Is flatironing with SMB 1x/week too much?

[Faith]

I'm 4b/a and I want to wear my hair straightened but I also want to condition it more often. So I was thinking washing and flatironing 1x/week. Too much??

 

[Qualitee]

I think thats too much. Even if you use a heat protectant. Everyother week is fine

 

[ladylibra]

i did this 3 weeks in a row and my hair was fine. but... it wasn't long-term either so...

i guess see how it works for you, and adjust accordingly.

 

[naturalgurl]

I agree, once a week is a bit much. That's a lot of heat. Look for an alternative up do for the following week so you can flat iron only once every two weeks. Like Tanisha said, even with a heat protectant, that's seems a bit much. When in doubt, DON'T DO IT!

 

[Mook's hair]

I don't know if it's too much but if you are gonna try it, I suggest the you deep condition the same day, each time you flat iron it.
When I was relaxed, I flat ironde my hair once a week, but I always dc'd first. And I did not see much damage. There was a tiny bit of damage to my ends in one spot.

 

[Muse]

I think you'd have to see if you can handle it. I think you have a leg up because you're not relaxed but also are you gonna blow dry first? Also what temp will you set the iron to? I think you should probably do every other week or maybe at the most 3 weeks straight 1 week off? Some people can do this weekly with no problem but you won't know if you can handle it unless you try and your hair looks great I'd be VERY careful if you do choose to experiment. BTW great choice of protectant

 

[Rina]

I flat iron my hair every week [for three weeks] then wear it naturally curly for a week. I do not agree with flat ironing every week [I know I know] but when you wash it weekly you can always try different styles that alternate you from using the flat ironm like roller setting it and styling it that way. That is actually what I am trying to get the hang of doing now.

 

[Muse]

I flat iron my hair every week [for three weeks] then wear it naturally curly for a week. I do not agree with flat ironing every week [I know I know] but when you wash it weekly you can always try different styles that alternate you from using the flat ironm like roller setting it and styling it that way. That is actually what I am trying to get the hang of doing now.

So how has the 3 weeks on 1 week off been for your hair?

 

[Lanea87]

You can moisturize after you have applied the SMB b/c its suppose to block that so your hair wont be getting full effect of moisture. You maybe just be wasting products.....

 

[Muse]

You can moisturize after you have applied the SMB b/c its suppose to block that so your hair wont be getting full effect of moisture. You maybe just be wasting products.....

Oh yeah this is true. So you would have to make sure your hair is at maximum moisture level before applying MB then ideally the MB is suppose to seal the moisture in until your next shampoo.

 

[Lanea87]

Oh yeah this is true. So you would have to make sure your hair is at maximum moisture level before applying MB then ideally the MB is suppose to seal the moisture in until your next shampoo.

And out, so make sure you DC with moisture and maybe add a moisturizing leave-in before adding SMB.

 

[Faith]

Oh for sure. I'll make sure I get lots of moisture and add a good leave in before adding SMB. I have really read up on SMB so that I know what to expect. And my regimen is very solid. I bought lacio lacio to use as my leave in. Plus I will add some gro aut oil and a bit of my Qhemet...that should be enough before the SMB, right?
I think I'll try 1x/week for one month and if I notice my hair behaving oddly I'll move to every other week.

I think you'd have to see if you can handle it. I think you have a leg up because you're not relaxed but also are you gonna blow dry first? Also what temp will you set the iron to? I think you should probably do every other week or maybe at the most 3 weeks straight 1 week off? Some people can do this weekly with no problem but you won't know if you can handle it unless you try and your hair looks great I'd be VERY careful if you do choose to experiment. BTW great choice of protectant

Hey Muse,

I will blow dry first but with a wide tooth comb and on cool (not hot) setting.
I am planning to iron on about 200C which is about 395F.
I should have gotten SMB years ago. Lala told me about it and I never took the chance.

Thanks ladies

 

[ajacks]

My only objection to SMB is that they suggest you use 400+ degree heat. If it worked well with say 300 degree heat then I would feel safer regarding heat damage.

 

[jndurieux]

I don't see anything wrong with using a flatiron once a week. It depends on your hair. My hair loves heat and it does not get damaged very easily. Do what you feel...it's your hair and you shouldn't feel bad about doing anything to it.

 

[Rina]

So how has the 3 weeks on 1 week off been for your hair?

Honestly, not bad at all. I have not seen any breakage nor have I seen any heat damage, like heat trained hair or anything. I always make sure that I let my hair air dry then I begin the iron process. I still have my same curls.

