I Officially Hate The Way I Look With Natural Hair

[CaraWalker]

yeah, im over it.

i thought it was important to be like "oh im a black person and i dont have straight hair so this is what my hair looks like so everyone deal with it!"

but now im like

this **** is really detracting from my attractiveness factor and i really dont want to feel like i dont get to have a life unless i sew somebody else's hair on my head. and i mean yes im sad about this but also let's just put the rhetoric aside and face the facts, i dont look attractive this way ok

i have a round face and it makes my face look much rounder and my eyes extremely small

my hair is lengthwise into my back now and i dont get to exploit that

and its very nice and pretty and everything but i will never be thin enough to look chic with a little cloud of puffs on my head

so what are my options?

i cannot seem to grow any hair with a relaxer because it will all break off although i might be confounding that with the frequency of which i used to flat iron

i dont know about a BKT because isnt that made with formaldehyde and doesnt everybody always have to chop their hair off after they do it?

i could texlax to loosen it out some but i feel like i would accidentally end up relaxing my whole head

what can i do????

 

[InBloom]

When had relaxed hair....did you know as much about better haircare practices then as you do now?

I don't know what the answer should be for you, but I know what it is to place importance on personal attractiveness.

We select clothing options that complement our physique. We select make-up/nail polish/accessories to complement our appearance.

I feel like hair is no different....something to be styled to our own personal liking.

If a haircut, piece of clothing, shade of make-up doesn't work-we change it to something that does.

If your hair styling options are connected to something deeper...then my superficial opinion doesn't jive. But if you're talking about manageability of styling and having the appearance of what you deem "pretty" hair- do what works for you.

Now, if you choose to texlax/relax...please consider the Straight from Eden line from Cream of Nature as a choice.

It's still a relaxer, but much gentler (IMO) than some of the other relaxer kits. No burning, and marketed as a less harsh chemical process. Though a process nonetheless. I've used it and liked it for my last few touch-ups.

 

[CaraWalker]

If your hair styling options are connected to something deeper...then my superficial opinion doesn't jive. But if you're talking about manageability of styling and having the appearance of what you deem "pretty" hair- do what works for you.

im talking about the fact that i look like i have a cloud of cotton on my head and it is in no way attractive.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

What about becoming a Straight-Haired Natural and getting a Blow Dry/Flat Iron?

They have skills now where this Technique gives you the look of Relaxed Hair, by simply Blow Drying and Flat Ironing the Hair.

So, the need for chemical alterations (BKT etc...) is not even necessary anymore.

Also, check out the Straight Haired Naturals Thread for tips & techniques.

HTH

 

[CaraWalker]

What about becoming a Straight-Haired Natural and getting a Blow Dry/Flat Iron.

They have skills now where this Technique gives you the look of Relaxed Hair, by simply Blow Drying and Flat Ironing the Hair. So, the need for chemical alterations (BKT etc...) is not even necessary anymore.

Also, check out the Straight Haired Naturals Thread for tips & techniques.

HTH

who has skills/techniques?

i have identified the straight hair tools and products i want but it will basically cost 500$ and i dont even know if any of that stuff is going to work out (all new things ive never tried before)

 

[IDareT'sHair]

If you 'chose' to go to a Salon that specialize/does Natural Hair. They are out there and perform the service with very little 'reversion'. Make an appointment or do a consult.

You could even develop the skills yourself to do a proper blow dry/flat iron if you chose that route by investing in a good heat protectant, blow dryer and/or flat iron.

I would still recommend you visit the Straight haired naturals thread.

 

[CaraWalker]

If you 'chose' to go to a Salon that specialize/does Natural Hair. They are out there and perform the service with very little 'reversion'. Make an appointment or do a consult.

You could even develop the skills yourself to do a proper blow dry/flat iron if you chose that route by investing in a good heat protectant, blow dryer and/or flat iron.

I would still recommend you visit the Straight haired naturals thread.

im looking for it now. i can never find that thread when i want it.

ideally id like to learn to straighten my hair myself. its not even hard to straighten, i could do it with the right tools. plus im scared to let a salon straighten my hair again. i think im going to at least once though because i have identified two salons in my city that supposedly specialize in straightening natural hair and one of them is only 65$ for a press.

 

[InBloom]

Seems like, you don't like the look of puffs on you. You don't want to use chemicals. You don't want to use weaves/wigs. You don't want to spend the money to be a straight-haired natural.

I imagine you've tried other hairstyles (twists, sets, etc.)

Consider braids?

