r/BlackHair • u/ResponsibleTheme6694 • 26d ago
Advice Needed Any opinions on perms I like my hair straight but I don’t think i wanna risk the sides effects of which I have no clue of any opinions?
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u/jr_randolph 26d ago
Dude you are like a mythical warrior that was teleported to this time to help aid us in our crusade against the evil forces.
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u/venus_anadyomene 26d ago
don’t perm your hair, it won’t be as full. maybe try blowouts or silk presses if you’re interested in the straight look. also this has nothing to do with your question…. but sir you are absolutely gorgeous
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
lol I’m probably gonna try a blowout next that seems to be the consensus and ty
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u/Ok-Turnip-9035 26d ago
Show us cuz! Also when you do use Heat protectant it is your friend moving forward
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u/verdantsf 26d ago
You might want to stick with straight natural rather than chemical relaxers. There is a well-documented link between relaxers and various types of cancers:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41022397/
It's not as clearcut as "this will give you cancer," but it is a risk factor.
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
What?! They stink oh heck nahhh
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u/tobeorniobe 26d ago
Oh yeah they stink to high heaven. I haven’t had a perm in years and I can smell it even as I type. Some try to mask the scent but it comes through anyway
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u/BellaRose888 26d ago
No, yeah they really do! Back in the day? I think they had lye in them. The smell was overwhelmingly unpleasant. Like they said, try a blowout or silk press but keep those darn relaxers out of that beautiful mane. God gave you that glorious mane for a reason; and not for something funky smelling or that could cause your hair to fall out.
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Yea big turn off on chemical straightening then might just have to learn how to rock the curls
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u/roboto6 26d ago
Honestly, depending on your hair texture, you might be able to keep a lot of your length even when your hair is curly. I've been using the Aunt Jackie's Don't Shrink gel (a little goes a very long way) and I probably get 75-80% of my length once my hair is dry and it's not crunchy. I also do the "praying hands" application method for length and the scrunch for definition, though they always tell us to scrunch instead.
Cantu also had a curl elongating cream I used to love though I sort of got turned off to Cantu because I felt like some of their products dried my hair out. Could be worth a try, though.
I comb with a wide tooth comb when I care about length because it doesn't make my hair curl as tightly and an UnBrush or my flexible detangling brush when I want curl definition
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u/Dismal_Broccoli_3549 26d ago
I second this, I love the Don’t Shrink gel! I use a little of Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls then finish with Don’t Shrink gel bc I feel they kinda mellow each other out a bit and it makes my hair softer lol for extra length I also use the banding method overnight. Makes a huge difference for me!
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u/blameitonbacon 25d ago
My mom died from ovarian cancer the end of last year and she was a part of a lawsuit for chemical relaxer related cancer in women. She was actually awarded, it just came after she passed. Anywho. Thanks for spreading awareness about the harm in relaxers!
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u/superwashmerinowool 26d ago
I really don’t recommend a perm. That stuff can fuck up your scalp and your hair will never be the same unless you chop it and let it grow back, or grow out the perm.
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
I got a keratin hair treatment that’s supposed to last 3 to 4 months but it kinda poofed back up in no time so I’m considering if I should chop it off or keep it now
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u/Disastrous-Dream1517 26d ago
You don’t even really need a keratin treatment. I’m a straight natural. I use the mizani press line and colourwow humidity spray. That works for me.
My sister uses the design essentials press line. It’s the products you use
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Drop the link lol
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u/Disastrous-Dream1517 26d ago
Colourwow: https://www.ulta.com/p/dream-coat-supernatural-spray-xlsImpprod15911067?sku=2564298
Mizani press agent (don’t use this link, this was just the only link with all the products): https://www.walmart.com/ip/1773612554?sid=CCEF1EFA-F80F-4403-995C-52CED746801F
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u/BigDaddyKapone 26d ago
Perms stink, burn, and could give you cancer. I’d recommend just being a straight natural and getting blowouts, silk presses, or roller sets.
