How to use weekly heat correctly

dicapr

dicapr

Well-Known Member
I am looking for regimenes from those who use heat weekly and are still getting good retention. I thought that cutting out heat would cure the problems I have with my ends and aid in retention. After about 2 years on a low heat regimine (heat once every 3 months) my ends still split and I am loosing length due to single strand knots. I want to know how the ladies on the board who are closet heat users are continuing to get good retention. I am thinking that with heat I will not have to deal with knots at least. So far rollersets have not agreed with my texlaxed/jacklaxed hair.
 
I don't do this but *Michelle*(formerly Pixel Lady) does and her hair is beautiful...she has a blog on this site and is very nice....if you pm her make sure you include the asterisks..


HTH
 
For the past 3 months, after being on a low/no heat regimen for 4 yrs, I have started to flat iron once per week, so far so good and I have not noticed any splits or breakage. the key for me has been to be SURE to deep condition at least once per week, alternating moisture and protein, Im sure to use a heat protecting serum when I flat iron and moisturize daily with my QP Recovery, which moisturizes but still allows my hair to swing.
 
I use heat weekly with no problems. I've been doing this for the past year and have retained very well. I rarely have split ends or breakage. I DC once a week alternating protein and moisture. I use chi silk infusion and hydratherma naturals leave in then air dry. Then use motions heat protectant spray and flat iron. I moisturize and seal every other day. I've been alternating with this and rollersetting for the past month. It's working very well for me.
 
I use heat weekly I use Ateeya's regimen so far so good my hair likes it. I noticed more breakage trying to fight it. It's getting trained slowly, I use Aphogee products and Chi Silk infusion.

Flat ironing every 1-2 weeks is saving my life cause my hair refused to relax bone straight or straight which I don't mind. What I do mind is not being able to rollerset cause it turns into a frizzy hot mess. So I resorted to flatironing and I blow dry as well, not what I wanted but it works.

I am like 12 weeks post impossible my hair shrinks up really bad I tried all the protective styles can you say hot mess. I do wear braids but it's been at least a year since I had them. My hair is not long so take it with a grain of salt but it's coming along.
 
This is just my own observation but...

I have yet to see anyone flat iron weekly and retain all that they grow over an extended period of time. Now, I have seen some people who can retain a few inches and what not, but those are the same people who end up trimming every few months. And not just a little trim either.
 
When I was relaxed I was a weekly heat user and my growth retention was fine.
I found that my hair seemed to enjoy some heat.

The key for me was never using heat without deep conditioning first.
I would DC under the hood once a week usually with ORS.
Blow dry with Chi Silk and then flat iron with Chi Silk and or Dudley cream press.
My hair was on the grow and I was retaining length.

Another key was keeping my hair tied up in my silk scarf whenever I was in the house chillin.

I also discovered that my hair preferred silk protein instead of Animal protein.
I stayed away from Aphogee.
and I was relaxing every 8 to 10 weeks. sometimes longer but usually about 10.
I am a Type 4.

Hope this helps.

HHG
 
Actually there are PLENTY of women here who use heat regularly who retain their length just fine. It's all apples and oranges really and everyone's hair is different. Some can use it some can't, some can relax, some can't. Some can brush and comb, others can't. It's a huge generalization to say that those who use heat don't retain most of their length, because that's just not true. Since living out here in LA, I have seen SO MANY AMAZING HEAT STYLED HEADS it's ridiculous. I'm talking APL, BSB, MBL, and WL natural and relaxed heads who are using heat weekly to bi weekly... (Ok enough of my super PMS diatribe).

Basically as stated above, you've got to make sure you MOISTURIZE before using any heat. Deep condition 1-2x a week, moisturize at night and either pin curl/wrap/cross wrap your hair to maintain the straight style (which ever method works best for YOU). It's also really to your benefit to know what temperature will work best for YOUR hair that will get it straight enough without burning or damaging it. For me, I know that I will never use my flat iron higher than the 2nd setting of 284 degrees. Not unless I'm looking for trouble, lol. I flat iron in smaller sections, 2 quick passes, and done.

