How to Straighten Your Hair

Curly and wavy hairstyles are fun and lovely, but maintaining those curls can sometimes be a hassle. If you're interested in changing up your style, why not try straightening your hair? Many people hesitate to straighten their hair because they fear it might damage their locks, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a sleek, straight look without causing harm to your hair. To straighten your hair properly using a flat iron or blow dryer, just follow the steps below!

Shampoo and dry your hair. Straightening works best when your hair is freshly washed or washed the day before. Be sure to choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. If your hair is thick and curly, go for products that soften the hair. If your hair is thin and straight, use volumizing products. After washing, towel-dry quickly and use a blow dryer to fully dry your hair. This will help your hair straighten faster, easing the effort when using a flat iron.

• Start by drying the roots first, then move to the rest of the hair.
• While blow-drying, bend your head forward so your hair falls down, which will give it more volume when dried.
• Use a paddle brush to detangle your hair and keep it smooth while drying.

Use a heat protectant spray for your hair. Investing in a heat protectant spray is one of the best things you can do for your hair without having to give up straightening it. This product helps retain moisture in your hair, preventing it from drying out and becoming damaged. Hold the spray bottle about 15 cm away from your hair and spray evenly on dry hair.

• Avoid spraying directly on the roots, as this can make your hair look greasy.
• Hair protectant sprays are available at most pharmacies, beauty salons, and hair supply stores. It's worth spending a bit more on a quality product to protect your hair better. You might also want to ask your stylist for recommendations.

Section your hair into parts. Dividing your hair into sections ensures you straighten each strand properly without missing any. The easiest way is to split your hair into three parts.

• Create the first section by using your thumbs to grab the front hair and pull it back. Twist it and secure it with a hair tie or butterfly clips.
• Create the second section by gathering the hair above your ears and securing it with a hair tie or clips.
• The third section is the remaining hair at the back of your head that hasn't been tied yet.
• If your hair is thick, divide it into more sections. If your hair is thin or fine, two sections will suffice.

Set your flat iron to the right temperature for your hair type. Most high-quality flat irons allow you to adjust the temperature. Using the correct temperature ensures the best results without causing damage to your hair. The ideal temperature for your flat iron depends on your hair type:

• For fine or damaged hair, use a temperature between 93-149°C.
• For medium to thick, healthy hair, use a temperature between 149-177°C.
• For thick, coarse, or curly hair, use a temperature between 177-205°C.

Use proper technique when straightening your hair. Straightening your hair with a flat iron is not complicated, but following some helpful tips can ensure the best results:

• Section your hair into the right sizes. For optimal results, take sections of hair about 2.5–5 cm wide and no thicker than 1.5 cm. Larger sections may not straighten properly, and smaller ones will take more time.
• Keep your hair taut. Use one hand to hold the section of hair tight while you clamp and pull the flat iron through. Don't worry if your hair isn't straight after the first pass—simply run the iron through it again.
• Start clamping about 2.5 cm away from the roots. This will give your hair a little more volume and prevent it from looking flat.
• Make smooth, steady passes with the flat iron. Avoid jerking the iron, as this can create unwanted bends or creases in your hair.

Stop straightening if you notice steam or hear a sizzling sound. This means your hair is not fully dry. Stop, turn off the iron, and use a blow dryer to dry it completely before resuming. Using a flat iron on damp hair is harmful and can lead to damage, so it's important to avoid doing so at all costs.

Straighten the next section of hair. After you've finished straightening the lower section, release the next part and straighten it using the same technique. The top section should be the last one to straighten.

Check your results in the mirror to make sure you haven't missed any strands. Some pieces of hair are easy to overlook while straightening. Be sure to check the back. If you notice any curls or kinks, simply run the flat iron through them again.

• You can check the back of your hair by standing with your back to a mirror and holding a hand mirror in front of you. This will allow you to see the back through the hand mirror.

Hold the flat iron so it doesn't touch your face or get in the way of your bangs. Gently twist the flat iron when reaching the ends of your hair to create a subtle curl.

• It's important to finish these steps before applying any hair styling products because many of them (such as hairspray) are flammable and could catch fire from the heat of the flat iron.

Use a hair styling product. You can apply a silicone-based serum to add shine to your hair, or use hairspray to hold your style in place. Avoid using mousse or water-based products as they will add moisture to your hair and cause it to curl again.

Shampoo your hair. It may seem obvious, but you need to shampoo your hair before blow-drying. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner if your hair is thick or curly, but opt for a volumizing shampoo if your hair is fine or flat.

• Only apply conditioner to the ends and mid-lengths of your hair. Avoid putting it on your scalp as it can weigh your hair down and make it greasy.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while the conditioner is still in. The conditioner will make it easier to comb through and minimize breakage.

Dry your hair. After washing, wrap your hair in a soft towel to absorb the water, leaving it on for a minute or two. Then, unwrap and gently blot the excess moisture.

• Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel, as it can cause breakage.
• Don’t try to dry your hair completely with the towel. You should leave it slightly damp before blow-drying.

Detangle your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to section and brush your hair. Be gentle, as wet hair is more prone to breakage. Start from the ends and work your way up, rather than brushing from the roots down, as it helps prevent breakage.

• Sectioning wet hair helps create a more natural look once it dries and straightens.
• If your hair is too tangled, try using a detangling mist or a leave-in conditioner.

Use hair products. Apply a small amount of serum or straightening cream to the ends and mid-lengths of your hair and massage it in. This will give your hair a smooth and shiny finish after blow-drying.

• If you find a heat-protecting straightening product, that’s even better.
• Remember to avoid applying these products to your roots, as it can weigh your hair down.

Use a good blow dryer. A high-quality blow dryer is essential when straightening hair. The stronger and hotter the dryer, the easier and faster it will be to straighten your hair. If you’re looking to buy a new blow dryer, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Power. The power rating of a blow dryer indicates how strong the airflow is. You should choose one with a higher power rating. Most professional salon dryers have around 1800W, but you may need one with about 2000W if your hair is thick or curly.
• Speed and heat settings. Having a blow dryer with adjustable speed and heat settings is beneficial as it allows you to use different modes to create various styles. For instance, using the cool setting can help style your hair while adding shine.
• Weight. The last thing you should consider is the weight of the blow dryer. A heavy dryer will tire your hand out halfway through. Look for one that weighs less than 1 kg. The weight of the dryer is usually listed on the box.
• Attachments. If you’re using a blow dryer for straightening, make sure it comes with a concentrator nozzle to direct the airflow and avoid creating curls. Check if the nozzle is included or needs to be purchased separately.

Pre-dry your hair. Turn on your blow dryer (at high speed and temperature, if possible) and begin drying. Focus on the roots, lifting the hair with your fingers to separate the strands. At this stage, avoid using a comb.

• Make sure the blow dryer is angled downward. It's important to dry your hair from the crown down, not from the bottom up.
• Continue drying your hair quickly until it’s about 60% to 80% dry, but don’t go beyond that.

Section your hair into parts. Dividing your hair into sections before completing the drying process is a good strategy, as it allows you to focus on straightening each layer of hair. Separate your hair into three layers: one on top of your head, one in the middle, and one at the nape of your neck. Use butterfly clips or hair ties to hold the upper layers out of the way first.

• If you have bangs, make sure to comb them down and dry them first, then proceed to the rest of your hair. Bangs dry quickly and will be harder to straighten once they’re dry.

Use the right brush. The brush you choose when blow-drying will influence the final result of your hairstyle. If you want a bit of volume or some curls at the ends of your hair, use a round, thick brush. For perfectly straight hair, a paddle brush is the best choice.

Use the right technique to straighten your hair. Take a section of hair about 5 to 10 cm wide and use the brush to stretch it out. Keeping the hair taut while drying is the key to achieving straight hair.

• Keep the blow dryer directed downward – the nozzle should point toward the tips of the hair while drying. This helps the hair cuticle lie flat, giving your hair a smooth, shiny finish.
• Once each section is dry, switch your blow dryer to the cool setting and give your hair a final blast of air to set the style and add shine.

Release the next section of hair. After drying the bottom layer completely, remove the clip holding the middle section of hair. Dry this layer using the same technique as before. Once the second layer is dry, let down the final section and finish drying your hair.

• Once fully dry, your hair should look sleek and shiny. If it’s still slightly wavy, you may need to dry it further. Use a brush to pull the hair straight while drying.
• If these methods don’t work, consider using a flat iron for any stubborn sections of hair.

Use styling products. To define your hairstyle while adding shine, apply a pea-sized amount of hair styling product to the ends and mid-lengths of your hair. You can use a shine serum or a shine spray to achieve this. If you're concerned about your hair becoming flat or losing shape, spray a light layer of hairspray, holding the bottle about 15cm from your hair. This can help keep your hair straight all day (or night)!

Avoid using water or mousse. Water will cause your hair to quickly revert to curls. If you're in a humid environment, use hairspray to prevent your hair from curling due to moisture in the air.

Always carry an umbrella. Rain will ruin all your hard work and make your hair curl up. In the summer, remember to bring a headband to keep sweat from dripping onto your bangs. If you're jogging or walking, you can tie your hair in a ponytail.

You can use a curling iron to create a slight curl or playful flip. Even if you prefer straight hair, you can use a curling iron to give the ends a slight curl or flip the front sections out of your face.

Remember, washing your hair will bring it back to its original state. But don't worry, just repeat the straightening process! However, avoid straightening your hair too much as it can cause dryness and damage. Save the straightening for special occasions!

• Wide-toothed comb
• Blow dryer (preferably with a diffuser or concentrator nozzle)
• Hair spray
• Hair straightener
• Heat protectant spray
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Comb
• Hairspray (optional)