Heat Training Support Thread

[Napp]

I seriously need some help, ladies.

Please talk me down from the ledge. I'm considering going back to relaxing because my hair texture is just too much. I really don't know what to do.

I am a true 4b, and my hair is about SL stretched. How in the world are you guys manipulating your hair without all the breakage? What am I doing wrong?

I wash and condition, then braid my hair to air dry. Then I apply some shea butter, blow dry and proceed to flat iron. My hair breaks at every stage! It's really unnerving.

i get breakage at every stage of straightening but once its straight my hair doesnt break. i do try to minimize as much breakage as possible. how do you blow dry? i found that doing the tention method cuts down on alot of unnecessary breakage during blow drying. also how long do you air dry? its best to blow dry when the hair is slighty damp.

also i dont think shea butter is good for blowdrying. its too sticky and thick for that. i would recommend using a serum for blowdrying and something a little heavier for straightening. also i like using a hot comb becuase when i just use a flat iron i notice my hair will tangle and break when straightened. the hot comb really smooths out my kinks and when it reverts at the roots it is more like a soft wave instead of having a florida evans fro under a whole bunch of straight hair

I've straightened my hair today, but now I feel that it is 1000% pointless. I work out everyday, and my hair reverts fast the second some moisture touches it. I don't want my hair to shrink b/c it tangles and breaks, but I can't wear it straight b/c I workout and nothing can save it. Twists, braids, etc, etc are NOT the look that I want. I'm burned out on them.

maybe you can go half way and just blow dry to strech the hair out and get it used to heat so it doesnt shrink as much and wear a textured style like a braid out, that also keep your hair streched?

Please tell me it gets easier...my hair looks and acts just like velcro.

i hope this helps.

 

[localhost]

thanks much, NAPP. This is very helpful. I decided to take a step back, relax, and pull my hair into two french braids. I get very frustrated, and I think I just need to be realistic about my achievements. If you really think about what's happening...going from a tight coil to straight, that's a lot of work! Of course my hair is going to react.

Last night, I went out and got a serum/heat protectant and a detangler by mane 'n tail. I hope these products are effective.

I'm off to research the tension method. I keep hearing about it, but I don't really know what exactly it entails.

 

[Etherealsmile]

My first heat training session is this weekend, i'm so excited I can hardly wait.

Bella, I think Napp's suggestion is excellent! this is the method I plan on using until my hair is used to heat. I like you, also have 4b hair, my hair is very very thick and dense.

I bought a high quality salon blow dry (babyliss) and will be using the tension blow dry method to get my hair as straight as possible. These darn ssk's and tangles have got to go! i'm too fed up with them

 

[princessnad]

Gorgeous heat "trained" hair
YouTube - Tiaritenee's Channel

Look at the end for results

 

[brittanynic16]

Gorgeous heat "trained" hair
YouTube - Tiaritenee's Channel

Look at the end for results

Very nice. I subscribed.

 

[Nefertiti0906]

Very nice. I subscribed.

Have you seen her fashion videos?

 

[Etherealsmile]

so this was my first attempt at heat training...my goal is to reduce ssk's and tangles so i'm only blow drying. Please don't laugh oh and btw excuse the mess in the background

 

[cadi]

Hi can any one tell me where i can buy Apex pressing oil in the UK am tired of not finding anything for my hair here or if there is a trustworthy site that i can buy it from PLZ

 

[ctosha]

I flat ironed my hair this weekend. I'm still up in the air with heat training but all I know is that I am soooo sick and tired of ssk and tangles I have tried literally every method of trying to reduce them. I cut them off because I find the healthy hair gets caught in the knot and then I have to cut that too. I feel like I cut off the progress that I make. I love my 4a/b hair for me its not about changing my curl pattern but reducing ssk and tangles.

 

[vkb247]

I've really been enjoying this and the other heat training heads. All the links to fotki's and YT are the best hair porn I've seen in awhile - there are some really gorgeous heads of hair out there!

