Need tips on how to prevent permanent straightening or training of natural hair?

[Lucia]

Gurus' how would you prevent training, or permanent straightening from flat ironing or pressing, sometimes heat protectants are the culprit too. Tips suggestions? TIA

 

[TCatt86]

Ummmm heat protectant and a prayer, lol!! It's always a risk when you straighten, but I do suggest doing a protein treatment and mosturizing conditioner prior to straightening. And not too many passes with the flat iron, which I'm guilty of.

 

[Irresistible]

Good question Lucia......

Seeing as though I thought for years my hair wasn't trained or texture hadn't changed with more frequent pressing than I do know (which is rarely now)

(how could I know that if I straightened somewhat frequently from day one of going natural?)

I would like to know too

my hair has thrived more over the last few years than it did in a time span of a decade natural with hardly no heat

just posted pics in 1star's thread earlier
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showpost.php?p=9467702&postcount=12

 

[jamaraa]

Turn the heat down, don't use it often. If you're REALLY worried about "heat training" simply use no heat. Choose your poison.

 

[Lucia]

Turn the heat down, don't use it often. If you're REALLY worried about "heat training" simply use no heat. Choose your poison.

Using heat less is an option but I still do like to be able to do some straight styles, I just want to be careful when I do.

 

[jennboo]

I honestly don't think there is a sure fire way to prevent heat damage other than simply not using heat.

 

[locabouthair]

I think some people can get away with doing a rollerset and a light blow out or one pass of the flat iron. Basically let the rollerset "stretch" the hair. Just an idea.

When I was natural I got heat damage on my ends. But the stylist gave me that fresh relaxer look with her press. It looked good but I got split ends and she ended burning off parts of my hair

But I would suggest not going for that bone straight look because that requires more heat and a higher chance of heat damage. Try aiming for that "texlaxed" look.

 

[gymfreak336]

Use heat responsibly which means you monitor your usage of it and you use high quality appliances. Use products designed to help straighten hair more easily and keep it in that state to reduce the amount of manipulation you need to get it done.

 

[NikStarrr]

Using only a couple passes tops with the flat iron, on a fairly low setting (I use 375 degrees F). Also, not blowdrying (in the traditional way). I airdry overnight in large braids, in the morning it's about 85-90% dry, so then I dry it the rest of the way with PinkSkates tension method on low heat to stretch out a little bit more--this method doesn't involve a comb or brush. Then I flat iron using the comb chase method--two swipes. My hair hasn't been trained one bit--even though sometimes I think that I wouldn't mind if it did! lol

 

[BostonMaria]

I think some people can get away with doing a rollerset and a light blow out or one pass of the flat iron. Basically let the rollerset "stretch" the hair. Just an idea.

When I was natural I got heat damage on my ends. But the stylist gave me that fresh relaxer look with her press. It looked good but I got split ends and she ended burning off parts of my hair

But I would suggest not going for that bone straight look because that requires more heat and a higher chance of heat damage. Try aiming for that "texlaxed" look.

Yeah that's me. I have been rollersetting my natural hair for over 2 years now and my hair reverts back to its curly state with no problem. Let me also mention that I deep condition at least an hour right before I rollerset. I also deep condition for at least an hour once I wash my hair again. I won't blow dry my wet hair because I notice it doesn't look as nice, plus I don't want all that heat on my hair. My CHI doesn't have a setting, but I do make sure to use a leave-in conditioner before rollersetting just to ensure my hair has enough moisture. I also use a heat protectant serum right before using the flatiron.

Don't take any short cuts when flatironing your hair. If you forget to use a hair serum or maybe forget to leave some conditioner in your hair it could lead to a set back. I rollerset more in the winter and follow-up with a protective style, especially at night.

The bone straight look is nice, but not worth the setbacks. Big bouncy hair looks gorgeous and can last for days. Good luck!

 

[Whimsy]

It's not an issue for me. I'm guessing because I only have to pass the maxiglide over each section once to get it straight. So maybe it's not a lot of heat?

I'd suggest, making sure your hair is healthy before you straighten, moisturize, and don't use heat too often.