Hi y'all -

I'm curious about straightening irons - I've never used one and I don't *really* want to because of the damage they cause (I don't even blow dry my hair anymore).

However, I can't deny that they produce stunning results. I would love to be able to create a really sleek French twist or similar style, but I've only ever been able to do poofy ones because of all these curls! What do you guys suggest - how much damage do straightening irons do, if used minimally (as in once every other month or so)?

/Kate

Many use straightening irons daily, producing loads of splits and dry discolored ends. Then again, that's if you go at it every day... Some people insist that some straightening irons are better than others (i.e. ceramic coated is better than metal... etc)  but a heat tool is still a heat tool.

I don't think once every occasion should be that bad, as long as you make up for it in other ways-- and it sounds like you take good care of your tresses. Good luck!

Anais

it's funny though that most straight-iron owners I've met are women who already have straight hair! They just don't like the frizz!

wrote on May 21^st, 2004 at 5:39pm:

I would love to be able to create a really sleek French twist or similar style, but I've only ever been able to do poofy ones because of all these curls! /Kate

I am so jealous. I wish I could do a poufy updo just once in my life. Respect your hair.

wrote on May 21^st, 2004 at 5:39pm:

how much damage do straightening irons do, if used minimally (as in once every other month or so)?

The problem is that hair damage is cumulative and the results of the damage will depend a lot on your hair growth goals.  If you are after really long hair and thus don't want to have to trim it very often, then you should do *nothing* that will cause damage, no matter how infrequently.  If you are after a more moderate length, and do plan to trim off damage often, then occasional use of a product that absolutely *will* damage your hair won't be so much of a concern.

The important thing to remember is that hair damage cannot be corrected by any product; the best you can hope for is to limit how bad the damage looks.  The only way to get rid of damaged hair is to cut it off.  This is why those with very long hair growth goals will not do anything to add to the everyday damage that is unavoidable, it all adds up in the end (no pun intended ;)

Thanks for all the great responses! And I do respect my hair, eKatherine - mostly I'm very happy with it, especially since I found this board and learned how to better care for my hair! :-)

I can't afford a straightener right now, and it's probably just as well. I'll continue to baby it for the time-being!

What exactly does back-combing do to your hair? I've seen several updos which make use of some teasing to obtain volume. Of course, when I had shorter hair, I used to tease it straight up in the air and spray it green for kid's birthday parties. Talk about instant popularity with the kids! ::)

/Kate

i would think that back combing takes away the smoothness of the hair strands because your combing against the "grain". it'll make it a tangled mess that will take FOREVER to comb back to normal. dont do it!!!

Back combing, or "teasing" your hair is just about the worst thing you can do to it without chemicals.  You are in effect doing exactly what causes hair to split, lifting the cuticle.  No more scary hairstyles! ;)

Quote:

Rapunzel said: You are in effect doing exactly what causes hair to split, lifting the cuticle.

That's what I figured! Ok I promise, no poofy '60s hairdos :-)

By the way, don't we need a smiley with hair?

Thanks for the help,

/Kate

wrote on May 25^th, 2004 at 10:10am:

By the way, don't we need a smiley with hair?

Being an Internet "old timer" (from way back before even email existed), I am rather fond of the "old fashioned" type of smileys, and of course I have one with long hair!  ==================:)

wrote on May 25^th, 2004 at 6:14pm:

Being an Internet "old timer" (from way back before even email existed), I am rather fond of the "old fashioned" type of smileys, and of course I have one with long hair!  ==================:)

I have my "picture" with my braids "flying" behind me on my bike as my signature!