Question about heat

[GiGi55799]

Summer is coming to an end soon and I am feeling so grateful to this board.

You know how when you went to the salon and you used to chat up the girls and women there about just whatever?? I guess thats kind of what this board is like except the information is accurate hehe. Anyways just wanted to thank you ladies first.

My question is: Im due for a touch up next week for school and I have 2-2.5 inches of new growth to be proud of.I was wondering if I wanted to hot curl my hair lets say once every two weeks or so, would that be really damaging? Is there something I could use to protect it?

 

[GiGi55799]

does anyone use a curling iron still?

 

[Cleo]

Gigi, I don't use a curling iron, but I use my ceramic flat iron once a week. I haven't had any problems with doing this. I always use H-two and silkening seal before hand. I would recommend that you purchase a ceramic curling iron if you plan to do this, and twice a month should not hurt you as long as you use a heat protectant. Pay attention to the condition of your hair after you've tried it a few times and see if you are experiencing any adverse effects. Take Care

 

[GiGi55799]

What kind of protectant do you use? Do hair polishers and serums count as protectants?

 

[sylviaetc]

whats the difference between a ceramic curling iron/flat iron v a metal curling iron/ flat iron? is there a difference in how they treat the hair?

 

[Cleo]

Gigi, the H-two leave-in has thermal protectants in it and the silken seal is basically silicones. I use both to protect my hair before using the ceramic iron. I really like them, so you can see if they work for you.

 

[Cleo]

Sylvia, ceramic plates are better for equal heat distribution. The infra-red heat technology is supposed to seal moisture in the hair. I really like my ceramic flat iron. My hair never feels fried after using it and I only have to use setting 1 to get the results I desire.

 

[sylviaetc]

ahhh, i see... i'll have to get one of those if i'm gonna go back to hot curling my hair in the fall...

 

[myco]

Actually I just used my ceramic iron last night. The difference between the ceramic and traditional is that the ceramic supposedly produces negative ions that seal moisture into the hair, instead of drawing or "boiling" it out. I haven't had any frizzing or poofing today and the humidity is at 70%, but better technique and products might have something to do with that. The ceramic plates are also supposed to have more even heating. But I do think someone mentioned that their hair had hot spots for a long time after using a ceramic iron, so definitely take your hair's personality into account.

This is the first time I've used direct heat in months. I'm not directly opposed to using heat, but I know I can get the same results without it, so I rather err on the side of caution. I actually prefer the look I get with a roller set, but I just wanted to be different last night. I'm considering washing my hair tonight just to get in extra conditioning. Like Cleo, said a heat protectant is very important and you have to watch your hair carefully afterwards.

I think Biosilk (expensive) is a serum with heat protectant properties. I think products that say "heat-activated" would work also. Soft-sheen Break thru makes one also. Cream of Nature makes a serum, but it has a little bit of hold to it and you might not like the way your hair feels afterwards.