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Thread: Hair straigtener - which is better?

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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Hair straigtener - which is better?

    I have a GHD hair straightener, best on the market, yaddyadda...

    Is it better to do one long smooth stroke to straighten the portion of hair you want or a bunch of quick strokes? I find if I do 5-6 quick strokes my hair appears smoother, but I'm weary of the damage. I already use heat infusey spray dohickeys before I iron, so if that makes a difference...

    Aslo, maybe I'm a retard, but I can't curl my hair with this crap.


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  2. #2
    Kaylinn
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    The biggest mistake people do when straightenign hair is trying to straighten to large of sections of hair.

    So get smaller pieces of hair, like, thinner pieces I mean..and go in one smooth, long stroke, keepign the iron moving.

    If the hair you use is thin enough, it will get smooth in one long stroke

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    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Do you mean better as for the condition of your hair?

    In that case, one smooth stroke is better. (Those heat protectant sprays, according to a lot of hairdressers, are basically crap. Some coat the hair so that it LOOKS less damged, but when you wash the product out, the damage is just as much) To get better results, use very small sections (like half inch or less...it takes longer, but looks much better).

    The problem with the quick strokes is that, even when done quickly, the strand is exposed more to the heat. Also, because it's done quickly, the iron hits the strand at different areas, so some strands are touched for extra time, which results in random weird breakage. The smooth stroke ensures equal coverage, so the heat is more spread out.

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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kaylinn View Post
    The biggest mistake people do when straightenign hair is trying to straighten to large of sections of hair.

    So get smaller pieces of hair, like, thinner pieces I mean..and go in one smooth, long stroke, keepign the iron moving.

    If the hair you use is thin enough, it will get smooth in one long stroke
    Uh, that's what I do? I use small areas but I prefer many quick strokes to one long smooth stroke because it look better.


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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Quote Originally Posted by kandie_kitten View Post
    Do you mean better as for the condition of your hair?

    In that case, one smooth stroke is better. (Those heat protectant sprays, according to a lot of hairdressers, are basically crap. Some coat the hair so that it LOOKS less damged, but when you wash the product out, the damage is just as much) To get better results, use very small sections (like half inch or less...it takes longer, but looks much better).

    The problem with the quick strokes is that, even when done quickly, the strand is exposed more to the heat. Also, because it's done quickly, the iron hits the strand at different areas, so some strands are touched for extra time, which results in random weird breakage. The smooth stroke ensures equal coverage, so the heat is more spread out.
    Thank you, that's what I meant. And I also already do use small sections. I spend an hour or two straightening my hair before work.


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    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Ugh. Than that sucks.

    Hmm. I have very coarse frizzy hair, and at its longest, it still only took me about 45 minutes to get perfectly smooth (after blowdrying). Is your hair very curly/stubborn?

    I've found that putting a smoothing milk in first (when its wet), then blowdrying with a jumbo bristle brush, THEN straightening, gets that super smooth look. For both blowdrying and straightening, I divide my hair into 4 or 5 sections with big clips, which helps to ensure every strand is getting straight and smooth. Also, If I blowdry it first (and I only use a cool setting), I can use a lower heat setting and still get much smoother hair. Also, John Frieda's Secret Weapon finishing cream is also wonderful for really finishing that straight look

    So basically, straightening hair, and keeping it healthy, is a pain in the ass. Once you finally get it as smooth as you want, maybe try Pssssssst Dry Spray shampoo. It's cheap (5 bucks at Walgreens), with an inoffensive smell, and it really helps keeping hair "fresh" looking, so you'll be able to sport smooth hair without all the work (and damage) for several days, instead of just one or two.

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    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Also a deep conditioner might relax your hair a bit as well as help with the breakage. I wouldn't do anything with it when I wasn't working. I have the opposite problem and I use to use hot rollers almost every night. Now that I don't dance anymore I just wash, condition and air dry. My hair is in much better shape now and it's almost twice as long.

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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    My hair isn't that curly.. it only is because I got layers.. but it's pretty stubborn when it comes to styling. Mexican hair and all that jazz... And I really REALLY love the layered straightened look on me.

    I use smoothing milk... and I deep condition already..

    My hair doesn't look shot or frizzy now, I just wanna make sure it doesn't in the future. :x Which is why I asked.

    And I'll see if I can find Pssssst. We don't even have walgreen's here, so I'll try.


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    Featured Member Katherine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Imagine cooking a steak. Low heat for a long time and the whole thing gets dried out. Super super hot heat shorter time sears it- cooked on the outside while still juicy on the inside.

    I swear to god that's the answer my hairdresser gave me when I asked your question. That's why all the good straighteners go up to such high temps. She says that you keep it on the highest temp and only go over a thin portion of hair once. That way the high temp does it's work and your hair doesn't lose all it's moisture.

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    Featured Member Hatshepsut's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    If you can, go to an Asiatown area and get a thermal reconstruction straightening process. It'll save you tons of time.