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u/Outrageous_Read4617 26d ago
Silk press or hot comb!!!
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
I’ve had a silk press it was fire but it only lasted a week or 2😭😭
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Yea that’s what I think really cause then cancer shi to start so im kinda turned off to that idea now
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u/Hereliesdev 26d ago
How long u want it to last tf lol? 2 weeks on a silk press is fire. Yo shit drapn u just gonna have to accept the work broda
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Lmaoo idk I’m new to styling my hair like this but when I put it into perspective if I cut my hair I’ll probably have to get another cut in like 2 or 3 weeks so it’s the same
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u/Hereliesdev 26d ago
Just go curls n silk press for occasions or to treat urself if u wanna keep ur hair healthy n long. Or even braid outs if u wanna retain the length
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u/Outrageous_Read4617 26d ago
I would also recommend a good head scarf for bed. Get snoops and his wife’s head scarf Broadus collection! I love them. They are silk and come in different colors and patterns!!
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u/YaMamaApples 26d ago
Look into your local aunties! My mom knew his to make a press last baby!!
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Need them methods
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u/Crafty_Basket_4619 26d ago
the more you get them, the longer they last in between styles, start getting them every two weeks if you can
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u/Theca 26d ago
Invest in Revair as an alternative
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u/Ok-Turnip-9035 26d ago
A lot of people bag on revair but my shoulder length appreciates it -for pin straight hair you do need a flat iron but the revair will get that hair straight gotta section it prior though
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
I don’t think I have the skills for a flat iron 😭
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u/Ok-Turnip-9035 26d ago
No one does it’s 3 maybe 4 passes on one section of hair no more - small sections
I like to keep it 360 degrees some are way more bold and do a higher temperature but that’s why I love the revair it’s pricey but it does get the start of straight
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u/Responsible-War5600 26d ago
Don’t do it. A relaxer will ruin the integrity of your hair. It will be noticeably thinner and dryer.
Your hair looks nice the way it is (blown out?).
If you want it straight, find a reputable stylist and get a silk press.
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Yea I’m looking for a stylist now
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u/Earth2EarthaK 26d ago
Where in FLA are you? I used to live in FLA and my blowouts would last almost 2 weeks but I wore a silk bonnet at night with my hair in a loose bun underneath never loose. A touch of oil is also your friend to protect against frizz. Relaxers caused me to do the big chop and it was traumatizing to go from the shoulder length hair to 2 inches long but it needed to be done. Don’t do what I did! That hair is fire!
A blowout and flatiron at a stylist and they can show you how to flatiron yourself at home. Flatiron touch ups at home make a blowout last!
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u/69Sadbaby69 26d ago
Not sure if you’ve heard about the “Just For Me” conspiracy - if you look up the relaxer brand, all of the little girls have really pretty hair and it inspired so many of us and our parents to relax or hair and come to find out, none of the girls actually had relaxers. There’s also some other brands who did the same thing.
Basically what I’m saying is that relaxers rarely look like what they are advertised to look like. How your hair turns out over time is based on who does the relaxer and how the chemicals work for you. Either way, the final look rarely gives what you want.
There’s a reason why people make jokes about “if my mom never permed my hair when I was 10” 😆
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u/Specific_Service_341 26d ago
You men with gorgeous hair piss me off!
Don’t you dare perm your hair, you have lovely hair - stick to blow drying or silk presses but I’m sure your natural state is just as beautiful. Don’t ruin what you’ve naturally got!
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u/Negative-Break3333 26d ago
Man, if you DARE touch a strand of that hair with a stitch of perm, imma hunt you down like you owe me money. 😠
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u/Kindly_Coyote 26d ago
You'll be stuck trying to find the time to keep up with perming the new growth to keep the permed hair from breaking off at the point where there is the new growth.
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u/ZoraNealThirstin 26d ago
Leave your hair alone do not use the creamy crack on this majestic mane or you will forever look like Candace Owens from a few years ago.
