Best route to WL

[dyh080]

After reading some threads about heat and noticing many WL who either use heat or relaxer I have a question. Although there are some WL unstraightened heads, do you think it is easier to get to WL while having straight 4 type hair than leaving it kinky?

Another reason I ask this is because some expert ( name I don't remember) said that natural hairs can rub against each other and cause friction, damage and breakage.

So again, is it easier to retain length when the natural hair is straighter?

 

[4everbeautifull1]

Bumping for OP for more responses. I want to know too!

 

[dyh080]

Guess no one has any experience in this area?

 

[NicWhite]

Let me just start by saying, my hair has never been longer than 6-7 inches. The reason it never grew longer is because of my love affair with scissors, but I digress.

Even at that length, I had to keep it semi-straightened to avoid tangling and excessive manipulation on a daily basis.

You don't have to relax or put heat on your hair to achieve a semi-straightened state. As long as you braid, twist, or plait your hair while wet and allow it to air-dry, your hair will dry somewhat straightened and thus easier to manage, style and retain length. HTH

 

[MissErikaM]

Well I can see how straightening can help with reducing snagging and tangles. My hair seems to retain length better when partially straightened... I guess its just a matter of each individuals hair really...

 

[alive]

i hope others come and chime in *clears throat* Blackmasterpiece

my general observation is that type 4s can grow to WL while keeping it kinky. this girl is living proof:

YouTube - washing my hair and length check pt 1

note however, that she keeps her hair in twists 99% of the time--so it's possible.

now if you're not into hard core protective styling, i think some kind of stretching is necessary to achieve WL as a type 4 be it relaxers, heat, or texturizing.