Long-time reader, used-to-be poster, just starting to post again.
Today, a co-worker and I were talking about the differences between caring for straight hair (mine) vs. wavy/curly hair (hers). I told her I'd drop a line by the MLHH and see if anyone knew an answer to the following question:
"Are there any way(s) to straighten curly or wavy hair without the use of (harmful amounts of) heat or use of chemical treatments--temporary OR permanent?"
I've read a few times (and have experienced it with my own curly hair) that by tying it back while it is wet - perhaps braiding or using multiple elastics for a banded tail - and letting it dry that way will result in a less curly or wavy hair style when it is finally removed from the binding. If it gets wet, though, the curls/waves start to come right back in.
All the best!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)