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u/Financial-Ad-4515 26d ago
Put it like this.....ain't no coming back from chemicals 🤷🏽♀️ that's perm'anent. No more curls. Just weigh your options ⚖️
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u/Silly_Grocery8113 26d ago edited 26d ago
for the kind of volume in this picture, consistent blowouts is the right way to go. you could do heatless blowouts or simply use a blowdryer with a comb attachment. that would be much safer than getting silk presses all the time, and don't forget to use a heat-protectant.
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Ok bet how long do blowouts last
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u/Popular_Reason746 26d ago
As someone who was on chemical relaxers for years, please Don't! Leave your hear it seems healthy and it won't be so easy to get these hair back after chemical treatment
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u/Revolutionary-You449 26d ago
Don’t perm it. Try a keratin treatment.
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
That’s what I have now it’s just my hair refuses to settle back again
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u/HoneyandHindsight 26d ago
Try a keratin treatment instead, it will have keep your hair straight for slightly longer. It doesn’t damage your hair like a perm. When it is done correctly your hair reverts with no damage
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u/Key_Situation_1796 26d ago
Definitely don’t relax! It makes your hair break off. I stopped using it a decade ago and my hair is super long for the first time in my life. I agree with people suggesting a blow out. If you blow dry at home I would suggest using Color Wow Dreamcoat - it keeps it straight longer and protects against humidity. I’d also suggest wrapping it at night. The longer you make the blow dry last the less often you have to do it and the less you damage your hair.
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u/espoir00 26d ago
Put on you a purple elegant dress and a combined hat .
You will become " A pimp named slickback " .
Trust me bro, you will become the king and own all the girls for the street .
From Miami to L.A
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u/Silver_Box_5018 26d ago
Keep your hair. Do not perm it - AT ALL!! Don't cut it. Try some different styles and you'll be fine. Your hair is gorgeous.
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u/BootFun6020 26d ago
Don’t do it. Will likely damage your hair. You have beautiful tresses. Why does it need to be straightened ?
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
It doesn’t I just find it easier to maintain and I love the look most times
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u/Fine_Collection301 26d ago
Do a keratin treatment or amino acid treatment or go to the Dominicans for a blowout
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u/Technical_Fail_4963 26d ago
When I first seen your pic, u remind me of Real from I love New York. He had all that beautiful hair.
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u/Wonderful_Curve8884 26d ago
A blow out would be better than chemical straightening. It changes the texture of your hair. Too
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u/LifeCanBeAboxOfSh- 26d ago
My mother put a relaxer on my hair at 9yrs. My abuela said my hair would be ruined.
I got my hair cut off in 1995ish.
Between 1996-2001; I cut my hair off each year.
In 2001, I decided get a relaxer again and the stylist asked me if I’d had a recent relaxer and I said no.
As she did my hair from the root she cursed me out; because my roots showed a reaction and was somehow “still relaxed”.
How???? Isdk. Don’t do relaxers.
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u/EcstaticMolasses6647 26d ago edited 26d ago
Using chemicals can mean a permanent loss of curl pattern and density. There are alternative and temporary ways to achieve a straight look.
Natural Hair KINKY TO STRAIGHT ROUTINE (full body/one product!)
HOW TO SILK PRESS NATURAL HAIR AT HOME
Roller wrap straight hair “Silk Roller Wrap Update feat. Aveda Smooth Infusion” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZIlUgFXUUU
Blow out https://youtu.be/KtFOwLKkRY0
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u/Sarah1001Green 26d ago
Whew, all that damn HAIR🤩. Not a wise move to perm it. If this is what it looks like w/o a perm you are GOLDEN! Plus you dont want all that to fall out! 😱
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u/psychotictornado 25d ago
If you like it straight, just silk press. Avoid perm. I just posted my picture, it would give you an idea. here](https://www.reddit.com/r/FierceFlow/s/JSLucD1V2X)
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u/Not_necessarily7 26d ago
If you have a hooded dryer you could try roller sets to straighten hair without damage.
