I’m also fine haired and the straightening method that works best for me is the following:
- Clarify – to remove product build up and give yourself a clean working palate. Some good clarifying shampoos are ORS Creamy Aloe and Suave’s Clarifying Shampoo, which should cost no more than a dollar and a half.
- Protein Treatment – it should be light and contain large amounts of keratin and collagen (for strength, elasticity and moisture retention). One of my favorite light protein conditioners is Mill Creek Biotin Conditioner; a 16oz container runs for about $6 at Walmart. Apply, detangle and allow it to process under a cap for at least 15 minutes.
- DC – must be ultra moisturizing, and contain lots of emollients and oil (in order to obtain optimal straightening results). Apply and let sit for an extended period of time, which for me is at least 2 hours. Two good DCs can be found at Sally’s: GVP Conditioning Balm at $7 for 16oz and ORS Replenishing Conditoner at $12 for 33.8oz.
- Leave-in – can be either a liquid or a cream; I prefer creams. Apply a light coating to the entire head (too much product will result in crispy, stiff, badly straightened hair). My favorites are sold by online vendors; however, As I Am Naturally’s Leave-in Conditioner is pretty good and goes for $11 bucks at Sally’s.
- Sealant – must be light and applied sparingly (to seal in the moisture and provide extra protection against heat). Both EVCO and grapeseed oil works well in this capacity; my preference is for grapeseed.
- Prep – fully detangle and allow to air dry in sections, which for me is 6 braids (there is no need to blow dry; this is one of the few benefits of having fine hair).
- Heat Protectant – once the hair is fully dry, apply your heat protectant of choice – do not over saturate (too much product, even heat protectant, hinders the straightening process). The best protectant I’ve ever used is Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray, which is easy to find locally and costs about $4 dollars for an 8oz bottle (serums tend to weigh my fine strands and cause them to become stiff during and after straightening). However, if a serum is your preference, Redken’s Heat Glide is the most effective serum I’ve ever used.
- Straightening – at 350 degrees beginning at the nape using small sections with no more than 2 passes per section. Locating an efficient, inexpensive flat iron shouldn’t be too difficult. There are a plethora of threads and reviews that can point you in the right direction. Also, Sally’s has a few that are a worthwhile investment.
- Maintenance & Styling – this area is largely hinges upon one’s preference. Some prefer to use oils and butters for styling and maintenance purposes, while others (like myself) will opt for a water-based creamy leave-in conditioner. In any case, if you plan on twisting, braiding, etc. your straightened hair, a very nice stand alone product is Camille Rose Naturals Aloe Whipped Butter Gel, which is currently on sale at curlmart.com for just under $13. This product will provide you with moisture, sheen, softness, slip and hold without causing hardness or build up. Although it’s called a gel, its consistency is very similar to that of a cream.
Hopefully, this rather long-winded post proves to be of some help to you. Most importantly, don’t forget to update this thread with details and pictures of your straightening adventure (I love a good update
).
