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Multicultural families

Here's where to share your experience of raising a child or growing up in a multicultural family.

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Original poster

Straightening afro hair

28 replies

Uhu · 18/11/2004 22:32

I currently wear my hair in braids but they need redoing and I don't fancy sitting for 8 hours. Has anyone straightened their hair using ceramic hair straighteners and if so, how long did it last (provided you kept out of the rain and did not swim ).

The last time I relaxed my hair (4 years ago), the incompetent woman did not wash all the chemicals out. Consequently, the hair broke off and I was left with bald patches. In addition, I suffered from severe dermatitis for a year, hence the braids.

Any advice would be most welcome. I would ask the hairdresser but at this time, I would like completely objective views.

TIA

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

JanH · 18/11/2004 22:55

Guide to Afro hair from handbag.com.

ukhairdressers

HTH till someone with actual experience comes along!

Original poster

Uhu · 18/11/2004 23:05

Thanks for that .

OP posts:

sallystrawberry · 18/11/2004 23:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Uhu · 18/11/2004 23:27

I have a good hairdresser but at this time, I don't want to chemically relax it, if ever. Hence why I'm thinking about using a ceramic straightener.

As a child, my mother use to use the hot comb but memories of burnt scalp and ear lobes means that I don't fancy going down that route!

OP posts:

sallystrawberry · 18/11/2004 23:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MarsLady · 18/11/2004 23:58

About a week if you are very careful, tie your hair up, don't go out in the rain and are careful in pools and baths. My niece told me. I have a shaved head

heymissy · 19/11/2004 00:29

My mum used to straigten my sister's hair with ceramics, but it made hair really manegeable rather than straight - the effect is nothing like relaxing (but I guess you know that already) It lasts about a week. Its a bit like blow drying natural hair till its straight but this just makes our hair dry and brittle ( no good at all) Just a thought what about twisting your natural hair, it's easy to apply oils to the scalp with that style? May be good for dermititus? I did this amongst other things and I didn't relax my own hair until I was 25 (I am grand old age of 30 now) It's just a thought

Original poster

Uhu · 19/11/2004 09:37

Actually, twisting my hair was one of the options I was considering. My problem is that I have twin DSs who are nearly 9 months and I work part-time. I really want a low maintenance hairstyle where I can get up and go. That's why braids are appealing. It seems that anything else is too high maintenance for what I need at the moment. I've got a feeling that I will still be wearing braids for the next few years!

OP posts:

heymissy · 19/11/2004 12:03

Uha - you must be saved from the briads - my aunt twists her hair and it always looks fab and she says its low maintenance - she just gets up and goes (works in a school and has a young son and parties like mad - she parties more than anyone I know!! - I'll ask her how she maintains the twists - you may have to see a hairdresser/ friend to get you started ( I'll ask my aunt who she uses) but there after with the right oils and a little dedication you'll be just fine - I'm guessing it will suit you now that you mention your twins and so on - straightening natural hair with ceramics is very high maintennance because the hair is natural after all and so needs mosturising plaiting and wrapping every night to keep it healthy and prevent it from breaking - trust me I did this for years - still do from time to time even though hair is relaxed

Original poster

Uhu · 19/11/2004 13:36

Thanks for that. I'd be interested to find out how long the twists last and how to maintain them. I think I may leave the straightening for special occasions only.

OP posts:

MarsLady · 19/11/2004 19:16

Of course Uhu you can always do what I did. I decided that I didn't have time for twins and hair maintenance and something had to go. It was close, really close, but in the end I decided to give the twins a second chance. I have one of each. Imagine, if we were all to meet up, you and I would have half the children there lol

Original poster

Uhu · 19/11/2004 20:51

lol. I wouldn't look good with a shaved head. I applaud your boldness.

OP posts:

MarsLady · 19/11/2004 23:53

boldness or baldness lol

Beetlebug · 24/11/2004 13:50

Uhu, the length of time your hair will stay straight depends alot on the texture of your hair and the way you look after it at home. After 5 years of wearning braids, twists and other natural hairstyles I decided I wanted a change. I got my hair blow dried straight at a hairdressers and they used a product called 'kera care silk and seal' on my hair to prevent breakage from the heat. In my experience this can last anywhere between 2-3 weeks providing you wrap it at night and tie your hair using a silk head scarf (not very sexy but essential for minimising breakage whether you have natural, pressed or relaxed hair). After doing this for 2 years I have since texturerised my hair using a very mild watered down solution for 3 minutes maximum and have had no probs at all.

Good luck!

Original poster

Uhu · 25/11/2004 09:23

Thanks Beetlebug. Texturising was something else I was contemplating. I believe it is a mild form of relaxing. Do you do it yourself or go to the hairdressers? Also, how long is your hair and is it course or fine?

