Random Hair Thoughts/Thinking out loud

I'm surprised we don't have a larger sub-community of "press-n-curl" naturals on here. I've been a member since 2009 and I can count of one, maybe two hands, the number of ladies I've encountered around here who are heat-straightened naturals. I wonder why? It seemed that Black women had beautiful healthy hair back when they were doing regular press-n-curls.

I'm looking for inspiration! I usually prefer my hair texlaxed but I only permed twice a year (sometimes 3) and I was always in protective styles. So it seems like a waste to be chemically straightened only to braid it up under a wig/crochet style. I have no desire to be a loose natural but I'd like to find a way to rock my hair out every now and then without a whole wash day and two days of drying/setting the style (that will end up poofing up the minute I step outside). I'm thinking of doing a monthly blowout and rocking low mani PSs for a week and then cornrowing and wigging for 3-4 weeks until my next blowout. At least that way, I'd get to enjoy my hair more often.
 
I'm surprised we don't have a larger sub-community of "press-n-curl" naturals on here. I've been a member since 2009 and I can count of one, maybe two hands, the number of ladies I've encountered around here who are heat-straightened naturals. I wonder why? It seemed that Black women had beautiful healthy hair back when they were doing regular press-n-curls.

I'm looking for inspiration! I usually prefer my hair texlaxed but I only permed twice a year (sometimes 3) and I was always in protective styles. So it seems like a waste to be chemically straightened only to braid it up under a wig/crochet style. I have no desire to be a loose natural but I'd like to find a way to rock my hair out every now and then without a whole wash day and two days of drying/setting the style (that will end up poofing up the minute I step outside). I'm thinking of doing a monthly blowout and rocking low mani PSs for a week and then cornrowing and wigging for 3-4 weeks until my next blowout. At least that way, I'd get to enjoy my hair more often.
Look on social media and YouTube. Sistawithrealhair and longhairdontcare were some old school ones
 
Look on social media and YouTube. Sistawithrealhair and longhairdontcare were some old school ones
Yeah, Domin (RIP) was my original inspiration. And Sistawithrealhair has coarse strands. But yeah, see how few we could think of?

Also, I find that the hair board seems to give me a more "real time" way of gauging progress and health of different hair practices. And more of an opportunity to find someone whose hair texture is similar to mine - who also is practicing healthy hair techniques. On YT I find a lot of editing or they don't come back a week/month/year later to say how their hair is doing. Or they are busy trying other stuff with their hair in order to post more content (no shade, I absolutely LOVE that) so I don't get to see long term effects of the techniques they posted. KWIM?
 
I'm surprised we don't have a larger sub-community of "press-n-curl" naturals on here. I've been a member since 2009 and I can count of one, maybe two hands, the number of ladies I've encountered around here who are heat-straightened naturals. I wonder why? It seemed that Black women had beautiful healthy hair back when they were doing regular press-n-curls.

I'm looking for inspiration! I usually prefer my hair texlaxed but I only permed twice a year (sometimes 3) and I was always in protective styles. So it seems like a waste to be chemically straightened only to braid it up under a wig/crochet style. I have no desire to be a loose natural but I'd like to find a way to rock my hair out every now and then without a whole wash day and two days of drying/setting the style (that will end up poofing up the minute I step outside). I'm thinking of doing a monthly blowout and rocking low mani PSs for a week and then cornrowing and wigging for 3-4 weeks until my next blowout. At least that way, I'd get to enjoy my hair more often.
I thought there was a straight hair natural thread somewhere.
 
As I sit under the steamer I need to be called out for the lack of self care. I hate depression and how I just don’t feel like doing blank but the bare minimum. Thankful I invest in a few things to make it enjoyable but looking at my nails and toes I see why I feel unfemme. I’m going to enjoy my mimosa and steam.
 
I'm surprised we don't have a larger sub-community of "press-n-curl" naturals on here. I've been a member since 2009 and I can count of one, maybe two hands, the number of ladies I've encountered around here who are heat-straightened naturals. I wonder why? It seemed that Black women had beautiful healthy hair back when they were doing regular press-n-curls.

I'm looking for inspiration! I usually prefer my hair texlaxed but I only permed twice a year (sometimes 3) and I was always in protective styles. So it seems like a waste to be chemically straightened only to braid it up under a wig/crochet style. I have no desire to be a loose natural but I'd like to find a way to rock my hair out every now and then without a whole wash day and two days of drying/setting the style (that will end up poofing up the minute I step outside). I'm thinking of doing a monthly blowout and rocking low mani PSs for a week and then cornrowing and wigging for 3-4 weeks until my next blowout. At least that way, I'd get to enjoy my hair more often.
Just my 2 cents. I think you don't see a lot of press n'curl naturals because a lot of people came from that life, and had short (not past SL), damaged hair. The ones that managed to use heat to maintain long hair (APL+) typically had thick strands that could take that level of abuse on a regular basis. Also a lot of naturals have an adversion to hair stylists because of past experiences. I've seen a lot of naturals over the years give heat a shot and they end up big chopping when it's all said and done.

I tried out being a straight haired natural. It wasn't the best for my hair and I have thick, pretty durable strands. My sister is a 4b natural straightened her hair once and it literally started falling out. A lot of naturals have hair like my sister's, and heats just a big no-no.
 
Just my 2 cents. I think you don't see a lot of press n'curl naturals because a lot of people came from that life, and had short (not past SL), damaged hair. The ones that managed to use heat to maintain long hair (APL+) typically had thick strands that could take that level of abuse on a regular basis. Also a lot of naturals have an adversion to hair stylists because of past experiences. I've seen a lot of naturals over the years give heat a shot and they end up big chopping when it's all said and done.

