Chemcially straightning hair?

Thanks for the advice! Karen's article was great. It was just common knowledge among every stylist I've ever seen that I should get touch-ups every 6-8 weeks. And I think it was too strong for my hair, since its more curly than coarse.Anyway, I'm growing out 8 and a half years of a relaxer, but if I decide to do it again, I'll know what to do, or maybe just get a texturizer.I agree with you about the hot comb. When I have pressing done, it's usually by a professional and only happens like once a month. So don't worry, it won't be a daily or even a weekly thing! I'm going to a very warm place this summer for an internship and I will just wear it naturally curly (somewhat like the character Freddie on "A Different World.")C ya!Shannon :)> It is unfortunate that your hair has deteriorated> since you started getting relaxers. It doesn't have to> be that way. I am Native American, black and Mexican> and used a relaxer when my hair was shorter to stretch> out some waves.> First, you should definitely check out Karen's article> on relaxers. It is superior. As mentioned there and> elsewhere, you must condition your hair constantly> with a relaxer which can really dry out already dry> hair. Second, you should not be getting touch ups on> new growth every 6-8weeks. If your hair grows the> average of 1/2 inch per month, your hair has barely> had time to grow. Repeated applications of a relaxer> can severely weaken and damage hair. It's much better,> as Karen's article mentions, to wait a minimum of> three months. If your hair is extremely course, the> solution is to find alternate hair styles during the> stretch period.> Also, don't fool yourself that you're mimimizing> damage by using a hot comb. I'm not talking about> Conair, but a real hot comb. You must be skilled in> using such a device or you can really damage the hair> which should be the strongest: that which is close to> the hair follicle. In addition, be wary of using it on> your ends. Welcome to breakage city!> Bye for now,> Jade21> I am currently growing out of a chemical straightener.

I am currently growing out of a chemical straightener. (I am black and have naturally curly hair also.) Don't do it. My hair used to be really strong and healthy, but now it breaks off easily and is very, very dry. I am just going to wear it curly and when I want a straight look, I will just use a pressing comb.But if you do get a straightener, it costs between $50-$75 for the first application and about $35-$40 for new growth touch ups. When its first done, it feels really nice and smooth, but then you get trapped in a cycle once you start getting the touch-ups every six-eight weeks or so.Good luck!Shannon :)

I'm bi racial(half white and half black) and I have naturally curly hair .. I tryed just keeping my hair its natural way(curly) but it doesnt look good on me and get's really frizzy(and I've tryed every way to keep it stop being frizzy and doesnt work) and people say I look better with straight hair,and I like straight hair better for me. Ok ... so I blow dry it straight, it works but once I get outside in the rain (I live in Portland,OR home of the rain!) it starts getting frizzy at the ends and curly .... I was wondering if anyone has had there hair chemcially straightend and how does it work? and about how much does it cost?. Also .. I want to get LITTLE highlights in my hair and I was wondering what color should I go for? I have dark brown hair .... Hope I can get some help :) I'm new to this message board and seems like everyone helps each other out alot if possible. Looking forward to responses.