Q: I have really wavy hair and I can't find a product to straighten it. It's too short for a flat iron. I sure would like help. Thank you
A: My first inclination is to recommend that you look to getting a thio-straightening service. This is basically a perm that is
administered without using any perm rods. The objective is to use the waving lotion to break the chemical side bonds of the hair,
by applying the waving lotion and combing it through the hair until the hair is smooth, rinsing out the waving lotion, and applying
neutralizer (and combing it through) to lock the hair into a straighter wave pattern. This can be done at home with a home perm
kit, but should be performed with the aid of a friend on longer hair. There are products available specifically for straightening the hair in this manner.
You don’t specify how short your hair is, but I would like to point out there are new
flat-iron models available designed to straighten super-short hair. Perhaps one of the newer super-thin designs would be a better
option for you than a chemical straightening process.
Depending on just how short your hair is, I don’t know that the regular straight-styling hair
products will be of any benefit to you. These typically are meant to help hold the hair in a straight configuration that is
achieved through heat styling (blow-dry straightening, and flat-ironing). With shorter hair, particularly when it has a strong
natural wave, the heat and moisture generated by the scalp is usually sufficient to undo the straightening after a short time.
So, obviously, the choice is yours as to whether you want to use a more permanent straightening
method, or try to find a new flat iron designed for your shorter length of hair. Both have advantages, and they aren’t mutually
exclusive. (Many women have chemical straightening services to reduce the amount of curl and wave in their hair then use flat irons
to get a smooth, sleek look.) I hope this helps, and feel free to write in again if you have any more questions.
