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Straightening: I don't understand what I'm doing wrong?

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AlwaysNatural

AlwaysNatural

Well-Known Member
Basically I tried to straighten my hair today.

I washed, steamed and dc'd with Aubrey honeysuckle moisturizing conditioner and blew drew my hair. It blew out successfully sure the roots felt a little stiff but it blew out straight. I invested all this money, bought this expensive babyliss flat iron nano pro titanium I saved up for and in the end my hair still felt or looked the same just more stiff... I tried adding oils then I got desperate and added grease. If you ask me with everything I did today, I did more damage than good.

I'm style challenged I always pretty much get a cousin to braid my hair here and there or pay for an install and I own 2 wigs.. I stopped going to the salon because this lady is scissor happy and always insist I need a trim. She also jacked up my head then yelled at me..(uneven trim) and I'm quite a very shy person IRL that even though she's wrong though she isn't the owner I'm afraid to go back.

I watched all these videos and thought I had it figured out. Did the tension method and everything started the heat off low, raised it.. Nothing. If you ask me, just seems like i ended out with a blow out and burnt up ssk ends. I cut a few off. I don't know any other decent priced stylists or any that can deal with my natural hair tbh. Im hosting a lunch at a Korean grill house tomorrow and i can't really wear buns because, my forehead is big...lol and the left side of the front of my hair is balding because of health reasons... It's really embarrassing most people my age can do installs and cornrows all I can do is twist out, bantu knot updo's and bun..

I protective styled for a long time and never had my hair straightened since August 2011... I got some length so I wanted to parade the fruits of my labor

Here is the produce of my failure:

4628a87a-9d29-528b.jpg



4628a87a-9d4a-c325.jpg


Did I forget to say: absolutely no shine

--

Sigh.. If I could just find a professional salon or something with healthy hair in mind and growth. But i also don't want to grow up never knowing how to do my own hair.. I'm going to learn how to cornrow soon but... Meh only to wear wigs..

Any advice on techniques and products? Cause clearly I don't know what I'm doing and the next step is going to be a protein treatment and trim.

Too long to read?

My hair wont flat iron properly,
feels and is stiff and has no swang

Sent from my iPod touch using LHCF
 
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First, a few tips:

Did you add a heat protectant before blowing/ironing (you should, to protect your hair).

Don't trim - you don't know if you have heat damage yet.

I use a rat tail comb in front of the iron and it helps to divide the strands and distribute the heat a bit more evenly.

You might also want to air dry first and then add low heat to the blow dryer. Then flat iron (this will minimize the amount of heat you're using).

As far as technique goes, I'm not sure what you could've done "wrong". But I don't believe you necessarily need a salon expert to do this either, it's mainly practice. Others who chime in will have more tips, I'm sure. Don't despair.
 
I have that same flat iron and it's pretty awesome. I have a few questions.

What temperature did you use?
How many passes?
Did you divide your hair in really small sections?
Was your hair really coated in product?
Are your strands silky or wiry?


The first time I used that iron was for a BKT. My hair was coated in the product and when I did two passes at low temp my hair was s.t.i.f.f. Once I upped the temp and did more passes the hair became softer. I'm not saying you should use super high temps (I learnt that lesson the hard way), but just keep in mind that finding the right temp for the results you want takes some trial and error.

P.S. You're pretty and your forehead is not that big. I'm sure you'd look great in a french roll or loose bun.
 
Sorry not on laptop at the moment but to answer some of the questions I used olive oil heat protectant serum pre blow dry over kids organics detangling shea butter and olive oil moisturizer and ramoni silk leave in. I started off at 310 and moved up to 400 the highest (goes up to 475) then back to 375.

I had to put leave in (I'm so stupid it has water in it) to soften up the stiffness.

Oh and I have very thick coarse 4b hair.

Sent from my iPod touch using LHCF
 
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It took me a long time to perfect my technique, but now when I flat iron my hair looks better than I did when I was relaxed. Shine, swang, all that. Here are some simple tips.

Make sure you hair is clean. Don't just wash, clarify. Especially if you're an avid oil user. I strip my hair before I straighten, because that way when I go to blowdry, it's very light and hardly takes heat.

