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I'm going to get a reverse perm on my curly hair, that has been growing for about 3 years, and is around 16 inches long (a few trims in the process, nice condition, but a little thin and dry).
Believe me, I know that 'natural is better' and all that; a year ago I never would have said this, and truly loved curly hair. However, I've been having a lot of stress in my life lately, combined with a tendency to be lazy...and I must say, it's not good to pin the blame on long hair, but when you have long, curly hair, it's not really that easy to just 'get up and go' each morning-at least that's the case with me, perhaps others are better at dealing with curly hair. Things got so bad, I even considered cutting off my hair, not to bow into anyone else's pressure, but because of my own pressure, and honestly, having short hair would be a lot of less of a hassle--with things like morning routines, after exercising, camping, etc..
However, since I've started thinking like this, and even considered cutting my hair, I've realized that I might as well go 'unnatural' long hair and just get a straight perm, I have yearned for the ease of straight hair at some points. Certainly worth trying before I cut it. I'm just not enjoying curly hair as much as I used to, since it needs to be tied up most of the time anyway, so whatever.
Anyone had experience with this kind of stuff, or any thoughts on it?
Have a good one
I would advise against the perm. perming can cause severe damage to your hair. Just let your hair be. Try to keep your mind off the curliness and unruliness. Don't start feeling apathetic about your hair. Just think how long it took you to grow 16 inches of curly hair. feel better about your hair and keep it growing!!!! =)
'christopher'
I suggest keeping it natural, as I have heard that perms can cause significant damage. I personally used to use straightening irons on a near daily basis and caused considerable damage. (I have wavy rather than really curly hair and would love straight hair but have accepted that if I want healthy hair I need to keep it natural.) I wised up 2 months ago after discovering this board and read up on how to care for long hair. It does need to be your decision but you really need to think long and hard about changing what nature gave you.
David
Ive honestly considered getting my hair permed as well. I know its damaging *probably alot as well*, but i can understand the stress of getting up every morning spending 20-45 mins trying to get your hair decent enough to go outside, and later during the day it gets all messy/poofy again Or shorter looking if your curls tend to tighten up when wet/sweat, etc.
So i can understand why you would want a perm, I know its very hard but ill have to recommend against it if you want to keep your hair in tip top shape.
I understand what you mean....and I know that natural is better for being in good shape. But with the way things are going now, and my frustration, I'll probably cut it all off if I don't do something like this (what can I say).
Also, I have spoken to many women who have had their hair straightened like this, and I've touched their hair, and it certainly seemed to be in decent shape to me, certainly better than mine. Even if there hair is not the epitome of healthy hair, I've never heard of a girl having to get rid of her hair after a straightening treatment. As far as other stuff like irons and colouring, I'm not into that....but I don't think straightening treatments, such as Japanese straightening are nearly as bad as that, unless one simply hates anything unnatural. I used to love my natural curly hair, but at this point I don't really care about what it is natural, and as I said, there are many women out there who have had treatments like this with hair in fine shape, at least in my perception, which could be wrong.
And I might love the straight hair after I get...I know I'll appreciate the ease.
My hair is about half the length of yours, but curly as well, but I have found something, stumbled upon something, that has made my life a whole lot easier with curly hair.
I used to use lots of gel and think that I had to wash and comb and gel my hair to get it to look ideal. Getting up early to take a shower, detangling carefully, making sure each lock was not frizzy, etc.
Then, I tried some leave-in conditioner. I started washing my hair at night, letting it dry before going to bed, and then getting up in the morning and going.
This is what I have been doing. I am using "Graham Webb Silk Protein Leave-in Conditioner."
1) Wake up with wild and unruly hair sticking out everywhere.
2) Brush teeth, and then with wet hands, take some of the conditioner (about the size of a US dime), rub hands together, then run hands first over top of hair and act like you are tying it back.
3) Wet hands again, run over hair again like you are gathering up your hair and work the conditioner into the ends all the way down. Even wet your hands again and get a little moisture into your hair.
4) Then, kind of separate and twist separate sections gently to define locks. Shake your hair side to side to get it all sorted out.
This is so easy and takes about TWO minutes. I have found that my hair looks just as good after doing this little routine than freshly washing and combing and gelling and waiting to dry and all that long song and dance. You never even have to comb it or worry about tangling.
When you go to wash your hair the next time, it will be so soft from all the conditioner, and you will not believe it!
And if during the day, the wind gets you, then just wet your hands again and run them over your hair, like gathering it to tie it back. It works, I swear.
Good luck! Bragi
From what I've read, the Japanese hair straightening treatment is quite a bit different than a regular straight perm, and can leave your hair in good condition. However, it is also very expensive.
Another thing to consider is what your hair will look like as the perm grows out, with the new growth near the roots curly. The weight of your hair may straighten that out some, if your hair is long enough.
Hey, Force.
Whatever you choose to do, I hope you are happy about the outcome.
If you do try to straighten it, I think you should post some before and after pics, even close-ups of the ends so others can so how damaging a single treatment is (or isn't).
I would definately try Bragi's styling tip, thogh, before you do it. It might afford you the ease you are hoping to get from the straightening without the risk (and cost) associated with straightening.
Keep us posted.
Shawn (Mr. Crow)
Hi Force,
chemical perming is even more aggressive than chemical dyeing, and, straightening is usually NOT permanent. This means, you have sustained PERMANENT damage without PERMANENT straightening.
Chemical straighteners contain the same substances as epilating creams, the stuff some girls use to keep their legs hairless and smooth! So, they directly destroy and dissolve the hair - a bit like Drano. I used perms for straightening years ago, and I ended up having to cut off some 6-8 inches - ouch, that hurts!
Chemically straightened hair tends to go frizzy within about two to three weeks after the action, by the way. If you find some mild method, you might try that instead. Even straightening with a hot iron is not as bad as the chemical deal!
Try to find some other tricks instead, like the straightening iron followed by a good leave-in conditioner. You'll be happier with the long-term result. Or, wear your hair braided - that will also pull it a bit straighter than it is now, even though braids involve curls in a way. Or, use plenty of leave-in conditioner, and place dozens of hair bands into your hair for a day, like a pony tail where all the hair is hidden in hair bands. Take them off after a day, and your hair will be straighter for a few days.
Post some pictures if you feel comfortable doing so.
All the best!
Hans-Uwe