Yes, you can heat curl braiding hair, particularly if it's synthetic, by using controlled heat methods.
Curling Braiding Hair with Heat
Achieving beautiful curls in synthetic braiding hair is absolutely possible without damaging the fibers. According to the reference provided, "If you're using hot water or a low-heat curling iron, you can achieve kick-ass curls in your synthetic braids without the stress of ruining them."
This means you don't necessarily need high temperatures to set curls in synthetic braiding hair. Lower temperatures are often sufficient and much safer for the material.
Safe Methods for Heat Curling
There are primary methods often used for heat curling synthetic braiding hair:
- Hot Water Method: This is a very popular technique. The hair is usually set on rollers or flexi rods first. Once the curls are formed on the rods, the hair is dipped into or has very hot water poured over it. The heat from the water helps to set the curl into the synthetic fibers. After cooling completely and drying, the rods are removed, revealing the curls.
- Low-Heat Curling Iron: Using a curling iron set to a low temperature can also curl synthetic braiding hair. It's crucial to test the temperature on a small, hidden strand first to ensure the hair doesn't melt. Synthetic fibers have a lower melting point than human hair.
Using excessively high heat or direct, prolonged heat application can cause synthetic hair to melt, frizz, or become permanently damaged. Sticking to the methods mentioned in the reference helps ensure your braided styles look great without compromising the hair's integrity.
