The best growing atmosphere: Wet or flat ironed?

[Stylepink]

For almost a year, I've been wearing my hair in a wet bun. Usually in a baggie with EVOO or just in a silk scrunchie. My hair did grow but I was always struggling to keep my hair strong and free from breakage. Well, couple of weeks ago, I had to flat iron my hair for a funeral, and I noticed that it was very strong and healthy. I had no breakage and I was shiney and full of bounce. I've been wearing it this way for the past 3 weeks and I have not seen any breakage. I was it every 3 to four days and flat iron it when it is damp, with no other products on it other that MOP silicone drops. I love it this way and was wondering if this works for anyone else? Do you think I will see eventual damage if I keep doing my hair this way? I am keeping it moisturized every morning and night and I set it in 3 or 4 big magnetic curlers at night with a satin cap on top. Any other responses to this post would be well appreciated. Thanks!

 

[itismehmmkay]

I think you should alternate. It sounds like the wet bun are the reason why your hair is so strong. If your hair is relaxed, the frequent flat-ironing will eventually lead to breakage.

 

[Chimma]

In my opinion, hair that is flat ironed is stronger, because it is straighter and the cuticles are sealed, so it is loses less moisture. However, the actual process of flat ironing is where the problem comes in.

I lose a lot of hair when straightening AND the heat used to straighten can cause damage. If you can straighten with low heat and lose little hair (probably no fine tooth combs), my opinion is that it won't be very damaging to the hair.

 

[Stylepink]

How often do you think I should alternate? I've had it flat ironed for a while now. It took me a year of wet buns to get this growth and if I loose it now, I'll die!

 

[Stylepink]

Thanks Chimma.

I have a ceramic infra red iron and I flaten it on a 5 1/2 or no higher than 6. My hair does seem to hold in moisture better when its flat ironed versus "baggied". When I take it out of the bag, it seems weaker than ever!

 

[sillygurl18]

I think when your hair starts to dry out a little, go back to the wet buns. I agree that the wet buns are the reason that your hair is strong and shiny. It was moisturised from the water and your ends are moistured because they weren't exposed to dry heat. I don't think that your hair will suffer too much damage, but be sure to watch it.

 

[inthepink]

I agree also that the wet buns caused your hair to be strong and shiny. If you continue flat ironing as you are, I think gradually you will see your hair's health decline.
Maybe minimize the flat ironing to once a month.

 

[Stylepink]

Thanks for the responses. I think I will alternate,but use the wet buns mostly. I definetely want to keep my healthy hair!

 

[ChasingBliss]

Stylepink, you said that it took you a year of wet buns to get the growth you have, if you dont mind me asking, how many inches of growth did you achieve with the wet buns?

 

[CrownnGlori]

The first year of my long hair kick I washed once or twice a week, blow dried and flat ironed the first day. I wore a protective style the other days. It did a lot of good minimizing the heat. I think alternating is your best bet. I am myself trying to go with out heat to see if I can retain more. 2 pennies.

 

[silvergirl]

i just flat ironed my hair today since the first time since transitioning 6/7 months ago. an omg did i turn some heads including my own. lol. it was thick, silky, beautiful....... which i couldnt have gotten without the mininalist routine i had going for the past six months. i know that the buns, phony tails that i did are well worth it.

sigh... 6 more months...

 

[oregonchick97266]

i'd try a set under and dryer. it can still get your hair straight after you wrap it and it's less harsh then an flat iron. plus i agree alternate and not flat iron often.

 

[Nessa]

i agree with chimma