NC: What straightening methods have you heard about or tried, and what do you think about any one of them?
CB: I’ve heard of a lot of new smoothing treatments on the markets that are similar to the keratin treatments we’ve seen an explosion of in recent years except without the harmful chemicals. I’ve seen a lot of innovation in that market and I’m curious to see where this goes.
NC: What do you think is the best, least damaging and “curl-offensive” way to straighten?
CB: Using rollers beneath a dryer to first elongate the curls then following up with a flat iron or blow dryer on medium heat to pull the curls straight.
NC: Have you ever heard of or experienced (or been afraid to straighten because of”> your curls not coming back?
CB: YES. It happened to me and I had to cut off 10″ of hair last year!
NC: What do you think about curlies or naturals who straighten most of the time?
CB: As long as people are straightening for the right reasons and doing so safely, I’m okay with it! Unfortunately there are a lot of curlies for whom neither of those things apply, so that’s where I take a lot of issue. Poor self-maintenance can be a sign of poor-self respect.
NC: What do think of some of them calling themselves “natural?”
CB: For me, natural is about letting go of chemical straightening processes. If you’re not permanently altering the texture of your hair then yes, you are natural. What bothers me, though, are people with chemically straightened hair who have missed one relaxer appointment and all of a sudden think they are the card carrying member of #teamnatural just because of some new growth. Transitioners are one thing, but people who have full intention of getting a relaxer again in two months are quite another!
NC: If you were talking to a new curly, would you discourage straightening or instruct and encourage her about healthy straightening habits?
CB: Go ahead and do it! Experiment and have fun! Just remember to practice safe straightening! If you do end up with some heat damage, remember that the scissors are your friend and you’ll be better off with a little chop and a fresh start!
Read More: New Hair Straightening Treatment Reviews
