From Flatironed Natural to No heat natural?

[genesislocks]

Hey ladies! I'm a natural who flat irons every three weeks or so...but I think I'm ready to say goodbye to heat for a few months (preferably as part of a new years resolution on Jan 2013

For some reason, I feel like being heat-free for a little while will completely get rid of breakage and give me 100% retention, and allow my hair to get thicker and stronger i.e. The promised land lol



Things I look forward to: washing my hair whenever I want (every 3-4 days maybe), I could workout every single day and wash my hair right after, stronger hair, and thicker strands.

Things I fear: SSK's, having to braid/twist my hair at night--I'm too tired for all of that lol, spending too much time on hair (I'm in school, time is scarce low-maintenance is a must )

I just don't know where to begin!

What do you ladies think? should I make the change, or stick with what I know?

Terms & conditions are as follows: I reserve the right to use a blow dryer on a mid to cool setting for tension blowouts.

 

[wednesday]

Laying off heat styling is one of the best things i ever did for my hair but my hair is definitely a lot to manage. During the school year i wear my hair in braids or another protective style because i don't have the time to fuss with it. I think it's worth making the change, but if you don't have time to deal with you hair everyday, consider a PS until the semester is over.

 

[tiffjust2002]

I am a reformed flat iron addicted, I used to flat iron weekly or bi weekly for years and then I found the natural hair world I joined a no heat challenge here. I am not going to lie that first month was HARD but then I slowly stopped thinking about it and started trying new and different styles and loved how my hair looked. Now I haven't used heat in probably a year or so. although I will still flat iron a couple times a year maybe, we'll see. But I love the freedom of not having to wrap my hair or worry about it frizzing in certain weather or sweating it out, none of that.

 

[ItsMeFre]

I loved wearing my hair in it's natural state (for the most part) for the first 2 years of my healthy hair journey. As I entered my 3rd year in August, I realized that I was still at bra strap after a year due to ssk, splits, and having to trim. I am now flat ironing every 3 weeks and I'm not having a problem with breakage, splits, knots, and I appear to be retaining length.

I'd say, just make sure you have a plan for what you're going to do to avoid ssk's and splits....if you're going to keep your ends stretched, just ignore them and learn to live with them, or if you're going to trim them. For me, wearing my hair curly (even twist outs/ braid outs) was more damaging to my hair than a low heat flat iron evey 3 weeks. Do what's best for your hair and be ready to assess the situation periodically. Happy hair growing!!!

 

[genesislocks]

Thanks for the advice ladies!!! I'm thinking of splitting the difference and maybe having a reduced heat regimen to see what suits me best. I will keep you ladies up dated thanks again!

 

[virtuenow]

Going heat free has allowed me so much freedom. I couldn't imagine going back. I swim once a week and workout everyday. The best way to achieve this and still live your life is with mini twists. you should check out the twist/bun/braid challenge: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=646641

Here's two posts I made with helpful videos: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showpost.php?p=17113461&postcount=678
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showpost.php?p=17128883&postcount=740

 

[yuhlovevybz]

I just decided to do this today after having a color disaster with my hair. Heat is definitely the last thing it needs. Plus I love being able to hop in the shower without a shower cap. When I go heat-free I just cowash daily and wash and dc every now and then. I get ssk's but not so much that it's unbearable, I can usually clip them away. It's gonna be tough since its winter and my hair is short so it can't last more than one day in a wng :/ but I'll figure something out. Not sure how long I plan on going heat free though.

 

[theoneandonly]

I am joining also. No more heat for me. Ive been doing twistouts. I cant wait to see everyones updates and progress.