Okay so I'm reading and it says you dc'd and then you blow dried. Mmkay. Did you blow dry soaking wet hair? That's a no no. I used to do that and my hair would be kinda stiff. Did you use a leave in? I don't recommend that either unless you are using it very sparingly. I put my hair in sections and put a drop of heat protectant on each section. Too much will make your hair stiff. You know it's too much if you can feel it. This is what I use.

21lWtoMIOIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


I let my hair airdry a bit until it's damp. Not soaking, not dry. I put my blowdryer on medium heat, medium air, start with one braided section at a time (maybe 8 single braids) pull the hair taut and start at the roots, gently moving up to the ends. It shouldn't be hot or cold, you shouldn't be able to burn your hands on your hair either. I focus more on getting my hair dry than getting it straight. Leaving hair slightly damp before flat ironing is a recipe for crispy stiff hair. My hair ends up a huge fluffy cloud.

You never mentioned what you used for flat ironing? The less product, the better. I spritz a tiny bit of shine spray, maybe one or two squirts and spread it though my hair. That's all. It makes the hair shiny and lubricated, but if you use too much it'll be greasy. Do NOT use oil. It'll feel good at first, then it'll feel like crap.

I pile my hair in a bun on top of my head and straighten from nape to top. Comb out the section with a small tooth comb before you pass with the flat iron. It should only take one pass if you're between 390-425. I think I do 390. That's about it. I touch it up with coconut oil to keep it bouncy and shiny throughout the week.

If you use this technique you might get the reversion scare. I think its the shine spray that causes water to bounce of hair. When it's time to wash use a clarifying shampoo and curls will bounce right back after a good lather.
 
Thank you for all the advice i put my hair in 6 2 at the back 2 at the sides and 2 in the front, i "pat" with a towel to lock in water then apply leave in i dont blow dry soaking wet hair or my hair will look and feel crispy lol. Um on my hair after i blow dried i used nothing and when i realised that wasnt working i tried this petrolaeum based greese just a little little little bit still shineless and normal so then i tried olive oil...in a different section and then i tried castor oil mink grease when i decided to redo the full head lol...yeah i was getting pretty desperate...then i gave up. 3 Hrs standing is not fun.
 
lilikoi said:
I have that same flat iron and it's pretty awesome. I have a few questions.

What temperature did you use?
How many passes?
Did you divide your hair in really small sections?
Was your hair really coated in product?
Are your strands silky or wiry?
.
Click to expand...

I varied from 310-400
I did 2 passes...tried more but it was just not doing anything...
I did divide my hair into sections and then small subsections in those sections
I'm not understanding the last question

yuhlovevybz said:
I pile my hair in a bun on top of my head and straighten from nape to top.
Click to expand...

Same, and il check out that heat protectant.

Lucky's Mom said:
Hi! I think you did pretty well!
:yep:

I hope these links can help you.

I have been through lots of trial and error... and then I finally got a solid routine down.

Hope this helps...

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=367825

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=448786

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=372675&highlight
Click to expand...

Going to check out! Thank you
 
@AlwaysNatural lol sounds like me a few years ago when I was trying to get the hang of it. The first part, with the sixbraids andpattingwith the towel sound perfect. I think the only thing you need to change is finding a better leave in (if it's in your budget or you might even have it lying around, you could give the one I suggested a try). Maybe try putting in the leave in right after washing so it has time to kinda sink in and not sit on top of your hair, and make sure to use it sparingly of course.

Try a clear shine spray or gloss for flat ironing, and nothing else. Something really light. Here's what I use; it makes the hair really soft and gives it the shine you need, doesn't weigh it down.You really don't wanna use a lot of product at all while flat ironing, because you'll basically be baking them all in there and making hair soup. Lol not really but you get what i mean. Some products don't react right to heat. I don't use anything other than this, and not even a lot.

31fjMsEKC7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Hopefully the suggestions I made help, my hair is super coarse too so when I got the hang of flat ironing I was amazed at how straight my hair could get. My room mate was shocked when I first washed my hair and had a fro. She just knew I was relaxed at first. Whenever you have time or feel like flat ironing again hopefully you can give the technique I posted a try and then keep tweaking it til it feels right. You have nice long hair so it'll be fun to swang that around!
 
yuhlovevybz said:
@AlwaysNatural lol sounds like me a few years ago when I was trying to get the hang of it. The first part, with the sixbraids andpattingwith the towel sound perfect. I think the only thing you need to change is finding a better leave in (if it's in your budget or you might even have it lying around, you could give the one I suggested a try). Maybe try putting in the leave in right after washing so it has time to kinda sink in and not sit on top of your hair, and make sure to use it sparingly of course.

