Straightening afro hair

[Uhu]

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

From the Root in Lewisham is a really good place (just ignore the dress sense of some of the girls who work there- you will know what I mean if you go). They specialise in natural hair as well chemical treatments and weaves. It is opposite the fire station.

HTH

I also have natural hair and have been saved from just braiding it or straightening it by this website www.nappturality.com and www.motowngirl.com both of which has a lot of GREAT advice and information on how to care for natural hair.

I also agree with twists as a great low maintenance hair style and sometimes usually in the winter months I do kinky twists which I can usually leave for about 3 months without redoing or usually doing just the front every month.

saw this amazing article on www.curlyellie.co.uk/?p=105.
To quote the author
" Why would you want your child to adopt a concept of “beauty” that is not based on the natural characteristics of their hair and is damaging to their scalp??"""