Thick curly hair can be very difficult to manage! However, you certainly don't want to damage it by over-straightening it to make it easier to manage. The best way to style your hair like this is to straighten it to a minimum (a few times a week at most).
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Purchase a quality straightener
The most important thing you can do to straighten curly hair is to prepare a quality straightener. Look for a straightener that has several temperature options. So you can experiment and find the best temperature options for straightening your hair.
- You can use a straightener for 10 years, but don't use an old one.
- Women with curly hair should buy a straightener with a gold or titanium plated heating plate as these options are better for the hair.
Step 2. Make sure to choose the right size hair straightener
Choose a hair straightener with a plate width of between 3-5 cm. That way, you can straighten more hair at a time.
You should also pay attention to the weight of the hair straightener. This tool will be used repeatedly on the hair. So, unless you want to build muscle while using it, avoid straighteners that are too heavy
Step 3. Wash hair and apply conditioner
Before straightening hair, especially thick and curly hair, wash it first. Shampooing will prepare your hair for straightening. It is better to use gentle hair care products because after that, the hair will undergo a fairly heavy process.
Use a softening conditioner to prepare your hair for straightening
Step 4. Dry your hair until it is damp with a towel
Instead, use a microfiber towel or T-shirt. This material is gentler on the hair cuticles so they don't tangle.
The benefit of this step is that it reduces the drying time of the hair with the appliance, thereby reducing its breakage
Step 5. Use a heat protectant after washing your hair
Look for products that can protect your hair during the straightening process. This product contains oil so it is best to use it about 5 cm from the scalp.
- Use only a small amount of this product (about a drop or two).
- Rub the product upwards, starting at the ends of your hair. Use your fingers as a comb.
- If possible, look for a heat protectant that doesn't contain oil or silicone and can prevent frizz.
Step 6. First of all, use a hairdryer
Your hair can burn if you straighten it in wet or damp conditions. So you have to dry it first. Use a round comb to pull the hair as straight as possible while drying.
- Alternate hot and cold temperatures so your hair doesn't get too hot.
- Keep in mind, you may have to dry your curly and thick hair for a long time. Make sure your hair is completely dry before proceeding.
- Point the funnel of the blow dryer down to reduce frizz.
Method 2 of 3: Straightening Hair
Step 1. Part your hair into sections
This does not mean that you are free to take your hair at random and straighten it. If the section of hair is too thick, the straightener won't be able to straighten it properly. As a result, you have to use the tool again on the same section, increasing the potential for hair damage.
- Splitting your hair into sections will make it easier for you to monitor the straightening process. So, part the hair in the middle at the back of the head and direct it forward. That way, the hair is split into two parts. Thick curly hair should be split into at least four sections. Two at the top and the other two at the bottom.
- Be sure to pin the other sections of hair while you straighten one of them.
Step 2. Use the right temperature
Thick, curly hair should be straightened at a higher temperature. While you may not need to use the maximum temperature option, you may need to experiment with several temperature options until you find the one that works best for straightening your hair.
If you have colored hair, as well as thick and curly hair, we recommend using a safe temperature range of 150-180 degrees Celsius
Step 3. Straighten the lower section of hair first
Pin two sections of hair at the top of your head so they are away from the rest. Meanwhile, part the bottom section of hair into smaller sections, about 2-5 cm.
- Use a comb or brush to pull the hair as straight as possible with one hand, while passing the straightener with the other.
- Move the straightener from the roots to the ends of the hair continuously.
Step 4. Avoid straightening the same section of hair more than once
This rule can be adjusted, especially for thick curly hair. However, in the long run, the more you try to follow these rules, the more damage to your hair can be minimized.
Step 5. Finish by using a hair softening product
This product will make your hair look smooth and shiny, while reducing frizz. If you live in a place with high humidity, we recommend using a softener product that is moisture resistant.
- Serum is the best choice for thick hair.
- Use this product after the hair has cooled down after straightening. Coat the comb with the product, then work it all over your hair evenly.
Method 3 of 3: Solving Problems with Curly Hair
Step 1. Use a volumizing spray to make the hair bouncy
Sometimes, people straighten their hair too much, especially if their hair is thick and curly. If your hair looks frizzy as a result, the best thing you can do is use a volumizing spray to make it more bouncy.
Step 2. Treat frizz with hair care products
Frizzy hair is a problem for all curly-haired women, especially in environments with high rainfall and humidity. Hair care products can help with this. So, give it a try.
Some people debate the use of silicone-based hair serums. Some people say this product is very beneficial, while others say it can make hair too oily. So, decide for yourself which product suits you best, whether it's with or without silicone
Step 3. Part very curly hair into quarters instead of three horizontally
This will make your hair much more manageable during the straightening process. It will also make it easier for you to reach the hair at the back of your head.
Step 4. Stop straightening your hair if you hear a hissing sound
There are two things that can make your hair sizzle during the straightening process. One, your hair is not completely dry. If this is the case, stop the straightening process and repeat the drying process.
However, if it is completely dry, there may be some treatment product left on the hair shaft. Be sure to choose hair care products carefully (preferably, avoid alcohol-based products)
Tips
- Straighten your hair the day before so that in the morning before going to school you only need to trim it a bit. Otherwise, you may be late for school.
- If you prefer to towel dry your hair, it's a good idea to wear an old T-shirt to avoid breaking your hair.
- Avoid using high temperatures or excessive chemicals as they can damage your hair.
- Purchase a high-quality straightener, or your hair will be difficult to manage.
- Try not to straighten your hair so much that it looks flat. Leave a few waves at the ends so you don't look like you're wearing a wig.
- You may want to use a hairdryer with an ion switch to reduce static electricity.
Warning
- Hair that is straightened repeatedly will eventually break, even if you are very careful. Consider styling curly hair naturally.
- Never place the straightener on a towel as it may cause a fire.
- never ever straighten hair that is still wet or damp. Your hair can burn and damage permanently.
- Do not Dry your hair with a towel as this can make it frizzy and frizzy.
- Do not leave the straightener unattended as there is a risk of fire.
- It's best to avoid straightening your hair more than once or twice a month. If you spend more than that, your hair will be damaged no matter what treatments and techniques you use.