That’s a trick question, isn’t it? To answer let us apply a different scenario, Jennifer is on a weight loss journey she is a runner and prefers endurance training but will not even look at a dumbbell let alone pick one up. She knows she needs some form of strength and conditioning training so she runs uphill occasionally increasing her strength each time.
Michelle is also on a weight loss journey she however likes to feel the burn and makes no apologies for lifting that fifty pound bar just like her male counterparts in the gym. Running is not really her thing but she knows how to amp up her work out to get that cardio effect.
Both women despite there varied techniques are very aware of their need to take care of there bodies nutritionally and tailor their weight loss regimens to include strength and cardio training without straying much from what their exercise preferences are. The question is, can they both lose weight? Of course! Each woman does what is convenient to her even though their goals are similar.
The same thing applies to a woman with natural hair who prefers to wear her hair straight by flat ironing regularly versus a woman who just uses a relaxer. So the clear answer to this question is, well maybe or maybe not. You didn’t think it would be that simple did you?
There is an underlying premise that must be addressed with either scenario, there is an unstated assumption that choosing to relax your hair may be better than relying on a heating tool consistently. There is also the assumption that one method might be healthier than the other with regards to achieving your healthy hair goals. Not true.
It would only be right then to look at each process in detail and how each affects the hair strands.We can start with what is common between relaxed hair and flat ironed hair.
In both scenarios because the hair structure is naturally curly it is necessary to alter the the bonds to achieve a straighter look. What’s different between the two, is the level of alteration whether permanent or temporary. It’s not easy to understand each process and what it does to the hair without getting a little bit technical and scientific so buckle up coz here goes.
Every hair strand consists of four types of bonds, these are the Hydrogen bonds, Salt bonds, Disulfide bonds and Peptide bonds. Working from the weakest to the strongest, Hydrogen bonds are easily affected by water or heat and are pretty cool because they allow the hair to be molded and manipulated in anyway you desire. For example you can move from a perm rods* style to a braid out in a matter of a day by just wetting and re-styling your hair.
Salt bonds are slightly stronger than the hydrogen bonds and are more affected by PH levels in chemicals allowing your hair to swell and the cuticles to lift. Salt bonds are often altered during color treatments as they allow for the color to be deposited to the hair changing your look in just a matter of hours.
The Disulfide bonds and the Peptide bonds are the strongest of the four, the Disulfide bond is not affected by heat or water but is affected by salon chemicals added to your hair that rearranges them which allows them to take on a new shape, this is what happens when we get a relaxer.
The Peptide bond is the strongest of all the bonds and pretty much makes up the structure of your hair, they are primarily made up of proteins and simply, when this structure breaks your hair breaks. OK science lesson over, sort of, in part two we get into to the meat of the matter and get the answer to this elusive question.
For now what do you think?
Yeah I think so, but only if you don’t use heat regularly there after.
I do both; neither alone give me the result I want. I actually find that with my hair smoother and straighter, it tangles and snags much less and thus actually doesn’t break nearly as much.
Speaking from experience. Heat regularly has no benefits whatsoever. Your hair will be poofy,frizzy, dry, damaged, uneven. You might as well get a perm. Heat damage is one of the UGLIEST things you can do to your hair. Like please love your natural hair. I didn’t and I suffered for it. A lot of people don’t know about heat damage. It is the hand of the DEVIL.
Ill stick with the occasional flatiron session
Not a box relaxer tho!!
Lol ^^ if you’re going to do a Home Kitty then thats the best box to use
Heck no darn relaxer messed up my wavy grade of hair smh
nether one of these products are good for your hair
I am natural but do use the flat iron one a week or once every two weeks and it work fine for me you just got to us a good heat protector like a leave in conditioner with heat protection and it works for me. I refuse to put another perm in my hair. They used make my hair feel thin and brittle but when I went natural, I realized that my thick hair is something I needed to embrace because thining hair is something that runs in my family.
I agree with Jordann…I’ve met so many naturals that try to convince me to go natural but their hair is fried and broken off. So many woman are returning natural just to say they are and damaging their hair more than any relaxer ever would. I like my hair straight and I know going natural for me would be bad for my hair bc if keep a flat iron in it. Regardless of how much heat protector you use too much heat is damaging….heat protector is just that not a barrier or magic force field
No, in my case I left the creamy crack 10 years ago. I just get a roller set or press for the straight look. also wigs and weaves can remedy that. just maintain the natural locks!
I’m confused..how can you be natural if u r using relaxer? It’s like an oxi-moron statment…I’m natural but I got a relaxer..really?
If your hair becomes looser over time from heat, it is damage. Constant heat is never a good idea no matter how much heat protestant you use or how often you dc.
How about do neither? I’ve been natural 6 years without straightening. I find there are so many other styles. To each his own but heat is a lot less dangerous health wise than a relaxer.
No because you’re still putting chemicals on your scalp
It all depends on how you take care of your hair. Anything can be catastrophic if you don’t take the steps to prevent damage.
Shaqueyah Lashonda Spencer That’s how my hair is it’s thin,breaking,dry and flaky it basically needs treatment and a new regimen
Nooooope. I don’t flat iron my hair regularly and it looks so much better natural!
All hair responds differently to either service; it depends on the hairs texture, density, porosity. Heat training the hair and flat ironing works best for me
You can get natural hair care products on this site that works well with natural and relaxed hair:
http://www.shopbrockbeauty.com/?AffId=3102
Rather occasional flat iron than perms ! Creamy crack is no good
Neither. Curl formers then stretch the hair.
Heat free loose curls then in 2/4 days straight hair.
No just do roller sets if you want your hair to be straight regularly. I find roller setting offers the same results without so much heat. I like Taren Guy and the lady from Mahongany Curls
i have been natural for almost 6 yrs and when i want to change my color, length, texture, style i get braids/extentions and play with weave. this is what i suggest for everyone. leave ur hair alone
Flat Iron does not equal heat damage. Everything in moderation…I’ve been perm free for 5 years and flat ironing my hair once a week, or every other week. If you take care of your hair and learn what works best for you – there won’t be any heat damage. My hair is doing just fine & making progress – but i say that creamy cracked is for the birds.
Both, I use relaxers for my edges and new growth.
Flat ironing natural hair to often defeats the purpose. If u just gotta have the straight look then aim for healthy relaxed/texlaxed hair instead of heat damaged natural hair
Is the health of the hair itself only thing being considered? I believe the overall health of the body is more important. Shouldn’t chemical relaxers’ links to certain cancers, permanent damage to the scalp, etc. be considered first. Hair is dead your body is alive.