Damaged Hair
Can I Press Permed Hair?
20/02/10 18:40
Question: I permed my hair almost
6 weeks ago and I do not want to perm it again. I
want to press it. Can I do that without damaging my
hair? Will it cause breakage? And can I get braids
after it has been pressed?
Answer: I would recommend that you let the perm grow out before pressing your hair. Some people use the pressing comb to press the new growth as their perm grows out. It will be a lot healthier for your hair if you wait. Perms by their nature already weaken the hair, and if you apply heat to the weakened hair you will most likely experience some breakage. You may want to read the article "Three Ways To Transition From Relaxed Hair to Natural Hair"
You also asked "And can I get braids after it has been pressed?" I know that some people braid pressed hair, but to me that seems unnecessary. Braids hold much better in natural hair than in pressed hair because the natural texture of afro hair helps the braids to stay together longer. I personally would choose either pressing or braiding, but not both at the same time.
Answer: I would recommend that you let the perm grow out before pressing your hair. Some people use the pressing comb to press the new growth as their perm grows out. It will be a lot healthier for your hair if you wait. Perms by their nature already weaken the hair, and if you apply heat to the weakened hair you will most likely experience some breakage. You may want to read the article "Three Ways To Transition From Relaxed Hair to Natural Hair"
You also asked "And can I get braids after it has been pressed?" I know that some people braid pressed hair, but to me that seems unnecessary. Braids hold much better in natural hair than in pressed hair because the natural texture of afro hair helps the braids to stay together longer. I personally would choose either pressing or braiding, but not both at the same time.
Which Type Of Comb Is Less Damaging?
24/10/09 18:33
Question: Which thermal pressing
comb is less damaging to the hair, a "smooth back"
or double press with "teeth" long its back? If both
are used simultaneouly during the pressing process
cause thinning of the hair? I have noticed when my
hair is wet, some parts look stringy. I use
hydrating and moisturizing, and reconstructive hair
care products two per month when my hair is washed,
conditioned, blew dryed, press/curled.
Answer: I've never used a double press comb with teeth along its back, but as long as the second row of teeth are not pulling or snagging on the hair, I would assume that the double press wouldn't be more damaging than the smooth backed comb. From my experience with pressing, and from my observations, when hair is damaged from pressing it is from the following reasons:
-the hair was not detangled before pressing.
-the comb was used at too high of a temperature.
-the hair was pressed too frequently.
The stringy hairs that you see are most likely a result of using your comb at too high of a temperature. When heat is applied at too high of a temperature to hair, the protein bonds in the hair realign themselves permanently, instead of temporarily. However, the nice thing about hair is that it grows back. To prevent any more stringy hairs consider having the pressing comb turned down.
Answer: I've never used a double press comb with teeth along its back, but as long as the second row of teeth are not pulling or snagging on the hair, I would assume that the double press wouldn't be more damaging than the smooth backed comb. From my experience with pressing, and from my observations, when hair is damaged from pressing it is from the following reasons:
-the hair was not detangled before pressing.
-the comb was used at too high of a temperature.
-the hair was pressed too frequently.
The stringy hairs that you see are most likely a result of using your comb at too high of a temperature. When heat is applied at too high of a temperature to hair, the protein bonds in the hair realign themselves permanently, instead of temporarily. However, the nice thing about hair is that it grows back. To prevent any more stringy hairs consider having the pressing comb turned down.
Heat Damaged Ends That Won't Revert
05/02/09 17:52
Question: I've got heat damaged
ends that won't revert. Do I just keep on pressing
(lighter application of heat and heat protectants)
or lay off the heat. I haven't pressed in about 6
months and the new growth is killing me! Thx.
Answer: I would suggest that you trim the heat damaged ends off, if it is isn't too much. If your main goal with pressing is to control your new growth, I suggest that you try moisturizing and detangling the new growth with a gentle shampoo and rich conditioner like the ones we offer at http://www.nwscents.com. If you want to try pressing again, use a much lower heat setting and be sure to use a heat protectant that doesn't contain any kind of grain alcohol (which will be listed as SD-alcohol or grain alcohol on the label) or other drying ingredients. I use hair oil, but you may prefer something different. Be sure to follow the tips that we have for pressing hair. Don't make the objective of pressing your hair to have "pin-straight" hair. That is where many people end up damaging their hair. Use pressing as a way to gain more control over your hair. You can also control your hair in it's naturally textured state with the right products. If you have any more questions, let me know.
Answer: I would suggest that you trim the heat damaged ends off, if it is isn't too much. If your main goal with pressing is to control your new growth, I suggest that you try moisturizing and detangling the new growth with a gentle shampoo and rich conditioner like the ones we offer at http://www.nwscents.com. If you want to try pressing again, use a much lower heat setting and be sure to use a heat protectant that doesn't contain any kind of grain alcohol (which will be listed as SD-alcohol or grain alcohol on the label) or other drying ingredients. I use hair oil, but you may prefer something different. Be sure to follow the tips that we have for pressing hair. Don't make the objective of pressing your hair to have "pin-straight" hair. That is where many people end up damaging their hair. Use pressing as a way to gain more control over your hair. You can also control your hair in it's naturally textured state with the right products. If you have any more questions, let me know.