new thread
For a little while I've been curious to see exactly how long my hair would be without the curls, and the other night I finally got around to straightening it and seeing how it was progressing. This was the result! I also included a picture of how my hair normally is for comparison.
As my hair gets longer, I might straighten it every now and then, depending on whether or not I want to look a bit more dressed up and professional than normal. Can anyone recommend any conditioners or shampoos that would help protect my hair a little when I'm straightening it? Right now I just use shampoo when washing my hair, so I could probably stand to start using conditioner soon as well. What should I look for in a conditioner that would be good for regular use, but provide a little protection of the off chance I want to straighten my hair sometime?
Terry
Hello again. I have similar hair to yours and for the first two years had it permanently straightened. With straightened hair the ends dry out more and are fragile and using more conditioner to keep them maintained is essential. I live in Australia and have been using the Al'chemy organic shampoo for the past 3 years with success. I would recommend the Macadamia and Wheat Protein treatment Conditioner. This brand of organic shampoo is very gentle on the scalp and doesn't have the harsher additives of the more mainstream shampoo and conditioners. You may have either normal, dry or oily scalp or combination so choose the right shampoo. Stuff retails for around $24 for a 500ml bottle but is well worth it. If you are using one of those hair iron straighteners using spray on serum prior to using the heat will help protect them better. I cannot remember for the life of me which one I used as it's been more then 2 years since using any heat on the hair. If you want to see what your hair type may look like long see the member drquartz1970 at The Long Hair community forum website. Look under members list then hair type 3a-3b. In the hair photos you can see the progression from straightened hair to natural hair transition. cheers, duncan
Hello Terry: For what it is worth I think you look fine with your curly hair, not sure I would straighten your hair. To me you look great.
Tom (Hairboy)
I have hair not as curly but wavy enough to need flat ironing for the smooth look I prefer. However, my stylist talked me into trying the CHI Enviro smoothing system, which is an organic procedure not quite as invasive as the usual straightening methods. It's pricey (~$150) but actually comes with special smoothing shampoo, conditioner and gloss, and even a CHI flat iron (I got a discount by letting the stylist keep the flat iron, since I have one already). It works amazingly well and feels great! I almost never need the flat iron now, except for fixing "bed hair" in the morning.
Terry,
I agree with what Hairboy(Tom)said and think your hair looks much better when it isn't straightened. I also question why you think your hair would look more "professional" when it is straightened. 45+ years ago some African Americans straightened their hair so they might be able to fit into "white" job and societal circles. It didn't work.--- Just my 2 cents worth!
Keep it growin'and flowin'!
peace, jonalbear
It might sound a little strange, but whenever I straighten my hair it just feels more professional to me. The only time I can ever shape my hair when brushing it is right after washing it, and it's not really practical to constantly wash it then wait for it to dry into a good shape. Straightening it gives me the chance to style it a bit, and gives me a sense that I'm dressing up a bit.
Mostly I'm happy with my hair as it is naturally, but like I said sometimes I want to do things a little differently.
Terry,
That's cool. Whatever works for you.
peace, jonalbear
i amm an Aussie addict. I use there shampoo and conditioner daily and once a week replace the conditioner with aussie 3 minute miracle conditioner. I am constantly coloring my hair due to gray hair (ugh im only 27) and my stylist always says how healthy my hair is since switching to aussie years ago