Flat Iron Tips

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  • Flat Iron Tips

    Hi Ladies,

    I know using a flat iron on a system is a big No No but I decided to try it anyways on an older system which is a light wave.  I have the Hai ceramic straightener and tried using it on the system when it was off but I couldn't get it straight how I want it.  It was still bumpy and did not look good.  Now I'm just wondering if its even possible to straighten a system for a sleek finish or is my straightner just the wrong kind? I had no luck with my friend's Chi either. I would really love to straighten my hair on my system for a change every now and then.  Its about 16 inches long.  Any input would be greatly appreciated!! 

     I also know I am able to order a straight system.  I'm still debating though. My only problem with that is I dont want it to look too fake on me or sitting too flat on my head giving no volume since I was born naturally wavy/curly hair.  Like for example, most of the time, I can tell the difference between naturally straight hair on girls and girls who straighten their hair. That's why I think by straightening my wavy system, might look more natural!  Although, I might be completely wrong! Hmm

     

     

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Someone else may be able to to give you flat ironing tips. I had the same problem when I used to flat iron a system I had before HD. I used a flat iron with steam and that helped a lot but it still dried out the unit because you have to go over the hair so many times.

    If you only have a light wave, it might be your flat iron. When I used to have a light wave I would got to the salon for a cut-in and the stylist would usually flat iron it by default--I guess the light wave offended her sense of hair trends! Anyway, her flat iron had no problem. She would just do one pass on a low setting. I forget what the brand was but it was a pro brand and cost like $250 or something. 

    I agree with you though, straightened curly hair looks a lot different than naturally straight hair--in texture, for sure. I just ordered a straight unit because I want to try the straight hair and I'd like to change up from the curls every now and then. However, I know it will look different and better than if I had straightened my unit or naturally curly hair but I don't think anyone besides me would really pay attention to that--except other women with really curly hair who straighten their hair--and I only know one and I only see her very infrequently.

    Sue

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Hi Sue,

     Thanks for your input.  My waves are similar to to yours on the pic you have up.  The straightener I have now is supposed to do wonders for 'real' hair.  I paid about 100 for it. I don't know if I'm willing to invest 250 on someting I wont use all the time.  Maybe the system on my hair was too old and a bit dry that didn't cause it to work properly.

     Haha on your sylist.  Question for you.  You seem really experienced with this hair stuff and we're very appreciative of your tips and advice.  Anyways, If I want to go to salon to get my 'hair' cut or curled or updoe or anything, do I have to go to a special one?  Would I be able to walk into a regular salon and tell them I want my hair curled for a special occasion.  Of course I would tell them my situation beforehand.  I guess I'm just thinking about my future wedding haha.  Waiting for the bf to propose - he's taking too long! lol.  But seriously, figuring out what I'm going to do with my hair is always on my mind.

    Please let me know how you like your new straight system. Are you expecting it soon?  It would also be nice to give it some nice light bouncy curls with a curling iron.  It would be nice to get your opinion on your new straight system since your usually a wavy/curly hair wearer like myself. 

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Hi Smiley Big Smile

    With the salons you really have two options: one is to call ahead and explain your situation and see if they will work with you. The second is to walk-in and ask about pricing for their up-dos etc and THEN explain your situation (of course doing this far in advance of when you actually need your hair done!). Most salons are used to working with extensions and clip in hair pieces for special occasions so it shouldn't be a big deal. I did call a couple of local salons when I was looking for a cut-in before and they both said they wouldn't want to cut my unit because they were inexperienced with that. However, I really believe that if I had just walked in and asked for a haircut and explained the situation after I was in the chair, they would have worked with it. It's more intimidating if they can't see what they will be working with but once they see how real it is, it's less scary. I found a regular salon for a friend in Portland Oregon and they were happy to work with her unit. It depends on the place and person.

    My sister-in-law is a hairdresser and before I was with HD she used to cut my units for me all of the time having had no previous experience. She's a little scissor happy though.Indifferent

    I should be getting my straight system in the next 4-6 weeks or so. I will probably post a pic or two.

    Sue

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Hey ladies,

    Thought I would chime in here to talk about the "straight" hair. Even though I order mine super silky straight, there is definitely some body in the hair. It is not stick straight like some of the weaves I used to get. I can air dry it with (or without) some gel and actually get really nice waves. If I wanted it really straight, I could flat iron it or blow dry it straight.

