OK, I have Long Hair. Now what? Need Tips for Styling & Straightening 4 a/b

Good Morning Ladies...

I SOOOOOOO do not start threads, but I am in need. I will try to make a long story short. I weaved up for almost three years and now I am APL. I got my hair straitghened for my Birthday on May 31st and that lasted all of 24hrs in Houston, Tx (See Siggy). So, Now I don't know what to do. I am hair style challenged. It just dawned on me that even now that my hair is down, I still wear a phony pony every day. I always have my hair in twist even when I do the pony tails. Now, I work some pony tails, but I do want to wear my hair straight.

Fast Forward to Christmas Eve, I attempted to straighten my hair. I washed and conditioned. Then braided my hair in about 6 braids and air dried over night. Struggled with Blow Drying, which took FOREVER. I used the Chi Silk infusion and some of the Aphogee Green Tea Keratin Spray.

It took me 2 hours to flat Iron and it STILL wasn't straight all the way. My mother took the pics and had to much flas on it, which I didn't realize until later.

Ladies, I want to wear my hair down and show it off, but I just don't know HOW to do it. I feel my hair is 4 a/b and really looks like BlackMasterPiece and some others I can't remember there names. How, can I get my hair straighter and not look dull. My mother kept insisting if I would just let her user Pink Lotion ... . I was like "NO THANK YOU mother dearest, Hold your Lotion".

I will attach some pics for you all to see.

The first is my so called Blow Dryed hair. Next is the hair pulled back into a twist. The last two are Flat Ironed.

Please help me out Ladies. I appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Ms Goody

Wish I could help out but I am just as challenged. I'm bumping for more replies. I need the help myself.

Instead of flatironing, you should try a hotcomb. A good person to ask is Pinkskates...she presses her WL hair. It could also be the products that you're using as well. I also use CHI silk infusion, but I always put a dab of Ultra Sheen Pressing Oil before I press. Maybe you need a good pressing oil.

Hi! I love your hair!! have you visited BlackMasterPiece website? You should check it out since you said that you guys are hair twins!

OP, I know exactly what you mean. I'm not sure if you are open to the BKT experience; but I tell you. MY hair has never felt and/or looked better thanks to Softliss.

I used to have poofy hair after flatironing, but now my hair lays nicely due to my BKT'd hair, minimal product and my Sally's GVP flatiron, (now Maxiglide; product junkie)

Try it. You'll love it!

Until you guys who have difficult-to-straighten hair try wet-to-dry pressing, you won't know what you're missing. If it can get my 4B hair from tight neck-length coils into straight hair near APL hair, then it can get any hair straight. I explain about it in a few posts in this thread: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=400194

And if you read the whole thread so you can see the way I used heat protectants this time, and how reversion was 100% and not a whiff of burned hair at any time during or after the process, then you will have as pleasant an experience as I did. I am no longer afraid of heat. Oh and I use 446 Fahrenheit on my flat iron without any damage whatsoever.

Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll said:

Hey Goody! Have you tried pressing all that Gorgeousness you call hair? I think you'd get excellent results.

Click to expand...

Yes, I thought about it. I know I am a perfectionist so, I would need everything BRAND New. I stalked Pinkskates album when it was open. I took screen shots and everything, but just scared. Lord knows it has been so long since I have had long hair. If I burnt it out, I would just... Lets not talk about it.

LOL

Nonie said:

Until you guys who have difficult-to-straighten hair try wet-to-dry pressing, you won't know what you're missing. If it can get my 4B hair from tight neck-length coils into straight hair near APL hair, then it can get any hair straight. I explain about it in a few posts in this thread: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=400194

And if you read the whole thread so you can see the way I used heat protectants this time, and how reversion was 100% and not a whiff of burned hair at any time during or after the process, then you will have as pleasant an experience as I did. I am no longer afraid of heat. Oh and I use 446 Fahrenheit on my flat iron without any damage whatsoever.

Click to expand...

Wow... A hair legend respondes.

I am going to read the entire thread.

Thanks for the link!

Have you tried any natural, non-straightened styles?

Here are some tips I have getting my hair uber straight - Hope it Helps. You have some luscious hair there by the way!!!

