tracey with wavy hair wearing yellow scarf

Tracey Wallace: 2B

NaturallyCurly: Do you straighten or have you straightened in the past? How do or did you do it (professionally, yourself, keratin treatments, blow outs”>?

Tracey Wallace: I straightened for about four or so years before I finally let it go and went natural as a junior in high school. Now I straighten about once a year, usually on the first non-humid winter day so that it will stay straight for about three days. I always end up bored with it, though, after only 3 days, and then it’s another year before I go at it again.

NC: Why did you straighten?

TW: Honestly, I get bored. I can’t braid and twist styles don’t work on it. I need variety, and straight hair doesn’t have it.

NC: Why did you stop, or do you still straighten sometimes? If you have a different method now when you straighten, what is it and how has it changed?

TW: I stopped because I got lazy, and wavy hair is just easier. It was a whole “I’m not going to fight this anymore” movement. Now, when I do straighten, I don’t apply any product because my hair is so fine that it will weigh it down or make it look greasy. If a straightening session doesn’t give me three days of a style, it isn’t worth it, so I skimp on the products.

NC: What’s the best way to protect curls from damage when straightening?

TW: The best way is to not straighten at all. I’m not sure how well any heat protectors work, because even they are too heavy for my straight hair, but I’m sure they help some.

NC: What straightening methods have you heard about or tried and what do you think about any one of them?

TW: I’ve been wanting to try the twist and straighten method, where you twist your hair and run a flat iron over it. Apparently it gives you beach waves. This is a straight hair girl style though, so you have to start with already straight hair, and that seems likes too much work to get a texture I already have.

NC: What do you think is the best, least damaging and “curl-offensive” way to straighten?

TW: Keep the temperature low, don’t do it often, and if you really like the style, go get you a sew in and save your natural curls so that you can go back to them when you bored. Because I promise you, you will get bored.

NC: Have you ever heard of or experienced your curls not coming back?

TW: Definitely, but because I don’t do it often, it doesn’t really matter.

NC: What do you think about curlies or naturals who straighten most of the time?

TW: Everyone has the right to “Do you,” and no one has the right to tell anyone how to “Do you.” So if you love it and it looks good (which means you must take care of it”>, you’re awesome!

NC: What do think of some of them calling themselves “natural?”

TW: It doesn’t really bother me. People have different definitions for a lot of words. Stop bothering with what others are doing and focus on you.

NC: If you were talking to a new curly, would you discourage straightening or instruct and encourage them about healthy straightening habits?

TW: I would discourage it a bit, but if they liked to do it and liked the look, I’d encourage using heat protectants and a low heat setting and maybe skimping back on it a few days a week. Becoming natural and learning to love your curls isn’t an overnight thing, and I wouldn’t ever expect someone to fully join the movement after one curl revelation.

Read More: Coily Manifesto: I’m a Straight Haired Natural

What do you think? Do have questions for these ladies? Share your thoughts on straightening by commenting below. 

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