 

[CaraWalker]

Seems like, you don't like the look of puffs on you. You don't want to use chemicals. You don't want to use weaves/wigs. You don't want to spend the money to be a straight-haired natural.

I imagine you've tried other hairstyles (twists, sets, etc.)

Consider braids?

i dont want your help. thanks. bye.

 

[CaraWalker]

A multi-vitamin spray that protects hair from heat styling up to 450°F while restoring hydration and strength.

Caviar CC Cream or “Complete Correction” cream is a miracle leave-in product that perfects hair in 10 different and unbelievable ways. It provides moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat protection, light hold, UV protection, manageability, and strength—everything your hair needs to look absolutely beautiful, healthy, and flawless. This 10-in-one formula can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products.

With an exceptionally high level of thermal protection of up to 428 degrees, this multitasking formula provides maximum anti-breakage protection from chemical treatments and tools so hair is not only repaired and replenished, but also thoroughly protected inside and out. It works to detangle, soften, and create a protective moisturizing barrier around the hair's outer layer, eliminating dryness and brittleness while naturally increasing its strength and elasticity.

This powerful treatment repairs and replenishes damaged hair, restores and reinforces hair strength, and prevents future breakage. It absorbs instantly and won't leave greasy residue on pillows or sheets. The more you use it, the healthier your hair becomes.

Designed to provide you with faster, healthier styling, the Karmin Salon Series Hair Straightener brings hair straightening to a whole new level. Featuring 100% pure ceramic plates and ionic technology, results are smooth, glossy strands which are certain to turn heads!

In just one pass, the floating ceramic plates gently glide over the hair while the far infrared ceramic heater safely and effectively styles hair for long lasting results. With adjustable heat settings, even the most stubborn of hair types are no match for this iron. Straight, wavy or curly styles are full of shine and frizz and flyaways are a thing of the past.

Ergonomic, slim design, 30 second heat up and heavy duty 3 meter swivel cord have this iron at the top of every Professional Stylists ‘Must Have’ list while the Worldwide voltage and 60 minute auto shut off features have home users favouring this iron.

You’ve never seen anything like it. The New Karmin Salon Series Professional Hair Dryer provides superior power, faster, healthier styling and flawless results in an ultralight design unlike any other.

Specifically designed to prevent damage and dry out, the Karmin Salon Series Hair Dryer features an Electronic Ion Generator which works to generate over 300 million negative ions reducing drying time by 70% while adding brilliant shine and leaving hair feeling smooth and soft. With the choice of negative or positive ions, no matter your hair type or styling needs, with the flick of a switch you have complete control over humidity, frizz and flyaways.

Pure ceramic coils and far infrared ceramic outlet mesh work together to provide moist ceramic heat and far infrared rays to not only prevent heat damage, static and frizz but improve the hair's moisture balance while you blow dry.

Ergonomically designed to prevent fatigue, the Karmin Salon Series hair dryer is 50% lighter and 10 times more durable than comparable dryers. It’s ultralight design dramatically reduces hand and wrist discomfort while its anti slip design gives you ultimate control.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Ionic, Ceramic, Tourmaline are always good places to start when looking to straighten Natural Hair.

Lemme see if I can find that Thread.

 

[CaraWalker]

Ionic, Ceramic, Tourmaline are always good places to start when looking to straighten Natural Hair.

Lemme see if I can find that Thread.

i found it. now im looking to see what kind of flat irons they use.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

@CaraWalker
Great! I found it too.

https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/straight-hair-naturals-support-thread.196649/unread

Hopefully, you'll find a Solution. I'll be following this thread.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Sorry you're going through this. I hope you find something that you can be content with. Big

 

[ScorpioLove]

Which product did you buy?

A multi-vitamin spray that protects hair from heat styling up to 450°F while restoring hydration and strength.

Caviar CC Cream or “Complete Correction” cream is a miracle leave-in product that perfects hair in 10 different and unbelievable ways. It provides moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat protection, light hold, UV protection, manageability, and strength—everything your hair needs to look absolutely beautiful, healthy, and flawless. This 10-in-one formula can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products.

With an exceptionally high level of thermal protection of up to 428 degrees, this multitasking formula provides maximum anti-breakage protection from chemical treatments and tools so hair is not only repaired and replenished, but also thoroughly protected inside and out. It works to detangle, soften, and create a protective moisturizing barrier around the hair's outer layer, eliminating dryness and brittleness while naturally increasing its strength and elasticity.