• Start with CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN hair - It's important that my hair is extremely clean before pressing, so that I get the most SWANG as possible. Hair that has a residue isn't going to a) last as long b) be as shiny and c) won't have as much body.
  
• If you use a leave-in, use it SPARINGLY - Again, you want shine, swang, and straight hair that lasts longer than 24hours. I will go a step further and say that you should use a WEARABLE STYLING LEAVE-IN. These are leave-ins that are meant to be used for styling hair in more natural styles (if used properly, they are weightless, but still offer superb conditioning effects). My leave-in of choice is Sebastian Potion Number 9, if you have fine hair, they also make a Sebastian Potion Number 9 LITE.
  
• I add CHI Silk Infusion while my hair is DAMP, before the blowdrying process! I also blowdry using Pink Skates Tension Method.
  
• Also, start off with CLEAN pressing combs (IF YOU PRESS). That is key. Another thing that is just as important, is the kind of pressing combs you are using...make sure they distribute heat properly.... Kizure in my opinion makes the best pressing combs..they don't need to be tempered before using, they hold heat well, and have even heat distribution. This ensures you get the same amount of heat throughout the comb, which results in an even press, and less heat passes.
  
• The amount of tension you use while pressing also helps A GREAT DEAL. Part of the reason why stylists are able to press hair so much better than we can ourselves is because of the amount of tension they are able to apply to the hair while pressing it. Tension is key boy let me tell you...and plays a major role in reversion. A have some photos in my fotki of my press vs my moms (she has been a stylist for over 28 years) I can get my hair AS straight, but it doesn't last NEARLY as long as it does when she presses my hair.
  
• Using the right amount of HEAT. Is also key...this is the tricky part because you don't want to use too much...but too little isn't going to give you the sleekness and long lasting "wearability" (is that a word??? ) that you look for.
  
• You also have to watch WHAT you put in your hair...and HOW MUCH OF IT you put in it. I use a few things, but once I am done with my hair, it moves as if there is nothing in it. Yet it's shiny, soft, bouncy, and lasts a very long time. I use dime sized amounts or less...and I have a ton of hair.

After pressing, I generally don't need to flat iron....but if I DO. I use big sections, versus the little sections that I use to press. For some reason it just comes out better that way...big sections for flat ironing, little sections for pressing. (I have a HUGE flat iron though)

PhonyBaloney500 said:

Have you tried any natural, non-straightened styles?

Click to expand...

Well, I have but I don't go out the house with them. I am a SUPER POLISHED type of chic. So, this natural thing has been one of learning how to LOVE all this hair in its glory. I have been bold a couple of times and worn a 'twist out' out. The looks are something for me to get used to because it is different in Texas with humidity all around. LOL

I honestly just pre-poo. Then wash hair in twist. Detangle hair in twist. I then just site down and twist the hiar back up again, but add coconut oil and my aloe ver gel, glycerin and water mix. I will let that stay in for sometimes weeks and not comb or touch it, but still wear my pony tails. I find it amazing people can't see the twist, but I am sure it has something to do with how I am pulling the hair back.

I watch so many youtube channels and want to try so much, but I have to get this flat twisting down. It could probably do wonders for me in the non heat styling area.

I learn fast, I just need to work with someone that would be willing to teach me step by step. LOL. Hair Styling Tutor or something.

GabbanaGirl said:

Here are some tips I have getting my hair uber straight - Hope it Helps. You have some luscious hair there by the way!!!

• Start with CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN hair - It's important that my hair is extremely clean before pressing, so that I get the most SWANG as possible. Hair that has a residue isn't going to a) last as long b) be as shiny and c) won't have as much body.
  
• If you use a leave-in, use it SPARINGLY - Again, you want shine, swang, and straight hair that lasts longer than 24hours. I will go a step further and say that you should use a WEARABLE STYLING LEAVE-IN. These are leave-ins that are meant to be used for styling hair in more natural styles (if used properly, they are weightless, but still offer superb conditioning effects). My leave-in of choice is Sebastian Potion Number 9, if you have fine hair, they also make a Sebastian Potion Number 9 LITE.
  
• I add CHI Silk Infusion while my hair is DAMP, before the blowdrying process! I also blowdry using Pink Skates Tension Method.
  