I just straightened my own hair successfully for the first time with only oil after a cowash after seeing the YT video of the lady who flatirons with shea butter. I used a sunflower/olive/coconut oil mix that I put in my hair while wet, wrapped my hair to air dry for about 6 hours, and then flat ironed with my miniglide followed by my Amika. My hair is so shiny and straight! I also gave myself my first trim.

I'm really frustrated by how the crown of my hair won't retain because it is so brittle and I have so much broken hair in the center that certain hairstyles don't look as nice as I'd like. So my new goal is to get rid of some of my layers and have less breakage, I'm hoping straightening (I'll be stretching too and potentially transitioning) more often will help. If my hair trains in the meantime I'll be very happy but I'll take it one straightening session at a time.

 

[virtuenow]

Vkb247, can we see some pics?! I'm having a similar crown problem. Glad to see I am not alone (althought I know others going thru it). I do an oil rinse (w/castor oil) now before I flat iron and it takes care of any difficult areas--definitely smoother and shinier result.

EtherealEnigma, haha, I just saw this. I will take that as a compliment. That must mean you have some unbelievably thick, big hair. Is Mwedzi still heat training I don't think I saw her in this thread yet? I think there are a bunch of us inadvertently doing it, hmm.

I was using heat once a month after every wash. Now since I found the tangle teezer and detanging isn't such a nightmre-- plus oil rinses, I'm washing once a week and blowdrying w/almost every wash.

When I imagine what my heat-trained hair will look like... it's usually my face with you or Mwedzi's hair! Creepy, I know. It's a compliment. How often do you use heat? Tools/temp?

 

[ceecy29]

What are you all putting in your hair after you wash, before you blow dry?

 

[me-T]

i started heat training just this year. i've closed my fotki (i stopped using it) but i do plan to (finally!) upload some vids on youtube. i'll let ya'll know when i start. til then, here's my stats.

*type 4a/b; looks thick when in a puff, but fresh-relaxer-thin when straight;currently a heavily layered neck length; i'm trying to go for that kinky straight look like back in '94 or maybe brittany's waves

*i alternate weeks with a heat training week, and a moisture week

*for heat week, i wash (ors creamy aloe), condition (aph 2 min & porosity control), spray a good amount of tresemme heat tamer, sit under the tabletop dryer on low to dry my hair(takes about 15 min), do 2 passes (1 in the back where it's finer) on 320 with my izunami styler iron, chasing with my denman d3. i maintain during the week by moisturizing with elasta qp mango butter, keeping my hair on gray flexi's when i sleep. i don't care mucg about reversion really. if i were to get caught in the rain, i've got a headwrap

*for moisture week, i start off with a hot castor oil treatment, rinsing that out with nexxus humectress (for the ceramides), moisturize, and wear a puff for the week. the rest of the week, i spray glycerin on to turn my shower into a steam treatment. when the weather gets warm (been to cold here in texas!) i'll do a random rinse.

think i've mentioned everything.

 

[me-T]

pics anyone?

oh, as of yesterday (lol) i've decided to only flexi rod for the weekend (i do my "heating" on a thursday or friday), and the rest of the week braid it up and wear my headscarf. i'm self conscious about wearing it all out to school. i don't want anybody behind me askin why i'm rockin a "bad press" like it's the bidness

 

[me-T]

guess you need a natural pic too huh?

this was like 3 or 4 months after i stopped my 9month bkt usage. you can kinda see at the roots where the never-bkt'ed hair ends. or maybe it's just me...

 

[ThickLongLush]

Thanks so much! I tend to get bored with hair styles so I go back and forth with heat. However, I plan to stick with it, for awhile anyway I am going to check out your youtube video.

 

[jerseygurl]

Thanks ladies for starting this thread, I would like to start heat training my hair. I'm transitioning right now and I want to start using LHDC2011's method of blow drying once a month.

