Calling ALL Naturals!!

[Parvathi]

I was just reading another thread on using heating tools while natural and was wondering why you still decide to use heat on your coils after knowing how this can damage your hair. Do you realize you are playing a game of Russian roulette every time you place a hot tool on your head or do you not care that it can result in burnt hair?

And while some of you may say "well, I only do it once or twice a year" or "I make sure to use a top-notch heat protectant before flat ironing" there is always a risk in burning your coils permanently.

Just help me understand why you continue to use direct heat after knowing what it can do to your coilserplexed

 

[Tene]

That's one reason I got rid of all my flat irons, curling iron, and blowdryer. I'm scared of damaging my hair and I definately don't want that. I was never a big heat user anyway, I rarely wore my hair staright when it was relaxed.

 

[PaperClip]

I would suspect () that one motivation to obtain straight styles is for variety.... It took me a minute to let go of the heat, esp. when I started my transition.... I've had nearly 30 years of straight hair programming (BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY! ). Withdrawal (from anything) is more than a notion!

Now, for those who do know or recognize the risks involved, well then hey... it is what it is....

 

[nurseN98]

I don't think all hair can tolerate high heat but low heat with a heat protectant should not be a problem....well, I should say, it isn't for me. I flat iron my hair on lowest setting and use heat protectants. I've never had a problem, even back when I was a kid or since I've gone natural. I think technique is important because you can get away with using way less heat to achieve the same result.

 

[Je Ne Sais Quoi]

I think it's done because people have been doing it for years. Even though something isn't good for you doesn't mean you will instantly stop! Look at drug users or alcoholics or smokers. Some can quit cold turkey but most can't. I am trying to stay away from heat but I like wearing my hair straight. My hair is still short so there isn't too much I can do with it. I wore it curly all this week but that can be pretty boring.

 

[Crissi]

I think heat damage is down to technique, e.g I use to get my hair pressed every week when I was younger, with no problems, then 2yrs ago I got a "professional" to straighten my hair with a flat iron, and my hair just got burnt. Now I know to only let certain people straighten my hair (when it grows back, lol). However when it get to that point, I'd just straighten it just because I like variety. I don't think I could relax my hair because I'd get bored of wearing it straight 24/7, that's why I've never relaxed. I keep it natural because I can wear natural and straight styles without dying of boredom

 

[cutiebe2]

I also think people go natural for different reasons. I'm natural because my hair is very fine and soft and cannot tolerate perms. By now, i'm used to it and just want to heep my hair how it is. I have heard the info about what heat does to your coils etc. Having read hte info (as I know other naturals have), I have made my own desicions about my hair, which is to use heat on ver special occasions (like graduation 2007!!!!!!)

 

[beyondcute]

Well for me I do it because I can. My hair bounces back from just about anything. I refuse to go overboard on heat because Im not pressing my luck but Ive been getting blowouts for years now and it hasnt burnt out a curl yet. Some peoples hair can take it and soe cant. I think if you 'know' your hair you can tell what it can and can not take. My hair can take pretty much anything... (So many horror stories so little time... one includes me hot combing my hair while it was wet ) ) My hair is thick and has no problem with heat. I think it all depends on your hair type and strength.

ETA: The young lady directly above me said something... Everyone doesnt go natural for the love of thier coils or curls. Some peopel could care less if thier napps went *poof*.

 

[Bublnbrnsuga]

Granted I don't use heat like I used to when I was natural in high school and college (man, I would wash, blow dry wet dripping hair THEN turn around and pressed the mess out of it), I will use it ocassionally. The tripped out thing about it was my hair still shrunk back after just some dabs of water. Sometimes my hair laughs at straightening tools (see wedding pics in album). I know the damaging effects of heat especially from a hot straightening comb, which I steer away from, but my beloved Maxiglide has never done damage to my hair.
I understand that heat can damage the hair, but so can combing and brushing too much. All of my life until after I transitioned, my hair was wavy at the roots, straight at the ends and I didn't start using heat until I was in the 7th grade. I got my hair combed everyday and this caused damage. Since being natural and not combing my hair often, I noticed that my hair maintains its texture all the way to the ends! No more straight ends at all.
Not to underestimate the damaging effects of heat by comparing it to combing, but this was my experience. I had more damage by doing something so simple as combing versus straightening.
Check out these pics:
Straightened http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/ThiyaFiya/th_2005_1202maxi20017.jpg Washed http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/ThiyaFiya/th_2005_0525JamaicaJamaica0076-vi.jpg

 

[Crackers Phinn]

I sit under a hooded dryer on warm heat to deep condition my hair 1-2 times a week. I find that this works much better for keeping my hair moisturized longer when it dries than if I just sit with a plastic cap on my head.

As for flat ironing + heat protectant, I agree with the folks who say technique matters. I've read many horror stories and for the most part the cautionary tales seem to have at least 2 things in common:

1. A heating tool with no temperature control or used on highest setting.
2. Either no heat protectant is used or they use 'grease' as a heat protectant.

