Long Naturals that Flat Iron....

[Saunta2]

Nope. I've actually flat ironed every other week and my texture is just fine . It's actually grown an inch since my last measurement nearly two months ago...and I trimmed recently.

But it's all in how you're flat ironing and what products you're using. Also, the temperature is important. I don't go beyond setting 4-5 on my Maxiglide (roughly 280-310 degrees), and it gets pin-straight. I also use a Restructurizer while straightening, so my hair is in good condition and the natural texture is preserved.

It's just when you use 400 degree irons (and use them frequently) that you start to see texture damage...I mean, don't be scared to flat iron, but don't be so quick to do it either...

When you flat iron do you only use the restructuriser or do you also use moisturiser or leave-in or something?

[Amina]

When you flat iron do you only use the restructuriser or do you also use moisturiser or leave-in or something?

I'm pretty sure V only uses the restructurizer...to prevent from reversion and possible frizz. I didn't use moisturizers or leave-ins.

Bumping for Vermelha's response...

[Vermelha]

When you flat iron do you only use the restructuriser or do you also use moisturiser or leave-in or something?

Amina is right (See, ppl do like me!!!)

Ahem* yeah but I don't use anything else but the restructurizer. With that in mind, I'll just post my straightening routine:

1. I wash my hair with castile soap, shampoo, or anything with a high pH to remove any excess product. (Note that I do NOT condition).
2. I blot dry my hair with a microfiber towel and section hair into four.
3. I spray the Green Tea & Keratin Restructurizer lightly in all sections, concentrating on the ends. (This is why I don't condition, since it must bond to the hair shaft).
4. I blowdry each section on medium with a comb/pik attachment from ends to roots, using tension.
5. I make smaller sections and follow up with my Maxiglide XP (w/ distilled water in chamber), steaming my ends, then running it down the hair shaft lightly (or, if using a regular ceramic flat iron, just make small sections, detangle, and pass through section).
6. My hair is now straight and strengthened .

I've never had breakage going this route. But the key to getting straighter hair is to avoid using water-based and oil-based products when straightening. I think LeoBodyC5 also uses no product, just her Maxiglide, and her hair is GORGEOUS....

All this talk makes me want to straighten this weekend I just may! Anywho, HTH!

[Saunta2]

Amina is right (See, ppl do like me!!!)

Ahem* yeah but I don't use anything else but the restructurizer. With that in mind, I'll just post my straightening routine:

1. I wash my hair with castile soap, shampoo, or anything with a high pH to remove any excess product. (Note that I do NOT condition).
2. I blot dry my hair with a microfiber towel and section hair into four.
3. I spray the Green Tea & Keratin Restructurizer lightly in all sections, concentrating on the ends. (This is why I don't condition, since it must bond to the hair shaft).
4. I blowdry each section on medium with a comb/pik attachment from ends to roots, using tension.
5. I make smaller sections and follow up with my Maxiglide XP (w/ distilled water in chamber), steaming my ends, then running it down the hair shaft lightly (or, if using a regular ceramic flat iron, just make small sections, detangle, and pass through section).
6. My hair is now straight and strengthened .

I've never had breakage going this route. But the key to getting straighter hair is to avoid using water-based and oil-based products when straightening. I think LeoBodyC5 also uses no product, just her Maxiglide, and her hair is GORGEOUS....

All this talk makes me want to straighten this weekend I just may! Anywho, HTH!

Ooooooh, I could just kick myself. I didn't even get to see this before I flat ironed on Sunday. Anyway I'll try again this weekend with your tips. Thanks.

By the way, no serum for heat protection either, right?

[Vermelha]

Ooooooh, I could just kick myself. I didn't even get to see this before I flat ironed on Sunday. Anyway I'll try again this weekend with your tips. Thanks.

By the way, no serum for heat protection either, right?

Most serums, IMO, doesn't serve a purpose but to "conceal" split ends and make the hair look shiny. For me, it just adds more cones and gunk to my hair and my hair becomes nasty after just a couple days. It's good for sealing ends and "finishing" the style, however they don't really help the hair, just cover the damage up.

They do help with straightening, since they smooth the hair and make it easier to pass through the flat iron, but as far as protection, it all depends on the particular serum. The more expensive ones with ceramides and proteins actually do repair the hair shaft while heat styling, but others just coat the shaft with cones. HTH

[NaTuRaLe_BeAuTe`]

I hear alot about heat damage. I flat iron my hair twice a month with a ceramic flat iron anywhere from 375 to 400 degrees. I have not experience any heat damage. I have been in transition for a year and a half and I am a few inches away from BSL. So maybe some people just get lucky when it comes to heat...(Hope I dont jinx myself..lol)

[hanna_light]

It became too time consuming after MBL to straighten my hair once monthly.
For my sanity I have it done professionally in December and this also counts as my official length check as well.

[MollyGrey]

My question to you ladies is: Do you flat iron? If so, how often, and has using a flat iron on a regular basis hindered your progress?

Idk, but I know several long-haired naturals that use heat styling tools like CHI irons and Maxiglides, blowdryers galore. They still seem to maintain their long locks with ease. I know of a girl that flat irons her hair every 2 days and she's BSL (she just cut her hair from MBL length). Nowadays, she hardly ever wears her hair natural. She stays pressed/flat ironed.

Are there any other naturals that don't have issues with heat styling?

I use the straightening brush. After years of using the flat iron, my hair became dry and lifeless, and it was kind of alert for me to do something. So, I've started to use the straightening brush, and actually, I am satisfied with my choice. Also, as additional care for my hair, I use the heat protection and massage oils into scalp to enrich new and existing hair with all needed elements and fats. You can find more info and check the difference between the flat iron and straightening brush in this blog. In case you have African American type of hair, you may also find this post interesting.