BTW: I do not use the blow drier. If I do, it is from a distance to dry any moist parts of my hair.

 

[Allandra]

I don't think flat ironing once a week is too much. I just used my SMB for the first time yesterday. BTW, I normally flat iron my hair once every 7 to 14 days (no damage here). The way that SMB is used, is the way I do my hair with my PM Super Skinny products.

 

[Allandra]

I always deep condition. I think this keeps my hair in check.

 

[Auburn]

Depends on the flat iron too.

 

[ladylibra]

you don't necessarily HAVE to use 400 degree heat with SMB - it depends on the look you're going for. i've used it with a hot air brush that i'm sure doesn't get up to 400 degrees and the SMB still works well (meaning, it keeps the moisture sealed in and i don't have reversion issues). and haven't a few women on here used it to rollerset? i dunno if they sat under a dryer or airdried though...

y'all know we don't ALWAYS follow the "suggested use" of products

OP, keep us updated on how this works out for you...

 

[luckiestdestiny]

i did this 3 weeks in a row and my hair was fine. but... it wasn't long-term either so...

i guess see how it works for you, and adjust accordingly.

Co-sign. I did it this way for a month as I wanted a change of pace. Never had a problem, as long as you coat it with Sabino for protection. However, in the long run I just do every 2 weeks if I want to wear it straight, or I braid it up.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

I don't know if it's too much but if you are gonna try it, I suggest the you deep condition the same day, each time you flat iron it.
When I was relaxed, I flat ironde my hair once a week, but I always dc'd first. And I did not see much damage. There was a tiny bit of damage to my ends in one spot.

Co-sign, but not on the damage, on the dc. I ALWAYS Dc when I flat iron ALWAYS!!!!! Mine is just moisturizing dc w/o protein. Coat with MB and you won't get the damage but please DC. Glad you mentioned that mook. BTW I love your pic, cute hair!

 

[luckiestdestiny]

And out, so make sure you DC with moisture and maybe add a moisturizing leave-in before adding SMB.

I do something similar: wash, condition, dc, rinse (leave in some real conditioner), plus add some moisturizing leave in (lacio lacio that's diluted w/ lots of water shake and spray in bottle), then if my hair feels moist enough apply sabino. If I'm having a dry hair day, add a little amla and olive creme (tiny tiny amount) then sabino.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

Depends on the flat iron too.

Didn't think about that! You're right. I have a ceramic one. You want to get the best one that you can get, which distributes heat evenly. I did, get the generic one at Sally's for FHI but it works just as great and only cost me 69.95 (expensive but worth it).I know sabino (when I bought the product), told me they had one for around $30.00 that was just as good and ceramic but I was like too late, already bought the other, I'm not gonna be a crazy lady with a million flat irons. I just checked and mine says GVP which is Generic Value Price from Sally's. I've had it for 8 months and no damage. I'd recommend it instead of paying double for the others that work just as good (tried those but my other one ended up breaking on me and I had to run out to get one but couldn't spend another 120-140).

Ramble ramble.

Point is, a good ceramic, whatever you choose, is best when flat ironing. I wouldn't just use a cheap metal one. Especially if you're doing it often.

 

[LoveLiLi]

I've been doing this for the past few months and my hair looks great. I had to trim away a -lot of splits from wearing my hair in its natural state everyday, but I noticed that since I've been wearing it straight my hair has way fewer splits.

I would even venture to say that the small amount of damage that is at the very ends of my hair is leftover damage from wearing it natural every day. I say that because it's right in the middle of my hair where I used to place my scrunchie everyday. All the rest looks very smooth and it reverts back to my usual 4a curl pattern.

I deep condition every week and I use SMB. I air-dry in a couple of buns. I henna/indigo and I use protein as needed. I'm trying to get on a schedule and use aphogee every 6-8 weeks. I noticed that when I look at fotkis and the ladies have super-long, gorgeous hair they typically list aphogee as a staple. I def. don't want to sleep on that 'secret'.

I also have to mention, the heat hasn't hindered my growth. I have regained the few inches that were cut in september and it's looking really good. I think using heat every week (or at least every two weeks) is going to be the key to getting to waistlength without any set-backs (*crosses fingers*). I would love to straighten every two weeks, but I just can't go that long without washing my hair and I don't want to invite more splits and single-strand knots by wearing it natural all week. It requires too much manipulation for me to keep it looking nice when left curly.

