Hi all,

I'm new here.  I live in Australia which means that hair products and services for our hair cost the earth here so being natural suits me fine.  I've been natural for 10 years but have just invested in a new hair iron - the wide plate GHD http://www.body4real.com/xcshop/product.php?productid=17811 - http://www.body4real.com/xcshop/product.php?productid=17811

I need some tips on how to do it   Do I use a comb to hold the hair while ironing or do you just use your other hand?   I have 4a shoulder length hair.  My hair is super thick - when I used to have it permed my hairdresser struggled to fit all the rollers on my head!  I went for a wide plate iron because of how thick my hair is.

I've found some heat protection spray in the supermarket here in Australia that I can use.

My routine - I wash my hair once a week with conditioner, sometimes pre condition with Lekair Cholesterol cream.  I detangle with Pantene leave in conditioner.  I use the Care Free Gold activator that I ship over from the US (postage fees cost more than the product but still cheaper for me to import myself than buy in the shops here!).  I braid my hair every night.  I hate doing this chore but if I don't do it my hair tangles up as it is so thick and starts to break off.  I sleep in a satin cap.

I cut my own hair.  There is an afro hair dresser 10 mins drive away but I'm scared they will be shocked at my hair  or worse, talk me into spending $200 for braids.  Does cutting become easier after ironing?

Would appreaciate hair iron tips and advice.

R2D2inoz

Thanks Blackhoney   I think that in my case I will need to have more than 4 sections since my hair is so thick - probably 3 sections within each of the 4 sections!

Thanks for your response.  Will look in the post archives for more hot iron suggestions.

R2D2inOz