Natural Hair: Straight or Curly

[inthepink]

I'm wondering lately if it's easier for me to care for my hair being straight or curly.

Why my hair is straight, it's easier for me to make sure my ends are moisturized. I can see splits easily so I can monitor them. My hair won't get knots. I don't have to wash it daily so there's less manipulation.

When my hair is curly, it's hard for me to moisturize my ends. I spray them but I don't know if that's enough. I am not one for twists or styles that last several days to several weeks. When I wear my hair curly, I co-wash it daily. I lose some hair due to manipulation in the shower to detangle it. I get knots on my ends - I haven't figure out a surefire way to prevent these but I have been brushing every other day to make sure to pull through every strand. I can't tell that my ends are dried out/split/knotted until I straighten my hair. I don't want to lose 1-2 inches every time I straighten my hair b/c my ends are so dry.

When I first went natural, I could co-wash daily and not get knots, not get splits, not get dry ends and that worked fine. I am not sure why my hair is different now that it is longer.

I'm not sure what my question really is but I'm just looking for comments. Is it easier for you to keep your natural hair straight? If you keep it curly constantly, how do you prevent the dry ends/knots/splits?

I want to eventually even up my hair but if my layers keep being so dry, I'll have to keep trimming ALL layers and it will never catch up.

Any thoughts, opinions, advice are welcome.

 

[Sweetyb]

I think I know exactly what you mean about it being easier straight, but correct me if I'm wrong. I had serious problems with knots and tangling when I was in my "leave it coily" experimental stage. But I'm 4b and it just wasn't workin'. I can't do the "wash n go" like looser curled/coiled gals (if it's safe to say that). Besides, my ends would be too tangled. And if I trimmed them, they would go right back to their knotty condition in 2 weeks. As a result, I've lost so much growth from becoming sissors happy, many times cutting 3-4" at a time... and feeling good about it .

It would be hard to keep my ends moisturized too... especially when leaving my hair out in a fro or puffs, and in order to tuck my ends in, the curls had to be a little relaxed, by using a blow dryer, flat iron, or just having braided the hair up the night before for a smoother texture the next day.

I won't go into detail on how I remedied the problem because it's not a solution I would like to advocate (heat), but to say the least I don't wear my hair out coily n e more .

 

[nurseN98]

I have been having the same issues. I've started using products with silicone in them again because it helps reduce the tangles a bit. I also have been spritzing with water or a watery leave-in then some type of oil...usually castor mixed with coconut and jojoba) then I make 2 braids and put one of those plastic conditioning caps around the braids only then use a satin scarf over it. When I look at my ends they don't look as bad as they used to. I used to trim the splits as soon as they popped up and I'm not seeing as much as I used to. I'm gonna flat iron and trim my hair at some point so I'll really be able to see then if they've gotten better.

 

[sweetascocoa]

well, im getting the same problem as my hair gets longer. ive been co-washing daily and doing either the shake and go or wash and go but my ends are getted more tangly. the braid method of washing hair doesnt work for me. what works is detangling directly under the shower pressure "before" adding conditioner everyday. because i noticed that conditioner makes my hair super mushy and too soft making it prone to snapping.
now, i dont have to wash with conditioner. i just rinse with water then condition. i hope this works well

 

[caligirl]

Honestly, my hair is much easier to care for when its pressed. I usually oil the ends at night and put my hair into two braids. In the morning I fluff and go. Wearing my hair in its natural texture (kinky) I have to wet it any time I do any manipulation e.g. putting into pontail, braiding, etc. Plus, my hair always feels crispy once the water has evaporated. Its only been a month since my big chop so I'm trying to give my natural hair time. But I may go back to pressing every 2 weeks.

 

[inthepink]

Whew! I feel so much better knowing I'm not the only one struggling with this. I need to figure out if there's a way I can add regular straightening into my routine without ruining my hair (been there, done that). Yesterday, I straightened my hair with just a big barrel curling iron. I ran it through just one time on heat setting 9 (the same setting I used when I was relaxed and did my hair every 2 weeks). My roots are still wavy (always unless I use a high heat flat iron). I trimmed off 1/2 inch. I couldn't believe how bad my ends were after just 6 weeks when I used to be able to go 6 months!

