TikTok Says Becoming a “Straight Natural” Is a Hairstyling Hack—I Asked an Expert for the Facts

As someone who has primarily worn her hair in protective styles over the past few years, I’ve recently found myself itching for new ways to wear my natural coils without damaging them. I’ll forever be grateful for my natural hair texture and its versatility, but I can’t help but experiment with my go-to styles from time to time. I recently began wearing my hair in silk presses and immediately discovered how much more time and upkeep it took to leave my hair looking presentable when I didn’t have an extra hour in the morning to quell frizz.

Around that time, I also began to see hints of a new hair movement on TikTok among the natural-hair community: individuals with natural curls and coils who prefer to wear their hair straight without altering their texture permanently (which, of course, is not without debate). To understand what it truly means to be a “straight natural,” I tapped a curl expert to give me some insight into the growing trend.

The Natural-Hair Movement Evolution

If you’re wondering what all the hype and debate around one of TikTok’s biggest natural-hair movements is, you’re not alone. “Straight natural” can mean a myriad of things and applies to various methods of styling and haircare. According to Lush’s Afro-hair specialist Sarah Sango, it “refers to individuals with curly, coily, or textured hair who prefer to wear it straight without using chemical treatments.” Instead, they opt for heated styling tools (such as blow-dryers, flat irons, and curling tongs).

She also tells us these tools are used at lower temperatures to minimize heat damage, which allows for hair to maintain its natural curl pattern when a curly style is desired. It’s also worth noting, however, that the term “heat-trained” is commonly used in the natural-hair community to describe a technique that loosens or stretches curl patters over time with repeated heat styling, reducing styling time while still allowing for versatility.

A common misconception about using heat styling on curls and coils is that they’ll immediately be damaged. Not only is it possible to temporarily straighten natural hair using heat without causing damage (by keeping the temperature low and limiting how often heat styling is done), but also, going straight doesn’t immediately mean heat must be used. “The conversation around the ‘straight natural’ movement highlights the complexity of personal identity, hair history, and societal beauty standards,” Sango says. “Much of the miscommunication and debate of social media stems from varying perspectives on what it means to be natural.”

The “Straight Natural” Debate

Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed a renewed interest in the natural hair movement over major social media platforms. Sango credits this for further empowering individuals (particularly those of African descent) to, “embrace and celebrate their curly and coil-textured hair while challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting self-acceptance.” For Sango, it’s also why there’s disagreement among those within the natural-hair community, as some oppose the concept of “straight natural.”

According to Sango, the introduction of “straight natural” into the natural hair movement has sparked conversations about whether it aligns with the original intent of the movement or if it shifts its meaning. “Encouraging open, respectful discussions where individuals feel heard and understood is key. At the heart of it all, embracing one’s natural beauty—however that looks—is what truly matters,” she says.

Sango’s view also differs from what’s been widely circulated in the community as the movement’s recognized goals and was willing to share. “I see ‘straight naturals’ as simply embracing the versatility of their hair. Choosing to straighten it may be a matter of convenience rather than a rejection of natural texture,” she says. “Ultimately, curly, coily, and textured hair is our crown, and it should be worn in a way that allows us to express ourselves and feel empowered!”

Becoming a “Straight Natural”

Whether you’re getting regular silk presses from a stylist or accomplishing it at home, there are some helpful ways to keep your strands strong during and after the process. Sango recommends limiting heat use, avoiding daily heat styling to minimize the number of passes over each section to prevent damage. When using heat, keep your temperatures low (no more that 356°F) and blow-dry on medium heat to protect hair health.

Additionally, protecting your hair overnight is crucial for keeping hair healthy and extending the wear time of your favorite styles. Sango tells us the best way to lock in moisture and keep styles overnight is by sleeping with a satin or silk bonnet, which reduces the need for frequent heat styling. Rather than depending entirely on hot tools, consider investing in heat-free stretching methods. “Opt for roller sets to stretch hair instead of blow-drying, minimizing direct heat exposure,” she says.

While its certainly tempting to spend hours scrolling through inspirational “straight natural” styles of TikTok, Sango recommends creating a well-rounded haircare routine that strengthens and protects hair. “Incorporate protein-based products, and always use a heat protectant to reinforce hair structure and prevent damage,” she explains. That way, you’ll always have a lineup of products that can address your unique concerns.

If you’re not sure where to start with your shopping, scroll on to see which haircare products Sango swears by to support the health of heat-trained hair (plus 10 picks I use on the daily for my straight styles).

Shop Sango’s Healthy-Hair Favorites

Editor-Approved “Straight Natural” Must-Haves