I tried out being a straight haired natural. It wasn't the best for my hair and I have thick, pretty durable strands. My sister is a 4b natural straightened her hair once and it literally started falling out. A lot of naturals have hair like my sister's, and heats just a big no-no.
Totally makes sense.

The ladies I'm thinking about, though, are ladies from the 70's, 60's and before, who did press and curls just fine. Not the scraggly ends we started seeing in the 80s, 90s beyond when the reliance on chemicals became our standard go-to. Those ladies I'm thinking about still exist, just older, and they still go to the shop to get press-n-curls.

I just found this lady too and looking for more. They're there, I'm more thinking about how they seem to be in the "shadows" of the haircare community - it seems.

 
Last edited:
I'm surprised we don't have a larger sub-community of "press-n-curl" naturals on here. I've been a member since 2009 and I can count of one, maybe two hands, the number of ladies I've encountered around here who are heat-straightened naturals. I wonder why? It seemed that Black women had beautiful healthy hair back when they were doing regular press-n-curls.

I'm looking for inspiration! I usually prefer my hair texlaxed but I only permed twice a year (sometimes 3) and I was always in protective styles. So it seems like a waste to be chemically straightened only to braid it up under a wig/crochet style. I have no desire to be a loose natural but I'd like to find a way to rock my hair out every now and then without a whole wash day and two days of drying/setting the style (that will end up poofing up the minute I step outside). I'm thinking of doing a monthly blowout and rocking low mani PSs for a week and then cornrowing and wigging for 3-4 weeks until my next blowout. At least that way, I'd get to enjoy my hair more often.
I only wonder if it’s like products back then weren’t so horrible and even diet allowed them to flourish vs today if I see a hot comb flash backs of a many poor night before Easter make me shiver. You may need to bring it back
 
@MzSwift bumped the 'Straight Haired Naturals Support' thread for you. The old threads about pressing, flat ironing, beat that heat and straightening natural hair are all really good. In real life I don't run into a lot of natural who straighten their natural hair and wear it out regulary either but we are out here. I think @Prettymetty is a consistent straight hair natural too.
 
I decided to put my hair in the hands of a professional and get some crochet braids. Here is hoping I can keep my edges with this style if it is done by someone more skilled than myself.

If I can retain length and edges I may keep this style for all fall and winter. I’m also starting a new job and don’t want to fuss with my hair even though my ponytails were easy to do.
 
@MzSwift bumped the 'Straight Haired Naturals Support' thread for you. The old threads about pressing, flat ironing, beat that heat and straightening natural hair are all really good. In real life I don't run into a lot of natural who straighten their natural hair and wear it out regulary either but we are out here. I think @Prettymetty is a consistent straight hair natural too.

Blessings to you, sis! :hugxplode:
 
I took the locs down even though I didn't finish. Surprise, surprise :lachen: :abducted: I still have my real hair in single braids so I may or may not add hair to the ends to elongate it. I think I just really enjoy wearing my real hair out even though it's all kinda lengths. Plus it's easier to wash. Winter is coming so I might break out the wigs.
 
I took the locs down even though I didn't finish. Surprise, surprise :lachen: :abducted: I still have my real hair in single braids so I may or may not add hair to the ends to elongate it. I think I just really enjoy wearing my real hair out even though it's all kinda lengths. Plus it's easier to wash. Winter is coming so I might break out the wigs.
I think that's why my styles don't last long if I even finish them.
 
Right!!

I have never owned a round brush but now I see a proper technique for using it. She did a good job of keeping tension on those roots.
And let me find that Redken Extreme Play Safe.

All I need most of the time is a good blowout like that!
I don’t have the coordination to do this myself, but I can give others a great silk press now.
 
I love the way she is so gentle with her clients' hair. This is the first video I saw of her and this lady has long, beautiful, "deceiving" hair. I originally watched this on mute so I didn't hear the convo. I like the questions she was asking her client and making sure that it reverted. She sounds English so I'd not ever get a chance to sit in her chair.

ETA my observations:
She used different products this time (which I believe may be client centered) but the same process

Clarify
Tx, Protein? (plastic cap, no heat, 20-30 minutes)
Apply moisturizing poo to tx before rinsing
Condition (rinse out, not DC)
Heat protectant
Keep plastic cap on hair that isn't being dried <-- I like this step
blow dry/flat iron

2nd Edit: OK, it looks like the digital reading on the flat iron is 222 (which I assume is Celcius) so that's about 432 F.

 
Last edited:
I love the way she is so gentle with her clients' hair. This is the first video I saw of her and this lady has long, beautiful, "deceiving" hair. I originally watched this on mute so I didn't hear the convo. I like the questions she was asking her client and making sure that it reverted. She sounds English so I'd not ever get a chance to sit in her chair.

ETA my observations:
She used different products this time (which I believe may be client centered) but the same process

Clarify
Tx, Protein? (plastic cap, no heat, 20-30 minutes)
Apply moisturizing poo to tx before rinsing
Condition (rinse out, not DC)
Heat protectant
Keep plastic cap on hair that isn't being dried <-- I like this step
blow dry/flat iron

2nd Edit: OK, it looks like the digital reading on the flat iron is 222 (which I assume is Celcius) so that's about 432 F.


Her hair is gorgeous. I love how sleek it got
 
Back
Top