Am I the only one on here that uses heat on a regular basis?

[BahaGirl]

It seems like a lot of you women are not using heat at all to style your hair. I use heat. I blowdry my hair once a week. I use the curling iron every two days. Yes I know this isn't good but what else can I do to style my hair? I like wearing my hair out. Does anyone out here have any suggestions for me so that I can stop my hair from damaging? I already tried curlers and pin curls at night and these don't do anything for me. There's nothing like a good ole curling iron to style it the way you like.

 

[~Nigeria~]

I wear my hair out all the time also. I just get rollersets at the salon and then wrap my hair at night. I don't wrap it really tight and when I comb it out in the morning, my hair is still curly/wavy. I usually use small rollers cause the curls last a lot longer.

 

[newslady]

i use heat EVERYDAY. i know i know you're all thinking:

i have a layered bob w/ a flip in the back. it's the only way to keep it fresh.

but i've learned so much here - co washes & moisturizing - to make it not SO BAD

 

[HoneyDew]

I use heat twice a week and I am very happy and proud that I do!

I do flat-iron curl my hair twice a week. I hope to take some time soon to take pictures to show you guys my exciting progress.

My hair is in better condition with my current routine than it was when I was not using heat (jumped on the bandwagon with the no-heat routine ).

My moisturizer multi-tasks as my heat protectant and my leave-in (a mixture of dimethicone and Hemp Seed oil) so regular use of it has really had made a difference. Most times for me, by the 3rd day my curls are looser but, I shampoo and deep condition and moisturize on that day anyway so I start the cycle all over again.

I can't use heat in between for fear of damage. I only use it while my hair is freshly cleaned and has been deep conditioned.

I have been able to get by on those in-between day by wearing the satin bonnet. Sometimes I pin curl some of the looser hairs. Or, if my curls have really flopped, I roll my hair (satin scunci rollers) for a few hours and then remove the rollers before putting my satin cap on for the night.

Do you curl your hair in between wash days? You might want to be careful doing that. It is not good to use heat on hair that has a lot of product on it or has not been freshly cleaned - at least mine is not.

But who am I to talk? Cathy Howse said in her book that she used a curling iron almost everyday and had no problems. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[blessed]

I do. And I feel guilty every time because I know its not healthy for my hair. But I don't like wearing my hair up.

 

[Undefeated Queen]

I wash and dry my hair with an ion blow dryer every 4 or 5 days. I don't flat iron. I set my hair with the Caruso steam rollers and "double wrap" it at night. No heat is cool for protective styles, but I love my blowdryer!

 

[ibm girl]

No, no no!! You are not alone! When I first discovered LHCF, I could not imagine having the heat restraint so many of the ladies here exercise. I am trying very hard now to limit the heat on my hair, but it is a serious challenge. I do like wearing my hair up, but my boss doesn't (i'm a tv girl, too), so I don't have much of a choice. The advice I've already seen here is advice I've been trying to use since joining. I've also tried rollersetting instead of blowdrying when I wash

It's a journey!!

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Baha, my first suggestion would be roller sets and wrapping...but if you need techniques, I'd suggest that you chat with Sylver2. She wears her hair out, but she's not big on heat (as far as I know). She's made leaps and bounds of progress, and I think she has a perfected regimen. Drop her a PM.

Otherwise, I'd learn to perfect the rollerset or try textured styles.

 

[baglady215]

I can't use heat often. My hair really suffers. But if you are able to use heat on the regualr I say more power to ya!

 

[KhandiB]

If Im doing a FARS I blow dry and curl once a week

If Im Flat Ironing I do it about 2ce a week, until I get a better flat iron

I usually switch up though (try)

one week heat one week protective (try)

 

[Neroli]

I know how you feel -- it took me a whole year after discovering LHCF to even THINK about styling my hair without heat -- I just couldn't conceive of straight bouncy relaxed hair without heat and now I can't believe all the damage I did all those years, why, I coulda had waist lenth, or at least brastrap, years ago! My hair would get to should length and then apparently stop growing, even though that new growth would come in nice and thick, so obviously it WAS growing -- I on this board that reason my hair didn't go past shoulders was because my ENDS broke off, what with the blow drying, curling iron, no moisture, etc. etc. that my ends just never had a chance.

