In response to ‘Is Heat Styling Worth It?‘, Alicia J. asks:
Why is it seen as a HUGE no-no to straighten natural hair? Many naturals frown on the act of even thinking about doing a blow out or flat iron. As long as one takes extra precautions (deep conditioner, gentle manipulation, heat protection product, etc.) before, during, and after straightening, I don’t see a problem with it. I mean we pride ourselves in having the versatility of curly hair so why not explore all options?? I’m just saying…..
Hello,
I am African American female with natural curly/wavy hair. I have been natural for three years after cutting all my relaxed hair off to transition through this process. I get my hair press weekly along with bi-weekly steam treatments and trims when applicable. Two weeks ago, I also colored my hair. However, lately, my hair is no longer reverting back to its natural curl and wave pattern (texture). Whenever I wash my hair, my roots are curly and wavy but the remaining of my hair is straight with a little wave pattern. My hair is in the middle of back it’s taken me 3 long years for it to grow and I don’t know what to do!!! I’ve been told my hair is damage from the flat iron heat and I will have to cut all of my hair off and start all over again…then I was told to lay off on the heat and get a sew in to allow the natural texture to revert back…I honestly don’t know what to do! Please help…Any advice personal or professional advice will help! I am considering a sew-in to at least salvage what I can and soon!
I agree with the anonymous above who said she has been natural for ten years, and has really long hair due to no heat. I appreciate that statement and echo that as well. "Just don't complain about the consequences of your choice." I am also committed to NO heat, or color (other than henna) and I am expecting no less than to reach a nice length on my hair. Yes, it may take me 8-10 years, but I know it will be worth it. I have experienced heat damage on my natural hair in the past and had to do another big chop….so I can tell you from experience….no heat for me. I have no opinion on what others wish to do to their hair. I do feel it is a personal choice and to each his own. But as for me, I am heat-free.
Just a question thats been on my mind. Im not saying that all nappturalS, but why is it that some of the nappturals who think that heat is wrong and disrespectful to your God given hair chose to keep there hair short, then say people who relax their hair for convience, or dont want to deal with their natural hair are wrong. Is not keeping the Teeny Weeny Afro the same.
I feel that I am natural because I dont wear relaxers. But for those who think it is those who use no heat, I want you to understand that there is someone else out there who thinks your phony, someone who feels that cutting your hair is against God. Someone who thinks makeup is wrong. Someone who feels that shaving your legs or underarms is a sin. So everyone must make there personal choice of what is natural and be prepared for someone else to disagree. It all comes down to you. Its not about the issues in times past, or what everyone else should do. I do agree that it is health issue, but its a PERSONAL CHOICE/OPINION
Hair is not just hair. Which is why there are hair board, hair books, etc. Hair in the black community runs deep and is seriously serious. The fact that a lot of you think hair isn't a big deal is kind of absurd to me. And Natural to me means the hair that grow out of your scalp. THE HAIR YOU WERE BORN WITH = NATURAL. If your hair is straight and it didn't grow out of your scalp straight, you're not natural in my opinion. If your hair is curly and it doesn't not grow out of your scalp that way, you are not natural. You have manipulated your hair to a different texture, or no texture at all.
True, life wouldn't be over, but I meant that going natural has helped me develop into a person that believes in self acceptance and self love. I didn't before and that's what my hair journey has done for me. So yes, my hair is apart of me. I don't know if I would have come how my life would be or if I'd have the same mind set if I hadn't went natural.
"Just don't complain about the consequences of your choice" <~~~~~Wise Words….Good Advice for ALL!
The only reason I don't choose to straighten with direct heat is because I've experienced heat damage. The front of my hair is wavy and thinner compared to the rest of my head which is curly/kinky and more thicker. I'm just scared that the next time I straighten, I'll end up with straight hair in the front.
But don't get me wrong. I'm not against straight hair or naturals straightening their hair. I know some people may jump on my back for saying this, but if there there was no such thing as heat damage as in you can straigten all the time and not lose your texture, I would straighten my hair more without second thoughts.
Obviously, I care about my hair texture enough to put the flat irons, blow dryers, etc. aside because at the end of the day, I prefer my hair in its natural state.
It's really sad to see other people jump on others who do not view hair in the same light as them. Like an earlier poster said, not every one views hair in the same way.
I think each of us is welcome here for whatever reason and should not be questioned on why we subscribed to this site.
I'm sure that we all embrace our natural hair which is one reason we read this blog.
