OH MY GOD, I RELAXED MY NATURAL HAIR!!!

[Nanyanika]

GinuwinesBoo, I will definitely perform a strand test to know whether my hair can handle a relaxer. I agree with you, It depends on how the hair's present condition and it is cared for.

Brownie, thanks for those encouraging words. I must admitt I was feeling a little apprehensive, because of the horror stories with relaxers and the pressure from my family and Church Bishop to stay natural. Thanks for having faith in my hair, It would be nice If my hair turned out great.

 

[EgyptianSand16]

this was me when i read the title of your post Den1

Because you are my natural haired IDOL

I find Braid Outs help me with shrinkage. But then again, do what YOU want

j/k
if u do decide to relax please post pics

 

[Nanyanika]

EgyptianSand16, I'M STILL NATURAL, I HAVEN'T TAKEN THE PLUNGE YET, LOL!!! Your cracking me up

 

[EgyptianSand16]

 

[Nanyanika]

[ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]


EgyptianSand16, your so sweet, here this is for you

 

[LaFemmeNegrita]

All I can say is, you can't unring the bell, you know? It might be a good idea to play around with heat-straigthened hair before you commit to something permanent. I've lived on both sides of the fence - and although I've never had hair as glorious as yours

- going back to perms isn't an option for me, because I'd miss the versatility of natural hair too much. You can do whatever you want (including going temporarily straight) with natural hair; that option doesn't work in reverse.

Best wishes on whatever you decide.

 

[Nanyanika]

LaFemmeNegrita, I'll experiment with heat straightening tools first, it will give me an idea of what it may be like going permanently straight. Thanks

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

Den,
If you can get hold to a ceramic flat iron. They work wonders for us with type 4 hair. It will leave your hair feeling like it is relaxed if it is done right. This way you can at least physically see If it is something you would like to deal with.

 

[Nanyanika]

Thank-you dontspeakdefeat, I was thinking about purchasing a cermaic flat iron sometime ago. The one i'm looking for is the negative ions it seals in moisture and doesn't cause as much damage, do you know if the Jilibere one, is excellent for straightening? it is too expensive for me to get it shipped from America to England. There are some over here in London, however not the best brand name heat appliances.

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

Den,
I have heard a lot of ladies here speak of the Jilibere flat iron and they say it is great. I have a Unil and it has variable temperatures from 140 degrees to 410 degrees. I gives me a lot of options as far as heat. You hair really does turn out shiny and bouncy when used. I had a lot of people ask if I had gone back to relaxing. The answer was no, just using a different styling tool!

If you aren't to scared to try Ebay 'cause you can find them there for much less than you would pay a retailer. I don't think they charge as much either for the shipping.

 

[joyous]

Den.
You're hair is absolutely gorgeous in its natural state. The problem that comes with relaxers are improper application and improper care. Many of us had problems with relaxers because we did not know how to care for our hair properly. Armed with the knowledge you already have(your mane proves that) and application by a knowledgable professional I'm sure you'll be fine. I respect any decision you make and I'm sure it will be the right one you.

 

[VALLEYGIRL]

I am going to suggest the same thing as the other ladies ...press or flat iron your hair first and see if you like it.
This always works for me when I get bored with my natural hair and by the end of the 4th day I am dying to wash my hair and get the curls back.

I would suggest going to a salon and have them do it for you. You have a TON of hair and if you have never flat ironed it yourself before it can be extremely frustrating and you may want to give up before you can see the results.

But keep in mind the stylists at most black salons use very very, very HOT irons (Smokey Joes as Allandra calls them)and they may cause your hair to loose some elasticity and some parts may not revert back...so what I have heard someone do before is to bring in your own ceramic iron and have them press/flat iron your hair with that one. You know that iron will only get but so hot b/c it is electrical.
Not every stylist may want to do that so call around and try to find one that will work with you. If they are good with good technique they can get your hair straight and not burn it off with a marcel oven that has to be put in the oven...they usually tend to use too much heat when dealing with natural hair thinking its harder to straighten. This may be the case sometimes but not always...I have heard way too many stories of naturals getting their hair pressed and loosing their natural texture b/c of a too hot iron..myself included.

Anyway long story short... straighten your hair with heat , see how you like it and like dealing with it straight (wrapping it at night, bumping the ends under, etc.) and then if you do and feel like you want to wear it straight all the time then go forth with the relaxer.