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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    ^ "Asiatown area" hahahaha.... Yes, we have a Chinatown here, I'll go it and check it out!


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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    The REDKEN Smooth Down collection is hands down best product line for me for straightening my hair. Its my life saver for straightening... Definitely one stroke, versus several others will fry the shit out of your hair in the long run... If you have REDKEN down there in salons or what not definitely try it if you haven't already. It doesn't leave your hair sticky or anything and it definitely doesn't leave you with that "burnt hair" smell after you run over your hair with the iron.

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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Quote Originally Posted by ihearthepole View Post
    The REDKEN Smooth Down collection is hands down best product line for me for straightening my hair. Its my life saver for straightening... Definitely one stroke, versus several others will fry the shit out of your hair in the long run... If you have REDKEN down there in salons or what not definitely try it if you haven't already. It doesn't leave your hair sticky or anything and it definitely doesn't leave you with that "burnt hair" smell after you run over your hair with the iron.
    I'm allergic to something in RedKen.... no idea what it is but every product makes me itch and cry. :/


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    Featured Member Hatshepsut's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Quote Originally Posted by lilithmorrigan View Post
    ^ "Asiatown area" hahahaha.... Yes, we have a Chinatown here, I'll go it and check it out!
    Do your research before you get the process. With some formulas, you can only use that because if you use another chemical formula, it'll fry your hair. It's not something to skimp costs on. If it takes an hour to straighten every day, this may be what you need. It'll cost several hundred dollars, but time is money. I had a straight perm years ago, and I loved it. I didn't have to do anything for a year. Not even the Houston humidity made me frizz. If you hair is really thick and wavy, you'll still have to touch up with the iron, but it'll be much less time consuming. It'll also be much less damaging in the long run.

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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Omg lilith that sucks! one of their lines made me do the same exact thing i can't remember which but smooth down is the only one that doesn't make me scream and scratch the hell out of my scalp.

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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    One pass on the highest heat it takes for your hair to be straightened in one pass. I also place a comb just below the flat iron so that all the hair the flat iron is straightening is smooth before the iron passed over it.

    I second blowdrying with a large roundbrush before using the flat iron, although I prefer using a high heat setting and hitting the hair with the cool shot on the last pass of the brush... just speeds up the process. This brush kicks ass for straightening stubbon hair

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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Quote Originally Posted by lilithmorrigan View Post
    I'm allergic to something in RedKen.... no idea what it is but every product makes me itch and cry. :/
    Try TIGI S Factor Smoothing Lusterizer. Gives me such shiny smooth rich bitch hair. I agree with Mia, giving your hair a blast of cool really helps smooth the hair cuticle.

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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mia M View Post
    One pass on the highest heat it takes for your hair to be straightened in one pass. I also place a comb just below the flat iron so that all the hair the flat iron is straightening is smooth before the iron passed over it.

    I second blowdrying with a large roundbrush before using the flat iron, although I prefer using a high heat setting and hitting the hair with the cool shot on the last pass of the brush... just speeds up the process. This brush kicks ass for straightening stubbon hair http://themarilynbrush.com/site/cata...products_id=37
    My iron doesn't have heat settings. Supposedly it's so awesome that it feels your hair and makes the temperature accordingly. I didn't believe it, really, I just wanted a really nice straightener.


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    Veteran Member AmberHoney's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    The iron doesn't really matter. Smooth plates, even heat, and an appropriate plate size for your needs are what matter. Technique matters most.

    Small sections. CLEAN HAIR. Not too much product. Stuff like that matters.

    Also, if you can get a small metal comb with a clamp over it, that helps you section and keep things small, neat and tidy.

    A flat iron clamping comb. Some are metal, some are plastic, some are bone.

    I'm looking for a pic of it now, or I'll get mine out the truck tomorrow and take a pic and show you.

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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    I have a love affair with my GHD. It is actually one of the better ones on the market. Try using a hair serum the one thats oily. Biosilk is great. Comb and flat iron, comb and flat iron. And tiny sections are key.

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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    My hair straightener smells funny when I turn it on now. How am I supposed to clean it? Just a wet rag?


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    Featured Member Hatshepsut's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    Quote Originally Posted by lilithmorrigan View Post
    My hair straightener smells funny when I turn it on now. How am I supposed to clean it? Just a wet rag?
    They sell plate cleaning solutions.

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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    ^ Thank you.


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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    My stylist holds a comb in front of the iron when she runs it down. I haven't personally tried this trick yet... but my hair turned out really smooth.
    If you think school is hard, try being stupid.

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    Default Re: Hair straigtener - which is better?

    An alternative to pssssst is hairfix it comes in different shades to blend in better with your hair color that way us brunettes don't get that grayish tinge from white hair powder. I'm pretty sure she still sells it on ebay as well, that's where I initially got mine. Bumble & Bumble makes an aerosol powder as well.


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