I don’t!
Ok I cant say I don’t like it entirely, I just don’t like it for longer than a week, after a week I crave texture, curls, a bantu knot, something. I have been wondering for awhile, years actually, why is it that after years of relaxing I do not prefer my straight hair with no real answer other than the fact that I like the idea of thick stretched textured hair rather than, thinner flat hair.
Ok enough about me, I know when Whitney decided to flat iron* that head of hair of hers it was going to make headlines. I’ve watched Naptural85 like many of you for God knows how long and she has NEVER used a flat iron* on her hair so this is different but watching the video reminded me of how I feel when I finish flat ironing my hair.
When you have very thick hair and a kinky* texture you have to decide what it is you would like from your flat iron*. You have two choices, you can go for super straight and sleek or you can stick with very stretched with some bulk.
For sleek super straight look
When you have thick natural hair and you want that sleek super straight look, you are going to have to turn up the heat on the iron to levels that might require a bit of bravery and a ton of risk. This means, using heat protectant* but even before that deep conditioning* with protein for added strength.
Another thing to consider is your ends, a sleek flat iron* requires blunt well trimmed ends. As naturals we prefer the search and destroy method or to dust our ends especially when they do not appear damaged, the truth is even if the ends look healthy, if they appear bulky or frazzled you will not get sleek results.
If you want just stretched almost straight hair
Use less heat and bigger sections so that you get a look reminiscence of a blow out but not quite super straight. With that said, you still have to trim your ends but it is not necessary to have an even blunt cut, you can continue to search and destroy or dust your ends.
This way you get the best of both worlds, you get stretched hair and banging textured hair. You are also not excused from using heat protectant* and some protein either, less heat does not mean you are exempt from damage.
Check out this historical video below:
Maybell Lena Killion says
I do like my hair when it’s flat ironed BUT only for that 2 weeks. After that it’s back to my curls and protective styles, it keeps my hair safe and the growth retention is amazing!
Michelle Clark says
I did it for the first time in a year.. I wasn’t crazy about it
Sandra Ifeoma Orimilikwe says
No flat ironing for my hair…I used the flat iron when I had relaxed hair. Now, I no longer want to straighten my hair
mojo says
that’s what i did, i don’t like to straighten my natural hair it looks too flat…i like my hair big and full lol
Racheal Bradley says
I like it while it’s flat ironed. The after effects – not so much though
Rana Amaya says
My hair is much more manageable when it’s flat ironed. I am trying to get on board with a natural, twist out style, but natural is actually more work than straighted hair, for me. My hair is very long and thick, and it didn’t feel right not combing it everyday, or being able to run my fingers through it. I have to work up to the big Diana Ross look! Braids I can handle.
Malakah Angellia Gladston says
No I do not. When I flat iron my hair it looks dead and lifeless
Christina Miller says
YES. As a matter of fact, today is wash day and I am about to flat iron my transitioning hair in a few hours.
LaTanya Carter says
No, I don’t like the way my hair feels afterwards .
Ifraj Ingram says
I like it but miss my kinks real quick no longer than about a week
Cleopatra Jones Best says
I love my hair flat ironed but I ps my hair most of the time. I love Whitney’s hair either way.
Leenayka Yulaykis Isaac says
Yes it feels silky smooth. I’m two months into transition. I’ve decided to go natural again because of relaxers chemicals and bad burns plus thinning of hair…I love both curly and straight hair regardless.
Dianne Saunders says
Try a Dominican stylist
Kimwana Williams says
Yes
Mieshel Jett says
No, I flat ironed my hair and didn’t like it.
Michelle Nicole Charley says
I love it! I miss it every now and then… But it is too much work to flat iron my whole head now since I went natural :/
MEshell Green says
I haven’t for awhile but like it when it’s done it only last around the winter times.
Kimberly Champion says
i dont. i may not be using a good enough flat iron though. so many brand names these naturalistas toss out on every single youtube video. i give up
Deondra Davis says
I like flat iron for trims!
BiscuitBunny says
I flat ironed my hair two weeks ago, washed it and now have what I believe is severe heat damage. The hair is practically relaxed, it won’t pop back. I used a straightening serum to blow dry and then flat ironed. I also used a serum for flyaways during the week. I flat ironed at 392- is that too hot for my 4C hair?
For this reason I am not a fan of flatirons right now. The amazing thing is my Mom advised me to flat iron again for work. Is that wise? She also thinks my moisturiser and castor oil might have trapped the straightening serum in my hair, so it didn’t come out when I washed it. But then my Mum is suspicious of anything that is not a supermarket shampoo, conditioner and Blue Magic.
Maybell Lena Killion says
Yes, it’s shows the true length and all of my hard work!
Phoenix McGee says
Yeah. Its easier to manage and style and I simply love the look and length of it.
Raynel Beall says
I love it but I get tired of people touching it.
Chynelle Washington says
I love when I flat iron my hair. I’ve been natural for almost 3 years now and it’s great to see all my progress and success that I’ve had with my hair. I only flat iron my hair once a month. Sometimes every other month.
Amira Yusef says
no its still damanging to the hair, and its just plain and the hair just hangs there
Tomeka Justice says
YEP I HAD AND NEED ANOTHER SHOULDER SURGERY MY HAIR IS TOO THICK TO TRY TO COMB WITH MY HURT SHOULDER
Courtney Gray says
I rather have my afro. I straighten at least once a year
Denisha Downey says
Yes. I flat iron once a month and people asked me do I have weave in. My response was a black woman has to have tracks to have thick hair. Wow!
Eboni Taylor says
Yes, I love the different styles I can do with it. I recently cut my hair super short again and I love being able to have a cut bob and adorable pixie spikes. I love my natural curls, but I can’t do much to it when I want to cut it again.
Lauren Ralph says
Yes
Kristen Greer says
Yep! Love it. Easier to handle