Additonal straightening and cutting Black women's hair

by Deb
(Texas)

Hello,

Thank you for all the hard work and passion you've put into this issue.
2 questions:

1) is it ok to use any straightening shampoo (i.e. Pureology Super Straight Shampoo) on Black women's chemically relaxed hair?

2) I read your article on cutting/trimming your own hair, but it didn't mention whether hair should be wet or dry. I have always been advised that Black women's hair must be cut wet.


Thanks for the further education. Keep up your excellent contribution!

Deb

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Nina's Response:

Answer to 1st Question: Yes, it is quite fine if you use hair care products that are listed as "straightening" products. These products do not contain any chemicals like those of a relaxer. They really just contain things like silicones which help make it easier to straighten hair.

Answer to 2nd Question: Whether you have your hair cut wet or dry is a matter of preference. I prefer having my hair cut when it's dry and straightened. The reason I do is that it's much easier to tell exactly what length my hair will be when it's all said and done. Whereas if I were to have my hair cut when it's wet (very curly), it would be very difficult to tell the length. Thus, more than likely, it would probably end up much shorter than I would like. Additionally, it's much more difficult to get a precision cut when your hair is cut wet (when curly) as opposed to dry.

When I do my own hair trims, my hair is always dry and straightened.