Just from reading these comments, I can see hair is a huge value to some people. I read a comment where someone said that their hair is me or something along those lines. Others love their hair, but like someone said, if their hair was to fall out the next morning, their life wouldn't be over. They'll just keep on moving.
With me, I do value my hair a lot, but there are also other things in this world that should be more important than worrying about who straightens their hair and who doesn't.
We need to learn to respect the fact that we all have different views on our hair and how to take care of it.
For me not straightening my hair and embracing my natural texture is a lifestyle choice. It's about acceptance and I will never return to straightening my hair (either with chemicals, a blow dryer, or with a flat iron). I feel straightening my hair would be a way a rejecting a part of me, who I am. I am my hair and my hair is me.
Sometimes what other people do with their hair becomes and issue for me when I see a lack of people with hair like mine on TV. Sometimes I just want to see people that look like me, or realistic shows I can relate to. Plus, there's a thing in the black community where if one person does something perceived as being bad, it reflects on the black community as a whole. This is something the non-white community does. It is called stereotyping.
I agree with your comment SheRise. I do feel that hair is serious….. for many of us, it's the reason we post and frequent these hair boards. I think it is important for people to be educated on both ends of the spectrum. There can be pros and cons to heat styling. The reason for this site and other hair care websites are to help educate. It is wonderful that we can draw on each others experiences and make our own choice based on the plethora of information. It is also wonderful that we all have different opinions and experiences, lets celebrate and respect each others point of view.
Wow!!! This seems to have touched a nerve. More than natural hair, we have to focus on having Healthy hair. And I have Healthy Hair.
I do straighten my hair probably once or twice every month or so, depending on my mood. I have never had a problem with my hair being fried or going limp. Once I hit moisture my hair instantly curls back up. And I live in South Florida, so ther's plenty of moisture. Personally, I love BIG hair, which is why I don't mind much. Please use some kind of oil to protect your hair when straightening. I use the old Crown Royal oil (used back in the day when your parents used the hot comb to press your hair), and the glossy heat protectant oil from IC to protect it. Just don't try to straighen your hair every day with heat and you're fine. But you have to start off with Clean, Healthy hair.
In addition, I see that a lot of women that are natural posture and pass judgment on those that have relaxers, but yet color their hair. That's a chemical product (unless you henna) that permanently alters the shaft and texture of your hair. I wish I had the nerve to color but I don't, but I'm not passing judgment. Just an observation.
I say Live and Let Live.
from Anonymous @ 11:07 — Hi Ladies, I visit this site because I DO care about my hair and am kind of obsessed with finding the right regimen right now (LOL). But at the end of the day I feel that black women get WAY too heavy, intense and judgmental when it comes to hair issues. Let us not allow the machine that created these issues amongst us to continue to control and divide us. Perhaps we can apply the same energy and intensity to more important social issues such as spirituality, disaster-relief, prison reform, decreasing drop-out rates within the school system, addressing the rising rate of HIV among black women, and preventing domestic abuse just to name a few. Let's keep hair fun. LIVE AND LET LIVE. (Amen to lisa's comment)
To sherise and anonymous I mean no disrespect but don't you think you're being a little unfair? I love my hair and I treat it very well and that's part of the reason I love this site (Nikki is also just a ball of positivity and light) but at the end of the day it is just hair. Your greatest accessory and a sign that you are taking good care of yourself but if God forbid I lost it all tomorrow I would grab a hat and go on with my life. Doesn't mean I won't take care of it and love it as long as I have it but let's be honest. None of us would cease living if our hair was damaged. For me, that's where the "who cares or it's not that serious" comes in. We all have lives outside of the beautiful stuff on top of our heads doesn't mean you love it any less.
I'm really surprised and a little confused as to why hair is such a charged topic in the black community. I don't necessarily think this is a natural vs. non natural issue. I think this is a much deeper issue. What difference does it make how another sister styles her hair? Sharing information and tips about different products and hair care is a beautiful thing and also discussing what bad experiences you may have had so someone can possibly avoid the same thing. But when do we venture from helpful into mean, angry, and none of your business categories? I heat damaged my hair and I had to cut it. Yes, it did slow down my process but it has grown back. No big whoop I had to deal with the consequences of not protecting my hair and somehow I survived. lol. Sometimes you need to damage your hair to learn how precious it is to you. Kinky, curly, straightened, permed, weaved, colored. It's all the same – an extension of our beauty as women. Every women has the right to do whatever she wants to her hair or her body without being barraged with comments and judgement on her choice. If we as naturals are looking down our noses on women who straighten, color, or any other process to their hair. We're just as bad as anyone who gives us funny looks for rocking 'fros or kinks. If I don't want to hear "she really should comb her hair or lay that down?" I'm sure a woman with straightened hair doesn't want to hear that she has split ends or her hair is fried or unhealthy (pls. note: this is examples of things I have heard. By no means do I believe straightened or relaxed hair is by definition unhealthy or has split ends.)