Try a clear shine spray or gloss for flat ironing, and nothing else. Something really light. Here's what I use; it makes the hair really soft and gives it the shine you need, doesn't weigh it down.You really don't wanna use a lot of product at all while flat ironing, because you'll basically be baking them all in there and making hair soup. Lol not really but you get what i mean. Some products don't react right to heat. I don't use anything other than this, and not even a lot.

31fjMsEKC7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Hopefully the suggestions I made help, my hair is super coarse too so when I got the hang of flat ironing I was amazed at how straight my hair could get. My room mate was shocked when I first washed my hair and had a fro. She just knew I was relaxed at first. Whenever you have time or feel like flat ironing again hopefully you can give the technique I posted a try and then keep tweaking it til it feels right. You have nice long hair so it'll be fun to swang that around!
Click to expand...

Okay when i go to the bss i will also look for this. And try to reblowdry and straighten with all the advice given the next time. As for tommorrow lol....... i dunno im gonna have to try and come up with something but i'm a bit afraid of adding more heat.
 
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judy4all said:
~hugs~

It actually doesn't look bad.... (at least not as you described) ... I wish I could flat iron my hair to get as straight as yours lol... i don't have any advice for you.. I just wanted to offer a shoulder... and let you know that I know how you feel... I've been in your shoes so many times!! What is your hair texture? Have you seen this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffjZQQIGelg&list=UUMSPXnmn7qbKifamfQovWUg&index=44&feature=plcp

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Wow, she's really good.

I used a blow dryer with a comb attachment then did the same thing she did with the brush and blow dryer.
 
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honestly IMO i think its due to lack of moisture,
my straightening became wayyyyyyyyyy easier when i started using the comb chase method but even better when i bought the clamp comb.
and more importantly my straightening became heaven when i discovered oil rinsing, i rinse with almond oil when i wanna straighten, makes my hair suuuper soft and i only need 1 or two passes.
and trust me otherwise my hair is very difficult to straighten, last time i got a relaxed finished look, everyone thought i gave up on my transition lool

goodluck hun, remember trial and error. dont beat yourself up!
 
Honestly, everytime I use the blow dryer it's a disaster.

Try rollersetting or airdrying in bands before flat ironing. You get a lot less frizz and dryness issues. The cuticle of your hair is also not disrupted from the rapid blowing of air and combing. You also prevent too much moisture loss. That's part of the reason why hair ends up frizzy from blow drying.

Also 310 on the flat iron is way too low. I'm 3c/4a and I know that would do nothing for my hair except make it poofy. I would say at least 375 is needed to get decent results. The key is limiting how often you flat iron.
 
UGQueen said:
honestly IMO i think its due to lack of moisture,
my straightening became wayyyyyyyyyy easier when i started using the comb chase method but even better when i bought the clamp comb.
and more importantly my straightening became heaven when i discovered oil rinsing, i rinse with almond oil when i wanna straighten, makes my hair suuuper soft and i only need 1 or two passes.
and trust me otherwise my hair is very difficult to straighten, last time i got a relaxed finished look, everyone thought i gave up on my transition lool

goodluck hun, remember trial and error. dont beat yourself up!
Click to expand...

I agree. I tried this recently. I tried using a rattail comb during the flat iron process and my hair felt really straight and lightweight.
 
The less product you use the better. My stylist only uses some type of serum srapy before flatironing. This was prior to me relaxing my hair.
 
AlwaysNatural

These are all very good suggestions here ladies, but what the biggest problem may be is the lack of moisture in OPs strands. Yes you used a DC, yes you've steamed. But are you positive that the DC (even though its says "moisturizing") actually moisturized your hair?

Honestly, if your hair is well moisturized from your conditioner, you do not need ANY products after that to get straight silky hair (although I do use a water-based heat protectant/detangler to blow dry out of habit).

OP I ask you to examine the moisture content of your strands. Maybe you don't leave the conditioner on long enough? Maybe that conditioner is not best as penetrating your strands.

Unfortunately, I can't post my youtube tutorial of flat ironing (but someone else can), I would say check that out. From the feedback, it seems to be one of the top go-to tutorials for straightening kinky hair.