After thinking this through (it made a lot of sense to me!), I started stalking albums and reading the various regimens and after another year of trial and error (and a few really bad hair days, but thankfully not any major setbacks!) I completely eliminated heat -- it's been almost two years now since I've used heat and my 4b hair and hit brastrap last fall. Of all the stuff I've learn on this board, the single most important thing that I do to prevent breakage and thereby retain lenght was to eliminate heat. My hair grows pretty fast (new growth ALWAYS comes in pretty good and strong -- I even LOVE my new growth now 'cause its proof my hair is growing!). I style without any heat and actually have more freedom (and fun) with my hair 'cause no longer afraid to wash -- I'm so down without heat now, that I'll wash and then put towel dried hair in a bun and go to sleep OR put a couple of hairsticks in and go party! Once hair is dry, usually about 12-14 hours later, I take down my bun and my hair is smooth with a slight waves, just perfect to wear straight -- I still can't believe how effortless the no heat thing is . .

I know a few ladies on this board with AWESOME tresses that do use heat without the massive damage that I get, but I know that's not for me. My suggestion, if you REALLY want to experiment and see how you do if you cut-back or cut-off heat, is to browse the board and check out some of the different drying methods, sylver2 scarf method, ponytail method, or the classic rollerset and airdry. I'm sure the other ladies will jump in with more suggestions.

Sorry for the rambling and long post, but I hope will inspire, encourage and give some ideas . .


Good luck and happy growing. . .

 

[MizaniMami]

*raises hand* I use heat! I only use heat once a week though because I only wash once a week. I blow dry and flat iron (double whammy lol).
My hair is maintaining pretty good. But I have some pretty tough hair. My hair doesn't do good with airdrying or protective styling. I just wrap my hair at night and I'm good the next morning.
I am not going to tell you not to use heat because if it works for you my fist in in the air for you. But I would like to suggest caruso rollers instead of the curling iron. A lot of ladies here have luck with them and I am sure they are less damaging. Do a board search, I don't know much about them . Hope that helps

 

[HoneyDew]

I know how you feel -- it took me a whole year after discovering LHCF to even THINK about styling my hair without heat -- I just couldn't conceive of straight bouncy relaxed hair without heat and now I can't believe all the damage I did all those years, why, I coulda had waist lenth, or at least brastrap, years ago! My hair would get to should length and then apparently stop growing, even though that new growth would come in nice and thick, so obviously it WAS growing -- I on this board that reason my hair didn't go past shoulders was because my ENDS broke off, what with the blow drying, curling iron, no moisture, etc. etc. that my ends just never had a chance.

After thinking this through (it made a lot of sense to me!), I started stalking albums and reading the various regimens and after another year of trial and error (and a few really bad hair days, but thankfully not any major setbacks!) I completely eliminated heat -- it's been almost two years now since I've used heat and my 4b hair and hit brastrap last fall. Of all the stuff I've learn on this board, the single most important thing that I do to prevent breakage and thereby retain lenght was to eliminate heat. My hair grows pretty fast (new growth ALWAYS comes in pretty good and strong -- I even LOVE my new growth now 'cause its proof my hair is growing!). I style without any heat and actually have more freedom (and fun) with my hair 'cause no longer afraid to wash -- I'm so down without heat now, that I'll wash and then put towel dried hair in a bun and go to sleep OR put a couple of hairsticks in and go party! Once hair is dry, usually about 12-14 hours later, I take down my bun and my hair is smooth with a slight waves, just perfect to wear straight -- I still can't believe how effortless the no heat thing is . .

I know a few ladies on this board with AWESOME tresses that do use heat without the massive damage that I get, but I know that's not for me. My suggestion, if you REALLY want to experiment and see how you do if you cut-back or cut-off heat, is to browse the board and check out some of the different drying methods, sylver2 scarf method, ponytail method, or the classic rollerset and airdry. I'm sure the other ladies will jump in with more suggestions.

Sorry for the rambling and long post, but I hope will inspire, encourage and give some ideas . .


Good luck and happy growing. . .

Neroli, I enjoyed reading your post.

Did you find it easier to use less heat as your hair got longer?

The reason I ask is because that is part of my goal. Right now with the length I have I need heat in order to create style and save time. I am doing all of this hoping that as my hair gets longer and I have more style options, I can start cutting back on heat.

My hair is growing of course, and thankfully I have managed to eliminate the shedding, breakage and damage that I used to get when I first join the board last year, which was my first goal. I just hope to be able to start cutting back when my hair reaches shoulder length, which is my 2nd goal, in order to continue growing and reach my ultimate goal of APL.

 

[WomanlyCharm]

I have to use heat AT LEAST 2 or 3 times a week...otherwise I look like a troll doll. And that can't happen!