 

[HauteHippie]

Actually, no. I wish it was thicker, but it's not! All in due time...

Vkb247, can we see some pics?! I'm having a similar crown problem. Glad to see I am not alone (althought I know others going thru it). I do an oil rinse (w/castor oil) now before I flat iron and it takes care of any difficult areas--definitely smoother and shinier result.

EtherealEnigma, haha, I just saw this. I will take that as a compliment. That must mean you have some unbelievably thick, big hair. Is Mwedzi still heat training I don't think I saw her in this thread yet? I think there are a bunch of us inadvertently doing it, hmm.

I was using heat once a month after every wash. Now since I found the tangle teezer and detanging isn't such a nightmre-- plus oil rinses, I'm washing once a week and blowdrying w/almost every wash.

 

[ThickLongLush]

Thanks so much! I am new to this site and still learning about my hair. My hair stylist is great but scissor happy So my cousin has convinced me to attempt doing my own hair.

I did my first wash, dry, and press Monday. It was fun and rewarding doing my own hair. But it took forever, is not as straight, and I have some drying in middle back area of my hair (a source of continued dryness). However, when I get my hair done professionally it does not dry out. I am able to maintain the moisture level. At this point I experienced NO BREAKAGE (I just had an inch cut three weeks ago) but if I'm not careful it will start breaking. I don't want that. LADIES!!! Please help me figure out a "regi." I want to continue doing my own hair but I don't know where to start. Thanks!!!

HERE'S WHAT I DID
Pre-Poo - Vatika (heat bonnet)
Shampoo - Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Moisture Retention
Conditioner - Crulz Tea Conditioner (heat bonnet)
Leave in/heat protection - Cantu Shea Butter (Returned item to store)
Sealed - Vatika (going to try coconut oil next time)
Some blow drying (high), and stove/comb to press & electric curler.

I may have over done the heat factor! Please advise.

 

[caringangel]

Hi Brittany. I have been following you for a while. I started with just trying to transition without using heat at all. I looked a hot mess. I don't wear wigs, they make me itch, and I am afraid of braids because you seem to loose so much hair when you take them out. I saw your videos on the keratin treatment and I went to the salon for my tratments. I also noticed the straightened areas in my texture that wound not revert. So, since I desperately wanted to wear my hair straight without a perm I texlaxed. What a huge mistake. Texturizers dry my hair out and makes it feel rough. So I am now heat training. I do 10 passes. I use sabino and bed head. I am 2 in. From bra strap level. My hair is nice and strong. I also love argan oil.

 

[Napp]

Thanks so much! I am new to this site and still learning about my hair. My hair stylist is great but scissor happy So my cousin has convinced me to attempt doing my own hair.

I did my first wash, dry, and press Monday. It was fun and rewarding doing my own hair. But it took forever, is not as straight, and I have some drying in middle back area of my hair (a source of continued dryness). However, when I get my hair done professionally it does not dry out. I am able to maintain the moisture level. At this point I experienced NO BREAKAGE (I just had an inch cut three weeks ago) but if I'm not careful it will start breaking. I don't want that. LADIES!!! Please help me figure out a "regi." I want to continue doing my own hair but I don't know where to start. Thanks!!!

HERE'S WHAT I DID
Pre-Poo - Vatika (heat bonnet)
Shampoo - Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Moisture Retention
Conditioner - Crulz Tea Conditioner (heat bonnet)
Leave in/heat protection - Cantu Shea Butter (Returned item to store)
Sealed - Vatika (going to try coconut oil next time)
Some blow drying (high), and stove/comb to press & electric curler.

I may have over done the heat factor! Please advise.

bumping for you. i think it might have been much with the curling iron. next time try pincurling. do you know how to test your iron? also what is your technique for pressing? if you want i will post up some links on how to get your hair bone straight with just the pressing comb.

im actually thinking of going this route. but i would like to air dry and press my hair w/ pressing oil.

