Hot much heat is too much?

[Jrsmith]

Hi all
I've been wearing twist extensions for a year and a half with very little recovery time in between (2 weeks in between at best). Since I'm on spring break I decided to give my hair a break. I don't do too much conditioning while in braids besides using braid spray about every other day. As a result my hair is very dry.

My stylist told me that I should allow my hair to rest for about 8 weeks before going back to braids so that my hair can heal and become better moisturized. In the mean time she wants me to go in about every 2 weeks for a deep conditioner.

Im thinking it is a good idea to give my hair a break. I am thinking about going to her every 3 weeks for the next 3 months. The only thing I am worried about is her using heat on my hair. I just made APL and dont want to lose my progress. At the same time I can not style and deep condition at home because I am 14 months post relaxer with 4b hair that I cant manage by myself quiet yet.

Please help.

* If I go to her every 3 weeks I will moisturize and seal every day with s-curl, essential oils, and NTM leave in. I will also wear protective styles (buns and pony tails) and avoid over manipulation.

I don't want to lose my progress

 

[LaughingOctopus]

First off congrats on making APL!

Are you transitioning or stretching?

If your transitioning I don't suggest excess heat.

Your stylist was right about letting your hair rest. Tension styles can wreak havoc on the hair if they are used too frequently. But next time pleaaaase condition more frequently

IMO instead of going to a stylist for a DC every 2 weeks, invest that money and buy a good conditioner or make your own! I'm sure some of the ladies will be happy to share some recipes. I suggest an overnight conditioning treatment with a shower cap to replenish that moisture. I know you said you can't do it at home, but I really suggest that you try. Its not that bad, i'm 1yr 3 months post i can testify

Wash and clip your hair in sections and apply the conditioner one section at a time.

Good Luck

 

[Jrsmith]

@Aneadra Thanks for your advice and encouragement I agree dc on my own would be best, and that with practice I could do it. I will definitely do this in the summer, but right now I don't think I can. Not only is it difficult for me, but I cant style. As a middle school teacher I don't think it would be a good idea having too many bad hair days .

 

[Jrsmith]

bump...
will heat every 3 weeks (for the next 3 months) from my stylist be too damaging for my 14 month post relaxer 4b hair?

 

[Solitude]

You can deep condition your hair at home. I would be more worried about visiting a stylist with that much new growth. If she doesn't know how to comb through it and/or she uses too much heat, you could experience a lot of damage. Unless she is used to working with transitioning or natural hair, I doubt she will be able to handle your hair any better than you can at home.

It's hard to guess how much heat your hair can handle, just remember that for most of us, our hair is much more fragile than we think it is. We've been trained to think that kinky hair has to be whipped into submission when it actually needs tender loving care...and moisture.

 

[JJamiah]

I agree with the other poster if your hair is out (even in braids) your hair needs more conditioning. If your hair is in a fragile condition, heat would just make it worse.

You need to give your Hair TLC grab some half wigs and start giving yourself some treatments and DCing on a regular basis.

I'd say no HEAT if your stylist is even recommending you to rest your brittle hair. Only heat you need is a hooded dryer while Deep conditioning.

Lay low until your hair is in Tip Top condition.

Clarify and start off with a good trim.

Then start a regimen as simple as possible. Try going no longer than 2 weeks once your hair is in great shape, now it needs weekly love.