How to straighten hair and keep it that way (w/o paying to much!)?

Question

I've already spent nearly $100 redoing my hair in the past weeks, so I'm starting to run on empty. I've got pomade, molding wax, salon molding gum, and got ripped off on a really crappy $20 flat iron that's all but useless.

So I've cut my hair to medium length (about chin length, previously was halfway down my back). I've never been able to get straight hair, it's always got this little wave in it and curls at the tips. Nothing works!

Do I really have to invest in a $80-$200 flat iron? And even once I get it straight, my hair has a tendency to just friz out and whatever I've done just dries and falls apart.

I'd like to be able to straighten my hair down something like this:
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1048/913152122lnn4.jpg

Answer 1

I paid 20 for my flat-iron, and got it at wal-mart. U don't need to spend all that money. The flat iron i have is conair. And they are really good with flat-irons. U can do your own hair, and if u don't want to maybe u can find somebody u are cool with to do your hair.

Answer 2

You need to get it chemically relaxed. This is something you would need to have done in a salon because they are extremely dangerous. If you do it yourself you will probably fry your hair or cause it to break off.

Even w/ a chemical relaxer you still need to go in about every 6 weeks and have the roots touched up, just like color.

A straightening iron will work to, but it is only a temp. solution, as soon as the hair gets wet or it gets humid the hair will loose its straightness. Using a straightener everyday is very damaging to the hair, even if it is a ceramic straightener. When using a straightening iron make sure to apply a protectant to the hair prior to straightening (MATRIX Sleek line seems to be the best).

If money is a big issue try going to the beauty college and getting it chemically relaxed. They do great work and have an instructor looking over them. It'll cost you probably 1/2 of what you'd pay in a salon.

Good luck,
Stylist of 9 yrs.

Answer 3

I understand your frustrations with straightening hair, I used to have the same problem, and the only solution I've found is my flat iron, which I got for $80. I think it was worth the investment, definitely, b/c I don't have to do anything else to keep it straight, and it works really quickly. Check out eBay or something if you want to try getting a better price. I'd recommend asking your stylist how to use the iron properly (i.e., putting your hair up and doing small sections at a time) for best results. Also, make sure you use good conditioner, it'll help prevent damage. Good luck!

Answer 4

Ceramic flat iron are a little more expensive than generic ones but they're worth it! Have you gotten it straightened at a salon? All the do is use perm solution and straighten the hair completely for like 20 minutes and you just sit there. If you've tried this and it's failed then get a ceramic iron and some frizz ease serum. Be careful not to fry the hair. I usually top it off with a little got2be hairspray to hold it.

Answer 5

There are some decent flat irons out these days that aren't very much money. Around 30 dollars or so.

The key is to get one that is only about an inch wide. I wouldnt go any bigger or else you're dealing with straightening too much hair at a time and it takes you longer in the end because you have to go over it more.

Also, look for one with ceramic plates and infrared heat.

Try some place like Target. I got mine at a hair salon in my local mall and it was 50 dollars, but i've had it for a year now and it's great!

Answer 6

Go to the drugstore in the "black haircare" section and buy a No-Lye Relaxer. These cost less than $10. Follow the instructions very carefully since you haven't used one before, and don't wash your hair daily. When you do wash it, make sure that you dry it straight with the blow dryer. That will do the trick!
But you have to remember that with all the chemicals and heat, you need to treat your hair gently. And if you use "wet" products it will make your hair want to revert. So gels and the such won't be useful. Use pomade or just a little bit of coconut grease. You'll need to be careful with it like us black girls when we get our hair straightened!

Answer 7

Take that flat iron back and get your money back. Don't keep products that don't work. Many places will allow you to return them if they don't work. I worked for Estee Lauder for years and as long as the people had the receipt they could return the product in a short amount of time if it didn't do what it said it would. I have also personally returned items to Walgreens that did not work as advertised.

Try a better flat iron less than 1 inch. If it doesn't work return it. Perhaps you should see a hairdresser and get their advice.

Answer 8

I have really curly hair and I have always had a problem with keeping it straight. I have just recently found this herbal essence straightning shampoo and conditioner with some spray to put on your hair as you straighten it with a straightner. It seems to work really well with me. I also do not wait very long after I get out of the shower to blow dry it because the longer I wait the better my hair seems to look. Try this and if it doesn't work try using gel through your hair to make it stay and of course hair spray.

Answer 9

i'm somewhat beneficial the suited thank you to get it directly may well be to purchase a flat iron and straighten it. My hair is obviously somewhat wavey and thats what I could desire to do. i've got tried to get it "chemically straightened" and please do no longer attempt that, it fried my hair and in simple terms made it truly frizzy and broken. you are able to desire to get a flat Iron from Wal-Mart that's (for my section) in simple terms as super as a CHI or a Paul Mitchell flat iron.. its approximately 11 or so funds, and its truly skinny and black. and on the top the place your palms are it has a c interior a circle .. it truly is going to likely be in gold. in simple terms make certain you get a skinny one with ceramic over the metallic :) solid success. There are additionally syrums and creams to put in it in the past you blow dry it wit a around brush.. yet i think of flat ironing that's in simple terms as uncomplicated. solid success :)

Answer 10

I just bought a Vidal Sassoon flat iron, and it works great! I only paid like $30 for it, and I love it. I also use Frizz Ease relaxing creme first, after you towel dry. I have hair that's just about to my butt and it's very thick and wavy, and I'm telling you this stuff works! Good luck!!!