My big question is why do we feel the need to have an opinion about something going on with someone else's body and hair? If someone asks you about the beauty of your hair by all means share your wisdom but if a woman does something with her hair that's not your way. It is not your responsibility to try and talk her out of it or try to make her feel ashamed of her choice or like you are the keeper of a secret hair club she has been excluded from. Mind your own tresses and your manners while we're at it.
Woooooo! Sistas are getting heated up in here! I think Nikki created this site to helps us appreciate our kurls, how to care for them and celebrate its diversity. Diversity can include straightening it. Hair is hair and we all know the possible risks when using heat and like one poster said, the only way you will find out how it fares for your hair is after you've used it. But the beauty of hair is its always growing and you can grow it back.
After all, isn't that why so many of us go natural, for the diversity? I don't think using heat is the issue. I think it becomes an issue when you think straight hair is better than your kinky or kurly hair. That's what needs to be discussed. B/c for many, like myself, it's jsut about wearing your hair a different way. Nothing more nothing less. Really, live and let live. If people want to use heat, what does it have to do with your hair? If their hair gets damaged, that'll learn them and they can grow it back. No one likes heat damage but it's not the end of the world. Sheesh!
SheRise above I can't help but agree with you. Don't you just the one's who said that. "It's just hair, get over it…..it's not that serious?!" Yes, why are they on this site?? If your natural hair means so little to you that you don't care to blow-fry it and yes, as another curly said above. (All the time, and money spent on your natural hair). I'm sorry, but I am not risking my hair frying it, and blow drying it for a 2 day (IF THAT) before it reverts back straightened style. Don't get me wrong, I respect other people's opinions, and yes, ultimately it is a person's own choice whether to blow-fry or not. I've done it before and I know the end result, so that is my reason to NOT ever heat style again. I refuse to mess up another head of natural hair. It's too much damn hard work and patience! Yes, to each his own, but I think I'll pass on the torture tools…
Hmmmm….. " Its just hair—naturals take hair too seriously" then….why are u even on this site….I believe it's dedicated to learning how to treat ur hair with love and care….not " who cares?!" Hmmmm…..that should be the food for thought….If u dont want to care about or for your hair…why subscribe to this site…..?
@ ANONYMOUS 11:07
LOL, GIRL YOU STOLE MY FAVORITE SAYING…LIVE AND LET LIVE…..
I AM NATURAL BSL CURLY AND WHEN I WANT IT STRAIGHT, I EITHER STRAIGHTEN IT OR GET A WEAVE, YES I SAID WEAVE..YAKY STRIGHT TO BE EXACT! ITS NOT THAT SERIOUS, OK YOU ARE MAKING A POLITICAL STATMENT FINE BUT DO NOT PUT SISTERS IN THAT SAME BONDAGE THE PERMS AND RELAXERS DO. I HAVE BEEN NATURAL ALL MY LIFE AND SOMEONE HAD THE NERVE TO TELL ME, I AM NOT A REAL NATURAL BC I STRAIGHTEN MY HAIR, AND I HAD TO PUT THE CHICK IN CHECK BC BESIDES HER BEING NATURAL FOR A MINUTE OR LIKE YESTERDAY, I HAD TO LET HER KNOW THAT I REFUSED TO BE BOXED AND DEFINE BY HAIR. PEOPLE HAVE TO STOP REQUIRING PEOPLE TO LIVE BY THEIR STANDARD…LIVE AND LET LIVE! IF A SISTER WANTS TO PERM FRY AND DYE HER HAIR (HEY WORD HER HAIR) BLONDE WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO BE A SELF ESTEEM ISSUE, I love hair care and i have friends that think I am crazy and would wash thier hair with dish soap if they did not have anything (i am over exaggerating) ITS NOT THAT SERIOUS FOR SOME PEOPLE AND WE, HOW LOVE HAIR CARE HAVE TO RESPECT THAT LIKE WE ASK THOSE TO RESPECT OUR VIEW ON HAIR. THINK OF IT LIKE THIS: WHEN WHITE PEOPLE TAN, THEY ARE NOT JUDGED AND THEY DO IT FREELY, BUT WE ARE ALWAYS ANAYLZING THINGS PERHAPS COULD IT BE THAT THE ONE DOING THE POINTING ANALYZING AND JUDGING IS THE ONE SUFFERING FROM SOME TYPE OF SELF ISSUE. ANOTHER GOOD DISCUSSION..LOVE HEARING EVERYONE POINT OF VIEW…GOOD NIGHT CURLIES!