    What I love is the texture of the hair...and the ease of care. If you take a look at my blog picture or my avatar, that was taken the day I shot my "meet Lynnette" video http://www.hairdirect.com/video/clients/babe.aspx . I had just come from the hotel after showering, blow drying and curling my hair. It's really bouncy after a curling iron and I love the way it holds a style.

    I guess you will have to straighten your natural hair when you wear the straight hair, right? but it may be easier to deal with the straight hair - who knows? I'm very curious to know how the straight will work out for you Sue! I did order one curly unit, but I just couldn't get it to work as well as the straight does for me.

    Please keep us posted!

    Babe

    Not born with hair, but I've got
    the intelligence to find it,
    the money to pay for it,
    the patience to "stick" it on just right,
    the will to make it work,
    the confidence to wear it boldly
    and the smile to wear under it!

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    I'm sure the straight hair will be easier because I used to wear straightened units and I could go all week without doing anything to them -- no washing or conditioning, no detangling -- just comb and go. Problem is I have to straighten my own hair a couple of times a day to hide it underneath. I wouldn't even attempt to wear straight hair in the spring or summer with the humidity, I would never be able to hide my own hair underneath. It's really damaging to straighten growing hair too, especially when it's as fine and frail as my own.

    I'm not really one to "do" my hair -- I like to be able to just let my hair air dry and go. I really don't have the time to add any more steps to my morning routine. I'm hoping the straight hair doesn't require blow drying or flat ironing to keep it straight. I'd actually have to buy a blow dryer then! I really want really straight hair for this look.

    I've learned how to manage the curly units pretty well. It's kind of a science of conditioning and using the right products and not moving around too much while the hair is air drying. My units are all super soft which I love. I have two now that are curlier than the curly pic I have posted (not by choice, they came in that way). A lot of the manageability issue was getting past the terribly overprocessed hair I was getting because it was completely unmanageable. The reason I am trying straight hair is because the factory is having a hard time giving me the same curl pattern twice and it's really frustrating to get a D curl one time and a B curl the next. Also, I'd like the flexibility of wearing straight hair once in a while because it would really ruin one of these curly units to try and straighten it. The curl is so tight that you'd have to straighten it over and over and you would still have a wave in the hair. In the process you would be drying out the hair and pulling it out of the base when you were trying to work all the tangles out.

    That F/G wave I am sporting in most of my pics can be flat ironed but smiley is right in that it takes some work to get the wave out. I haven't worn that light wave since 10 months ago.

    Sue

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Great video Babe!  I cannot believe that your system was 5 months old in that video - looks fantastic.  I think I will try ordering a straight unit.  First off, my unit covers most of my head (maybe 3/4) so I wouldn't have a problem straightening my own hair - will not take long at all. I'll also have fun curling it every now and then for nice bouncy curls.

     What are specs?  My lenght is 16" and medium light so I will probably get the straight unit a bit layered.  I bet it will be easier to deal with the straight.  I'll have the best of both worlds.

    Thanks for your input.

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Hey Smiley,

    Glad you liked it...they make things fun, that's for sure! Keep in mind that although that hair is 5 months old, I did rotate it with another unit. I always order mine two at a time and wear them every other week. The good news is that unit is still wearable! I am using my newer ones now, but if I had to, I could still use that one (and a couple of others) as backups!

    My unit is kind of a 3/4 unit also. I have very little natural hair left, but don't want to go with a full cap.

    Here is a link to my specs and if you have any other questions, ask away!

    http://www.hairdirect.com/community/blogs/babes_mane_blog/archive/2009/09/03/lessons-how-i-order-my-hair.aspx

    Babe

     

    Not born with hair, but I've got
    the intelligence to find it,
    the money to pay for it,
    the patience to "stick" it on just right,
    the will to make it work,
    the confidence to wear it boldly
    and the smile to wear under it!

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    HI Again Babe,

    I looked at your specs and now I need to know the difference between the Asian hair and what I automically get which as far as I know is just real hair.  I'm assuming if you don't specify, it's just indian?  I could be wrong.  Can you tell me the difference?

    Thanks Again!

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Asian specifically is Chinese hair. They use Chinese hair for the silky straight units. My tech just told me that recently when I placed my order. Chinese hair is different than Indian. I've used both.

    Sue

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Sue,

    If I order a straight system, they will automatically use Chinese then?  Which one do you like better?

  • Re: Flat Iron Tips

    Yes, it seems that way. You should double check with the tech when you order. I like the Chinese better with permed hair because it's less frizzy than Indian for me. I request fine Chinese hair because it matches my own hair texture better. Indian was too coarse for me. 

    Sue

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