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I have always had a distinctive curl pattern, even with a TWA, a curly pattern was clear and visible to all. This is why I classified myself as a 4a. The hair at my nape is even looser – more like 3c stuff. Regardless of how controversial this hair typing system is to some, other people find it useful, I’m one of them. I don’t buy into the drama of being born with “good hair” versus “bad hair”. I do however believe that as with everything God has given us, some people strive to be good stewards, others don’t.
I started using heat to straighten my hair 2 years into my journey (2010). I liked the results so much that I decided to research the best methods for straightening my hair so I could do so myself safely every now and again. It was then that I came across the concept of “heat training” or “thermal relaxing”/”thermalaxing”. I would define heat training as the deliberate process of weakening the bonds that make hair curly or kinky using heat. Others define heat training as damaging hair with heat but I think this definition is too simplistic. Almost everything we do to our hair causes damage – wetting, drying, combing, brushing, styling, colouring etc. All of these acts alter the structure and shape of hair. Some do so temporarily, others more permanently. Should we therefore stop and do nothing to prevent any damage? In reality we all choose the level of damage we are comfortable with. Either way, its hair – it grows back.
I decided to experiment with heat training in Dec 2010 for one reason and one reason only: To loosen my curl pattern. Curly/kinky hair tangles – FACT. I was and am still convinced that the only way to reduce tangles and fairy knots is to keep my hair as stretched as possible. I am hoping that gravity will eventually aid me (instead of heat) in this quest as my hair gets longer. BUT I want to reach a certain length of hair before it all turns grey so time is of the essence for me. A looser curl pattern will significantly help to reduce breakage for now.
I am not someone who despises my naturally kinky hair or has difficulty embracing my heritage or ethnicity. Heat training to me is simply a style choice. I am not advocating it or recommending it for anyone, when you play with heat, you are playing with fire – literally. I just feel that right now: I know what I am doing, I’m not overdoing it, I can cope with the risks I’m taking and the changes (no matter how minuscule) will be worth it.
As you can see below, I have only loosened my curl pattern a little since I started heat training.