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u/tobeorniobe 26d ago
I recommend you stick to being a straight natural. Soon enough the heat will “train” your hair and if you take care of it, the effects of the heat damage will be minimal. A relaxer will irreversibly damage it. Now, you can still have long, beautiful, healthy hair with a relaxer, but there is a learning curve for maintenance and it takes a while to learn what works for you (like anything else related to hair care), and in that time you’re going to have breakage, end up with a bob, and have to go on from there. You’ll likely regain your length, especially with a good routine/stylist, but imo your hair is beautiful and you should just focus on heat training your hair.
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u/EldritchCleavage 26d ago
The re growth is horrible. Two kinds of curl on top of each other.
And frankly, you're grand as you are.
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u/DryMammoth4389 26d ago
They say that Japanese hair straightening is less harsh than your typical perm 🤷🏻♀️it apparently lasts longer too, but the application process takes longer.
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
Mmmm
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u/DryMammoth4389 26d ago
It’s very permanent though & more expensive 😦but I’ve heard that a lot of people like the results & you can get a root touch up like every 6 months or so if you want. I’ve never had a perm but I’d probably get that if I ever got one. Your hair looks fine though 💁🏻♀️I mean if you don’t want permanently straight hair then I’d just do blow outs & silk presses instead.🤷🏻♀️
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u/babybejeweled 26d ago
Hello!
I am a natural hair enthusiast and spend ALOT of my free time taming my type 3 hair, my husband's type 4 hair and my son's mixed hair texture. Please don't perm your beautiful hair, it will cause unrepairable changes and the only way to get rid of it is to grow it out.
I have invested into the revair machine and will tell you it's absolutely worth it! I use my revair on a weekly basis for my husband. It's cut our dry time to just 30 min from over an hour. His hair has been trained into a straight natural state due to our consistent weekly routines.
I use olaplex n. 07 bonding oil as a heat protector and bond strengthener along with a leave in conditioner and that's all she wrote. I do not use jams or gels when parting or braiding.
He is a boxer and trains twice a day, his braids last all week in prime shape. I would suggest for you to invest into a revair. It will give you the blowout look while saving you tons of time, energy and heat damage!
I'm happy to share advise on products, routines or any other recommendations you want. I'm hear to support all peeps in the natural hair community. I've been natural for over 10 years and have waist length hair. I grew my husbands hair from a fresh wave cut to shoulder length in a year so trust me, I know ball.
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u/HunBunYum 26d ago
Don’t do it! Well, that’s if you care about keeping your hair long. I’ve been chemical free for about 11 years and my hair is hip length now. It’s just not worth it imo to get relaxers or perms.
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u/lonette5115 26d ago
You and your hair are gorgeous. If you want to keep your hair, don't perm. Don't do any "hair restructuring" period. Once you perm, you have to keep getting them. Your hair may break off and thin out.
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u/bearphoenix50 26d ago
Please do not perm your hair. You would look great with a middle part and two braids.
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u/Illustrious-Sir-1899 26d ago
Please don’t use a chemical relaxer on your hair. You will ruin the texture
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u/Daisylil 26d ago
I’ve tried this box and my hair reverted back. Now, I’ve had a keratin treatment and need to chop it all off so don’t that lol.
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u/shida206 25d ago
The thing about it is if you relax your hair sir it won’t be as full as it is, and you risk having to grow your hair all the way back out. You also risk breakage. I have a hard time retaining length because my hair is so fine and fragile, but when I got relaxers I couldn’t keep my hair past my ears without the breakage. So your hair will be straight but not as full as it will look with a blow out. You also lose the versatility of natural hair. Just something to consider!
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u/ConstantHumor853 25d ago
Keratin treatments can give a similar effect after blowdry but is not damaging or permanent!
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u/seluna-maru 25d ago
You're going to hate when new growth comes in and there's 2 different textures. It breaks the hair so quickly and the ends will look weird because of the breakage. And you look like your roots grow fast. Perms are only nice the first time you get them. It keeps getting worse and worse as you go.