 

[Nanyanika]

Thanks dontspeakdefeat, I'll work with the options of heat styling for now, if I can purchase an excellent flat ironing tool, that will give my the look and feel of a relaxer, its defintely a plus for me. I will visit ebay's website to find out how much it will cost to purchase and ship the flat-iron to England

 

[Nanyanika]

[ QUOTE ]
But keep in mind the stylists at most black salons use very very, very HOT irons (Smokey Joes as Allandra calls them)and they may cause your hair to loose some elasticity and some parts may not revert back...so what I have heard someone do before is to bring in your own ceramic iron and have them press/flat iron your hair with that one. You know that iron will only get but so hot b/c it is electrical.
Not every stylist may want to do that so call around and try to find one that will work with you. If they are good with good technique they can get your hair straight and not burn it off with a marcel oven that has to be put in the oven...they usually tend to use too much heat when dealing with natural hair thinking its harder to straighten. This may be the case sometimes but not always...I have heard way too many stories of naturals getting their hair pressed and loosing their natural texture b/c of a too hot iron..myself included.


[/ QUOTE ]

I was also worried about the kind of hot irons they used at black hair salons, I don't want my hair scorch or damaged by the intense heat. If decide to visit a salon, I would bring my own flat-iron, but i'm scared that they might overprocess my hair, through jealously.

 

[Nanyanika]

Joyous, thanks for the words of encouragement. I don't hate my hair in its natural state but I'm so used wearing it natural, It'll be great to see what it would look like straight, for a change.

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks dontspeakdefeat, I'll work with the options of heat styling for now, if I can purchase an excellent flat ironing tool, that will give my the look and feel of a relaxer, its defintely a plus for me. I will visit ebay's website to find out how much it will cost to purchase and ship the flat-iron to England

[/ QUOTE ]
Great! I was wondering if you are scared to visit a salon maybe you have some friends or family that can help you. Honestly flat-ironing can be done successfully at home if you have the right products etc. Look at what Honeycomb did to her friends hair. It came out very nice and it was done with a flatiron. Good luck!

 

[Napy247]

I don't know how feasible this is but how about a sewn in weave? Then you could experience straight hair without having to relax your own hair. I thought about a wig too but I don't know how that would work with long natural hair?

 

[Xtal]

I think your natural hair is so beautiful and healthy and strong that you should not
do anything to compromise it.

I have 4a/4b type hair, and my hair presses bone straight and doesn't revert
when I have a light oil press. When more oil is used, it doesn't get as straight. But
it is very difficult to develop a healthy regimen that depends on so much heat and not getting
your hair overly moisturized. I've thought about it for a long time and I don't see how it can
work. If you ask any older woman, they'll tell you your hair will get "trained" to a press. It
won't revert back to it's original texture, it will stay a little more stretched out. To me, this
screams "Heat Damage!"

I think you should periodically give yourself the treat wearing your hair out to it's
full length and continue to wear your cute natural styles the rest of the time.
Just my opinion.

X

 

[Jenai]

Den1, you has me scared with this post! Your hair is gorgeous natural - so healthy looking. I would kill (and scalp lol) to have hair that natural and healthy. Whatever you decide to do, you know your LHCF sisters/brothers will support you.

Why don't you take the other ladies advice and try to purchase a ceramic iron to straighten your hair? Oh, and don't forget to post pictures.

 

[LondonDiva]

Den1 you may want to look at getting a GHD (good hair day) cermic plated (not coated) flat iron over here.

Den1 don't forget to get your plug adaptor if you order a US appliance.

Does anyone know the temperature of the marcel irons used in the hair salon?

 

[pebbles]

OH MY LORD!! I almost had a heart attack when I read the title of this thread!

Don't do that!! I don't think I have such a strong heart!

 

[sassygirl125]

@ "Smokey Joe"!

LD: It was either Carolyn Gray or Cathy Howse who said that curling irons can be between 250-300 degrees. I'm not sure if they were referring to the home kind or the salon kind... The infra red ceramic iron being discussed in another thread goes up to 400 degrees!

I could bake cookies on it!

