Amneris

No product is good for straightening - it's better not to use much (a little oil or conditioner on the ends would be good though.)

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Resume Writer

For me, the haircut is key; certain cuts are more conducive to straightening. I measure my cuts by how well I can straighten my hair after.

I think you did a good job straightening!

lazy loops

My stylist has two of those, a narrow & a wide. Since she uses them daily, she recommends them, but for me & like you, she said a Chi isn't necessary & to just look for a ceramic.

So last Christmas I asked for what she recommended; a narrow with curved sides as they supposedly get closer to the roots & help with putting in end flips.

However, my hair doesn't like to flip on the ends with such iron & barely even with using a separate curling iron. It must be the cut or my hair's stubborn.

munchkin

Personally I think you did pretty good for the first time, though I don't know if I would stick with something that pulls your hair out when straightening.

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Zinnia

Trying rubbing a few jojoba drops on top of your hair and try flat ironing again.

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Life shrinks or expands according to one's courage. Anais Nin