Live and let live. It's not a limb, it's just hair. 😉
In answer to your question, since I transitioned I only wear twist outs on special occasions (when other naturals might straighten their hair). Otherwise, I live in protective styles – twists, messy buns (not too tight), and French rolls. I never let anyone touch my hair. I handle it myself with extreme care – like silk. When I twist, I air dry. I don't even use a hooded hair dryer so when I say no heat, I mean NO heat. I moisturize ALOT. Daily with coconut oil. And deep treat weekly. I pre-wash with Vatika Oil and I co-wash and deep condition weekly. I only comb my hair when it's soaking wet. In fact, I detangle with my head under the shower. Otherwise, I style my hair gently with my fingers. Basically, I think my hair is long because 1) I handle it very carefully and 2) I'm very careful about the ingredients in the products I use. I use natural products (big up to Aubrey Organics). Oh and nutrition is key. I know people don't what to hear it but I eat well and exercise. I'm convinced that what I put in my body and how I treat it is as important as what I put on my hair and how I treat it. Good luck!
I personally don't see anything wrong with straightening natural hair as long as the necessary precautions are taken. I think that it also depends on each individual head the amount of heat that can be taken without damaging the hair. I do straighten my hair occasionally because I love the versatility. I realize that it isn't every natural, but it does seem like many people think that straightening natural hair is almost a sin! lol…I think you should rock your hair anyway you choose and just make sure that you take good care of it. And when it comes down to it, hair is only a small portion of your appearance. As stated by Idia.Arie "I am not my hair"…Oh and in my opinion, being "natural" just means that the hair texture is not chemically altered.
This is somewhat off topic, but would the anonymous poster who has mid-back length elaborate on her hair routine/handling techniques? I've been natural for almost 4 years and am very interested in length retention. My hair is long enough to self trim the front and sides, but not the back. I repeatedly find split ends within a couple of weeks of trimming! I haven't used heat in months, and I mainly wear twist outs. I de-tangle once a week wet with condish using my fingers and a jiberi (seamless wide comb). I re-twist every night with a little bit of water and sleep with a satin scarf. I wear my hair out every day because I love seeing it! Any tips???
Wow this has become a heated discussion…"how natural is natural?" I recently had to evaluate my reason for going natural…I am currently transitioning and my hubby is "anti-curly" and totally against a BC. So I am stuck…I love my curls but I also want to keep a happy home. So I rock my curls and my straight look…I just love the fact that I am able to change it up whenever I want. I say if you are "CURLY GIRL" or a "STRAIGHT CHICK"…rock it and be fly!
I don't care what people do with their hair but don't whine about it when you damage it regularly. I have very long 4a/b hair after being natural for 10 years (no chemicals and no heat except for roller setting when I was transitioning). My hair is natural and with a twist out done on wet hair (as stretched as it ever gets) reaches mid-back. I do not have locks. I don't even trim my hair anymore because I am so careful with it that I don't get split ends. I can't tell you how many black women come up to me either admiring my hair (the length and not necessarily the texture) or asking if it's a natural weave (as if there is such a thing). They often ask me what they can do to achieve the same length. I tell them go natural and stay natural and that means avoiding heat damage. They don't bother to tell me that I can get away with being natural since I have "good hair" because I don't. They just smile weakly, mutter "thanks," and walk away. For them, the length is not worth going and staying natural. And that's fine if that's their choice. Just don't complain about the consequences of your choice.
For those who use heat and get no damage that's perfectly fine. For those who never use heat, that's fine, too. But I wouldn't try to persuade someone to jump from one camp to the other. It's okay to mention the potential for damage (in a nonjudgmental tone), but actual experience is always the better teacher anyway.
What is the real issue here? Straightening with heat, direct or indirectly, or straightening…period? Why do some curlies get up in arms about this? You can also damage your hair in oh so many ways that do not require heat or straightening. Just to clarify, when I say straighten, I mean non-chemically, i.e. not a relaxer. Last time I checked, split ends dont revert back to single strands, either. To each his/her own. As long as you have ALL the facts, the good, the bad, and the ugly, you can make your own decisions.
