Should I straighten/relax my hair??

Lately I have been wanting to get my hair chemically relaxed... but I'm not sure. My hair is SUPER CURLY, like spiral curls, and I hardly ever wear it down for that reason (I don't think it looks nice on me, personally, it tends to look too 'big'). However, my DH says he likes my curls, and hairstylists have even told me not to mess with it. (The grass is always greener!!) But with the cool weather coming, I'd like to wear my hair down a lot more. As it is now, I have it pulled back practically every day. I think if it was straighter, I would be a lot more comfortable and happy with wearing it down. I don't want it pin-straight, like Japanese straightening, I just want to tame the spirals I've got going on. My hair is pretty healthy overall, so I think it could take the treatment... but I don't want people yelling at me for getting rid of the curl! I don't have the patience or ability to blow it out myself, so I'm looking for something permanent.

Has anyone out there relaxed their hair? If so, do you have any recommendations or where/how to get it done? Should I do it?? Help!

I think you should do to your hair what you want to do. Don't worry about other people telling you you ruined your curls. People told me not to get the japanese straightening because it would ruin my curls but I hated my hair curly. I did it and it is the best thing I have ever done. I have also gotten my har relaxed in the past. They won't leave your hair pin straight, but you will have to blow it out to get it smooth and straight. I step out of the shower with my hair wet and it dries pin straight.

Have you tried using a ceramic iron to get it straight? It isn't as tedious as blowing it out which might take forever.

Talk to your hair dresser about it.

I am a black woman with coarse hair, so I need a chemical relaxer. These things are very strong and only work on certain types of hair.

I do not want you to damage your hair you should definetely talk to your stylist and discuss other options.

One of my good friends had it done about a month ago and she is so happy that she did it.
It sounds crazy, but she has more confidence when she goes out (she's single) and just looks happier.
I know it's only hair, but it definitely changes your image of yourself.
The only bad thing about it is that you have to get your roots straightened about every six months and your curls will be gone for a very long time - unless you get a perm!
Her hair looks really healthy. She didn't have the Japanese one, just chemically straightened. She got it done on the Upper East Side if you are interested. FM me and I will find out where.