How to chi my african american hair and still have body?

Question

i use my chi but all its seems to do is break my hair off. i want to have it looking soft and silky. but i have no idea what to wash my hair with and what to use on my hair. HELP PLEASE?!?

Answer 1

Unfortunately we are pretty much stuck with the hair we are born with. The more you treat it, the more damage you do to it. I have silky straight hair, and I have never had any body to it. Even when I had a perm it just hung there.  

Answer 2

If your hair is breaking off while using the CHI, your hair is likely quite damaged.  Basically, the heat from the CHI is further damaging your already damaged, brittle hair.

I would recommend that you start conditioning your hair thoroughly.  Invest in a good quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.  I like Nexxus Therappe shampoo and Nexxus Humectress conditioner.  Keracare Humecto and Brocato Saturate Intensive conditioners are very good as well.  Perhaps also use a mask (conditioning pre-treatment) every week or so.  I really like The Body Shop's Brazil Nut Moisture Mask.   As long as your hair isn't fine and thin, your hair should still have body once it is well conditioned.  Also make sure you're getting regular trims.

If possible, learn to wrap your hair when it's wet - that way you won't need to use heat to style your hair.  If you must use your CHI (personally, I couldn't live without mine), use some kind of product that has heat-protective properties prior to straightening.  I like Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm (conditions and eliminates frizz) and The Body Shop's Grapeseed Shine Serum.