Excuse me being graphic, but the risk you take with heat and your hair is on par with the difference between sex bareback or with a condom. The more measures taken to protect your hair, the less chance of an unwanted 'surprise'.

 

[JamericanGurl]

I'm not gonna lie! While I love my hair natural...Sometimes folx can't see around it

I can't really explain away the heat thing....Cuz like the cliche goes I only do it every couple months.

For me it comes down to change of pace and maybe "I am Not My Hair"?

I dunno?

 

[billyne]

That's one reason I got rid of all my flat irons, curling iron, and blowdryer. I'm scared of damaging my hair and I definately don't want that. I was never a big heat user anyway, I rarely wore my hair staright when it was relaxed.

I'm scared of damaging my hair too---plus after 2 years of no heat if i were to wear it straight it would seem like so much more maintenance than wearing it natural--not to mention how much i love my napps.

 

[locabouthair]

well my hair is pressed right now and it's out of boredom. i just wanted a different look for now. and i do worry about heat damaging my hair. but honestly if we all worried about every thing that could be damaging to our hair we might as well not comb it brush it nada just wake up and go. this may be a pessamistic view but it seems like everything is bad for your hair heat, relaxers, combing too much, brushing too much, too much protein, sun exposure, buns, braids, weaves, head ties, and it goes on and on.

 

[inthepink]

I guess I don't see the difference in using heat on relaxed hair vs using heat on natural hair. Too much heat on relaxed or natural can be bad. I understand that some people fear their curls not popping back which most likely means damage but the same can be true for relaxed hair. There are many ways hair can be damaged and heat is just one of them. But like the others, if you use heat tools with caution, you can prevent damage. I think a lot of people on this board can attest to that.

 

[nefertitiblack]

I use heat because sometimes I like the way my hair looks straight. I like to see true length in my hair. And sometimes both me and my hair need a break from kinkiness. It's not a great risk for me because I've learned what my hair will tolerate. But even if it was risky I might do it anyway.

 

[blkbeauty]

Not to defend why I use heat on my hair, but just like in anything I do, I love diversity. I loved when my hair was really long and permed where I could where staight or do a rollerset or a blow-out, but I wasn't too afraid to cut it short into a bob either. I loved it just as much. I even love my hair natural and the many styles that comes with it even coils. I have my hair highlighted in every color. I say all this just as someone have said "I am not my hair". I'm simply am not. I am not even a fanatic about it. I use this forum as a tool, but when I do come in this site I am more entertain than anything. Hair is not the end to all of my life or my attractiveness as a person. In others words, if I use heat on my hair, then I just do! Lock me up! Throw me in hair prison for messing with my lovely coils. I am a bad GIRL! Come on now, it isn't that serious! haha.

 

[caligirl]

I love the look of pressed hair. I only get it done by one stylist who I absolutely love and trust. I guess you have to roll the dice and take your chances.

 

[naptrl]

No offense to the OP, but the answer is "because I want to"!! This is the never ending question. I get tired of people who wear their hair in the "natural" state all the time questioning people who press. (I know you werent doing that OP, this is just a side comment) To me, natural means "no chemicals". Getting it pressed is just a styling preference and those who press are still just as "natural" as those who dont. Now, if you know how to press, I don't see the problem with it. So that's why I choose to press even though I know it could damage my hair.

 

[GodMadeMePretty]

No offense to the OP, but the answer is "because I want to"!! This is the never ending question. I get tired of people who wear their hair in the "natural" state all the time questioning people who press. (I know you werent doing that OP, this is just a side comment) To me, natural means "no chemicals". Getting it pressed is just a styling preference and those who press are still just as "natural" as those who dont. Now, if you know how to press, I don't see the problem with it. So that's why I choose to press even though I know it could damage my hair.

I know what my hair can take. And if I damage it by using heat, oh, well. It's just hair and it will grow back.

 

[Parvathi]

Cool. Thanks for your responses ladies.

 

[jngn]

I haven't read what others have said so I'm reponding to the OP.

I've used heat tools twice since being natural and twice I had to cut 4 inches of hair off. No lie, I had splits that were 4 inches long. I'll never ever flat iron/press/curl again. I have accepted that my hair doesn't respond well to relaxers and heat.

 

[SVT]

I was just reading another thread on using heating tools while natural and was wondering why you still decide to use heat on your coils after knowing how this can damage your hair. Do you realize you are playing a game of Russian roulette every time you place a hot tool on your head or do you not care that it can result in burnt hair?

And while some of you may say "well, I only do it once or twice a year" or "I make sure to use a top-notch heat protectant before flat ironing" there is always a risk in burning your coils permanently.

Just help me understand why you continue to use direct heat after knowing what it can do to your coilserplexed

Because I like variety.

I also understand the risks of heat usage and take precautions.

 

[hopeful]

I'm thinking about never using heat again because I want healthy, long natural hair and I don't want anymore setbacks. I don't want to risk coloring either, not even semi-permanent or temporary. I'm tired of setbacks, ya know? I have never had full shoulder-length in my entire life and I want it dammit!

