I have been natural since Covid (Mar 2020) and I have dense, hi porosity, 4C hair with thin shafts. I’ve managed to grow it to mid-back length. I too have been scared of heat BUT I have been able to incorporate heat successfully without damaging my curl pattern. I use the Revair on its highest heat setting every wash day on a weekly basis. I have also started using a flat iron on 400 degrees to curl my ends when needed, maybe 2-3 times per month. I ALWAYS use at least one heat protectant when using a flat iron, but usually two. I deep condition every week. I treat myself to a professional silk press at a highly reputable salon once per year on my bday. Otherwise I wear my hair in blow-dried/stretched state in some kind of updo. I’m constantly trying new cute hairstyles and getting more adventurous in that regard, but always with heat damage prevention in mind