With all the love and care I've been giving my hair, I don't think the heat is having a bad effect...but I am trying to cut down on it a bit...caruso rollers are my secret weapon!

 

[onepraying]

I know from experience that my hair suffered from all the daily curling iron usage in the past. However, I really don't know what could have been the actual cause. Improper haircare from the jump: wrong appliances, tools and products! My hair wasn't in the best condition anyway.

From all I've learned on these boards I could say a combination of everything seems to work fine for me.

While pressed(I try to maintain the press a good two weeks..), I have used the iron to style periodically. I've also touched up with my glide to smooth some areas as well.

To counteract possible heat damage/drying out of shafts, I do intense moisturizing conditions and use heat protectants. Since I'm transitioning, I use reconstructors on my relaxed ends. Also, while using heat, I use moisturizing oils and cremes that penetrate shaft to prevent dryness.

Moderation seems to be the key. I switch back and forth. Heat few weeks, not heat a few weeks, so on and so forth....However, it all goes back to what is working for you or HAS been working for you. Just pay close attention to your hair...it will thank you for it...

~op~

 

[purpledove]

When I first started my healthy hair journey, I didn’t use heat for the first 4 months. As my hair started to grow I began to wear my hair out on weekends only. So yes I do use heat but only once per week. I blow dry and flat iron every Saturday or every other Saturday depending if I feel like wearing it out. I haven’t experienced any adverse effect from this. During the week it’s strictly air drying and bunning. I think the healthy habits during the week allows me the freedom to use heat every now and again.

 

[KiSseS03]

Of all the stuff I've learn on this board, the single most important thing that I do to prevent breakage and thereby retain lenght was to eliminate heat.

ITA with your entire post Neroli! Some people are blessed enough not to suffer damage from regular use of heat, but for me my hair made it's biggest turnaround when I just stopped using heat. My hair is nearing armpit length now for the first time in my life!

 

[CarefreeinChicago]

i am natural and i maxiglide once a week and i feel bad about it but i can't seem to style my hair any other way

 

[jasmin]

Well I rollerset and flat iron just the roots once a week. Now I'm just going to rollerset and flat iron on special occasions.

When I get to a point where I just want to maintain length then I will flat iron once a week again but right now I want my hair to get a little longer so I'm going to stop.

 

[Lady_Lioness]

It seems like a lot of you women are not using heat at all to style your hair. I use heat. I blowdry my hair once a week. I use the curling iron every two days. Yes I know this isn't good but what else can I do to style my hair? I like wearing my hair out. Does anyone out here have any suggestions for me so that I can stop my hair from damaging? I already tried curlers and pin curls at night and these don't do anything for me. There's nothing like a good ole curling iron to style it the way you like.

A year ago I was just as bad as you with the heat...I think I was worst...I blow dryed my hair every single day and hot curled my hair 2 times a week...using a very hot curling iron and no heat protectant...I mistreated my hair badly...i really do sympathize with you...it was very hard for me as well to part ways from the heat...but i slowly did it...and now my hair is thanking me for it...there are many ways of styling your hair without heat...try braidouts for a wavy/curly look...and when airdrying do the ponytail method...and add magnetic rollers at the ends to wear it straight...there are so many ways.

 

[missvi]

I uses heat once a week.
I Wash,Co, Blowdry and Flatiron.
I love heat!

 

[Neroli]

Neroli, I enjoyed reading your post.

Did you find it easier to use less heat as your hair got longer?

The reason I ask is because that is part of my goal. Right now with the length I have I need heat in order to create style and save time. I am doing all of this hoping that as my hair gets longer and I have more style options, I can start cutting back on heat.

My hair is growing of course, and thankfully I have managed to eliminate the shedding, breakage and damage that I used to get when I first join the board last year, which was my first goal. I just hope to be able to start cutting back when my hair reaches shoulder length, which is my 2nd goal, in order to continue growing and reach my ultimate goal of APL.

Yes, I think it does get easier as hair grows longer. I started out at shoulder length and was able to make a tinsy bun and over time as I cut out heat and started treating hair more gently, it grew longer and thicker and I don't "style" it anymore -- heck, I don't even use a comb except for wash days -- just fingercomb and let it hang -- its thickness and length speaks for itself without need for any styling/embellishments. Check out some of the albums with awesome hair who do very very little in terms of "styling" -- adrienne, sylver2, Isis, sherrylove, southerngirl, many many others. . .