• Also, start off with CLEAN pressing combs (IF YOU PRESS). That is key. Another thing that is just as important, is the kind of pressing combs you are using...make sure they distribute heat properly.... Kizure in my opinion makes the best pressing combs..they don't need to be tempered before using, they hold heat well, and have even heat distribution. This ensures you get the same amount of heat throughout the comb, which results in an even press, and less heat passes.
  
• The amount of tension you use while pressing also helps A GREAT DEAL. Part of the reason why stylists are able to press hair so much better than we can ourselves is because of the amount of tension they are able to apply to the hair while pressing it. Tension is key boy let me tell you...and plays a major role in reversion. A have some photos in my fotki of my press vs my moms (she has been a stylist for over 28 years) I can get my hair AS straight, but it doesn't last NEARLY as long as it does when she presses my hair.
  
• Using the right amount of HEAT. Is also key...this is the tricky part because you don't want to use too much...but too little isn't going to give you the sleekness and long lasting "wearability" (is that a word??? ) that you look for.
  
• You also have to watch WHAT you put in your hair...and HOW MUCH OF IT you put in it. I use a few things, but once I am done with my hair, it moves as if there is nothing in it. Yet it's shiny, soft, bouncy, and lasts a very long time. I use dime sized amounts or less...and I have a ton of hair.

After pressing, I generally don't need to flat iron....but if I DO. I use big sections, versus the little sections that I use to press. For some reason it just comes out better that way...big sections for flat ironing, little sections for pressing. (I have a HUGE flat iron though)

Click to expand...

Thanks so much for this information and complement.

I don't have a HUGE Flat iron, but so wanted to press. When I was little all that was done to my hair was pressing. My sister and I got it done every two weeks. I never remember reversion either. I just need directions on the pressing. What type and size of comb. Oven or stove? What about an electric comb? Anyone try that?

I don't have any advice. Just wanted to say your hair is beautiful.

MsGoody531 said:

Thanks so much for this information and complement.

I don't have a HUGE Flat iron, but so wanted to press. When I was little all that was done to my hair was pressing. My sister and I got it done every two weeks. I never remember reversion either. I just need directions on the pressing. What type and size of comb. Oven or stove? What about an electric comb? Anyone try that?

Click to expand...

I use the Kizure K-27 it is suggested for Medium-Coarse hair. I NEVER use a stove...I use the oven (which is Golden Supreme). I just section my hair in small sections and press, I use a heat tester (i think it is also golden supreme) and I make sure that the heat is at the right temperature for my hair type (you hover the pressing comb over the heat tester, the tester lets you know how hot the comb is...i usually use medium low). If you don't have a heat tester, you can use the paper towel method of testing the comb on the paper towel...if the towel turns brown, or tan...it is too hot. It is not as accurate as the heat tester..here is why...for some people the comb will still be too hot, even though the paper towel didn't turn brown or tan.

I have never tried an electric comb, maybe some of the other chicas will chime in!

MsGoody531 said:

My mother kept insisting if I would just let her user Pink Lotion ... . I was like "NO THANK YOU mother dearest, Hold your Lotion".

Click to expand...

Girl this had me cracking up over here.

Your hair is lovely.

THIS IS WONDERFUL!!!!!!

I have the same falt iron, which is my first, in Giraffe. I have that serum, but didn't know when to use it, so I skipped it. I did purchase that blow dryer after the fact, so I should be good in this area. Who is the Electric Hot Comb by, I can't really tell.

Also, when I did the small sections I still had that SMELL. I was sooooooooo MAD, because I thought I was doing everything right. I don't think I had it up too high, but I can't really tell with just that knob as the temperature setting. How do I avoid that burnt hair or beauty shop smell on my hair?


I really do appreciate you and everyones advice.

BlackMasterPiece said:

Hey hun!! I got your link I'm here to help as best I can.

Okay so since you said you have tightly coily type 4 hair like me I'll share with you the two techniques that have left me with sleek consistently straight results.

First let me give my product recomendations.

