Natural Flat Iron Failure

Why when I try to flat iron my natural hair does it start to get puffy and frizzy before I get to the next part to be ironed? I never try to flat iron on dirty hair.

Before I try to flat iron I:

Pre-poo
Shampoo-twice
Deep condition-with heat
Use a detangler
Use leave-in products
Use heat protector
Blow dry
And (attempt to] flat iron

When I flat iron my hair feels nice and straight (no puffies). But when I get to the next part to be flat ironed the 1st part is starting to frizz and puff. What am I doing wrong?

What type of DC are you using? Are you standing in front of a mirror while straightening your hair?

Too many products

The first thing I might get rid of would be the leave in products. If it's still too much, I would skip using the detangler.

Butters are notorious for leaving buildup. I don't use butters but my natural hair regime leaves buildup,too.
So, I use a clarifying product (something you can buy). Or,I use a clarifying process prior to or during my wash prior to straightening.

Getting a straight heat styled hair result really is a skill. The great thing for all of us is that it is a skill that only requires practice and familiarity to master! And you are on your way to mastering it.

Ladies-Thank you all for your input. My keyboard is acting up, so please forgive me for consolidating my responses.
Did not know about settg lotion fr
bad keyboard--thanks. I a rangll say

To get tat straight straight look I agree less is more and I also use just a little bit of grapeseed oil. It is wonder oil for my hair. just a little bit on each section is what you need

What temperature are you using in the flat iron? If it is too low for your hair type, you may not get the results that you are looking for and your hair will start to revert quicker.

Id guess the leave ins. Gotta ditch those. Maybe the detangler too. Im betting one of those products has glycerin. Just detanglerwith your DC still in.

Good thread OP, I have the same issue.
I use a bit of conditioner and oil.
I guess I should ditch the oil too.
Are the leave-ins keeping the hair too moist to maintain straightness or is it keeping the heat from penetrating?

I was hoping to protect my hair.

What should be used?

IME, one of the most important techniques for a successful straightening experience is using an insanely moisturizing deep conditioner, which will go a long way in achieving optimal results. This thread will further illuminate my point and provide essential information: https://www.longhaircareforum.com/t...et-for-perm-straight-hair-in-one-pass.431336/

I also garner good results when I limit my post-DC product usage. To address your questions @CurlyMoo, I'm not sure why limited pre-straightening products are more effective. I only know how my hair, and some other people's hair, have responded when we allowed our paranoia concerning heat damage to run free. IME, too many layers of product is a guaranteed recipe for poufy, stiff hair. To that end, all I use is a light, silk protein-laden leave-in and heat protectant. Twice, I lightly sealed with grapeseed oil after the leave-in, but that produced hair that was way too straight for my liking (my hair is low density and I felt bald). I believe the key lies with the efficacy of one's deep conditioner - it should be so good, so highly moisturizing that anyone in the vicinity will receive secondhand moisture from the fumes. And, all of its goodness is more than sufficient to protect against heat damage while providing excellent results. This is why the DC is a crucial aspect of straightening. At least, that's my theory of it all.

However, the most important tweak to my straightening routine has been doing the entire process while seated in a mirrored, well lit, comfortable area. IMO, standing in front of a bathroom mirror for protracted necessities/styling is unnecessary torture that leads to fatigue and over-heating, which causes impatience and bouts of sweating...which in turn causes exasperation, haste and reversion. The more comfortable I am, the better the process goes. This is why I always advocate for women to construct a beauty station for themselves.

Ladies!

Finally my keyboard is acting right again. All of your insight has given me many options to consider. And I am confident when I ask questions here that I am getting answers from ladies who know hair. Such hair knowledge and willingness to share said knowledge within this community is just awesome.

I really think that I need to adjustments in products, technique and procedures. After all the last time I straightened my natural hair was over more than 40 years ago. And fletgee was only a kid . I now know it's a whole new ballgame in straightening natural hair.

I am here to learn, ladies. Teach me, guide me.