Flat Ironing Routine

I have been pressing my hair for years but I would like to try flat ironing it.  When I attempted to flat iron it some months ago, it didn't go very well.  I noticed that when I press my hair and perhaps need a touch up, I love how straight and flowing the flat iron makes my hair with Beyond Straight heat protector but when I try to flat iron it after it dries from washing and conditioning, it doesn't come out good.  What do you guys do?  Do you blow dry, lightly press first, or what for optimal flat ironing results?  My routine is Nexxus shampoo, Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioner (30 minutes), Neutrogena Triple Moisture leave in, sealed with castor and olive oil.  Thanks in advance!

when i flat iron my hair i get great results in the front but in the back where i can barely see i neglect it. so for to press my hair and then go over it with a flat iron to get the silkier look. i follow up by wrapping my hair and when i un wrap it my hair is super straight. Also I blowdry my hair very straight otherwise if i try to air dry and then press i will be in pain. I have lots of hair.

After i wash my own hair i let it sit for a little, then comb through it with my comb, then after I use a blow dryer that has the comb piece attached to it. Then I use the flat iron (with a heat protecting product), but I section off my hair into parts when i use the flat iron. Next, i press it myself, i try not to use the pressing comb that much, I just get the parts that the flat iron didnt get. But then i go over it with a curling iron. But i know what u mean about how after u wash it, the flat iron doesnt give u that straight flowing hair. With my hair I have to flat iron it again in the next couple of days, because then my hair sort of settles down into a pattern. I try not to flat iron it too much (heat damage), just sometimes doing it once doesnt work for me, thats why i wait and do it one more time in the week and then no more.

Edited by indiecat - Jun 23 2007 at 7:38pm

Lets keep this thread going with more info from pressing pro's. I rarely leave my hair out long enough, i look forward to the day i won't have to wear braids. So i need more ideas. Thanks for those contributing.

Thanks Socialite!