Straight||Curly...The Mental Battle

msavie · 06-23-2011, 12:27 PM

I transitioned about four years ago & loved my natural hair. The only problem I had was finding a decent hairstyle that I could wear to formal events like a dinner or wedding, especially when my hair was short.

I had an event to attend so I decided to have my cousin flat iron my hair. To my dismay, portions of my hair never regained their curly texture and instead of cutting my hair and growing it back out I just decided to get a texturerizer and eventually a relaxer. I did not have the patience at that time to start from scratch.

My 'hair disaster' was entirely my fault though. I guess I still had the 'straight hair mentality'. I was way younger then and knew way less about my hair and its texture than I do now. In my ignorance, I believed the misconception that my straight(relaxed) hair was neat/tidy and that the curly/kinky I had then was more unruly/unkempt.

This is a whole new me now I am wiser and more mature so I just wanted to know... Any suggestions on how to style my transitioning & soon to be natural hair if I have a formal event to attend? Also, any good products to control the frizz?

LadyV69 · 06-23-2011, 01:47 PM

If your hair is long enough, you could do buns. If not, you could do a tuck and roll. As for frizz control, since it's summer, if you live in a humid climate, try not to use products with humectants in them (glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.).

msavie · 06-24-2011, 06:28 AM

Thanks for the idea!

QtBoutique · 06-24-2011, 09:20 AM

You could also try two strand twisted bantu knot outs... Wow, that was a mouth full.

That is how my hair is done in my profile pic. They turn out much better on my hair that regular bantu knot outs, and they were my staple style when I was transitioning.

A. Love · 06-24-2011, 11:05 AM

I did pin-up hair dos. The lead singer of the Noisettes is one of my hair inspirations. In the "Never Forget You" video, her hair is in sections, each one tucked and rolled under. That was my go to hair do. I was able to protect and blend my damaged ends.

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windycitycurl · 06-24-2011, 03:50 PM

It depends on what length you are now. I am medium-short right now--the awkward length--but I have found so many styles on youtube I don't feel so insane anymore(the feeling that I want to just cut it all off and start from scratch).

While lurking on youtube I found ladies with a myriad of lengths with really cool/sophisticated styles. So, I suggest spending some time on there.

AlikaIssa · 06-25-2011, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QtBoutique

You could also try two strand twisted bantu knot outs... Wow, that was a mouth full.

That is how my hair is done in my profile pic. They turn out much better on my hair that regular bantu knot outs, and they were my staple style when I was transitioning.

I did this style regularly when I was transitioning. It really helped to blend the two textures together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyV69

If your hair is long enough, you could do buns. If not, you could do a tuck and roll. As for frizz control, since it's summer, if you live in a humid climate, try not to use products with humectants in them (glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.).

I agree that it's best to avoid products with humectants - particularly if you are wearing your hair in a stretched style.

In order to further prevent frizz, you can apply a light setting lotion to your hair before you apply your moisturising cream, then seal your moisturising cream with a light oil or butter.

AfroPRChica · 06-25-2011, 10:34 PM

You can do a rollerset instead of the flat iron. It takes longer, but its SO much healthier! Also, when I a change or I want to do something different I usually wear a lace front wig. It's nice to occasionally get the straight look without having to damage my own hair. And it's quicker than doing a rollerset.

msavie · 06-27-2011, 01:32 PM

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions ladies. My hair is neck length so I will definitely try the bantu knots. Seen a couple of cute styles on youtube that I would love to try.