Curly and wavy hair may look attractive and fun, but it's hard to keep it neat. So, if you want to change your look, try straightening your hair. Many people are reluctant to straighten their hair for fear of damaging their hair. But with the right tools, products and techniques, you can have amazingly straight hair without damaging your hair. To straighten your hair properly, using either a straightener or a hairdryer, just follow the steps below!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Vise
Step 1. Wash and dry hair
Hair straighteners work best for newly washed or growing hair. When washing your hair, adjust the shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. For thick and curly hair, use a mild shampoo and conditioner. For thin, flat hair, use a volumizing product. After washing your hair, dry it quickly with a towel, then blow dry with a hairdryer. This will help before straightening your hair, so straightening your hair will be easier.
- Dry the roots first with a hairdryer, then work your way through the strands.
- Keep your head down while drying to add volume.
- Use a paddle brush for tangled hair and hold hair tight while blow drying.
Step 2. Use heat protection spray
It is recommended that you purchase a heat protection spray for use in hair straightening. Heat protection spray locks in moisture and prevents hair from drying out and breaking. Apply heat protection spray evenly over dry hair, holding the can about six inches from your head.
- Do not apply heat protection spray to the roots, as this can make your hair look greasy.
- Heat protection sprays can be found at most drugstores and hair salons. Buying a well-known brand can protect your hair better. Ask for recommendations from your hair stylist.
Step 3. Divide the hair into sections
Splitting your hair into sections will ensure that you straighten your hair properly, without missing a single strand. The easiest way to divide hair is to divide it into three layers.
- Make the first layer by taking the front part of the hair and sweeping it back with your thumb to grab all the hair at the top of your head. Separate this layer by twisting it and securing it with a hair tie or butterfly clip.
- Make a second layer by brushing the hair above the ear and securing it with a hair tie or clip.
- The third layer consists of hair that remains unclip, i.e. the hair on the back of the head, which grows around the base of the neck.
- If your hair is very thick, you can divide it into additional layers. If your hair is very thin or fine, you can divide it into two sections, or you may not need to divide it.
Step 4. Set the flat iron to the appropriate temperature for your hair type
Most high-quality vise have a temperature option. Using the right temperature for your hair will ensure you get the best results and prevent unnecessary damage to your hair. The set temperature of the straightener depends on the type of hair:
- Fine or damaged hair should use temperatures between 200 to 300 °F (93-149 °C).
- Average thick hair that is in good condition should use temperatures between 300 and 350 °F (149-177 °C).
- Very thick or coarse hair, curly hair should use a temperature of 350-400 °F (177-205 °C).
Step 5. Use the correct technique
Straightening your hair with a straightener is not a very complicated thing to do, but there are a few tips to achieve the best results:
- Use the right strand size. For best results, make strands that are 1 to 2 inches wide and no more than half an inch thick. IF the strands are wider than that, the hair will not straighten properly, and if the strands are smaller, it will take too long to straighten.
- Hold the hair tight. Use one hand to hold the section of hair tight as you clip the flat iron around and work it through your hair. If it doesn't go completely straight at first, don't worry, just pull the flat iron back into your hair.
- Begin straightening about an inch from the roots. This will give your hair some volume and ensure it doesn't look too flat.
- Use smooth motions rather than jerks. Move the vise in one smooth, flexible motion. If you move with jerks, the result will be horizontal lines in the hair.
Step 6. STOP if you notice any steam or hair starts to hiss
If this happens, it means that the hair is not completely dry. Stop, turn off the straightener and use a hairdryer to let the hair dry completely before continuing to straighten. Using a flat iron on wet hair is very damaging and will leave your hair in a bad condition, so avoid it as much as possible.
Step 7. Straighten the next layer of hair
After straightening the bottom layer of hair, untie the next section and start straightening using the same technique as before. The top layer of hair should be the last section to straighten.
Step 8. Look at your work in the mirror to make sure you don't miss any part
One or two strands can be easily overlooked during the straightening process. Don't forget to double check your hair. If you see waves or twists, straighten the section one more time.
