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If you’re aiming to straighten your curly or wavy hair, consider trying some of the methods detailed in this article. Temporary straightening can be achieved using a comb and a blow dryer or a flat iron. For longer-lasting results, chemical straightening treatments are an option. Evaluate the tools and products you have on hand and choose the method that best suits your needs.
Steps
Straightening Hair with a Blow Dryer
Wash your hair with shampoo and apply conditioner. Your hair should be clean and conditioned before styling. Conditioner also softens the hair, making it easier to comb, especially if you have tight curls. Use a towel to gently dry your hair after washing.
- Smoothing conditioners can make it easier to straighten your hair.
- For curly or tangled hair, leave the conditioner in and use your fingers to detangle.
Apply argan oil or coconut oil to moisturize your hair. Pour a coin-sized amount of oil into your palm, rub your hands together, and then smooth it through your hair from roots to ends.
- Argan and coconut oils also help protect your hair from heat damage.
- Focus on moisturizing the sections of hair you plan to straighten.
Brush your hair as straight as possible. Start brushing from the tips and work your way up to the roots to prevent breakage. Detangle each section of hair individually. If your hair is only slightly wavy, brushing alone might be enough to straighten it.
- Those with tight curls may need a blow dryer to achieve completely straight hair.
- Use a wide-tooth comb for thick, curly hair and a fine-tooth comb for thinner hair.
Blow-dry each section of hair while brushing. Set your blow dryer to medium heat and blow-dry while brushing through your hair. Attach a nozzle for better airflow control. Brush from roots to ends. Your hair will appear straighter than usual once dry.
- Keep the blow dryer about 2.5 cm away from your hair while drying.
Blow-dry and brush the remaining sections. Avoid holding the dryer in one spot for too long to prevent heat damage. Once one section is straight, move on to the next. Continue until your entire head of hair is straightened.
Apply a smoothing serum. A smoothing serum will reduce frizz and add shine. Pour a small amount into your palm and apply it to your hair from ends to roots.
- Popular smoothing serum brands include Alterna Haircare Caviar CC Cream, Smooth ‘N Shine Hair Polisher, and Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray.
Straightening Hair with a Flat Iron
Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Your hair must be clean before straightening. Use a detangling shampoo and a smoothing conditioner to make the straightening process easier.
Wait until your hair is completely dry. Unlike other straightening methods, using a flat iron requires your hair to be fully dry beforehand; otherwise, it may suffer heat damage. You can let your hair air dry or blow-dry it before using the flat iron.
Apply a heat protectant serum to your hair. Use a heat protectant serum from roots to ends. This will shield your hair from heat damage during the straightening process.
- Ensure the serum is applied evenly throughout your hair.
Brush and straighten each section of hair. Set the flat iron to the lowest heat setting. Take a 2.5 cm section of hair, clamp the flat iron at the roots, and glide it down to straighten.
- Keep the temperature at 120°C to avoid damaging your hair.
- Avoid pulling the hair too tightly to prevent breakage.
Continue straightening each section until your entire head of hair is straight. Work through all sections until your hair is completely straightened. If done correctly, your hair will be smooth and free of curls or waves.
- Avoid clamping the flat iron on any section for more than 1-2 seconds to prevent burning your hair.
Brush your hair to style it. You can also apply styling gel if you want your hair to stay in place. Brush it back for a sleek look or create a side part. Experiment with different straight hairstyles and choose the one you like best.
Chemical Hair Straightening
Avoid shampooing your hair 2-3 days before chemical straightening. An irritated scalp can burn when exposed to straightening chemicals, and tiny scratches may appear if you shampoo too close to the treatment.
- You can still brush your hair, but avoid pressing the comb too hard against your scalp.
Read the instructions on the chemical straightening product carefully before use. Chemical straighteners are strong and can damage your hair if not used properly. The instructions will detail the method and timing to avoid harming your hair.
- Consider visiting a salon instead of doing it yourself.
Mix the chemical straightening products. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Pour the chemicals into the provided mixing cup until the mixture is even and forms a white paste.
Use the brush included in the kit to apply the straightening solution to your hair. Part your hair into sections using a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and work the solution up to the roots and hairline. Continue applying the solution to all sections until your entire head is covered.
- You may need someone to help apply the solution evenly.
- Body heat near the hairline accelerates the straightening process, so avoid applying the solution to the roots and hairline first to prevent over-processing or damage.
Leave the straightening solution on for 10-15 minutes. Follow the instructions for the exact processing time. If you feel burning or irritation, rinse the solution out immediately with a deep-cleansing shampoo.
Rinse your hair with a deep-cleansing shampoo. Use the shampoo provided in the straightening kit if available. If not, use a neutralizing shampoo, as it’s the only type that can fully remove the straightening chemicals. After rinsing, comb your hair, and it will be straight!
- Do not leave the solution on for more than 10-15 minutes.
- The straightening effects typically last 6-8 weeks.
- Apply conditioner after shampooing and rinse with cool water.
What You'll Need
Straightening Hair with a Blow Dryer
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Argan oil or coconut oil
- Comb
- Blow dryer with a nozzle
- Smoothing serum (optional)
Straightening Hair with a Flat Iron
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Heat protectant serum
- Flat iron
- Blow dryer (optional)
Chemical Hair Straightening
- Chemical hair straightening solution
- Application brush
- Vaseline
- Rubber gloves
- Neutralizing shampoo
- Protective cape (optional)
