straight hair that lasts???

i have pretty straight hair but the ends are always wavin all over the place. my usually routine is after i shower i usually dont blow dry my hair, and when its damp i put either flat out, redken's smooth down, smooth sexy hair serum, pantene's get it straight gel...whichever i grab first. when its dry i just straighten my hair and it is pretty straight but in about half an hour it goes all over the place again and i end up having to straighten it again and i have SUPER thick hair so its very time consuming and annoying. am i doing something wrong?? or does it depend on the kind of straightener?? does anyone have any suggestions so that my straight hairstyle last?? any help would be appreciated...thX!

I'm sorry to say this, but that sounds like the result of intense damage. Hair ends get damaged fastest, so that might be why they're going haywire before the rest of your length. Most likely it's dryness. Products can't necessarily replenish the dryness-- they are only a temporary fix. For long term treatment, you'll probably have to go for natural care, like warm heavy oiling or the like... Try sweet almond oil or coconut oil-- they are also sold cheap at natural health stores or online from soapmakers. Saturate your hair with oil, bun it or put on a shower cap, and then let it sit for as long as possible... like when you're doing homework or something.

Good luck, ladies

Anais

Damaged hair often gives you warning signs before it actually looks damaged, so there's still a chance this could be the case. Warning signs include things like hair "misbehavior", frizz, and suchlike. Especially when you straighten or use a lot of product.

At the salon, they will use more heavy-duty methods.. and most likely higher heat. So that might be the reason you get better results at the salon.

Do try the oiling... oftentimes, well-moisturized and healthy hair will straighten better than hair that is a bit on the dry side (especially if you use heat tools). If the oil doesn't help with the straightening, then it will at least give more shine, less frizz, and lots of softness.

Hairboutique's Marketplace doesn't have the solid coconut oil, but it does have a fractionated kind (liquid). I prefer the solid variety--it melts in your hands or at 76 degrees F and is easy to measure. I work it through my hair and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before shampooing/conditioning.

Coconut oil can be found at many Walmarts and some normal supermarkets will carry them too. Just ask, or call around and ask before you go. Health food stores will definitely carry it. If you know a soapmaker, they can also hook you up with some for cheap. I get mine for about $4-5 a pound at the local health food store, and it lasts a long time. Online, coconut oil is around $2-3 a pound plus shipping. Cheap, but gives you great benefits.

HTH

Anais