 

[Napp]

i am liking the textured straight look currently.smooth yet kinky.its easier to acheive and the hair looks thicker. i think i am going to stop my bone straight presses and just save them for really special occasions. i am also going to try out he main n tail line from now on to see if i can make my hair look thicker.

also i am just loving my apex and CON argan oil combo. i lightly pressed my hair with the apex and used the CON argan oil polisher after. the argan is so light i could literally pour the whole bottle in my hair and it would still swing,bounce and not feel greasy. alone it is just too light but together its like a match made in heaven for my hair. the argan oil helps prevents my hair from getting oily as well. its crazy!

it has been a week and my roots are still bone straight(thanks apex) even with all of the head sweating i do at night and under my hat at work. not even a wave! and my ends are light and bouncy with great sheen(thanks argan oil!)

 

[vkb247]

Vkb247, can we see some pics?! I'm having a similar crown problem. Glad to see I am not alone (althought I know others going thru it). I do an oil rinse (w/castor oil) now before I flat iron and it takes care of any difficult areas--definitely smoother and shinier result.

EtherealEnigma, haha, I just saw this. I will take that as a compliment. That must mean you have some unbelievably thick, big hair. Is Mwedzi still heat training I don't think I saw her in this thread yet? I think there are a bunch of us inadvertently doing it, hmm.

I was using heat once a month after every wash. Now since I found the tangle teezer and detanging isn't such a nightmre-- plus oil rinses, I'm washing once a week and blowdrying w/almost every wash.

Sorry didnt take any pics but I will when I get a new camera

 

[Melissa-jane]

So I watched your vids and subscribed ... I see you use a higher temp on the roots then wait til the iron cools down to do the length... I wish I knew what temp I needed for my hair. I think I am going to wait until I transition a good 8-12 months before I try this. I will be researching and getting good growth until then. I am 3.5 months post right now

I am transitioning I am about five to six months post. I started heat training the other day and love it, I have been natural before and know what it takes, with heat training I can pin curl and style as usual BUT no relaxer. I have gone off the relaxer but not the straight style. Thanks Brittany.

 

[Melissa-jane]

Thanks so much! I am new to this site and still learning about my hair. My hair stylist is great but scissor happy So my cousin has convinced me to attempt doing my own hair.

I did my first wash, dry, and press Monday. It was fun and rewarding doing my own hair. But it took forever, is not as straight, and I have some drying in middle back area of my hair (a source of continued dryness). However, when I get my hair done professionally it does not dry out. I am able to maintain the moisture level. At this point I experienced NO BREAKAGE (I just had an inch cut three weeks ago) but if I'm not careful it will start breaking. I don't want that. LADIES!!! Please help me figure out a "regi." I want to continue doing my own hair but I don't know where to start. Thanks!!!

HERE'S WHAT I DID
Pre-Poo - Vatika (heat bonnet)
Shampoo - Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Moisture Retention
Conditioner - Crulz Tea Conditioner (heat bonnet)
Leave in/heat protection - Cantu Shea Butter (Returned item to store)
Sealed - Vatika (going to try coconut oil next time)
Some blow drying (high), and stove/comb to press & electric curler.

I may have over done the heat factor! Please advise.

Hi I think your regi is good but you should not oil your hair and use heat as it will fry your hair. I would use a little leave in and het protector. Watch Brittany vlogs notice she taps at the new growth with the flat iron many times. So be gentle and light with product an use your lovely vatika (yum) after your done with heat. Hhg

 

[Myjourney2009]

Hello All,


I am seriously considering heat training.

The main reason being, when it is time to TU I get extremelly nervous and I know my blood pressure goes up more points than I prefer.

Another thing I have noticed is my scalp can no longer handle most shampoos even lo-sulfate ones. I have to oil my scalp before most of my shampooing. The only one I dont have to shampoo before is my PM Shampoo but is too expensive to keep purchasing baing that I shampoo every 5-10 days

Also I can never get an even texture with relaxing and I refuse to go to a salon. I dont have the patience to trial run stylist after stylist.

