I figured I would NOT use heat for a long time (like over a year) since BC'ing in January. I love my curls, but due to SSKs, mats, and shrinkage, it is difficult to style my hair as I like and just go! I like wake up and go hair without a whole lot of effort (I'm always tired and get hair lazy).
Kinda tired of the wigs, so I decided to blowdry with an old Conair 1500 dryer, using the tension method. My whole head was literally dry in 10 mins. I used a bit of Vatika oil (coconut oil) before blowdrying (after a shampoo with Nexxus Botanoil and Creme of Nature Detangling shampoo, deep condition with Joico Moisturizer Conditioner). The tension method didn't work very well for me...it locked my curls in, making it harder to then straighten with my flat-iron.
I use a Conair Ceramic Flat-Iron on number 20 or about 320-350 degrees. Applied a dab of Vatika Oil and Smooth N' Shine Straighten polish to each section. My results were good, I had lots of volume but my hair was straight. I used my Maxiglide Miniglide for my edges (it is 1/2"). I hate the time it takes to rollerset and let my hair dry in them since it's long, otherwise I would rollerset then flat-iron.
I will have to try this Fantasia IC Heat protectant and Aphogee Green Tea Restructurizer I hear you ladies mentioning, and also get a good heat protectant spray. The last time I straightened, I was transitioning, and I had no heat damage. I don't forsee any with my method.
I plan to wash, dc, air dry with hair stretched or banded/use hooded dryer, then flat-iron ONCE A MONTH. That is really the only time I have energy and free time to straighten. Otherwise, I may visit a salon for a blow-out and flat-iron if I just can't do it myself during a given month, for whatever reason.
I always said I wouldn't heat train, but my hair has become unmanageable with the mats and I can only style it when it's damp or wet (not cool since the winters get bitterly cold here and it takes too long to style anyway at my shrunken length).
Even if I style while damp or wet, once it's dry, the shrinkage can ruin the style unless I'm in twists or a tight pony puff/bun. I think that I need to use heat, like "LongHairDon'tCare" from YouTube. I cannot run a comb or even my fingers through main sections of my hair while dry and unstraightened. I'm about 25% 3c, 75% 4a...so mostly 4a.
I
love how easily I can style my hair while straightened. I can bun it and leave the bun in for days, only applying a satin scarf at nite, and take it off when it's time to go! Maybe being a straightened natural is better for me.
I'm experimenting, because due to my health, lifestyle, work, errands, etc., I have little time or energy to fight my hair in it's natural state. In the spring and summer, I will return to natural styles like twists and braids---GLADLY since my hair reverts easily with the slightest perspiration (as I found 1 night after straightening) or moisture in the air. Hence, the straightening will only be in the cool months with low humidity (late Sept-late March).
Though I got good results this time, I'll be buying a new flat-iron within the next week or 2 (a Cortex, Remington, Chi, Solia, or Babyliss Nano Titanium). I need one with wider plates (at least 1.5-2" +) since my hair is long. I'm trying to make the straightening process as fast as possible (currently wash to finish is 3 hours).
I mainly bun, so I don't need stick straight hair...that will help me use as little heat as possible, thankfully.
P.S. Does Sabino Moisture Block really work? What is the best product you ladies know of that can resist humidity, and reduce reversion?