My Hair won't Straighten Anymore!

[monidad]

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[ajoyfuljoy]

I'm not a natural so feel free to dismiss my comments if they don't work. But could it be that your hair is just dry? I used biosilk when I first came to the boards. IMO they are not the best products for our type of hair.

It might just take a little while for you to get your hair to the proper moisture balance so that it will flat iron nicely. That's just my two cents.

 

[msa]

I don't understand what I'm doing wrong...I shampoo and condition it w/ biosilk, then towel it dry, then I begin to flat iron it, adding heat protectant and those natural organic olive oil lotions.

I also tried a homemade DC today: I added honey, olive oil, and egg yolk, and left it in for 30 mins. I thought my hair was softer when I washed it out, but it didn't make my hair press any better...HELP! I just want soft, silky hair w/o perming!! I was possible before, what am I missing??

Welcome!

I think there are two big things you're missing. First, you should be consistently DC'ing your hair so that it's as healthy as possible. DC'ing will help your hair be smoother and easier to deal with, which will only help you when you want to straighten.

Second, you just wash, towel dry, and then flat iron? As a natural you need to stretch your hair some kind of way before you flat iron. You could blow dry (with the right precautions) or braid your hair overnight in order to stretch it out. That will make it easier to straighten.

Last, the hair lotion may actually be hindering your straightening. It may be best for you to use a serum and heat protectant. But, you would have to make sure your hair is as moisturized as possible BEFORE you start to flat iron.

Here's a thread that may help you...naturals that straighten.

 

[knt1229]

You may want to try clarifying your hair with a clarifying shampoo. A lot of times when your hair isn't acting right it's due to product buildup on the hair. Begin with a good clarifying shampoo, then use a moisturizing deep conditioner. Then use whatever you use to moisturize your hair. Apply heat protectant. Make sure the hair is dry then flat iron.

HTH.

 

[dachsies_rule!]

I see you mentioned that you moved...that could be the reason. I noticed since i moved from Cali to Texas my hair texture seemed to have changed because of the difference in humidity. I can't even do some of the hairstyles i used to because it just frizzes up and goes poof...and i have a relaxer!

 

[JinaRicci]

ITA with all of the above. You could also be dealing with differences in water- maybe you have heavier water now. Try rinsing with bottled water- distilled and see if that helps. And as a rule, I don't think you should towel dry your hair. Hope that helps.

 

[monidad]

Thanks all for the replies! I will definetely try out your advice.

And to Dachsies_rule: yes! I moved from philly to Chicago. I can imagine that must've made a huge difference! I try the bottled water thing...thanks!
I also think I'll try roller setting my hair...would that stretch it out too?

 

[Ronnieaj]

Rollersetting will stretch the hair, and it (for me) gives me a smoother appearance before I start flatironing. It also takes less time than airdrying or braiding and letting it airdry (which honestly take my hair all weekend to dry), but isn't nearly as damaging as blowdrying the hair. I may, if I'm going for ultra silky smoothness, rollerset, blow-dry the roots ONLY, then flatiron. I always use a clarifying shampoo and do a mild protein treatment followed by a moisturizing DC prior to setting it. I use Lacio Lacio and spray some Aphogee Green Tea Restructurizer, then use a highly diluted Lottabody to set it. Once dry, I apply some Sabino MB to the ends and flatiron it smooth. Takes hours, but I really like the results.

 

[Chromia]

You may want to try clarifying your hair with a clarifying shampoo. A lot of times when your hair isn't acting right it's due to product buildup on the hair. Begin with a good clarifying shampoo, then use a moisturizing deep conditioner. Then use whatever you use to moisturize your hair. Apply heat protectant. Make sure the hair is dry then flat iron.

HTH.

I agree. You might have product buildup. It might help if you use a clarifying shampoo. You might want to use a clarifying and chelating shampoo, like Redken Cleansing Cream or Quantum clarifying shampoo, because your hair may also have a buildup of minerals from hard water.

 

[DDTexlaxed]

Excellent thread! Saving for future reference!

 

[beana]

Welcome!

I think there are two big things you're missing. First, you should be consistently DC'ing your hair so that it's as healthy as possible. DC'ing will help your hair be smoother and easier to deal with, which will only help you when you want to straighten.

Second, you just wash, towel dry, and then flat iron? As a natural you need to stretch your hair some kind of way before you flat iron. You could blow dry (with the right precautions) or braid your hair overnight in order to stretch it out. That will make it easier to straighten.

Last, the hair lotion may actually be hindering your straightening. It may be best for you to use a serum and heat protectant. But, you would have to make sure your hair is as moisturized as possible BEFORE you start to flat iron.

Here's a thread that may help you...naturals that straighten.

I agree with all the tips msa mentioned... Sounds like your hair may be dry and needs an intense mositure regimen.