But I just don't think it's that serious to everybody. They figure it's just hair, they crave variety and they figure if they have to cut it, oh well, it will grow again. And like others have said, some have the technique down, some have someone they trust do it and some people have hair that can handle the heat.

 

[momi]

Good Question -

My quesiton why do most people assume that all who decide to return to their natural hair are dying for an AFRO. I initially began my transition when a new stylist told me my hair folicles were burnt because of relaxers applied too often. He was the first to tell me I did not need to relax my hair every 6-8 weeks. After I stretched for a few months I began to wonder why I even relexed at all.

Then when my natural hair started to grow out I saw how thick it was and fell in love with it. Somehow I got caught up in the no heat or dye and you are not being true to your roots if you press your hair frame of mind - which was not my initial intention.


It was 8 months after the BC I decided to press my hair for the first time - and I loved it. I havent lost my coils thus far and I dont really mind if I do. For me, natural styles were too much trouble and I have events and dinner meetings to attend very often. I got tired of "praying" my two-strands or twist out would look okay for this event or that event. The flat iron is just must easier to manage for me.

Overall, I appreciate the experience soo much because it taught me to appreciate all types of styles and the preferences of others.

 

[alibi]

I really think it's important to know your own hair. If your hair can take heat and you want it straight, then go for it! But if heat damages your hair, or you don't like straight styles, then don't! For me personally, I use heat 3-4 times a year, either when the humidity drops in Miami or when I visit another climate that's not as humid. AS a matter of fact, I'm in California right now and got my hair pressed last week as soon as I got here. I love my curls, but this bone straight swinging press has me on the fence at times...

 

[Ntrlmystik]

I like the change. Thats part of why I am natural. I like my hair straight but if I had a relaxer I wouldnt' have the option of sporting my natural coils. I like to experiment w/ different styles and am not too consumed with not doing anything to my hair for the sake of growing it down to my ankles. Fortunately, my hair is quite resilient. I did go to a hairdresser once that pressed my hair straight but since then I am the only one that straightens my hair and when I do it snaps right back. Its not my goal but if for some reason, I damage my hair, I will just start over again and enjoy growing out my crown all over again!

 

[natstar]

I'm thinking about never using heat again because I want healthy, long natural hair and I don't want anymore setbacks. I don't want to risk coloring either, not even semi-permanent or temporary. I'm tired of setbacks, ya know? I have never had full shoulder-length in my entire life and I want it dammit!

But I just don't think it's that serious to everybody. They figure it's just hair, they crave variety and they figure if they have to cut it, oh well, it will grow again. And like others have said, some have the technique down, some have someone they trust do it and some people have hair that can handle the heat.

ITA!. I love different looks but with my hair too much heat is a no-no. In 2004-2005 I had soo many problems because I went to various stylists for a blow dry/flat iron. It was just to trim any split ends and to have a different style for a while, but my hair could not take it (my rt side which has a looser curl pattern stayed straight.

I wish I could go to the stylist and wear straight styles to show off my length more but the cons outweigh the pros. A couple of days of straight styles does not make up for the months of getting my hair back to health. I have not found a stylist yet who can get my hair straight without using extreme heat.

I have straightened 1x this year and the diff. was I did it myself. I used less heat and did not suffer any damage. If I decide to use heat again, which will only be 2 or 3x at the most only in the fall/winter, I definitely will do it myself.

 

[firecracker]

Do you realize you are playing a game of Russian roulette every time you place a hot tool on your head or do you not care that it can result in burnt hair?

And while some of you may say "well, I only do it once or twice a year" or "I make sure to use a top-notch heat protectant before flat ironing" there is always a risk in burning your coils permanently.

Just help me understand why you continue to use direct heat after knowing what it can do to your coilserplexed

I think the bolded remark is equivalent to someone not eating meat but they smoke cigarettes. You choose your poison of choice.

In my case the reason I was going natural is so I could have the choice of going back and forth between different textures plus I wanted to see what my real hair was like. I have dye so its really not au natural.

I will say that I was scared ****less to apply heat the first time after being natural for a year. I heard that I would have heat damage and my curl pattern wouldn't come back. It's about having choices. Hair is fashion so its no different than wearing harmful high heels.

 

[firecracker]

I really think it's important to know your own hair. If your hair can take heat and you want it straight, then go for it! But if heat damages your hair, or you don't like straight styles, then don't! For me personally, I use heat 3-4 times a year, either when the humidity drops in Miami or when I visit another climate that's not as humid. AS a matter of fact, I'm in California right now and got my hair pressed last week as soon as I got here. I love my curls, but this bone straight swinging press has me on the fence at times...

I felt the same way during my two pressed experience til I wash my hair, then I fell back in love again. I am finding my natural hair is soo much easier to manage and just healthier overall. With a perm my edges would break off no matter how much moisture.

 

[chocolate01]

I like variety which is why I chose to use heat and flat iron my hair. I am not worried about losing my curl pattern and if I do it's ok i've had other setbacks and will get over it just like I did the others. I don't let possible conseqences stop me from doing what I want in any area of my life let alone my hair.