 

[ShashaUK]

Hey Den1

Good luck with your decision. I was in the same boat about 4 weeks ago and chose to relax. I had been natural for 3 years and have shoulder length 4a hair. Before I made the plunge I did most if not of the things the others have suggested ie., a list of pros and cons of my hair natural and relaxed. I bought a ceramic falt iron Me2 Extreme for about £54.00 (excellent results on my 4a hair) has variable heat settings. I flat ironed first to see how I liked my hair straight. I loved it and went ahead after making and cancelling two appointments because I chickened out! LOL Unfortunately the hairdresser (who was recommended by a friend overprocessed and then fried my hair with marcel irons. I had some breakage for about a week. Thanks to advice from the board I've got the breakage under control. One thing I definitely agree with is something which one of the other ladies said is that when you have been natural it gives you a kind of headstart for wearing a relaxer you know how much you have to moisturize and be gentle with natural hair well the same goes for the relaxed hair but even more so. One more thing it has taken me a month to get used to my relaxed hair and get to know what works best for it, so if you do go ahead and have a few probs - don't panic! I'm sure you'll receive excellent support here.

Anyway good luck with your decision and if you do go ahead PLEASE choose your stylist carefully!!

Good luck
ShashaUK

 

[nita4]

Okay, that wasn't nice. I was expecting to see a picture of your long beautiful hair.

I know how you feel. I'm texturized but I've been fighting with the idea of going natural for months. I've decided to stick with my texturized hair and just space out my touch ups. I'm still working on this so pray for me.

With that said, I know most of you have read "For Colored girls who considered weaves when the chemicals became to Ruff" & Plaited Glory by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner. This lady texturized her hair twice a year and it thrived. Just because you decide to relax/texturize for change doesn't mean that you have to keep that 6 to 8 week schedule. You already know what your hair needs and how to take care of it and you can still wear your natural styles. Change isn't the end of the world.

But I have to agree with Jade21, not a good idea to do when your bored and looking for a change.

 

[Nanyanika]

Napy247: I wouldn't like to wear a weave, I don't see the point in growing my real hair long, just to wear a wig. I used to wear weaves before I begun my hair growth journey, because I hated my hair texture, I was so ashamed to show it in public. Maybe if I was having a bad hair day I may consider a wig/weave, other than that, no ways

GiGi: Sorry for scaring you, LOL, I'll definitely take note of all the advice given, and thanks for your support.

LD: I've heard of the GHD straightner, do you know where I can purchase it, in London?

 

[Nanyanika]

Hello Pebbles

I could just imagine your expression, when you read the title this thread, God Bless your poor heart

 

[Nanyanika]

ShashaUK thanks, I'm taking a leaf out of your book, I will list the pros and cons of relaxed/texturised hair, purchase an flat-iron and make my descisions, as to whether I could live with having permanently straight hair, encompanied with special hair care needs.

nita4, i'll be praying that the texturizer continues to work out well for you. Can someone please explain the differences between relaxer/texturizer and what are the pros and cons of either chemical services?

thanks

 

[Brownie]

[ QUOTE ]
ShashaUK thanks, I'm taking a leaf out of your book, I will list the pros and cons of relaxed/texturised hair, purchase an flat-iron and make my descisions, as to whether I could live with having permanently straight hair, encompanied with special hair care needs.

nita4, i'll be praying that the texturizer continues to work out well for you. Can someone please explain the differences between relaxer/texturizer and what are the pros and cons of either chemical services?

thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

I can list some of the pros and cons of texturized hair. The hair can be texturized with a regular relaxer, but it's left on for less time to loosen the curl pattern---maybe only 5-15 minutes left on the hair, compared to maybe 20-25 minutes (not sure about the time for super straight, but you get the point. Texturized hair gets relaxed for less time).

Pros---you can stretch out touch ups. I only go every 3-5 months. I'm heading for 5 months right now--I'm at 4 months now. Your new growth blends in easier because your hair isn't super straight; I have to look really hard to see my new growth. You can still wear curly or wavy styles, and to get your hair straight, all you need are magnetic rollers, or a flat iron, of course.

Cons--sometimes you wish your hair was straighter right out of the shower. Shrinkage, shrinkage, shrinkage (but not as much as natural hair I guess). But your hair will have a lot of elasticity.

 

[pebbles]

[ QUOTE ]
Hello Pebbles

I could just imagine your expression, when you read the title this thread, God Bless your poor heart

[/ QUOTE ]

Girl, you just don't know!!

 

[nita4]

Den1, thanks for the prayers. I'm seriously trying to work my way to 16 weeks. I have a love/hate relationship w/relaxers and hate getting my hair done, but feel that it's necessary for easy maintenance.

I think the texturizer is more versatile. For straight hair I roller set or blow dry. Mostly, I like being able to wear textured styles that look natural.

Whatever you decide I wish you the best. Your natural hair is truly beautiful as is.