The longer and thicker my hair, the less I need to "style" it -- basically I do waaaay less to my hair now then ever before in my life and it's NEVER been this long, thick and healthy before. EVER. Definitely, less is more . . .

 

[HoneyDew]

Yes, I think it does get easier as hair grows longer. I started out at shoulder length and was able to make a tinsy bun and over time as I cut out heat and started treating hair more gently, it grew longer and thicker and I don't "style" it anymore -- heck, I don't even use a comb except for wash days -- just fingercomb and let it hang -- its thickness and length speaks for itself without need for any styling/embellishments. Check out some of the albums with awesome hair who do very very little in terms of "styling" -- adrienne, sylver2, Isis, sherrylove, southerngirl, many many others. . .

The longer and thicker my hair, the less I need to "style" it -- basically I do waaaay less to my hair now then ever before in my life and it's NEVER been this long, thick and healthy before. EVER. Definitely, less is more . . .

Thanks for sharing. Actually one thing I look forward to is less time spent on my hair and less manipulation.

 

[BahaGirl]

HoneyDew,

We're on the same boat! I truly believe that once my hair is longer, I will use less heat but currently my hair needs heat for styling. When I had longer hair a long time ago, I didn't use as much heat as I do now. The purpose of this post was to pretty much ask are there any products out there that will help protect my hair while I use the heat?

 

[BahaGirl]

I have to use heat AT LEAST 2 or 3 times a week...otherwise I look like a troll doll. And that can't happen!

With all the love and care I've been giving my hair, I don't think the heat is having a bad effect...but I am trying to cut down on it a bit...caruso rollers are my secret weapon!

What do caruso rollers do? What makes them different?

 

[Neroli]

HoneyDew,

We're on the same boat! I truly believe that once my hair is longer, I will use less heat but currently my hair needs heat for styling. When I had longer hair a long time ago, I didn't use as much heat as I do now. The purpose of this post was to pretty much ask are there any products out there that will help protect my hair while I use the heat?

LOL! My bad BahaGirl . . . I got so caught up in discussing HOW I stopped using heat, I forgot to answer your question. I suggest using a good serum after applying your leave-in and before using heat. Back in the my heat days, I used nexxus design shine serum (ingredients: clymethicone, dimethicone, panthenol, phytantriol, silk amino acids, keratin amino acids, fragrance). My general routine:

1. wash
2. condish
3. squeeze/towel dry
4. leave-in
5. serum
6. heat dry/style

LHCF ladies will provide numerous other suggestions, I'm sure, but this worked for me. I'm a nexxus junkie, but I think ANY good serum with 'cones will protect hair from heat. The only thing else I would caution, when using 'cones, remember to clarify your hair every month or so.

HTH!

 

[macherieamour]

yipes! I wash, deep condition and rollerset my hair under a hood dryer for 2 hours every 5 days. But its weird- I have no shedding, breakage and my hair has never been healthier or longer.

BUT...all these cool no heat styles sounds interesting. I might give it a try while im on my NO NEW PRODUCTS challegne

 

[WomanlyCharm]

What do caruso rollers do? What makes them different?

The caruso rollers use steam to set the hair, and puts moisture back in.
So I can use these instead of flat ironing or hot rollers or anything else and actually be doing my hair some good...plus the curls last a couple of days.

 

[KiSseS03]

yipes! I wash, deep condition and rollerset my hair under a hood dryer for 2 hours every 5 days. But its weird- I have no shedding, breakage and my hair has never been healthier or longer.

BUT...all these cool no heat styles sounds interesting. I might give it a try while im on my NO NEW PRODUCTS challegne

I don't find using a hooded dryer to dry rollers NEARLY as damaging as using direct heat from a flat-iron or blow dryer...

 

[HoneyDew]

LOL! My bad BahaGirl . . . I got so caught up in discussing HOW I stopped using heat, I forgot to answer your question. I suggest using a good serum after applying your leave-in and before using heat. Back in the my heat days, I used nexxus design shine serum (ingredients: clymethicone, dimethicone, panthenol, phytantriol, silk amino acids, keratin amino acids, fragrance). My general routine:

1. wash
2. condish
3. squeeze/towel dry
4. leave-in
5. serum
6. heat dry/style

LHCF ladies will provide numerous other suggestions, I'm sure, but this worked for me. I'm a nexxus junkie, but I think ANY good serum with 'cones will protect hair from heat. The only thing else I would caution, when using 'cones, remember to clarify your hair every month or so.

HTH!

Those are some great ingredients in the nexxus design shine serum!