Thinning update: The flat iron experiment

[Blu217]

Hi all -

For those of you who've been following my thinning/transitioning saga, I suppose this is a sorta-update. I'm commited to not relaxing again, but my thick, 4-grade new growth demands some sort of attention. So I bought a Sedu flat iron, thinking this would be a good way to manage my transition.

I washed and henna'd last night and let it air dry. Today I took it down, appled some Keracare protectant, a leave-in and fired up the Sedu. I flat ironed in smallish sections.

At first I thought the iron was on the lowest setting, but a few times I saw... was that SMOKE? I checked and realized it was at the highest--dagnabbit! I turned it down to about 350, since lower than that left me frizzy. When I was finished my hair was straightened, but nothing spectacular. And it's got that heat-straightened smell, which makes me think maybe I burned it? I'm kinda upset by that. I have this fear I've just destroyed my hair for good with the heat I used tonite, even tho I was careful.

My 1.5" Sedu didn't let me really get the roots, but it did the job on the rest of my hair. I'm not sure about heat settings and I really miss the softness and body of my default rollersets; I guess I'm just not used to heat-straightened hair. I stuck some rollers in it tonite, but I'm wondering if I should just wash it and set it per usual to get back that look and feel I like. I don't know what to do about this new growth; the henna certainly helps, but I'd hoped flat iron would be a solution once the kinks get too long/thick to manage comfortably. Now I feel a bit lost.

As for the thinning, I'm not sure what's happening up there. Either hair is growing in, or more is coming out; I can't quite tell just yet. I'm still shedding a lot, but since I stopped relaxing the new growth hides a lot so I can't be sure about what's happening right now. The henna certainly makes my hair look and feel very thick, but I'm also still combing over the bald spots in the top, too. But I continue doing everything I can with vitamins and healthy hair practices... tho I really question the wisdom of me using the flat iron.

Any flat ironing advice/support is appreciated!

 

[Divine Inspiration]

The high heat was probably the cause for that heated hair smell. I would just try doing the whole head on a lower setting next time and see what happens.

Also, have you considered rollersetting and flatironing just the roots? This works well for a lot of ladies here.

You may want to consider using less product...I know you didn't use that much, but less really is more when it comes to flat ironing the whole head.

This is all I can think of for now...sounds like you're on the right track. I would keep up with the vits, eating right, etc...do you workout regularly? I know my hair has been growing like a weed ever since I started working out consistently. The circulation to the scalp works wonders!!

HTH
{DI}

 

[MrsHouston]

I agree with maybe just doing a roller set and flat iron the roots only. Make sure you're using a heat protectant also.

Also there is a recent thread about silk wrapping (wrapping with saran wrap under the dryer) after doing the roller set.

 

[Blu217]

Thanks, ladies. My hair feels kinda dry since flat ironing. I usually leave my ends alone and they feel and do fine, but today they seemed crunchy so I had to moisturize. I did use a heat protectant, but I don't think heat and I are gonna be friends. I can't wait to condition and wash again!

I am debating keeping the Sedu, however, for when I'm completely natural. Perhaps I'll prefer its effects when I've a full head of kinky natural hair, and I do think that when properly used, heat is a lesser evil than relaxing. I like the idea of just doing the roots, and for that I'll need a thinner iron; maybe the 3/4 inch Solia.

At least the transition to natural is making me feel better about the thinning, as much of a pain as it is. I know that at least I'm no longer doing anything (i.e. using relaxers) that may be contributing to it.

 

[Radianthealth]

Your hair looks great! I wish you the best. Thanks for the updates. The scarf method may also help to flatten the roots so that you can minimize the use of heat and protect the health of your hair.

 

[lshevonne]

I've been going through the same thing with thinning hair in one area and lots of shedding. I too have decided not to relax for a while. I just used the Mizani Thermasmooth last night so I'm trying to see if I like it. I agree with the ladies try to flat iron the NG. If this Mizani thing works I may just stop relaxing all together. Good luck with your hair.

 

[Blu217]

Hi Ishevonne - What's the Mizani Thermasmooth? I'm intrigued.

And thanks, Trimbride! Oh--the new pic isn't flat-ironed; it's a rollerset from a few months ago during a stretch before my final relaxer; you can see my new growth!