I only get my hair straight about once a year for a trim and my hair is ok. I did however refer my co-worker to my salon, where she got it flat ironed and almost a year later she has straight pieces on the side that never reverted. Not sure why she won't just cut it ( gets on my last nerves:P), but beware that there definately can be permenant heat damage. Oh, and for the record her hair is much coarser than mine, and my strands, not hair, is really fine ( not saying it in a demeaning way) and she had that issue.
krystal your question of what it means to have "natural hair" mind yield different answers depending on who you ask. To some it means having hair that does not have a relaxer. To others it means having hair that does not have a relaxer, henna, dye or BKT. To others it means styling your hair a certain way, no flatironing at all whatsoever, and not having a relaxer. Those debates usually get ugly. I personally think people should just do whatever they think feels right.
i think a flat iron is a flat iron, a press is a press and wearing your hair in its natural state is without manipulation. With that said a braid out is a braid out, a twist out is a twist out….its all styling your natural hair. After you wash your hair and let it dry it's in its natural state. Thats my opinion.
I think part of the issue here is that people define being "natural" differently. For some being natural means saying not chemically altering the texture of your hair. While for others it means not altering your texture at all whether it be with chemicals or heat. I personally feel to each his own. Wearing your hair curly does not have to be a lifestyle choice. Don't kill me for that. To me it is more of a hairstyle choice just like wearing your hair straight is a hairstyle not necessarily a way of life. So I don't think people who straighten their hair should be looked down upon. Just like we don't want people suggesting that we go back to the creamy crack I don't think anyone who chooses to straighten their hair should be told what to do with the hair on their heads.
I also believe that you must first be honest with yourself…why are you natural? From there you can make a decision about what to do with your hair. What you decide will be based on where you are with your hair. Also, help me understand the concept of "natural" hair…I always thought that it meant wearing your hair in its "natural" state…I need to understand.
I personally don't think that anyone is being judgmental when they discuss how they feel about heat styling their "own" hair. One reason I frequent this site is to get ideas based on the experiences of others. I think that is what makes CN so awesome (or any natural hair blog for that matter). I do take my natural hair seriously mostly due to a personal experience with flat irons. I enjoy wearing my hair curly. I also enjoy the versatility of my hair. But after going to a salon and having my hair flat ironed, once I went back to curly I found that the ends of my hair were straightened and would not revert. I dealt with it for 6 months by using rollers and pin curling. I also could not enjoy a wash n go because of the straight ends. I finally had to cut 2 inches off. Needless to say I do agree, live your life to the fullest, but know that their are risk involved with straightening your hair…
As one who has had heat damage before, I can only say that it all depends on what the individual values. Is it 100% healty curly hair that can be styled in two strand twists, puffs, and other natural styles? Or is it just a desire to avoid chemicals? Heat damaged hair can be nurtured, long, and healthier than relaxed hair, but it may never be as full and have the same texture as your natural texture. I don't think you can have it both ways. Heat over time will change your natural texture, but it's about choices and that is up to each individual. I am avoiding heat myself.
Zijn Hart, you are completely entitled to your own opinion. I can only speak about my experience. My curls have always reverted back after straightening. Keep in mind that I have only straightened THREE times during my one year of being natural. I just agree with what a lot of people have said that 'it's just hair' and that 'Sometimes, I think that people take other people's business too seriously'. I suggested this post because 'naturals that use heat' should not be seen as considered hypocrites. I think that whether you as a natural decide to use heat or not you are still embracing the hair that God has given you and that's all that truly matters.
As I said in the other post, I personally never had a problem with heat styling aside from massive split ends caused by using the wrong tool (comb attachment). I haven't straightened my hair in years, but I'm not averse to using a blow-dryer on occasion.
What I'm personally annoyed with is the tendency for people to put all naturals into the same box. I sometimes think there are two types of perceived dangers associated with straightening, one physical, the other psychological/political. The latter can be best expressed as "Uh oh! If you wear your hair straight, you must not like your natural hair, therefore you must not be down for the cause!" or something similar. I once made the mistake of going to a natural hairstylist for back-to-back press-and-curls; the second time he said to me, "Why don't you just get a relaxer?" in this really judgemental, condescending tone. I was like, "What? Am I not allowed to straighten my hair sometimes? What's THAT about?"