This powerful treatment repairs and replenishes damaged hair, restores and reinforces hair strength, and prevents future breakage. It absorbs instantly and won't leave greasy residue on pillows or sheets. The more you use it, the healthier your hair becomes.

Designed to provide you with faster, healthier styling, the Karmin Salon Series Hair Straightener brings hair straightening to a whole new level. Featuring 100% pure ceramic plates and ionic technology, results are smooth, glossy strands which are certain to turn heads!

In just one pass, the floating ceramic plates gently glide over the hair while the far infrared ceramic heater safely and effectively styles hair for long lasting results. With adjustable heat settings, even the most stubborn of hair types are no match for this iron. Straight, wavy or curly styles are full of shine and frizz and flyaways are a thing of the past.

Ergonomic, slim design, 30 second heat up and heavy duty 3 meter swivel cord have this iron at the top of every Professional Stylists ‘Must Have’ list while the Worldwide voltage and 60 minute auto shut off features have home users favouring this iron.

You’ve never seen anything like it. The New Karmin Salon Series Professional Hair Dryer provides superior power, faster, healthier styling and flawless results in an ultralight design unlike any other.

Specifically designed to prevent damage and dry out, the Karmin Salon Series Hair Dryer features an Electronic Ion Generator which works to generate over 300 million negative ions reducing drying time by 70% while adding brilliant shine and leaving hair feeling smooth and soft. With the choice of negative or positive ions, no matter your hair type or styling needs, with the flick of a switch you have complete control over humidity, frizz and flyaways.

Pure ceramic coils and far infrared ceramic outlet mesh work together to provide moist ceramic heat and far infrared rays to not only prevent heat damage, static and frizz but improve the hair's moisture balance while you blow dry.

Ergonomically designed to prevent fatigue, the Karmin Salon Series hair dryer is 50% lighter and 10 times more durable than comparable dryers. It’s ultralight design dramatically reduces hand and wrist discomfort while its anti slip design gives you ultimate control.

 

[CaraWalker]

Which product did you buy?

none. yet cause theyre all like 25-40 bucks each if not more idr. so 400 on tools and about another 100 on products. i still havent decided on a shampoo/conditioner though. i dont think i want theirs.

 

[ScorpioLove]

Ok I'm looking for a new heat protectant. Right now I use a combination of chi iron guard and the silk elements one.

You might like the chi thermal conditioner before flat ironing. I think it makes my hair take less time to flat iron.

ETA: it's actually the chi keratin conditioner that I have.

 

[overtherainbow]

yeah, im over it.

i thought it was important to be like "oh im a black person and i dont have straight hair so this is what my hair looks like so everyone deal with it!"

but now im like

this **** is really detracting from my attractiveness factor and i really dont want to feel like i dont get to have a life unless i sew somebody else's hair on my head. and i mean yes im sad about this but also let's just put the rhetoric aside and face the facts, i dont look attractive this way ok

i have a round face and it makes my face look much rounder and my eyes extremely small

my hair is lengthwise into my back now and i dont get to exploit that

and its very nice and pretty and everything but i will never be thin enough to look chic with a little cloud of puffs on my head

so what are my options?

i cannot seem to grow any hair with a relaxer because it will all break off although i might be confounding that with the frequency of which i used to flat iron

i dont know about a BKT because isnt that made with formaldehyde and doesnt everybody always have to chop their hair off after they do it?

i could texlax to loosen it out some but i feel like i would accidentally end up relaxing my whole head

what can i do????

To fix the first bolded point, I would get a nice hair cut. I dunno what exactly your curls/coils/zigzags look like but you might be a good candidate for a diva cut (or the natural hair equivalent, can't remember the name) depending on how you wear your hair everyday. I have a heart shaped face and I swear I thought my head looked HUGE with some styles until I found time to give myself a shape up.

As for the BKT, I've had three keratin treatments back to back in a 9 month period and my coils bounced back each time. I do have course strands so this might also be a factor. I used GK brand which I think has very little if any formaldehyde.

 

[CaraWalker]

To fix the first bolded point, I would get a nice hair cut. I dunno what exactly your curls/coils/zigzags look like but you might be a good candidate for a diva cut (or the natural hair equivalent, can't remember the name) depending on how you wear your hair everyday. I have a heart shaped face and I swear I thought my head looked HUGE with some styles until I found time to give myself a shape up.

As for the BKT, I've had three keratin treatments back to back in a 9 month period and my coils bounced back each time. I do have course strands so this might also be a factor. I used GK brand which I think has very little if any formaldehyde.

oof. i have extremely fragile strands. so thanks for that information

 

[yaya24]

How long have you been natural?