I am thinking of getting a steam iron (a Conair or Maxiglide) and maybe try to wear my hair straight for two weeks (if I can handle the itchies) and then curly for two weeks.

More replies!! This is very interesting!

 

[FlowerHair]

I just keep my ends moisturized by moisturizing all the way from the bottom half of my hair down to the ends. I moisturize morning and evening, plus add a little water with my hands.
I cannot co-wash daily, I just wash with shampoo and conditioner/deep conditioner once or twice a week. When I co-washed my hair turned dry.

I only un-tangle my hair once a week, with my fingers, never with a comb or a brush. On all other days I ignore the tangles as long as my hair looks good.

I agree that the hair has stages that are more difficult than others, and time after time you need to invent a totally new regime. My hair was particularly difficult and tangly when it was growing past my shoulders.

 

[DDTexlaxed]

Right now, my hair is short so I usually wash no go. My hair is highly resistant to being flat ironed, so I don't use any heat. It's so hard to part and try twisting it now. I don't know how I''m gonna handle it when it gets longer. Does natural hair get easy to style when it gets longer? I have uber shrinkage. Can you guys tell me how you flat iron your hair- or is it beeter to press it w/ a pressing comb?

 

[Vshanell]

I feel the same way as you, with everything that you wrote, lol. I get those pesky knots too and sadly there is no way to prevent it. The coils jut curl into each other and pull themselves into a knot. I just straightend my hair after wearing it curly for a while and I can feel those knots everywhere! I have a bad habit of ripping them off.

For me I feel that straightened hair is so much easier. For two weeks I can just comb it and go. With curly hair, like you said it's harder to moisturize the ends and on a daily basis I have to re-wet my hair in order to keep it looking decent which is a pain. I've learned some tips on my curly journey, lol, and they've helped a lot but it's still more of a challenge than straight hair.

P.S. You'll love the maxiglide!!

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I'm having the same problem and I'm ready to texlax. I can't stand losing so much hair trying to comb out the tangles. After I rollerset my hair and wrap it, it's so much easier to handle. I can't take it anymore, so I'm making a change.

 

[Wildchild453]

I prefer it curly. I hated my hair straight and although it might be easier I hated the way it looked loaded with product. The knots are inevitable, there is very little that can be done about them so I tend not to worry. I'm having issues with moisturized ends but figured I'd go back to do what I did before I cut my hair - before going to bed, braid up hair into how ever many you want then moisturize your end with an oil or a cream that is moisture intense.

It may take awhile at first but once you get into a groove it should be fine and give your ends the added moisture it might need. I have to get back on this myself after I get a little trim

 

[ChocoKitty]

I think it's easier to analyze when straight. That's why I usually straighten once or twice a month. I'm still trying to figure out what product will allow it to be combed through while still curly. I liked curly pudding but it's expensive. Nasabb shea butter worked but I can't keep around too long. I'd have to buy several pounds of it... But maybe my natural hair is just not meant to be manipulated. I get those pesky knots too.

 

[scribblescrabble2]

I prefer my hair nappy because even though it is easier to see splits and stuff while my hair is straightened, it takes too much work and damage to get it that way. Plus the results don't last long. So now I trim my hair when it is in small individual braids.

And it is harder for me to moisturize straight hair because it is usually dried out from the heat.

 

[Aubergold]

I have been having the same issues. I've started using products with silicone in them again because it helps reduce the tangles a bit. I also have been spritzing with water or a watery leave-in then some type of oil...usually castor mixed with coconut and jojoba) then I make 2 braids and put one of those plastic conditioning caps around the braids only then use a satin scarf over it. When I look at my ends they don't look as bad as they used to. I used to trim the splits as soon as they popped up and I'm not seeing as much as I used to. I'm gonna flat iron and trim my hair at some point so I'll really be able to see then if they've gotten better.

wow, this is exactly my problem also. I've been doing what nurseN98 has been doing for a few days now and hoping to see some change. I was aching to get a texlax but I'm gonna until the end of the year, reasses how I feel about my hair then make a desicion.

