1. For those of you that flat iron, how many times do you pass each section of hair with the flat iron?
Two passes. First pass is a wet-to-dry to get a semi-straight effect. (In the past, I did this with only water, no products. This last time, I used a thermal protectant spray to wet my hair and pressed to dry that way.) Second pass is after applying a serum to the semi-straight press which gives a smooth finish. (In the past, I used just any ol' serum. This time around, I made sure I used a thermal protectant serum.)
2. What temperature are flat ironing at?
I use my flat iron at its highest temperature of 446 degrees F (230 degrees C)
3. Also, have you sustained any damage when passing each section more than once?
No damage. In fact, of all the presses I've ever done in my life, my last experience was by far the best. It was the first time ever that I have witnessed hair being pressed without there being any smell of burnt hair. Not even a stylist has ever pulled that around me so I was thrilled to bits. My hair reverted the minute I shampooed, and again, not a whiff of burnt hair. This was a first again. My hair has always reverted when I press but the smell of burnt hair was always a bit unnerving and led me to think a few hairs did get singed beyond repair. But taking all the precautions I took with using even a "heat protectant conditioner" I believe led to the most successful press I've ever had, and brought an end to any fear I had of using heat on my hair.