Get a bkt or become a heat trained natural. If done with care, either option could be an awesome solution for you.

Think back to WHY you became natural. If your relaxed hair was healthy and thriving, maybe you should relax again.

Hair is really not suppose to stress you out. You have soo many options.

 

[BlackRinse]

Same OP. My hair started to seriously depress me. So i've been wearing a wig for the past month and a half. To avoid any impulsive actions.

 

[whiteoleander91]

none. yet cause theyre all like 25-40 bucks each if not more idr. so 400 on tools and about another 100 on products. i still havent decided on a shampoo/conditioner though. i dont think i want theirs.

The way I see it it's $400 upfront for quality tools that you can use for years vs spending at least that much every year in salons. Think of it as an investment!

Have you considered roller setting?

 

[Leo24Rule]

What does BKT stand for & what does it do?

 

[Coilystep]

Have you looked into that texture manageability system by beautiful textures. It supposedly doesn't have chemicals. If you don't care for your current texture this could be an option. I know chime Edwards had it done like a year ago but didn't what her texture to change so she ended up cutting her hair. Check out her YouTube she gives her experience. If you perfer straight hair I would think this would be a good option for you. I think design essentials also has a staightening system as well. There are so many more options today. Your hair should not be stressing you. You shouldn't feel bad preferring straight hair.

 

[yaya24]

What does BKT stand for & what does it do?

Brazilian Keratin Treatment
Seals keratin into the strands with blowdry and flat iron application.

 

[bklynbornNbred]

@stephanie75miller you must not have watched the follow up videos where chime shows how that product damaged her hair

@CaraWalker my $.02 before you buy a bunch of priducts/tools you don't know how to use find/go to a salon in your area that does natural hair. Get a full consultation & suggestions for tools/products you can use at home.

I have round face also so I get that longer hair looks better on us. I ended my transition earlier than planned and my shrinkage had me initially daydreaming about relaxing again even though thats not what I need long term. Straight natural regimen doesn't work with my exercise schedule. I know my frustration will ease up when I have more length so until then wigs will do for me. Hope you figure out what will work for you.

 

[Honey Bee]

none. yet cause theyre all like 25-40 bucks each if not more idr. so 400 on tools and about another 100 on products. i still havent decided on a shampoo/conditioner though. i dont think i want theirs.

Kerastase and L'Anza (sp?) have good lines of heat protectant/ nourishment for mechanically straightened hair. Kerastase is in the same range of the line you posted, but I think L'Anza might be a tiny bit cheaper across the board.

 

[PJaye]

Before spending any money or making any decisions, I strongly advise you to do a boatload of research on the subject in order to ascertain which tools, techniques and products that will be most effective for you, e.g., what type of heat protectant your hair responds to - serums or sprays; to comb chase or not to comb chase; whether it's best to blow dry or air dry prior to straightening; which DCs, treatments, leave-ins and stylers to use before, during and afterward; flatirons versus straightening combs; what temperature will be most effective and least damaging; etc. I also recommend that you proceed methodically and without haste, taking a lot of notes as you go along. Above all, weigh all the pros and cons of each option and technique, and do what's best for the health and maintenance of your hair's needs and preferences. I wish you the best on your new journey.

 

[DarkAngell]

I love this post OP. I'm with you. 2 days ago I told me husband the same thing. I AM OVER IT. I went natural in 2008 and have alternated between natural and texlaxed since then. This August I BCed and went back to natural. And I'm here to tell you I'm over it. I just can't seem to get it to look as nice as others! I've got patches of 3b, 3c, and 4a and they're all at war on my head. I've decided to get braids on and off for the next year and then once I have 12 months of growth (more or less), I'll go back to relaxing.

 

[Muse]

I feel you. I think I look better with straight hair too so I am a straight hair natural. I would not recommend BKT. It's all good in the beginning but that extreme heat catches up especially if your strands are fragile. I had hair breaking off mid length! Plus the formaldehyde exposure is NOT worth it IMO.

That Alterna line looks pretty good. I have never tried it before but I did just buy one of their scalp exfoliating products to try. I personally have had good success with two lines. It's a 10! and Living Proof. It's a 10! gives me relaxer straight results but it's heavier on my fine 4b strands. Living Proof is weightless and makes my hair feel amazing but there's a lot more volume which is what the product is supposed to deliver but I don't need volume. It just depends on your needs/wants. Don't feel bad for having a preference. You tried natural hair and just prefer straight which is fine. I also think with the advice on this board you can straighten regularly and successfully with minimal damage.