You can examine the back of your hair standing up, your back to the mirror while holding the handheld mirror in your hand. You will see a reflection from behind your head in the handheld mirror
Step 9. Style your hair
You can position the straightener in a certain way so that it doesn't cover your face or get a special hairstyle. Turn the vise slightly as it reaches the ends of each strand to create slight waves at the bottom.
It's important to do a touch-up before applying the final product, as some styling products (such as hairspray) are flammable and can catch fire under the heat of a flat iron
Step 10. Use the final product
You can use a silicone-based serum to add shine to your hair, or spray your hair to hold it in place. But don't add mousse or water-based products, as these will moisturize and cause wavy hair.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Hair Dryer
Step 1. Wash your hair
This may seem trivial, but you should wash your hair before blowing it dry. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner if your hair is thick or prone to frizz, or use a volumizing type if your hair is thin or flat.
- Apply conditioner to the ends and middle of the hair. Applying it to the roots will make your hair look flat and greasy.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to straighten out tangles when the conditioner is in your hair. Conditioner will make it easier and minimize hair breakage.
Step 2. Wrap the hair with a dry towel
Once out of the shower, wrap your hair in a microfiber absorbent towel and let it sit for one to two minutes. Then open the towel and use the towel to gently dry off excess moisture.
- Do not rub the hair with a towel, because the hair can be broken.
- Remember that you are not drying your hair with a towel, it should be wet enough when you are done with the towel.
Step 3. Comb through the tangled hair
Use a wide-toothed comb or paddle brush to separate and comb the hair. Make sure to be gentle because wet hair is very fragile. Remember to work from the ends up, not from the roots down, to reduce the risk of damage.
- Combing while your hair is still wet will help your hair stay more natural once it's dry and straight.
- If your hair is very tied up, use a tangle-free spray or a detangling conditioner.
Step 4. Apply some product
Apply a small amount of straightening serum or cream to the ends and middle of the hair, then massage into the interior. This will help to make hair extra smooth and sleek after drying.
- Hair straightening products that contain heat protection elements are preferable.
- Again, avoid applying this product to the roots, as hair can fall out.
Step 5. Use a good hair dryer
A good hairdryer is important when blow-drying straight hair. The more power and heat the dryer provides, the easier and faster you can straighten your hair. If you have to buy a new hair dryer, there are a few things to consider:
- Watt. The wattage of the hairdryer is an indication of how strong the air is flowing. The higher the power (wattage) of the device, the better the results. Most hair salon dryers have a wattage of around 1800, although 2000 watts may be required for very thick or curly hair.
- Speed and Temperature Control. A dryer with adjustable hair speed and temperature is very useful, as you can use different settings for different styles. For example, cool settings to finish hair with a blast of cool air, which helps to set the style while adding shine.
- Heavy. The last thing to note is that a heavy blow dryer will tire your arms when you're only halfway through drying your hair. Look for a hair dryer that weighs less than two pounds. Dryer weight is usually shown on the box.
- Addition. If you're using a hairdryer to blow dry straight hair, you'll definitely need an extra nozzle that focuses the airflow and prevents frizz. See if there are additional nozzles included with the hairdryer or if necessary, purchase them separately.
Step 6. Dry hair roughly
Turn on the hairdryer (on high speed and heat, if applicable) and start a rough dry. Concentrate on drying the roots, using your fingers to lift and separate the hair. You don't have to use a brush just yet.
- Make sure that the hair dryer is pointing downwards. The dryer should blow the hair from the top of the head down, not the other way around.
- You should continue to coarsely dry your hair until it is about 60% to 80% dry.
Step 7. Divide the hair into sections
It's a good idea to divide your hair into sections after blow-drying, as it will help you focus on one layer of hair. Separate the hair into three layers - one at the top of the head, one in the middle and one at the back of the neck. Use a butterfly clip or hair tie to tie the top two layers together.