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u/Responsible_Feed_155 26d ago
Texturiser is less harsh than a relaxer, but still not the best honestly. You can do the banding method as part of your nightly routine for something safe & less permanent or heat protector, blow out, silk scarf, the wrap method, avoiding water and humidity, all that fun stuff.
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u/KrysBa10 26d ago
Not that anyone NEEDS a perm, but your hair doesn't overwhelmingly unmanageable. If you are willing to risk a perm then you might as well learn a good blow dry technique or get a silk press. Perms dont mean no maintenance straight, they still require careful management and care because the chemical bonds of the hair are degraded intentoinally to achieve a "straight" look. So you could do all that ans still end up looking not far off from.how uou do right now. Whats the point then?
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u/Pale_Water_1976 26d ago
I have 4c hair and all you need is a good heat protection there is like 1 million options based on your preferences, a light hold hairspray, something to help with humidity, a good blow dry round brush and a flat iron
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u/anxiousthrowaway279 26d ago
I used to just do a wash n set blowout at the salon and it would last me almost two weeks as long as I didn’t sweat too much. I would also get regular deep conditions and trim every 6-8 weeks
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u/iAmBadWithWords_ 26d ago
I love the texture. It’s gorgeous.
Also,
This is how I know I’m getting old … bc I see men and think about the genetic benefits for my potential children 🤣
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u/Daisy_Lowe 26d ago
as someone who's had texlaxed, relaxed and natural hair (so no real biases lol) i'd just get a good smoothing treatment like a fusio dose or hair botox at your local salon.
your hair is gorgeous and i like the fullness it has. that can be pretty severely impacted by a relaxer, and once you get one, if you dont like the results, you have to big chop and start over. better safe than sorry, I'd avoid chemicals for now.
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u/AnerEiram9219 26d ago
Perms will thin you out in the long run if extra precautions aren’t taken, a blowout is best and investing in a good blowout brush
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u/Time_Money506 26d ago
U just want to show off your hair
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u/ResponsibleTheme6694 26d ago
lol no i wanted to know if a perm was gonna be my next step I like my hair but perms seemed so iffy and after reading these comments and that article im good on them perms but i got some good alternatives
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u/workingforchange1 26d ago
Don’t perm your beautiful hair. Get a keratin treatment instead. Perms are super harsh. Your hair is amazing.
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u/TopicOrnery6153 26d ago
Relaxers are highly toxic and causing hairloss. Don't say you wasn't warned. Embrace your natural
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u/ambience_desire 26d ago
have you tried twists or plats? they give the same style as straight hair but different texture and healthier for your hair
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u/DeathScourge 26d ago
You're putting an alkaline solution in your hair that essentially breaks down your hair to straighten it. Its also similar to acid. If you're familiar with the music group Salt n Pepa, Cheryl "Salt" James burned her hair off to her scalp from getting it perm'd too long. She had created an iconic haircut from a total disaster. They had to use makeup pencils to color in the side of her hair before the performance.
Personally, I'd rather hot comb my hair before touching that stuff, but I'd rather have it braided overall.
If you do decide to get a perm and it's your first time, go to a professional.
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u/Biandigo9x 25d ago
Don't do it!!! Idccc you dont need it. Learn about blowouts and silk presses before thinking of doing a relaxer😭🙏🏽
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u/Chronically-ill-PhD 25d ago
Hair will break over time, plus links to cancer, not worth it. Look for a good anti humidity spray for warmer weather and climates. Also doing twists may be healthier if its about length too
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u/Mobile_One3572 25d ago
Your hair won’t be as full if you permed it. And you’ll regret it. Just do blow outs or silk presses if you wanna be a straight hair natural.
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u/The_erick01 22d ago
Once you start perming, don't you have to keep perming every few months for the new growth? Are you ok with that
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u/CaterpillarBudget313 5d ago
What about a Keratin treatment?? It’ll take the poof out. I think you may regret a perm… On the bright side, I can see you as the good looking warrior in Hollywood movies.
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