using techniques and products that prioritize the health and elasticity of your curls.

This movement highlights the beauty of versatility: you can enjoy sleek styles and still rock your natural coils whenever you want. It’s about choice, empowerment, and caring for your hair the right way.

Healthy hair starts in the shower. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo ensures your strands are clean without stripping away essential moisture.
Follow with a moisturizing deep conditioner to prepare your hair for the heat styling to come.

Cloré Recommends:

• Shampoo: Tgin Rose Water Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo
• Deep Conditioner: Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner

Tip: Use lukewarm water (never hot!) to keep hair hydrated and avoid frizz later.

After rinsing, apply a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb. Then — and this is non-negotiable — use a quality heat protectant before applying any heat.

Heat protectants create a barrier that shields your strands, reducing the risk of breakage and permanent heat damage.

Cloré Recommends:

• Leave-In: Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner

• Heat Protectant: Fantasia Ic Hair Polisher Heat Straighening Spray

Use a blow dryer with a comb attachment or a paddle brush to stretch your hair at a medium heat setting.
Don't rush: dry your hair in small sections for an even, thorough stretch.

Cloré Recommends:

• Blow Dryer: Red by Kiss 2200 Ceramic Tourmaline Dryer

Pro Tip: Always keep the dryer moving — never hold it too long in one spot!

Once your hair is fully dry, it’s time to flat iron — but with intention. Keep the temperature below 356°F (180°C) and use the one-pass method: one slow, controlled glide down each section to minimize repeated exposure to heat.

Cloré Recommends:

• Flat Iron: Red Pro Titanium

Optional: For extra sleekness, consider the “chase method,” where you follow the flat iron with a rat-tail comb to guide the hair smoothly.

Feedback from our community speaks volumes, with many singing praises for the CHI Heat Protectant Spray. "It's like an invisible shield," says one reviewer, while another chimes in with, "My hair stays moisturized and smooth, no matter the heat level!" These testimonials underscore the product’s effectiveness in fortifying black hair against heat damage.

Being a “straight natural” isn't about abandoning your curls — it’s about embracing your hair’s full range of beauty.
Straightening your natural hair can be a fun way to switch up your look — as long as you’re intentional and protective about your hair’s health every step of the way.

At Cloré, we believe your curls, coils, and kinks are your crown — and you should wear it however makes you feel the most confident.