 

[Qurlyqt]

If you had posed this question a month ago, my answer would have been "straight." I too was frustrated with the knots and still dealing with the frustration of mega hair loss following twists/twistouts. However, I had my hair pressed about a week ago and I must say that I'd MUCH rather deal with my hair curly than straight! I only had it straight for two days and it was SUCH a task! It rained, I was sweating indoors, I had to straighten it more than once because my hair was swelling before my eyes, it was too poofy to wrap, I had to roll it for volume, and the list goes on and on. Now, I'd much rather deal with my hair curly.

Now I will admit that I'm struggling with an easier curly regimen so if you come up with something, I'm all ears!

 

[Nightingale]

However, I had my hair pressed about a week ago and I must say that I'd MUCH rather deal with my hair curly than straight! I only had it straight for two days and it was SUCH a task! It rained, I was sweating indoors, I had to straighten it more than once because my hair was swelling before my eyes, it was too poofy to wrap, I had to roll it for volume, and the list goes on and on. Now, I'd much rather deal with my hair curly.
QUOTE]

Same here. I've gotten much better at straightening my hair, looks like I'm relaxed, but its a struggle keeping it straight. The elements seem to always be against me. I would much rather deal with my hair curly than straight, save it for every now and then.

 

[Guapa1]

I prefer my hair nappy because even though it is easier to see splits and stuff while my hair is straightened, it takes too much work and damage to get it that way. Plus the results don't last long. So now I trim my hair when it is in small individual braids.

And it is harder for me to moisturize straight hair because it is usually dried out from the heat.

i could have written this post. This is exactly how I feel.

 

[inthepink]

I know how to get my hair bone-straight and make it last two weeks and possibly more - that's with using high heat. I am just giving it a try using low heat and it's definitely not nearly as straight though I'm not fighting it. I will wear a braidout (which looks better on my straightened hair vs my natural hair). So, it's a struggle. I can't use high heat on my hair all the time and expect it to retain length either. I feel like I lose either way I go.

What I want whether straight or curly:
A style that looks cute to wear daily (preferably down a couple of days out of the week).
A way to moisturize my ends that ensures I get all ends.
No knots.
Minimals splits.
Zero frizzy ends.

Where is that? I found it when I was relaxed. Why can't I find it as a natural? I'm so frustrated.

 

[CLASSYEBONYGIRL]

I prefer to wear my hair curly because it doesn't require as much work as straight hair.I stopped detangling all together because I don't want to manipulate my hair at too much. The only time I detangle is right after I do a touch up and that's about it until I texturize again.

 

[Wildchild453]

My favorite place to look for style ideas right now is on this site:

http://66.218.71.231/language/trans...7363.aceboard.net/67363-2246-0-Techniques.htm

Its a French site(it translates) somone posted awhile ago and I did some diggin and found their techniques section. There are tons of pics in each section of styles, I can't wait to try some out so take a look and see what you find

 

[inthepink]

I think I figured out my problem!!! I started searching through my old files to figure out what I'm doing differently now versus a year to a year and a half ago when I first became completely all natural. I was moisturizing my hair with CD Hair Milk! (or Ginger Mango Fruit Whip or SILK ELEMENTS MegaSilk Leave In Hair Moisturizing Creme) I also used as my leave-in Mane n Tail Conditioner!

For the past 6+ months, I had been using Pink Oil (blech, I know) and then most recently, Elucence Moisture Balm. The Pink Oil is probably just plain bad due to mineral oil. I knew my hair didn't like mineral oil so why did I use it anyway?? The Elucence Moisture Balm isn't really a moisturizer so it probably wasn't giving me what I needed!!

So, I'm going back to what worked. I will straighten my hair again in 6 weeks to see how it's doing. Hopefully, I will see a dramatic change!

 

[Carlie]

Great thread!

 

[misspriss]

I think I figured out my problem!!! I started searching through my old files to figure out what I'm doing differently now versus a year to a year and a half ago when I first became completely all natural. I was moisturizing my hair with CD Hair Milk! (or Ginger Mango Fruit Whip or SILK ELEMENTS MegaSilk Leave In Hair Moisturizing Creme) I also used as my leave-in Mane n Tail Conditioner!

