3 Best Conditioning Heat Caps for Natural Hair When You Keep Skipping the Treatment
by Team CurlyNikki
Apply the mask. Find the plastic cap. Locate the dryer. Move the chair. Untangle the cord. Find your computer so you can work while you do it. Never mind. Rinse it out and keep it moving. This is me. So many times. Sometimes I almost even worked out on the treadmill, or dusted off the Peloton; I didn’t, but I thought about it, as a way to generate some body heat under the plastic baggy, you know. I’ve put a heating pad on top of my plastic baggy-covered head before. Sat in front of a space heater and hoped for the best. The struggle.
Sometimes the missing step is not a better conditioner. It is a setup we can tolerate repeating. My dad always says the best camera you have is the one in your pocket- the one on you. The one that’s easy to use and get to and upload from. Turns out an iPhone is wayyyy easier to haul around than my Sony. A simple plastic baggy and microwave heat cap that takes one minute to prep might be the easy button for you. A $15 soft bonnet attachment for your hairdryer might be the look. Do what works. Let us help:
| Pick | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Annie Jumbo Processing Caps | Keeping conditioner contained without a device | $4.99 / 30-pack |
| Hot Head Deep Conditioning Heat Cap | Cordless warmth during treatment time | $45 |
| Gold ‘N Hot Professional Conditioning Heat Cap | An electric cap with adjustable heat | About $50 |
Annie: get ‘er done.
A processing cap covers the conditioned hair, keeps the product off our clothes and from dripping down our necks (sometimes I have to add a layer of tissue around the perimeter!) and helps prevent the treatment from drying out during its directed working time. It does not generate heat but could act like a greenhouse and make you sweat if you’re being active with it on.
This one is excellent because it’s huge! I usually use two of the average-sized ones. You only need one of these bad boys. And because of the size the elastic is less rude. I split the seam on either side of a regular plastic baggy or else I get a line across my forehead and a headache. Not with these.
Hot Head: when we want warmth and our hands free
Hot Head Deep Conditioning Heat Cap is a reusable, microwavable heat cap filled with flaxseed. I’ve owned two. If you follow the instructions they last a while and are the best, and least dramaful heating agent for masks for me. We warm the cap according to its instructions, put a processing cap over the conditioned hair and wear Hot Head on top. There is no cord attached to us during the treatment. You are free to roam about the house lol.
Follow the exact heating instructions for the cap and microwave wattage. I’ve definitely burned a hole in one from putting it on 2 minutes instead of 1 minute.
Gold ‘N Hot: when adjustable electric heat suits the routine
Gold ‘N Hot Professional Conditioning Heat Cap has three thermostatically controlled heat settings, a power cord and an adjustable chin strap. It is the option when we prefer an electric setup rather than warming a cap in the microwave. It feels fancy and spa-ish. Highly effective and obviously stays warm… while the microwavable situation has about 20 minutes before you’re back at the microwave. Use it only as directed, away from water, and follow both the appliance and conditioner instructions. A higher setting is not a shortcut to better results. Use what is comfortable and will not make you avoid it on the next wash day.
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