Obviously it's not that serious for all naturals who choose to straighten their hair (whether sometimes, or all the time). Some of us can use heat without problems, and some can't. Some of us straighten all the time, and some never straighten. The ONLY thing that applies to all naturals is that we don't use chemicals to permanently alter our natural texture. That's IT. Anything else after that is fair game IMO.
I rollerset my hair in the winter. I agree with anonymous "Sometimes, I think that people take other people's business too seriously." It seems like there are a few different types of "natural" women on the web. We are divided into naturals that use heat and the ones that like curly styles 24/7. Its just hair people, its not that serious.
I personally love and enjoy my hair straightened. In the winter that's my style of choice. I make no apologies for it.
I don't see anything wrong with straightening natural hair, either. As long as you take the proper precautions to prevent heat damage. It DOES make me nervous b/c I've heard so many horror stories, and b/c of that I've only straightened my hair once in the 15 months I've been natural, and that was about a week ago. So I say, it's just hair. Do what you want but just be careful and know what you're doing so you don't damage it. But there's nothing wrong with straightening it.
I thought the very act of heat styling was damaging to the hair. I was under the impression that the fact that hair succumbs to heat and straightens out meant it was damaged (if only minimally).
That is the main reason I never heat style. If there was someone who could prove to me that the hair is not or may not be affected by heat styling, then I'm ready. I would love to wear my hair straight every once and awhile. I just believed that it would damage, and that damage would accumulate over time.
It's not that serious it's only hair!!!!! I find that naturals take hair too seriously sometimes!!! It gets annoying. If someone wants to straigten their hair then, that's their business, if not cool. Get over it.
Sometimes, I think that people take other people's business too seriously. I find that people (in general) often judge what others are doing with their hair, in their homes, with their kids, with their money, with their time, etc.
If you like your hair straight, straighten it! If you don't, keep your curls! Make no apologies for when, how and how often you do what you do. Live your life to the fullest, curly or straight!
Sorry Alicia, but I have a problem with straightening MY curly tresses because no matter how much prevention product you dump on your head including thermal protection, it just simply cannot do much depending on one's hair. Ones hair may not be able to withstand heat even with a bunch of prevention products, and their hair may actually not revert back. I am NOT taking that chance. It is completely normal and rational to go "what if?" and worry when you have puts years worth of dedication, love and even MONEY towards your natural hair. For all of that to go down the drain would be absurd, especially if you can get straightened results with just a ROLLERSET AND SILK WRAP. There are other ways to get straight hair without direct heat. So why use a pesky iron or blowdry? 😉
There is nothing wrong with heat styling, but if you choose to do it, you have to understand that you are taking a risk. There is always a possibility your straight hair won't revert back to your beautiful curls. You're essentially gambling with your curls. Everyone's head is different and honestly you won't know if the heat is damaging your hair until it is too late to do anything about it.
Here's an excerpt taken from a website
"It should go without saying that using a blow dryer to straighten your hair stretches and distorts your curls, causing dry, damaged hair over time. If you are still straightening your hair all or part of the time, please think long and hard about what you are doing to yourself. Every time you blow-dry or flat-iron your hair, you compromise the health and elasticity of your curls—resulting in frayed cuticles, split ends, and brittle, porous hair. Why spend the time using good products and healthy ingredients in an effort to restore your hair's luster and health, only to destroy all of your hard work with such a brutal and curl-unfriendly process? You and your curls deserve so much better than that!"
Taken from: http://livecurlylivefree.com/curl%20care.htm
Nikki, could you bring your sister Syl back to talk about her experience wearing her hair straight and offer tips?
I recently had my hair pressed for Valentine's Day and loved having the option to wear it straight. I'm seriously considering having it pressed once a month like Syl does. (My hair is long enough to press, but too short to roller set so that is not a real option at this point.)
I agree…I see nothing wrong with straightening your hair as long as you take EXTRA care when doing it. I am still transitioning (long-term 10 months and counting) and one of the main reasons I have decided to go natural is for the versatility. I was natural in the past and loved it but I also like my hair straight (depending on my mood).
I just roller set and flat iron mine at a salon. I don't do it all the time, because i just love my curls. As long as you take the proper precautions it ok, just don't go nuts or let just anyone do it. I believe one should try not to use a blow dryer, that can be tricky. If you blow dry your hair at home and your cautious then fine, but i find that stylist in the salons don't really care about protecting your hair before they blow dry. they may put a little product on the hair or none at all.I've also seen them just blow dry rough like it's not hair,and burn the scalp….So be careful!!