I think it's also best to invest in a good flat iron to avoid damage. I purchased mine for $60 at the local BSS and it is similar to a CHI. Although I'm looking at getting the Runway because I'm taken by the hype quite honestly. But really it wasn't until I got a good iron that my hair thrived and I've seen no damage. And as mentioned so many times before, do not flat iron if you hair isn't clean, and if you feel the need to "touch it up" you may as well just wash it again and start over.

I have tried the "good things" like minimal to no heat, braid outs, wash and go, low manipulation, and honestly it was those things that made me have to trim more often. I find when I use heat my hair actually does a lot better, maybe because it's used to it, or maybe for me flat ironed hair IS less manipulation.
 
Thank you ladies! I am going to have to up my DC game if I plan to flatiron on the regular basis. I also only flat iron on 275 so I think the fact that I am using lower heat will help. Come to think of it, when my hair was APL or a little longer I would wash, DC for about 2 hours, air dry and then curl. It didn't seem to hurt my hair. Air drying is causing more set backs for me and I am ready to have my hair back. I have been APL 2x in the last year and had to cut due to bad ends back up to my shoulders. Worse case it could take longer to get to APL but at least I could stay there or go beyond if I choose to.
 
foxieroxienyc said:
Actually there are PLENTY of women here who use heat regularly who retain their length just fine. It's all apples and oranges really and everyone's hair is different. Some can use it some can't, some can relax, some can't. Some can brush and comb, others can't. It's a huge generalization to say that those who use heat don't retain most of their length, because that's just not true. Since living out here in LA, I have seen SO MANY AMAZING HEAT STYLED HEADS it's ridiculous. I'm talking APL, BSB, MBL, and WL natural and relaxed heads who are using heat weekly to bi weekly... (Ok enough of my super PMS diatribe).

Basically as stated above, you've got to make sure you MOISTURIZE before using any heat. Deep condition 1-2x a week, moisturize at night and either pin curl/wrap/cross wrap your hair to maintain the straight style (which ever method works best for YOU). It's also really to your benefit to know what temperature will work best for YOUR hair that will get it straight enough without burning or damaging it. For me, I know that I will never use my flat iron higher than the 2nd setting of 284 degrees. Not unless I'm looking for trouble, lol. I flat iron in smaller sections, 2 quick passes, and done.

I think it's also best to invest in a good flat iron to avoid damage. I purchased mine for $60 at the local BSS and it is similar to a CHI. Although I'm looking at getting the Runway because I'm taken by the hype quite honestly. But really it wasn't until I got a good iron that my hair thrived and I've seen no damage. And as mentioned so many times before, do not flat iron if you hair isn't clean, and if you feel the need to "touch it up" you may as well just wash it again and start over.

I have tried the "good things" like minimal to no heat, braid outs, wash and go, low manipulation, and honestly it was those things that made me have to trim more often. I find when I use heat my hair actually does a lot better, maybe because it's used to it, or maybe for me flat ironed hair IS less manipulation.
Click to expand...

Foxie, where you been?

Rollersetting JACKED my ends so.......It is def possible to retain with heat. Only 2 years ago my hair was barely SL and very damaged (even 1 inch in many spots). I have passed BSL 3 times since then using heat weekly. The first time I cut to APL and colored by choice (before LHCF). The second time and third time, my hair was cut by a scissor happy stylist. I am now doing my own trimming:rolleyes: and I am inching toward MBL. Umm er um, I have seen several spend their lives in protective styles and braidouts, ect and stay at the same length forever. So its most important to find what you hair can and can't take. If you hair can take weekly heat and retain (and you like to use heat), luck you :grin:. If not, well find something that your hair can take




that you like. :drunk:

If it matters, I think the key to using weekly heat and keeping hair on you head is to DC and know your limits. Simple as that.
 
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I was getting splits when I air dried until I realized out that my ends were "unprotected" during the process. Now I use a teensy bit of Herbal Green Tea Butter from Hairveda to coat my ends and it does the job. I plan on blow drying more often myself. I'll probably try the HGTB on my end again to see if that works.
 
