it might not work for everyone, but when i chemically strighten my own hair, i use the stuff that black ladies use to relax their hair. it's the equivalent of giving yourself a home perm, but without rollers, and it's much easier, it's a lot like dying your hair at home. it costs anywhere from 5-9 dollars a box, and if you follow the directions properly, you won't fry your hair. i've been doing it regularly to my hair since i was about 18, and i'm 25 now. makes life much easier.