When you were pressing your hair, did you always go to the hairdresser or did you buy the products and start doing it at home?

Also, when you were twisting your hair, did you do it yourself or go to the hairdresser? How do you look after twisted hair? Can you wash it with the twists in? Do you have to oil it regularly?

In fact, why am I so useless when it comes to my natural hair? Arrgghhhhhhhhhhh

OP posts:

Beetlebug · 25/11/2004 13:49

Hi Uhu,

My hair is quite fine but there is alot of it and natural hair although beautiful takes alot of looking after, I was doing more harm than good trying to look after it myself especially where washing it and trying to comb the tangles out of it was concerned. Apart from the plaiting and twisting, everything done to my hair was done in a reputable hairdressers. When I had twists in I gave it a very gentle wash (not very often) and I only re-did my hairline. My hair is just past my shoulders but I'm not really botherd about it's length anymore, I've come to realise that it's health is alot more important. What ever you decide to do, a good trim, treatment every 2-4 weeks and silk headscarf will benefit your hair.

Natural hair takes alot of skill to maintain so your not useless!!!!!! I learned to look after mine but for me time was an issue and I needed something quick and easy hence my texturiser. Where about's are you? I'm in south London, I know of a few good hairdressers who will take great care of your hair.

Catbert · 25/11/2004 13:56

My ceramic straightners have a settings marked "a,b,c and d(afro)". They are a professional set bought kindly at cost by my hairdresser friend. They do retail at about £90. So I guess they would work. However, don't use them too often (like every day for weeks on end) because they really can dry and damage your hair.

GoingMad · 30/01/2005 18:41

Does anyone know a good hairdressers in the North London area?

crouchingtigeress · 30/01/2005 21:35

Hmmmm, I also live in north london but travel alllllllllllllllllllll the way to East Ham to get my hair done.

The reason:
I've had too many hair disasters in N.London. Not really that dramatic, but I within a week, It's as if it hasn't been done. I don't know about you, but I like to leave it for as long as possible before returning.

Having said that my sister goes to Harlesden for a steam (£25) her hair always looks lovely.

Then there's Trimmindales on West Green Rd, tottenham, rather pricey, but quite professional.

I think I'm just fussy.
Where do you live and what do you get done?

network · 31/01/2005 13:36

Hi
Thought this may be useful. I'm afro/carib and have decided to stop placing chemicals on the hair. A friend recommended Morris Roots to me. Esp good for those who want to have locks i have my hair in double twists with extns. No harm in checking it out on the net www.morris-roots.co.uk

PinkArjuna · 03/04/2005 16:18

as the others have said (though I am jumping on board very late) It depends on your hair how long it'll stay straight. Mine is very very tight and coarse but used to stay straight for a week with just a bit of blow drying inbetween and if I wrapped it well at night. However I have a tonging set at home to touch it up too if the humidity got to it. Though I am lazy and managed to burn a whole chunk of it off a while back

I have been away from braids for the last 3 years and just letting my hair be natural. I really liked it natural but it did take alot of work to style for going out at night and things. However I just sat for 7 hours the other day getting braids again because I don't want to have to worry about my hair around the time of my baby's birth but didn't want to look hideous in all the new baby pictures because I was too tired to comb my hair.

I find if I relax my hair it just breaks off. I have given up on chemicals completely.

PinkArjuna · 03/04/2005 16:27

I like that web page network I wish we had a salon here in Bristol. What are the prices like? I have a woman here who is an expert at twisting and braiding but there is nothing like popping to a salon for some pampering.

network · 04/04/2005 13:33

I pay salon prices i'm afraid bumped up by being in the London area, but want to let the extns grow out when my own hair lis long enough to twist to my shoulders. Vanity costs but i will let u know the cost they quote me for a re-touch

pmy · 07/08/2005 15:39

I have neck length natural afro hair, which I twist, but I am becoming fed up with the routine of washing, conditioning, drying, oiling and twising every two weeks! I do it all myself as am disillusioned with most hairdressers and feel I am the only one that can give my hair tlc.

However I am contemplating having it texturised. Does anyone know much about the process and when it is texturised is it easier to maintain?

Lastely can anyone recommend a good hairdresser that can texturise. A salon that REALLY care about their customers hair. I live in the Thornton Heath/Croydon area.

nadster · 08/05/2006 17:37

Hello

I have natural hair I wear out as an afro, but it badly needs a trim and i don't trust just anyone to do it as my trips to hairdressers always seem to end up negatively as no-one seems to know how to handle natural hair, or they just try to trim it like you would a hedge. Can anyone recommend me a good hairdresser who knows how to handle natural hair and won't think of me as a freak for wanting to wear it as it grows.
I live in South London but am willing to travel to the right place.
Thanks

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