If you're a guy looking to straighten curly or wavy hair, there are several methods you can follow. You can temporarily straighten your hair using a blow dryer and comb, or use a flat iron to get straighter strands. If you need a semi-permanent method, use a relaxer product to chemically straighten your hair. Consider the types of styling tools and products you have, and choose the method that works best for you.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Straightening Hair with a Dryer
Step 1. Wash and use conditioner
Hair should be clean and conditioned before you blow dry it. Conditioner helps soften your hair, making it easier to comb through if you have very curly hair. When you're done shampooing, pat the towel over your hair to dry it.
- A softening conditioner will make it easier for you to comb your hair straight.
- If you have curly or frizzy hair, apply conditioner to your hair, let it sit, and smooth out any tangles with your fingers.
Step 2. Apply argan or coconut oil on your hair to moisturize it
Dispense some oil (about the width of a coin) into your palms, then rub your palms together. After that, apply the oil on your hair from roots to ends.
- Argan and coconut oils will also protect your hair from heat damage.
- Moisturize the section of hair you want to straighten.
Step 3. Comb the hair until it looks as straight as possible
Start combing your hair from the tips to the roots to prevent breakage. Straighten hair section by section while smoothing out any tangled or knotted sections of hair. If you have slightly wavy hair, this combing process may be enough to straighten your hair.
- People who have curly hair need to expose the heat from the dryer to get their hair really straight.
- If you have small curly hair, use a wide-toothed comb. For thinner hair, use a fine-toothed comb.
Step 4. Dry each section of hair while still combing it
Turn on the dryer on a medium heat setting and point it at your hair while combing it. Use the nozzle to control the airflow. Comb hair from roots to ends. When dry, your hair will appear straighter than usual.
When drying hair, the dryer should be within 2.5 centimeters of the hair
Step 5. Dry and comb the rest of the hair
Don't hold the blow dryer at one point for too long to prevent heat damage. Once one section of hair looks straighter, move on to another section of hair. Keep following these steps until all of your hair looks straighter.
Step 6. Apply a softening serum to the hair
This serum can reduce frizz and increase hair shine. Dispense a small amount of product into your palms and apply the serum from the tips to the roots of the hair.
Some of the most popular softening creams or serums are L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil, Makarizo Advisor Hair Vitamin, and Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Hair Vitamin
Method 2 of 3: Using a Vise
Step 1. Wash and condition your hair
Make sure your hair is clean before you use a straightener. Use an anti-wrinkle shampoo and softening conditioner to help with the straightening process.
Step 2. Dry hair thoroughly
Unlike other straightening methods, your hair must be completely dry before you apply a straightening iron to avoid heat damage. Dry your hair by aerating it or using a blow dryer before you apply a straightener.
Step 3. Apply heat protection serum to hair
Apply a protective serum to the hair, from the roots to the tips. This serum product will protect your hair from heat damage that may occur when you use a straightener.
Serum should be applied all over the hair
Step 4. Comb and straighten sections of hair using a flat iron
Turn on the vise on the lowest heat setting. Take a section of hair (about 2.5 centimeters long) with a comb and pinch the area around the roots with a flat iron. After that, pull the vise to straighten the hair.
- The straightener must keep the temperature setting (maximum) 120 degrees Celsius so that the hair is not damaged when you straighten it.
- Use light pressure when using a straightener so you don't pull or break your hair.
Step 5. Continue to straighten sections of hair using a flat iron until the entire hair looks straight
If done well, the hair will look straight without any wavy or curly parts.
Do not pin your hair for more than 1-2 seconds to avoid burning your hair
Step 6. Comb the hair to style it
You can also use gel if you want to style it in a certain style. Comb your hair back for a neat and sleek look. You can also comb your hair to one side. Experiment with different styles of straight hair and choose the one you like the most.
Method 3 of 3: Using Chemical Treatment
Step 1. Don't wash your hair for 2-3 days before trying the relaxing treatment
Irritation of the scalp will feel more painful when the relaxer is applied and by washing your hair, you can actually cause microabrasions to the scalp.
You can still comb your hair. However, make sure you don't brush it too close to your scalp
Step 2. Read the instructions for using the relaxer before using it
Relaxers are strong chemicals that can damage hair if not used properly. The instructions on the package contain the specific application method and the treatment time you need to follow so you don't damage your hair.
Try visiting a professional hairdresser's service instead of doing it yourself
Step 3. Mix the relaxer ingredients
Wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from the caustic relaxer chemicals. Pour the ingredients into the bowl that came with the package and stir until the mixture turns into a white paste.
Step 4. Apply the relaxer using the application brush
Separate the hair at the back of the head into several "segments" using a wide-toothed comb. Start at the ends of your hair and gradually apply the product to the roots and sides of your hair. After applying the product to all sections of the segment, switch to another segment and repeat the process until the product is completely coated in the mixture.
- You may need to ask someone to apply a relaxer to the back of your hair.
- Body heat exposed to the hair on the edge of the head makes the relaxer work faster. Therefore, do not apply the product directly to the roots or the edges of the head. Otherwise, the hair will become very loose or damaged.
Step 5. Leave the product on your hair for 10-15 minutes
The directions on the package will tell you how long you need to follow to let the product sit on your hair. If you experience severe irritation or burning, rinse your hair and wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo.
Step 6. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo
If the product comes with shampoo, use the shampoo provided in the product packaging. If not, you will need to use a neutralizing shampoo as this is the only type of shampoo that can lift the relaxer out of your hair. When you're done washing your hair or showering, comb your hair. Now, your hair will look straighter!
- The relaxer should not be left on the hair for more than 10-15 minutes.
- Usually, relaxers can keep hair straight for 6-8 weeks.
- Continue the treatment with conditioner and rinse with cold water.