If you have bangs, let them down and dry before you dry the undercoat. This is because the bangs will dry quickly and once dry they will be more difficult to straighten
Step 8. Use the right type of hairbrush
The type of brush you use when blow-drying your hair will have an impact on your hair. If you want to add volume when straightening, or to add some curls or waves to the ends, use a thick round brush. But if you want really straight hair, a paddle brush is the best option.
Step 9. Use proper technique to blow dry straight hair
Take a section of hair between two and four inches wide and hold it tight with a hairbrush. Keeping hair tight while blow drying is the most important technique for achieving straight hair.
- You also need to make sure that you direct the airflow downwards - the nozzle of the hairdryer should point towards the ends of the dry hair. This is to bring the hair cuticle down, giving the hair smooth and sleeker.
- Once your hair is completely dry in each section, finish with a blast of cool air to help set the style and add shine.
Step 10. Leave the bottom part of the hair next
Once the bottom layer of hair is completely dry, unscrew the butterfly clip holding the middle layer. Dry this layer using the same technique as before. Once the second layer is completely dry, allow the third layer to decompose and finish drying.
- Really dry hair will look straight and sleek. If it's still a little wavy, you may need to dry it longer, using a brush to pull the hair straight.
- And if it still fails, use a vise to straighten the part that is difficult to straighten earlier.
Step 11. Apply some final product
To style and give hair extra shine and control, apply a small amount of the final product to the ends and middle of the hair. Use a serum or sheen spray for this. If you're worried that your hair will fall out or lose its shape, lightly spray it with hairspray, holding the can about six inches from your head. This will ensure that your hair stays straight all day (or night!).
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Hair Straight
Step 1. Do not spray water or add mousse
The moisture content will cause the hair to quickly return to curls. But don't use hairspray if you live in a humid area. Hair is prone to frizz due to the humidity in the air.
Step 2. Always carry an umbrella
Rain can ruin all your hard work by making your hair frizzy. Also bring a headband in the summer to keep your bangs from sweating. If you're jogging or walking, tie your hair in a ponytail.
Step 3. Use curling irons to add fine or slightly curly curls
Even if you like a straight look, curlers can be used to brush the ends of your hair or toss the front of your face.
Step 4. Understand that washed hair will return to normal
But don't worry, you just need to repeat the alignment process! But do not straighten your hair too often, because the hair will become dry and damaged. Just do it for special occasions!
Tips
- Use a wide-toothed comb and when you comb, follow with a vise behind. This works really well, as a vise will straighten each strand much better.
- Make sure you don't add any oil to your hair before straightening it, as this will "fry" your hair. Imagine the same thing happening to french fries in oil.
- When drying your hair, make sure the blow dryer is pointing down (in the direction the hair is growing), which will give the hair a sheen. You may also want to apply heat protection spray before blowing dry.
- Divide the hair into sections. If you have thick hair, divide it into small sections, but if your hair is thin, you can make larger sections.
- Always hold the hair tie in your hand to hold the hair in place as it moves from one section to another.
- If your hairdryer has a setting, change the setting once it's completely dry. Hair will look shinier, just like rinsing hair with cold water.
- If it's raining or it's very humid outside, don't walk or stay outside for too long. Moisture will cause hair to become frizzy.
- Types of vise that can help straighten without damaging are ionic or wet-to-dry vise. Instead of using two hot plates, it acts as a dry blower, so there is less breakage and frizz.
- Pull the iron up (in the opposite direction) to get straight hair but with volume at the roots.
Warning
- Always turn off and unplug the vise after each use.
- Don't use hairspray unless you plan on taking an evening shower, as it's not good for your hair if you wear it all night.
- Don't focus too much on one section of hair; this can damage the hair.
- Don't use too many serums or hair products; You don't want your hair to look thin and greasy.
- Do not use a vise more than two or four times a week. Frequent straightening will damage your hair, no matter how much protective spray you use. Consider your natural hair, or change it to a cute hairstyle.
- Don't straighten your hair when it's wet or damp, as this will cause too much damage.
- Don't brush your hair when it's wet because it can break your hair. Instead, always use a wide-toothed comb.
- Don't burn your hair!
