Chemical Straighteners

> I did and do take EXTREEMLY good care of my hair. I> did have a trim each time I got it relaxed, and every> other week, I go for a deep conditioning treatment at> my salon. I have done this since before I had my hair> straightened. I had it relaxed 4 times, I finally grew> it all out, and I am glad, my hair is def. more> healthy now. It is like a perm, only thet make it> stronger, thus it it RUINS YOUR HAIR!!!!! No Chemicals> are good for it, Taking good care of your ahir doesn't> include loading chemicals onto it.I am really sorry you took offense to my message. I know your hair is healthier now with out the relaxer or any chemicals, that is obvious, what I was saying is that with any chemical, you have to take EXTRA care of it because it is weaker, and you can do this and keep your have in very good shape. Of course some people do this and it doesn't work out that way, but then you have to condsider the strength of the chemical you put in your hair, I use a mild one so that I don't stretch my hair out to much.Don't get me wrong, I envy those who have gone natural, if I had the guts, I'd shave all my hair off and start over just because of the fact that chemically treated hair takes a lot of time patience to take care of, but the truth is I don't. Maybe someday I will, I don't know, but for know I'll be sticking with the relaxer.I just wanted to let people know its is possible to have relaxed hair or chemically treated hair and it not be broken off, split, dry and all that other stuff.I think them main thing for any one to do is to make sure the right formula relaxer is being used in your hair, ask your beautician and make sure you educate yourself on how to take care of it, you may go to a hairdresser every one or two weeks or so, but you have to know how to take care of it yourself in between visits.But its funny, I would never recommend anyone with natural hair now to opt for a relaxer, get some dudley creme press and a hot comb, use Paul mitchell THE HEAT humidity resistent styling spray before you blow dry, and you should be set! It is a healthier alternative.But for those of you who do consider a chemical straightener, take in consideration the extra time, effort, and care you will have to put in to keep it looking and being its best!!!

I don't know about that, a couple of years ago, I would have said the same thing about the relaxer, but when I realized I was the reason my hair was in horrible shape because I didn't take care of my hair the way relaxed hair needed to be taken care of. I've out grown that and still have a relaxer, except I learned how to care for it and my hair is in Great shape. I just had to change my habits. I take EXTREME care of my hair, sure it's a lot of work, but only when you first start to do it, after a while, its just normal. You can have relaxed and healthy hair. I mean, look at all the actresses that have relaxers and have beautiful hair. Of course they have someone taking care of it, but they've also been told how to care for it.All I'm saying is that if you do get a relaxer, its up to you to keep from damaging it, anyone can do it if they have the patience and the knowledge.Also, your hair needs to be healthy BEFORE you put in any chemical treatment. I suggest getting a trim or a cut everythime you have a relaxer done.

Kim,I would suggest that you go to a professional salon to have a relaxer applied to your hair. From what you have written, the problem with the previous one was that it was not strong enough for your type of hair. You mention that your hair is both coarse and wavy. It is likely that you will have to have a "super" strength applied to your hair and "worked into" your hair by a professional to get some version of straight hair. What I mean by "worked into" your hair is that the stylist must literally work the cream into your hair via hands(gloved), comb, etc and not just letting the cream sit on your head. A simple thing, but very important, especially when your hair is wavy. Realize that if you have wavy hair, the wave will be stretched not removed. After you have the relaxer, I would suggest rolling your hair rather than blowdrying to further stretch out the wave and minimize damage.KJ had mentioned Motions and another. I have heard good things about Motions line, especially for coarse hair. I would suggest to you also Revlon Realistic. A tried and true and excellent results.If possible, be sure to have a strand or comparable test before you have the relaxer to determine the strength of your hair. Also, it is possible to maintain strong, healthy hair with a relaxer. I would recommend regular hot oil treatments to you, constant conditioning, and try to go at least 3 months before having a "touch up" on the new growth.Hope this helps...Jade21I'm sorry, I forgot to mension in my first message> about hair straighteners that I want my hair to be> permanently straight. I've tried every kind of> non-chemical straighteners out there and none of them> work in the humid weather. Does anyone know if there> are any good relaxers or perms out there that aren't> TOO damaging?

> I'm sorry, I forgot to mension in my first message> about hair straighteners that I want my hair to be> permanently straight. I've tried every kind of> non-chemical straighteners out there and none of them> work in the humid weather. Does anyone know if there> are any good relaxers or perms out there that aren't> TOO damaging?You should try to have a lye, not a no-lye, relaxer applied professionaly. Ones that I know are really good is Motions, which I use and is great for my hair, and Affirm Relaxer System, which most salons use now because of the quality.