My hair is not taking heat well!

[Mercie]

I am not sure why but, my hair does not respond to heat (flat irons and curlers) well. My hair doesn't hold a curl anymore, and it takes longer to get it straight with a flat iron. I went swimming early on in the summer but I washed my hair right after. (and that was in June) I am not sure if that is what is affecting my hair.

 

[AnitaTheLengths]

Are you relaxed or natural? What are you putting on your hair before flat ironing/curling?

 

[Mercie]

I am relaxed. Before flat ironing my hair, I shampoo, deep condition, and allow it to dry.

 

[darlingdiva]

What types of products are you using, and what are the ingredients in those products?

I hear that smoothing products are good to use to prep the hair for flat ironing. I've also heard that glycerin can be a no-no because it draws or attracts moistures, which results in poof and frizz.

Maybe this thread will help you: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=431336

 

[Mercie]

What kind of smoothing products? I use heat protection spray..

I use Cream of Nature shampoo and Olive oil deep penetrating conditioner. To detangle my hair I use a mix of oil and diluted conditioner. I don't use too much of glycerin.

I think I may need to clarify. I haven't actually done a clarifying wash in a long time but, I have used a dandruff shampoo because I thought that it would be strong enough to give the hair a deep clean. ( I do not have dandruff though )

 

[Stella B.]

Chelating shampoos are good for removing chlorine and mineral deposits from the hair. (good for relaxed heads using no-lye,) Aubrey Organics has a sulfate free one-it's called Swimmers Shampoo, and can be purchased from Whole Foods. ORS also makes a chelating and neutralizing Aloe shampoo. You might want to try one of those to see if it helps your hair hold curl better. Especially if it's been a while since you've clarified.

 

[darlingdiva]

^Maybe you do need to clarify. Try it & see if your hair responds differently.

Redken, Paul Mitchell, Peter Lamas, and Alterna make smoothing products. Other companies make smoothing products too, but these companies came to my mind first.

Also, maybe steaming while DCing make help with extra moisture. I hear that steaming helps to loosen the curl pattern too.

 

[Mercie]

Yes I used to use the ORS aloe shampoo every 2 weeks but, I ran out of it and started to use the Cream of Nature. I will try using the ORS to see if it helps. Thanks!