This is why I PREACH, “You gotta do what’s best for you”, when it comes to caring for your hair. Listen to “everybody” and you’ll be broken, bald and bewildered. The condition of your hair is “proof” that your regimen works for you. Let everybody else get caught up on “theories”. I like results.
I’m in the process of getting my hair back on track, from some mechanical damage due to some mishandling, and some structural damage due to some residual peroxide color that’s hanging on for dear life.
Well, I had originally decided that I would do “no heat”…not that I have problems with using heat on occasion, but it just sounded good and I thought it would make things even better. I was wrong.
I’ve been experiencing an increase of single strand “knots”, and that’s something I’m not used to. I get occasional knots, but nothing really noticeable…until I got well into my “new” regimen.
I usually “stretch” my hair out with heat (yes, I use heat on my naps), once a month. I use a blow dryer, with a comb attachment, on freshly shampooed/conditioned hair, and I wear it bunned, for a week. I was having no “knot issues”, and no breakage/dryness issues. It works for my hair, and I’m going back to it.
The End.
A Nappy Girl
LOL Let it be know NEA! I have a heat question for you. Do you think that heat is necessary for deep conditioning?
My Gold N Hot heat cap just died on me yesterday, and I was thinking of buying a BaByliss dryer. I only do hot oil treatments (on dry hair) and dc with cholesterol-type conditioners. I can’t stand the way heat caps smash my hair in. However, the BaByliss is a lot more expensive for that one comfort.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
That’s how I feel!!!!
I used to listen to the “no heat” rule. I decided one day that I will no longer listen to that and not only blow dry my hair, but I will also FLAT IRON it…of course I was a lil apprehensive because of the fear that a particular website (wink, wink) put in me. After washing my hair, my hair went RIGHT BACK to it’s normal self. So I immediately disregarded all of these rules and am now sticking with “If it works for you, then keep doing it!’ rule.
Nappy hair is supposed to be about freedom. We left relaxerdom to be free and now that we’re nappy, we have ANOTHER set of rules?! I’m good…
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
@Tashina,
Yes, I think heat is needed…but not from a heat cap or dryer. I wrap my head in saran wrap, and add a towel or close fitting knit hat on top, and let my conditioner “marinate” for a couple of hours. Works great…my natural body heat is just enough to open the cuticle and allow the conditioner to penetrate.
@Erin,
Well…I still believe heat needs to be used in moderation, and there’s ALWAYS a risk of heat damage, even when you’re careful. There are so many variables that can weigh in on your results. So, I tell folks to take precautions, but know that there’s always a chance of damaging your hair and if you want to 100% avoid it, avoid heat 100%. I’m prepared to deal with heat damage, if it happens.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Oh, of COURSE I use it in moderation. I’m just saying folks make it seem like, you can NEVER use heat. And I know exactly how much heat my hair can take. I’m very careful about that. I can understand not straightening the hair often, but I HAVE to straighten my hair on occassion for a good trim. The twist-n-snip method does not work, at ALL. So I have to use at least a blowdryer.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Mabye it’s just me…. =-.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I never purposely followed the “no heat” rule. I just basically got lazy. lol
I don’t use it at all really because I really have no need for it. I say about the only time i really do is when i deep condition and that’s not all the time.
@Tashina No actually you don’t need heat. When i get lazy and don’t feel like sittin under that hair dryer, i DC overnight. It works just as good on my hair n e way
.-= MsLizziA´s last blog ..Natural Hair Spotlight: Ms.Mika =-.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
I can understand the preaching about heat….18 months after I chopped all my hair off, as of this month it is grazing APL (Arm Pit Length), and with 4ABC whatever kinki cooily hair, I decided to do a length check (how I learned I was APL) and wear it straightened to surprise my mom for Christmas…so I did and it was fine….Until I washed it today…I have a small patch of bone straight hair on the side of my head and some pieces of hair all over in spurts of bone straight hair.
What went wrong? I set that brand new flat iron too HIGH!…..Will I NOT use heat ever again? NO. In the future I will air-dry only (as my hair is doing now), and keep the flat iron LOW and use mild tension based on some techniques I learned (After the fact….ugh). You live and you learn.
I knew what I was getting into (still didn’t think it would happen to my very thick, coarse hair)….and I am learning my lesson. After this it may be another 18 months before I put any heat on it ever again….but I am not opposed to heat and I think you have to live and learn, do research to make better informed decisions….Am I angry? (I was)…Do i regret it? (Yes and No) because I showed about 600 friends and 30 co-workers that you CAN have non-chemically treated hair GROW LONG….But its a hard lesson to learn and and to see the loss of such wonderful curls…however its JUST HAIR…and IT GROWS BACK…..!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Hey, Kiki!
I have yet to get heat damage…my “less kinky” ends came from peroxide color damage. However, I’m ready for the possibility. You can follow all the rules, and still end up with…heat damaged hair. The protective steps we take can make it less likely to happen, or if it does happen, it’s not extreme…and sometimes it’ll even nap back up.
For instance, one “variable”: “Hot spot”s on the flat iron. Sometimes an area on the ceramic/tourmaline plate will get hotter. So, wherever that “spot” touches your hair, heat damage can result. You can’t control it.
I don’t go to salons for flat ironing. The stylists are supposed to be professionals, but they all use hot irons…all the ones I’ve been to. It’s quick and and gets the hair super-straight, which is what most women want. I prefer some body. I don’t like that plastered look.
Yes, your hair will grow back!.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0