And the shedding that accompanied relaxer stretching just no longer seems normal to me.

After looking at my hair yesterday and looking at my underprocessed hair that caused so much breakage it was ridiculous; I decided to correct it with heat.

I am glad I did.

I only did the underprocessed hair but already I am happier. It may take me a while to figure out how much heat I will need to get the texture I prefer but I will get there. I tapped the roots (similar to how brittany does it) 10-15x it all depended on the density and texture. I will have to wait til my next wash to determine if that was good enough. The front right temple already reverted a bit to me and thats fine because I dont want bone straight. I used Silk elements Protection spray on the roots. I did a co-wash with a protein conditioner, Millcreek keratin because I did not want to dry out even more my already dry and itchy scalp

I am glad I have more people to go this new journey with me.

I will see how this session plays and if I like it, My plan going forward will be:
Heat training every 2-3 months
I wont style my hair with heat most likely unless I feel like it and my styling heat will be no more than 320. That wont be very often
I will follow my same regimen of washing and conditioning
I am aiming for a texture similar to Brittany's, I want a bit more kink.

I exercise later on today so I know more reversion is on the horizon.

Happy heat-training/thermal-laxing

 

[me-T]

glad to see more people consortin' with the debil lol
i'm thinkin about changing up products (to what? idk)
i know for sure i need to start using a little protein every week now, 'cause i'm starting to get the beginnings of increased breakage

other than that nothin really new. pic time!

the fro pics are from the "moisture week" before the press. i'm in the process of a HOT as i type. I wanna up my temperature to 350 to start loosening the curls faster, but like i said, i'm starting to see a little breakage...not the best time for that right now.

 

[Myjourney2009]

Okay so I'v had a chance to give my hair a fair assessment two days later and all i have to say is I LOVE IT.

The front got a bit straighter than I prefer but its all good I know better for the next time which will probably be some time in May or June.

The back left quadrant I had to retouch yesterday because it was not the way I wanted. Next week I will do 2 or 3 passes on the right quadrant.

I am just happy not to have to deal with that ridiculous shedding. I lost alot of my thickness these past few months trying to get the relaxer just right and it never was that. All the correctives I've had to do was a real pain. An honestly it was cramping my style.

I want to start swimming again and I feel that waiting for the right time to relax was putting a damper on my swimming.

Happy heat/thermal- laxing

Oh I use the FHI RVI something or the other.

I need to purchase the 1/2 inch one because the front of my head grows slower than the back.

 

[BlaqBella]

I'm so glad this thread is here.

Well i'm still using heat 'regularly' and just wanted to drop in and say: Ladies don't be too scared of the hard protein.

I use protein (tigi bedhead oatmeal & honey recon. cond, lekair cholesterol cond, and or aubrey gpb regularly (weekly along with heat straightening).

I also used aphogee (hard protein) 2 weeks ago for the first time since becoming a natural and I love it.

I left it on all day (even though I was a bit nervous).

Here it's 2 weeks later (yes I did my weekly dc w/ aubrey gpb/hsr this past weekend)
and can I say these last two weeks (since the hard protein) my hair has been softer/more moisturized than normal.

I guess it can be attributed to the use of
1) ceramides (thanks HaleeJ)
2) aphogee green tea restruct. (cause last year and previous to it my hairs been Porous!)
3)slowly upping proteins and steaming
4) all around keepin' up the moisture

 

[Napp]

i think protein is very important especially for ones that want to keep their curl. i like to spray on duo tex right on the pressed hair to make it revert and let it sit. this for me gives max reversion. plus it makes my hair feel oh so good!


i tried the nioxin thermal bliss today. i got much better results for a dry press but i think next time i will airdry with it on rather than spray it it on right before flat ironing.