For the past 6+ months, I had been using Pink Oil (blech, I know) and then most recently, Elucence Moisture Balm. The Pink Oil is probably just plain bad due to mineral oil. I knew my hair didn't like mineral oil so why did I use it anyway?? The Elucence Moisture Balm isn't really a moisturizer so it probably wasn't giving me what I needed!!

So, I'm going back to what worked. I will straighten my hair again in 6 weeks to see how it's doing. Hopefully, I will see a dramatic change!

I heart CD Hair Milk too! I've been battling with my hair, so this thread is really helpful. It seems like everytime I find a routine, something happens and my hair changes and it no longer works. I usually wear twists or pony puffs but I'm trying out rollersets and it's going well! As soon as I perfect it, I'll posts pics-but it's a minimal heat, longer lasting style that is easy to maintain and manipulate. And for the record...I HATE KNOTS-I'm on a personal "stop cutting off the knots because I'm sabatoging my growth" challenge, but it's sooo hard! Hopefully the sets will help this too.

 

[EbonyEyes]

I think I figured out my problem!!! I started searching through my old files to figure out what I'm doing differently now versus a year to a year and a half ago when I first became completely all natural. I was moisturizing my hair with CD Hair Milk! (or Ginger Mango Fruit Whip or SILK ELEMENTS MegaSilk Leave In Hair Moisturizing Creme) I also used as my leave-in Mane n Tail Conditioner!

For the past 6+ months, I had been using Pink Oil (blech, I know) and then most recently, Elucence Moisture Balm. The Pink Oil is probably just plain bad due to mineral oil. I knew my hair didn't like mineral oil so why did I use it anyway?? The Elucence Moisture Balm isn't really a moisturizer so it probably wasn't giving me what I needed!!

So, I'm going back to what worked. I will straighten my hair again in 6 weeks to see how it's doing. Hopefully, I will see a dramatic change!

HairLove!! Pink Oil? What were you thinking about girl?!? LOL.

I really hope going back to what worked really helps you out. You have amazing hair!

 

[PittGirl06]

hairlove, you hair makes me feel warm and mushy inside.

 

[inthepink]

I heart CD Hair Milk too! I've been battling with my hair, so this thread is really helpful. It seems like everytime I find a routine, something happens and my hair changes and it no longer works. I usually wear twists or pony puffs but I'm trying out rollersets and it's going well! As soon as I perfect it, I'll posts pics-but it's a minimal heat, longer lasting style that is easy to maintain and manipulate. And for the record...I HATE KNOTS-I'm on a personal "stop cutting off the knots because I'm sabatoging my growth" challenge, but it's sooo hard! Hopefully the sets will help this too.

I can't wait to hear how you rollerset natural hair!! I am too afraid to even attempt it.

 

[inthepink]

HairLove!! Pink Oil? What were you thinking about girl?!? LOL.

I really hope going back to what worked really helps you out. You have amazing hair!

Thanks Ebony! I don't know what I was thinking - I was being cheap, I guess!

 

[inthepink]

hairlove, you hair makes me feel warm and mushy inside.

hehe...Thanks

 

[Ntrlmystik]

Like someone in the forum mentioned earlier, it is easier for me when my hair is straight but the process of straightening is to rigorous for my hair to endure on the regular even though I love the look. For me everthing is best in moderation...the straight and the curly.

 

[nurseN98]

What I want whether straight or curly:
A style that looks cute to wear daily (preferably down a couple of days out of the week).
A way to moisturize my ends that ensures I get all ends.
No knots.
Minimals splits.
Zero frizzy ends.

Where is that? I found it when I was relaxed. Why can't I find it as a natural? I'm so frustrated.

I forgot this part, I've been putting on my products a different way as well. I've been taking some leave-in and putting some on the ends and throughout then I take a section and just twist the whole section all the way down to the tip which forces leave-in to come down the shaft all the way to the ends. This is the only way I know my hair is being moisturized the best. The only problem is that it's a little bit frizzier but my ends have been staying more moisturized this way.