I was able to flat iron once a week and kept length without having to cut. I deep conditioned, used my trusty wgho, or avocado butter on my ends and blow dried and flat ironed.
 
i blow dry my hair weekly and i think i have retained leght this way, gets rid of all the crunchiess from airdrying
 
foxieroxienyc said:
Actually there are PLENTY of women here who use heat regularly who retain their length just fine. It's all apples and oranges really and everyone's hair is different. Some can use it some can't, some can relax, some can't. Some can brush and comb, others can't. It's a huge generalization to say that those who use heat don't retain most of their length, because that's just not true. Since living out here in LA, I have seen SO MANY AMAZING HEAT STYLED HEADS it's ridiculous. I'm talking APL, BSB, MBL, and WL natural and relaxed heads who are using heat weekly to bi weekly... (Ok enough of my super PMS diatribe).

Basically as stated above, you've got to make sure you MOISTURIZE before using any heat. Deep condition 1-2x a week, moisturize at night and either pin curl/wrap/cross wrap your hair to maintain the straight style (which ever method works best for YOU). It's also really to your benefit to know what temperature will work best for YOUR hair that will get it straight enough without burning or damaging it. For me, I know that I will never use my flat iron higher than the 2nd setting of 284 degrees. Not unless I'm looking for trouble, lol. I flat iron in smaller sections, 2 quick passes, and done.

I think it's also best to invest in a good flat iron to avoid damage. I purchased mine for $60 at the local BSS and it is similar to a CHI. Although I'm looking at getting the Runway because I'm taken by the hype quite honestly. But really it wasn't until I got a good iron that my hair thrived and I've seen no damage. And as mentioned so many times before, do not flat iron if you hair isn't clean, and if you feel the need to "touch it up" you may as well just wash it again and start over.

I have tried the "good things" like minimal to no heat, braid outs, wash and go, low manipulation, and honestly it was those things that made me have to trim more often. I find when I use heat my hair actually does a lot better, maybe because it's used to it, or maybe for me flat ironed hair IS less manipulation.
Click to expand...


EXACTLY what FoxieRoxie said... including the PMS diatribe! :lachen:

the keys for me; always DC and include protein to strenghthen hair, use a good heat protectant, use iron (curling in my case) on low setting, I think mine is at 220, and moisturize and wrap hair at night. I don't put the iron to my hair unless it is clean, conditioned and protected. Oh, and I did just get a cut for style purposes but since my hair seems to be growing more quickly (conditioner is helping) and thriving.
 
Do any of you weekly heat users have heat-stretched hair? How do you cope with it? or do you tend not to really care since you keep your hair straight all the time? I am interested in going this route because I'm tired of my super-shrinkage, knots, and breakage, and I seem to be stuck at SL because of those things. :ohwell:
 
Honestly, I didn't begin to see a change in length until I stopped rollersetting. I didn't use a flatiron for a least five years and never got past APL. I would roller set every week and always end of with little broken hairs no matter what i did. Then a roommate of mine flat ironed my hair and I was in love. I jumped from a little above APL to BSL in a matter of months. It is very important to keep your moisture levels up...I have had a couple of setbacks when the laziness has taken over.
 
Dont even need to add to this...IA 100%:yep:

foxieroxienyc said:
Actually there are PLENTY of women here who use heat regularly who retain their length just fine. It's all apples and oranges really and everyone's hair is different. Some can use it some can't, some can relax, some can't. Some can brush and comb, others can't. It's a huge generalization to say that those who use heat don't retain most of their length, because that's just not true. Since living out here in LA, I have seen SO MANY AMAZING HEAT STYLED HEADS it's ridiculous. I'm talking APL, BSB, MBL, and WL natural and relaxed heads who are using heat weekly to bi weekly... (Ok enough of my super PMS diatribe).

