What am I doing wrong here?

May 5, 2016

Aleena P.

Whenever I straighten my hair it loses movement. it's hard to run my fingers through and it feels soft but it also feels stiff and extra heavy, like it doesn't want to move. especially at the roots. I stopped using heat on it for years and this never used to happen. could it be just because my hair is much longer (it's a few inches above my tailbone when straight)? I've tried skipping my usual leave in products with no real change.

May 5, 2016

Jamie D.

Could it be your straightener? If you haven't used it in years it might be hard for it to heat up again properly.

It would also be worth looking into your shampoo/conditioner that if you've changed it since you last straightened it, not just leave in products, because that could have an effect too.

Other than that I'm not really sure! My hair is naturally pretty straight and thin. Hopefully someone else might be able to help you out a little more!

May 5, 2016

Aleena P.

I stopped shampooing, and most recently I've been using the As I Am cowash. So the products are definitely different, but I'm scared to change them and not give my curls what they need. I suppose I never thought about the actual flat iron being bad but that is definitely possible. I appreciate you taking the time to try and help!

May 5, 2016

Melanie S.

I don't think the length is causing it. My hair was at the top of my hips and when I straightened it it was soft and had movement.
To be honest, it just might be your hair. There's a saying that your hair changes every seven years. It just might not be able to take the heat anymore.

May 5, 2016

Kitty K.

If you're only do washing, I'm almost positive it's due to product build up. I have curly hair and I co wash as well and I've had it happen before. They do sell clarifying shampoos for curly gals, or you can use a sulfate free shampoo and just give it two washes. I doubt it's the flat iron if it hasn't been used unless someone else beens using it, although from what you describe it sounds like build up.

May 5, 2016

Kitty K.

Co washing*

May 5, 2016

Sadiya R.

Ooh I have curly hair too and the same problem! I always thought it was because of my natural hair texture. I have tried flat iron and brushing, the best result is when I make brushing first and then flat iron. Anyway I do not loooove the result, it is just ok... so I prefer to wear it curly, just as it is! By the way I have tried different products, irons, brushes... and it is always the same

May 5, 2016

Aleena P.

I'll try a shampoo tomorrow before I straighten it and let you guys know how it worked. it will certainly be an easier thing to try than getting a new flat iron. I'll also keep in mind that it just may not be possible for my hair to do what I want, but you can't fail if you don't try right? lol. thanks for answering guys.

May 5, 2016

Vickie P.

Also, do you put any product in your hair like an oil when straightening it? Maybe too much product. Like kitty said, I also have curly hair and the only time my hair is stiff like you mention is when there is too much product build up.

May 5, 2016

Amber K.

You may have a buildup of hair product on your straightener too. That has happened to me before, I just cleaned my straightener and it was good to go.

May 6, 2016

Delara g.

It sounds like residue and product build up

May 7, 2016

Aleena P.

So I double washed my hair with shampoo and only lightly conditioned. I resisted the extremely strong urge to put oils or anything but the heat protectant spray in my head. and you guys were spot on. my hair feels lighter and has more movement. it's not as soft but I think I can experiment with some serums post straightening to fix that. thanks again! it seems so simple in retrospect.

May 7, 2016

katie s.

I doubt it has anything to do with length because I have very long hair and straighten it fine all the time. I'm assuming it is product build up. There are many tutorials and sites to read up on how to clean your specific straightener plates and if it's your hair that has a lot of product build up, I heard that apple cider vinegar is amazing. I haven't tried it, but it's worth a shot and maybe you could do some research :)

May 7, 2016

Hayley L.

You may need a new straightener and also try a hair mask and focus it in your roots and do that once a week.

May 8, 2016

Marleen B.

I rarely straighten my hair myself, but when I did, I used a heat protectant and motive that it made my hair feel stiff. Now, I only let my hairdresser straighten my hair when I get my hair done every 3 months. And when she does it, she never uses a heat protectant. Maybe because my hair isn't damaged (I don't use any hair appliances not even a hair dryer). My hair is always really smooth, silky and has lots of movement.

May 8, 2016

Marleen B.

It could also be that your hair is dry and brittle, so it's already starting out a little stiff. Brittle hair isn't as flexible as healthy hair. You could try using moisterizing masks regularly to add softness or maybe you just need to trim off the brittle ends.