Heat Protectant:

IC Fantasia Serum (for blowdrying) and spray (for flatironing)

​

For the blowdrying step...I highly recommend the Andis 1875 Tourmaline Ionic Blowdryer, here are my results using that blowdryer (with the comb attachment)

​

I recommend two types of flat irons:

- A 1 inch 100% ceramic flat iron I like the Amika (I have it in Zebra)

​

- The MaxiGlide MP

​

Technique using a 1 inch standard 100% ceramic iron:

Step 1: Blowdry wet hair in 8-10 sections, rewetting each section with water and dilluted leave-in of your choice add some IC serum to the section and blowdry.

Step 2: Hot Comb. When using a standard ceramic flat iron on tightly coily hair I recommend a hot combing step in between to get consistently straight results. One pass at heat setting 8 should do the trick. Heres the electric Hot Comb I recommend:

​

Step 3: Flat Iron (I would do 350+) in small sections

Technique Using MaxiGlide MP

Step 1: Blowdry With Andis (same directions as above)

Step 2: Flat Iron using MaxiGlide MP (Using IC Spray) in small sections

Sleep Routine: Pin Curl and tie with Satin Scarf

Hope I broke it down throughly enough for you love! Good luck!!

Click to expand...

MsGoody531 said:

THIS IS WONDERFUL!!!!!!

I have the same falt iron, which is my first, in Giraffe. I have that serum, but didn't know when to use it, so I skipped it. I did purchase that blow dryer after the fact, so I should be good in this area. Who is the Electric Hot Comb by, I can't really tell.

Click to expand...

Its by Hot Tools

Also, when I did the small sections I still had that SMELL. I was sooooooooo MAD, because I thought I was doing everything right. I don't think I had it up too high, but I can't really tell with just that knob as the temperature setting. How do I avoid that burnt hair or beauty shop smell on my hair?I really do appreciate you and everyones advice.

Click to expand...

Well to be fully real with you the only time I didn't have the "smell" was when I used the MaxiGlide.

Subbing......

MsGoody531;9726230[B said:

][/B]Well, I have but I don't go out the house with them. I am a SUPER POLISHED type of chic. So, this natural thing has been one of learning how to LOVE all this hair in its glory. I have been bold a couple of times and worn a 'twist out' out. The looks are something for me to get used to because it is different in Texas with humidity all around. LOL

I honestly just pre-poo. Then wash hair in twist. Detangle hair in twist. I then just site down and twist the hiar back up again, but add coconut oil and my aloe ver gel, glycerin and water mix. I will let that stay in for sometimes weeks and not comb or touch it, but still wear my pony tails. I find it amazing people can't see the twist, but I am sure it has something to do with how I am pulling the hair back.

I watch so many youtube channels and want to try so much, but I have to get this flat twisting down. It could probably do wonders for me in the non heat styling area.

I learn fast, I just need to work with someone that would be willing to teach me step by step. LOL. Hair Styling Tutor or something.

Click to expand...

It's totally possible to wear your hair in its non-straightened glory and look polished out of the house. I know you're new to it so you may not have find some styles yet but there are plenty! Up-do's with twists, bantu knots, wash and go maybe (doesn't work for all), buns, flat twists, etc.

I have no tips. just wanted to say you have very pretty hair!

your hair is really, really pretty!!
honestly, i haven't straightened in soo long, but when i used to, here's what was key:

-a really good protein treat and deep condition
-a really good blowout-i use a pik attachment, and get it really straight, especially the roots-honestly, my blowout gets straighter than your flat-iron job did. use lots of tension. i believe this takes out half the work of the flat ironing/pressing. here's a pic to show you how straight i try to get it:

i use the dryer on HIGH speed, HIGH heat. the DC and the heat protectant i use will leave my coils intact. when i do heat, my motto is GO HARD, OR GO HOME. no low heat nothing-my 4a/b will just laugh at that.
and i don't have problems with reversion.

hope this helps a little.

Hey Rocky,


WOW.. Look how straight that Blow Dryer got your hair. What kind of Deep conditioner and Leave Ins do you use?

MsGoody531 said:

Hey Rocky,


WOW.. Look how straight that Blow Dryer got your hair. What kind of Deep conditioner and Leave Ins do you use?

Click to expand...

protein treat: (only if i need it) yogurt and egg mixture
DC: Aussie Moist conditioner usually mixed with castor oil and/or coconut oil
Leave-in: Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship leave-in
Heat Protectant: Fantasia IC serum (the pink bottle-the same one BlackMasterPiece uses)

hope that helps!!