RANT: Revlon flat iron breaking hair!!

[mzhotniz86]

Hi everyone, I am mad right now. I have this flat iron: Revlon Perfect Heat Professional Straightener

and it seems that for some reason, when I use it, my hair starts breaking like crazy within the next few days after using it. Its a shame that I JUST NOW made the connection , because I noticed my hair in a bad state on other occasions when using it ( why havent i thrown it out you ask? ...i have no clue ) Anyways, I my hair is real stiff and feels like straw to the touch and my ends look HORRIBLE! I mean whenever I comb it , my hair seperates at the ends as if my split ends have gotten worse. When I used it this time , I had only used it on my roots though after I took my wrap down. Has anyone else had problems with their flat irons? What other flat irons do you recommend?

 

[camellia]

What temperature setting are you using? You might want to try a lower setting. Which heat protectant are you using?

I went through a lot of flat irons in the past and had bad results with them all because either they didn't have a temperature control or I was using the highest setting. Also, IMO, a heat protectant is essential. Your problems with breakage and stiff hair sound very similar to the ones I used to have.

I have a Sedu and a Solis now and I highly recommend both of them. I flat iron rarely and I use a low temp. as well as Redken Heat Glide or Chi Silk Infusion before ironing.

 

[mzhotniz86]

I believe the temp was between 10 and possibly 12 out of 20-something. No, I didnt use a heta protectant, didnt even think of it. I had rubbed a little moisturizer through my hair and went over my roots in the middle. Funny thing is , that it barely got it all the way straight :/ I will definately look into the two you named. I've heard they were good. Another thing is that my hair is real coarse too. This is frustrating

 

[camellia]

I believe the temp was between 10 and possibly 12 out of 20-something. No, I didnt use a heta protectant, didnt even think of it. I had rubbed a little moisturizer through my hair and went over my roots in the middle. Funny thing is , that it barely got it all the way straight :/ I will definately look into the two you named. I've heard they were good. Another thing is that my hair is real coarse too. This is frustrating

I've found that if a moisturizer contains a lot of glycerin my hair will never properly straighten.

I don't straighten my own hair often but I have five sisters and I iron their hair too. Here's how I like to do it:

After washing and conditioning apply a very small amount of leave in conditioner and then apply serum/heat protectant.

Let hair dry completely before ironing. I set the iron at no higher than 300 degrees. Taking very small sections of hair start to flat iron them. I like to start at the nape of the neck and work my way forward.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

I've found that if a moisturizer contains a lot of glycerin my hair will never properly straighten.

I don't straighten my own hair often but I have five sisters and I iron their hair too. Here's how I like to do it:

After washing and conditioning apply a very small amount of leave in conditioner and then apply serum/heat protectant.

Let hair dry completely before ironing. I set the iron at no higher than 300 degrees. Taking very small sections of hair start to flat iron them. I like to start at the nape of the neck and work my way forward.

Great advice Cam.

I was going to ask those same questions. Maybe it was heat damage instead of the flat iron it'self. Especially if you blowdried beforehand. Heat is heat and NO iron can really save you from heat damage.

I add a few heat protectants in there first, deep condition, cut out the blowdryer (if you did use it) and try the iron again.

 

[texasqt]

What have you done to your hair since? I noticed you don't have a daily regimen yet, but make sure you are moisturizing with something water-based and sealing with an oil at least once daily. Stiff hair = dry, thirsty hair = splits and breakage. I use to have the same problem but I would just rewash my hair until I learned about moisturizing and sealing as oppose to just using grease. Just a thought since you said you notice breakage a few days later.

Also, you definitely want to get a good heat protector. Never apply heat without one.

 

[mzhotniz86]

Thank you all for helping me out and for the tips! When I used the flat iron , it was after sitting under the hood dryer with my hair wrapped. When my hair got dry and I combed it down, the middle was still a poofy mess. Thats when i used the flat iron on it. Since then Ive been doing the cross wrap and I put a little bit of BB moisturizer on my ends and then the elasta mango butter on my edges before wrapping it up and going to sleep . Im starting to think my hair really does not like the BB moisturizer. Even after i seal it with my oil spray , the next day it still has that coarse texture feel to it. I think Im gonna have to try the rollersets from now on to keep the heat off it.