 

[Deja9]

I've been doing this for the past few months and my hair looks great. I had to trim away a -lot of splits from wearing my hair in its natural state everyday, but I noticed that since I've been wearing it straight my hair has way fewer splits.

I would even venture to say that the small amount of damage that is at the very ends of my hair is leftover damage from wearing it natural every day. I say that because it's right in the middle of my hair where I used to place my scrunchie everyday. All the rest looks very smooth and it reverts back to my usual 4a curl pattern.

I deep condition every week and I use SMB. I air-dry in a couple of buns. I henna/indigo and I use protein as needed. I'm trying to get on a schedule and use aphogee every 6-8 weeks. I noticed that when I look at fotkis and the ladies have super-long, gorgeous hair they typically list aphogee as a staple. I def. don't want to sleep on that 'secret'.

I also have to mention, the heat hasn't hindered my growth. I have regained the few inches that was cut in september and it's looking really good. I think using heat every week (or at least every two weeks) is going to be the key to getting to waistlength without any set-backs (*crosses fingers*). I would love to straighten every two weeks, but I just can't go that long without washing my hair and I don't want to invite more splits and single-strand knots by wearing it natural all week. It requires too much manipulation for me to keep it looking nice when left curly.

I COMPLETELY agree. I had a major set back from using no heat with natural styles and lost inches and was left with destroyed ends. I started pressing my hair once a week along with deep conditioning each time and it's growing back and is healthier than ever. I guess ut depends on each person's hair and what works. I love natural styles every now and then but straightening is the bombe for me.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

I've been doing this for the past few months and my hair looks great. I had to trim away a -lot of splits from wearing my hair in its natural state everyday, but I noticed that since I've been wearing it straight my hair has way fewer splits.

I would even venture to say that the small amount of damage that is at the very ends of my hair is leftover damage from wearing it natural every day. I say that because it's right in the middle of my hair where I used to place my scrunchie everyday. All the rest looks very smooth and it reverts back to my usual 4a curl pattern.

I deep condition every week and I use SMB. I air-dry in a couple of buns. I henna/indigo and I use protein as needed. I'm trying to get on a schedule and use aphogee every 6-8 weeks. I noticed that when I look at fotkis and the ladies have super-long, gorgeous hair they typically list aphogee as a staple. I def. don't want to sleep on that 'secret'.

I also have to mention, the heat hasn't hindered my growth. I have regained the few inches that was cut in september and it's looking really good. I think using heat every week (or at least every two weeks) is going to be the key to getting to waistlength without any set-backs (*crosses fingers*). I would love to straighten every two weeks, but I just can't go that long without washing my hair and I don't want to invite more splits and single-strand knots by wearing it natural all week. It requires too much manipulation for me to keep it looking nice when left curly.

I agree that my hair does better straight as there are no tangles and I can cross wrap for less manipulation. That's why I either flat iron or braid it up, so that I don't manipulate it.

 

[Faith]

My poll is still tied on the yes/no
Thanks for all the information/advice. I do have a salon purchased ceramic flatiron. It works like a charm.

Khalia and Deja I feel you. That is what is happening to my ends and why I'm now looking to straighten more often. I had to cut 2" off this year because my ends were so knotted, those single knots. And then when youtry and detangle they split. My hair is inflicting it's own setback So both of you do it 1x/week..hmm. What are your hair types? Khalia I noticed we went natural around the same time. What's your current length?

 

[luckiestdestiny]

My poll is still tied on the yes/no
Thanks for all the information/advice. I do have a salon purchased ceramic flatiron. It works like a charm.

Khalia and Deja I feel you. That is what is happening to my ends and why I'm now looking to straighten more often. I had to cut 2" off this year because my ends were so knotted, those single knots. And then when youtry and detangle they split. My hair is inflicting it's own setback So both of you do it 1x/week..hmm. What are your hair types? Khalia I noticed we went natural around the same time. What's your current length?

btw even though you didn't ask me, since I've been straightening w/ sabino since Aprilish and, I straighten every month (at least!), I thought I'd chime in. I'm a natural 4a.

 

[Faith]

luckiestdestiny, don't feel slighted. I didn't ask because I read up on all you do in th SMB thread (and other threads you have posted in) Girl, I know what you do...it's been added to my current regimen already

 

[luckiestdestiny]

luckiestdestiny, don't feel slighted. I didn't ask because I read up on all you do in th SMB thread (and other threads you have posted in) Girl, I know what you do...it's been added to my current regimen already

O.K
I wasn't slighted. I just wanted to add my two cents.