My first try at flat ironing! *Pics included*

[anherica]

So after staring at my flat iron collection for the past two years, I decided to actually use them.

I did a deep condition yesterday with my own concoction of Organics Cholesterol, an egg, a healthy addition of olive oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. Shampooed with CON green label and used Garnier Nektar hair mask for three minutes and rinsed. After I recovered from that, I applied shea butter, put my hair in big twists and let my hair air dry overnight.

Today I used the BaByliss pro230 to flat iron most of my hair and used a cheapo Adexi brand for the edges. The cheapo is surprisingly solid ceramic plates, while the BaByliss is ceramic/tourmaline coated. For protectant I used Toni & Guy Protein Protection mist.

Is it super straight, um no. But it's actually straighter than my hair used to get with a relaxer so I'm pleased. This attempt has given me the confidence to try again later in the year. What do you think? Any advice is appreciated. (I'm a 4a/4b natural)

 

[Dommo]

I think you should avoid putting any oils or butters on before flat-ironing to get it straight...Your hair is very pretty and thick though...

 

[msMicaela]

the shea butter will be a little heavy... if you are going to be a natural who presses...welcome to the group by the way! then you should invest in a good heat protectant...but use light oils only on the scalp and use them sparingly at that...also,ur hair is so pretty and thick, u will need to section it in SMALL Sections...and i hate to say this but make sure u turn that bad boy up to almost maximum heat if not maxumum....otherwise u will just be teasing ur hair with low or medium heat and be wasting ur time....

 

[anherica]

msMicaela, I had it cranked kind of high, I'm ashamed to say how high. My sections probably weren't small enough and my technique with the flat iron itself probably sucks. lol I will definitely invest in another heat protectant.

I will keep that in mind about the shea butter for the next time ladies. I'm just so used to slapping in the shea butter after a wash, that it's almost a reflex. Thanks for the tip.

 

[lilmsjanet]

i see nothing wrong with the regimen that you used maybe next time just try smaller sections but other then that your hair is marvelous keep up the good work

 

[msMicaela]

msMicaela, I had it cranked kind of high, I'm ashamed to say how high. My sections probably weren't small enough and my technique with the flat iron itself probably sucks. lol I will definitely invest in another heat protectant.

I will keep that in mind about the shea butter for the next time ladies. I'm just so used to slapping in the shea butter after a wash, that it's almost a reflex. Thanks for the tip.

I understand that!! lol...but remember light and airy...light and airy....lol

oh and yes, do invest in a good flat iron....girl trust me..ull end up doing it anyway..just after alot of frustration, money and time spent with cheaper ones that dont do the job...

 

[Geminigirl]

your hair is SUPER thick. I love it. I would invest in some Fantasia IC heat protctant and Coconut oil. Only use a small amount of the oil cause you don't want your hair super greasy or weighed down but you do want that bling. It works for me but my hair is no where near as thick as yours.

 

[Makenzie]

I love how thick your hair is.

 

[msa]

your hair is so pretty and thick woo lawd child that must be some work

 

[MsChelle]

I wish my hair was that thick!!! LOVELY!!! I agree with the others in saying make sure you part it off in SMALL sections and use a good heat protectant.

 

[DozenRoses99]

You have gorgeous, thick hair!

 

[Faith]

Nice and big...wow.

 

[danigurl18]

I was going to say something about the heavy oils... I like Aveda Smoothing Fluid (light blue)

 

[anherica]

Thanks for the advice and compliments ladies. I am definitely taking notes. I will remember to do smaller sections and lighter products next time.

your hair is so pretty and thick woo lawd child that must be some work

My arms are still tired. But it was worth it.

I wanted to get over my fear of straightening and check out my ends. Now I know that they are doing much better than I thought. So the straightening bug is out of my system for now. I don't think I'll try again until Christmas.

 

[peppers01]

I agree with most of the ladies. Definitely your hair is uber thick! Part your hair in 4 sections and make 1/2 inch parts to flat iron.

 

[LaLaa]

Wow your hair is so thick! I could only wish to have that thickness!