How to stop flat ironing??

[tricie]

Ok, so I went to my stylist today for my relaxer (14 week stretch; woo hoo! ), and she told me my ends were not great, and that she needed to trim them. No secret there, they were getting raggedy, so (and I love her; she only trimmed less than a 1/4" and showed it to me), I got them trimmed.

The thing is, they were raggedy because I am very very bad with the flat iron! How can I stop flat iron and still wear my hair out for awhile?? Once it starts getting knappy again I have a few good protectives that I do (bantu knot twist outs, Hair Zing, cornrows), but what else can i do?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

TIA

p.s. I am relaxed.

 

[tricie]

Anyone? Or please refer me to another thread about this, please; thanks!

 

[CokoQt]

Macherieamour has a tutorial on the saran wrap method which can be used after a rollerset for that flat iron look.

http://healthytextures.typepad.com/my_journey_to_healthy_hai/2007/07/saran-wrap-trea.html

I tried the saran wrap method after airdrying my hair in a ponytail rollerset since I am rollerset challenged and it does give your hair a smooth finish.

Also Caruso steam rollers are a good alternative for styling without the heat damage.

I am on a personal challenge on reducing my flat iron usage as well so I hope to see more suggestions. HTH.

 

[Simply_Kelz]

How about rollersetting?

 

[Vshanell]

Start roller setting and wrapping. Your hair will be straight like you flat ironed it.

 

[foxieroxienyc]

Yeah your best bet is to roller set/wrap a la Macherie. I was ADDICTED to my iron but I've decided for the summer to forgo flat ironing (I do it after a wash/DC 1-2x a week sometimes). My hair is fine as I always do it on low, but still I want to cut back. Only think I like straight looks. :-/

Another thing that works wonders for me is to co-wash/airdry and then set on Caruso rollers. My hair comes out super moisturized and surprisingly straight w/ a curl as though I had done a fresh roller set. When airdrying I put a scarf around my front edges and let the hair hang down in the back - apply my leave-in's already. It dries very soft. I alternate this in during the week when I don't feel like doing a traditional rollerset.

I haven't touched my iron in more than a week and that's a huge deal for me. I'm keeping up with this til the end of the summer as I'm doing a six month stretch.

 

[Determined22]

Ditto on what the other ladies said. Rollersetting and wrapping will give you the smoothness you want, without the heat.

I used to use my flatiron every day, it took me forever to let it go, but it was the best thing for my hair. I didn't start retaining length until I let all direct heat go.

 

[ShiShiPooPoo]

If I can beat flatiron addiction anyone can.


I thought that the only way I could have a cute style was to use heat...and lots of it. I have cut back alot on the flatirons and blowdryers. Matter of fact, I can't even remember the last time I flatironed my hair.

Your hair and ends will thank you. I haven't had a trim in about 4 months and before I could never go that long without a trim. Now my ends are so thick and I know that has alot to do with not using the heaters.

Now, as far as style. You can do rollerwraps, flexisets, or even curlformers will give you a beautiful curl without all that heat. I've never done the saran wrap so I can't personally speak on that BUT I HAVE stalked Marcheriamour on Youtube. She gives very sound, practical advice as do the other ladies as well.

You can beat this flatiron addiction!

 

[1QTPie]

To add, if you MUST have the super straight roots only flat iron that part and do it on a moderate setting. Give your ends a rest.

 

[tricie]

Thanks for the responses, ladies! You rock!

I think I will go back to rollersetting and wrapping; I will still have to do something different after a few weeks when I start to get real knappy; it doesn't wrap well and I don't get that natural bend.

Thanks so much for helping me beat my flat iron addiction! I know it can be done!