Msging from my BB with a small arse screen.
 
Check out westNDNbeauty's threads on straightening. Her advice gives me consistent results like those in my avi.

Here's what I do:

Wash with a moisturizing shampoo.

Apply deep conditioner (I use Silk Elements Olive Oil Deep Conditioner) like a relaxer. In other words, I apply it in small sections. smooth section from root to tip, making sure the hair is saturated.

Cover with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for 20 minutes.

Rinse.

Detangle hair in sections, then secure each section.

Apply heat protectant serum and blowdry section by section, using a paddle brush. I do this on soaking wet hair, and find that I get the best results this way. A stylist told me long ago that however your hair dries is how it will act. If your hair starts to dry shrunken, it will "remember" that and want to shrink back up when you're done. Your blowdried results should be straight, not puffy.

Flat iron. I use a little coconut or olive oil on each small section, then use the comb chase method. I use the Croc Infrared (I've never had good luck with regular ceramic irons).

That's it! My hair stays straight until the next wash and I get no reversion in humidity. I think the key is moisture and your blowdry technique. The straighter you get your hair before you flat iron, the better your ultimate results will be.:yep:

HTH!
 
I swear by an electric hot comb on 380-420. Works like a charm at straightening the curls that hide from the flat iron.
I do one hot comb pass and one flat iron pass on an angle so i can have curl and bounce.
it might help to dry in a rollerset instead of using a blow dryer if you have the hood dryer
 
westNDNbeauty said:
@AlwaysNatural

These are all very good suggestions here ladies, but what the biggest problem may be is the lack of moisture in OPs strands. Yes you used a DC, yes you've steamed. But are you positive that the DC (even though its says "moisturizing") actually moisturized your hair?

Honestly, if your hair is well moisturized from your conditioner, you do not need ANY products after that to get straight silky hair (although I do use a water-based heat protectant/detangler to blow dry out of habit).

OP I ask you to examine the moisture content of your strands. Maybe you don't leave the conditioner on long enough? Maybe that conditioner is not best as penetrating your strands.

Unfortunately, I can't post my youtube tutorial of flat ironing (but someone else can), I would say check that out. From the feedback, it seems to be one of the top go-to tutorials for straightening kinky hair.

Msging from my BB with a small arse screen.
Click to expand...


YES! I so TOTALLY agree with this. No moisture? major straigtening issues
 
OP, from your initial description, I was expecting much worse than what I saw. From the photos you posted, it looks to me like you did a pretty good job.

I have to agree with the other ladies regarding moisture. With us being in the winter months, moisture is extremely important. The DC that I've been using lately is the Greek yogurt DC recipe. I've tried it on myself, and my daughter, and the results were fantastic in both instances.:yep:

As far as my straightening method, I like to use Argan oil and

Chi Silk Infusion
CHI-Silk-Infusion-50-ml..jpg
before I blow dry. I apply both serums in sections of four. Then, I blow dry in that same order. When I straighten, I like to use:

Tresemme heat protectant spray:
s191301000.jpg


or I'll use Beyond the Zone heat protectant:
a15899076547_1302923_5883.jpg


As far as straightening tools, I alternate between my maxiglide and my Instyler. Yesterday, I did the yogurt DC on DD and I used the Tresemme heat protectant and the Instyler to straighten her hair. Here are the results.

Aside from the yogurt DC, I have other oil infused DCs that I alternate with. Like one of the other ladies mentioned, I apply it as if I'm doing a relaxer (from root to tip). Then, I'll cover my hair with a cap and sit for 20 mins to an hour.

One thing I should mention about the yogurt DC is if your hair is protein sensitive, I would not recommend you try it. Shop around and see what works best for your hair.

I hope your next experience turns out much more to your liking. HHJ!
 
