Hair Straightning

Hi S.. If you're going to permanently straighten, you really should go to a salon. It's so easy to fry your hair. I have fine curly/wavy hair and use paul mitchell straight works (gel) and then paul mitchell heat seal (pump spray). I put both in my hair when wet, gel first and air dry then use a flat iron. It does take a minute to flat iron but will last until the next wash and it looks so pretty, lol! Why are we never satasfied with what nature gave us?

I am using a system called Liquid Keratin. It is really amazing, chemical free! It has made my hair so much more managable, less frizz and less time styling. It is kind of pricey, but worth it in my opinion.

I'm assuming that this is a permanent straightening product. I have never had luck with the at home stuff. To get a good result I found that you need a professional to do it. (and I went to beauty school-but I can't do myself well enough)

I recently had my hair straightened with a Rusk product and because my hair (wavy in the back) is "resistant", the regular product didn't work and redoing it she fried my hair. (I told her it took an hour the last time, but she thought it would work).

The best products I have found are Vidal Sassoon Strait talk (this was more than 10 years ago, I don't think it's around anymore). And Matrix Opti-Smooth. I had it done at a beauty school, I think it was $50 and the results were amazing. Not only was my hair straight, it was smooth and undamaged. I wish I had gone back instead of doing the Rusk, but I was trying to save time.

Good luck!

S. -

I don't know how curly your hair is, but if you are willing to consider something not permanent.... use smoothing shampoo and conditioner (doesn't have to be high end - I use Suave, Pantene, John Freida color safe ones), be sure to comb conditioner through in the shower and invest in the Chi flat iron. I have wavy hair and this works great. I have been through many other flat irons, but nothing works like the Chi. When I am done I just run some leave in conditioner through my hair to keep out the frizzies (I use Bed Head brand). I only wash every other day (run the flat iron through for a minute) as it cuts down my time and makes the color last longer. My hair is in better shape using a flat iron every day then when I would use just a dryer and gel and I have been doing this for 5 plus years.

For hot & humid days, I don't fight it and go curly by putting Garnier's curlin moose in my hair after I comb it out when it is wet and go for a different look.

My money saving suggestion to you if you want to purchase a flat iron is...buy the Biosilk flatiron. It is made by Farouk Chi, but much much cheaper. The plates are exactly the same make and material as the Chi, the only difference is the outside handles are of lesser quality, but who cares. I bought this and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! And I have pretty curly hair too. I do it every other day, much easier and less time consuming that way.

The best best best thing in the world is Japanese straightening, also called rebonding. Your hair is shiny and straight from the first day until it grows out. (It does look kinda funny when youre growing it out if you dont get the root touchups.)
The only drawback is that it is pretty expensive here in the states, I think $200-$300. I had it done in Asia for like $15 US. Maybe you could find a school and get it done there cheaper? I don't know of any though. Good luck!