Basically as stated above, you've got to make sure you MOISTURIZE before using any heat. Deep condition 1-2x a week, moisturize at night and either pin curl/wrap/cross wrap your hair to maintain the straight style (which ever method works best for YOU). It's also really to your benefit to know what temperature will work best for YOUR hair that will get it straight enough without burning or damaging it. For me, I know that I will never use my flat iron higher than the 2nd setting of 284 degrees. Not unless I'm looking for trouble, lol. I flat iron in smaller sections, 2 quick passes, and done.

I think it's also best to invest in a good flat iron to avoid damage. I purchased mine for $60 at the local BSS and it is similar to a CHI. Although I'm looking at getting the Runway because I'm taken by the hype quite honestly. But really it wasn't until I got a good iron that my hair thrived and I've seen no damage. And as mentioned so many times before, do not flat iron if you hair isn't clean, and if you feel the need to "touch it up" you may as well just wash it again and start over.

I have tried the "good things" like minimal to no heat, braid outs, wash and go, low manipulation, and honestly it was those things that made me have to trim more often. I find when I use heat my hair actually does a lot better, maybe because it's used to it, or maybe for me flat ironed hair IS less manipulation.
Click to expand...
 
I agree with the other ladies, I've seen many women IRL and on the net that have used heat frequently and seen some beautiful long hair. Just 'listen' to your hair and adjust your routine from there.
 
I flat iron every 1.5 weeks. My hair is APL>I think it mostly depends on the health of your hair. If you initially get a really good cut or trim and your hair is overall thick and even than there is hardly any damage. Damage only occurs when your hair is not moisturised and your ends are uneven.
 
msa said:
This is just my own observation but...

I have yet to see anyone flat iron weekly and retain all that they grow over an extended period of time. Now, I have seen some people who can retain a few inches and what not, but those are the same people who end up trimming every few months. And not just a little trim either.
Click to expand...

I agree. When I flat ironed weekly I was always able to grow to bsl/mbl but by the time I got there had chewed up ends. I'd end up cutting back to apl/bsb I realized if I want to get to full mbl or waist length that I can't flat iron weekly.

Roller setting is a good option though because you don't have to use heat on your ends just your roots.
 
I really do think the flat iron that you use has something to do with it.
When I used a cheapo iron my hair never grew and would break all the time. When I bought GHDs and used it weekly there was a massive improvement. I mean this was before my hair journey, or before I knew anything about taking care of my hair but I could see a big improvement; my hair was the longest it had ever been and it looked shiny and healthy.
 
I'm a natural who flat irons once a week.

I resist flat ironing more than once a week, I use a good flat iron (sedu) on a low setting (340 Degrees). Sedu is good for me only because it does not damage my hair. I also use the Sedu hair dryer which reduces the amount of time I am actually applying heat to my hair (My hair is dry in about 15 minutes with this dryer). I use a good heat protectant (Crisco for flat ironing and Redken Heat Glide for blow drying). I keep it moisturized with Shea Moisture leave in conditioner, and an oil mixture- castor, coconut, grape seed, almond, apricot, avocado. I avoid protein based products. I also pre-poo (raw honey and castor oil). I don't always deep condition, but I always pre-poo.
 
U can flatiron weekly on clean, well moisturized and completely dry (not damp) hair. I've been flatironing weekly since nov 09 and my curlies always come back at the first sign of water or sweat. Wash > deep condition > rollerset > dry > wrap > flatiron. The rollerset and wrap straightens most of my hair but leaves it looking boofy. I don't flatiron all the way to the ends (except for the two times I blewdry my hair and then flatironed). I have a sedu @ 340. Like others said, you have to listen to your hair.
 
I agree that you have to listen to your hair. I damaged mine trying to "be careful". I have more breakage when trying to rollerset. Although I love roller sets and how they look and it is less heat, I'd rather use heat than breakage. When, I'm more than a month post roller setting and wrapping leaves me with an unmanageable pouf ball on my head. After a month or longer post, I need heat. I rarely have had any heat damage to my hair, only when I was younger and would use curling irons everyday (young and dumb!!! lol). Now I know to only apply heat once after a good shampoo and DC. :yep:
 
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