I would have to agree with many of the suggestions previously posted. don't trip though, just like all the other things we've learned about our hair, getting an optimum technique for yourself will take time and practice. took me almost a full year to get results that i was happy with.

for me (i have very very fine hair), rollersetting prior to straightening gives me better results than with the blow dryer. Its pretty much straightened already so i can use the flat iron at a lower temp and doesn't seem to dry out as bad.

and yeah moisture is a must. i think westndnbeauty posted before about really boosting that moisture by conditioning the day/night before and then again the day of. if I have the convenience of doing so, the night before i may do a moisturizing routine (basically deep condish on dry hair) and then the day of i deep condish with a protein (joico k pak) for about 15 min and then follow up with moisture condish for 30-45 min. oh yeah and i wash with a clarifying poo

i learned not to put a whole lotta crap in my hair after i rinse out. man i used to be so scared of drying out and burning my hair, i would use 2 leave ins, a water based protectant spray and then a serum protectant. yeah i was doing waaay too much. now, for my leave in i use the nioxin bliss thermal volumizing something something, and for my protectant i use about a nickel sized amount of a serum, usually chi, on each side of my head.

within the week, i may follow up with something for shine like aveda's brilliant products. but since i moisturize every night, i usually don't need to.

after trying about 1492398742938 combinations, i came up with that routine and i've gotten salon results that i love and basically no breakage/damage.
 
Yeah, im starting to believe the problem resides in the dcing...hair felt weird prior and after deep conditioning, even steamed twice...and i did various heats: 310,375,450 still sucked. When i get a chance to go out to a bss im going to look into this glossing spray that a poster was talking about on the first page, and utilize all this advice. Maybe next time i'll do a protein treatment 2 days prior, also need to find my aussie moist shampoo i;ll use that, condition then deep condition with my usual DC, i just wanted to try the aubreys dc i got as a gift...

Maybe i'll try again next week or...in march. Lol.
 
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Okay I blow dried the mess then took small sections. Sprayed some elasta qp, feel like silk, design silk on my hand, smoothed just a tad but on small section with chase comb method on 410 heat and did over roots with 1/2 inch flat iron. Re blow dried, on low heat, a second time, bumped. Took 2 - 2 1/2 hrs. Did two passes.

Uh... I think im only going to straighten my hair only twice a year...except when I get my split ender in feb and take off 3/4 in"

I need to work on getting roots straighter pre flat iron and minimizing time. And sectioning.

Def has some swang. I'll post a pic later since I'm afraid it may show up too big and I don't want to make anyone mad.

Edit: nvm..

4628a87a-0b8e-5944.jpg


It's sleek, has shine and moves. When i style it down I'll post.

This wasn't from scratch, so definitely next time il be utilizing all the steps.


Sent from my iPod touch using LHCF
 
I read all the responses and I didn't see that anyone tried what I do....so let me suggest this even though you have already re-flatironed and you're happier with the results...

When I was natural and now as a Texlaxed 4b - I shampoo, deep condition, rinse thoroughly, apply leave in and then blow dry with the tension method - most people suggested thi and it works!

But the only thing I do that is slightly different is....I go to sleep. Yup, I put a scarf on the blow dried hair and go to bed, wake up that next morning (usually a Saturday) and THEN I flat iron.

You can probably get the same results by sitting under the hooded dryer. But for some reason making sure the hair is completely completely completely dry after blow drying, gives me more swing and shake.

When I was natural I would have paid $$$$ to know that using a straightening shampoo/conditioner would have cut down styling time (Redken Smooth Down Line)

I also use a tiny bit of setting lotion on my hair and the shine is amazing! I'm much happier with my results. Hope this helps someone! You guys all helped me over the years.
 
lana said:
I read all the responses and I didn't see that anyone tried what I do....so let me suggest this even though you have already re-flatironed and you're happier with the results...

When I was natural and now as a Texlaxed 4b - I shampoo, deep condition, rinse thoroughly, apply leave in and then blow dry with the tension method - most people suggested thi and it works!

But the only thing I do that is slightly different is....I go to sleep. Yup, I put a scarf on the blow dried hair and go to bed, wake up that next morning (usually a Saturday) and THEN I flat iron.

You can probably get the same results by sitting under the hooded dryer. But for some reason making sure the hair is completely completely completely dry after blow drying, gives me more swing and shake.

When I was natural I would have paid $$$$ to know that using a straightening shampoo/conditioner would have cut down styling time (Redken Smooth Down Line)

I also use a tiny bit of setting lotion on my hair and the shine is amazing! I'm much happier with my results. Hope this helps someone! You guys all helped me over the years.
Click to expand...
This is a good tip:yep: .I do something similar ,I dry under hooded drier or air dry with tons of moisturizer on it,wrap in silk scarf and flat iron later in the day when product has been absorbed into the hair shaft .
 
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