With so many types of flat irons in the market, making wavy, curly, or even super curly hair straighter has become easy. But if used by an amateur, the extreme heat these straightening irons dissipate can damage hair fibers terribly. So, here is a guide for you to use a straight iron without damaging your locks. (1) (2)
Invest in a High-Quality Iron
The essential secret of a damage-free hair straightening technique lies in using a first-rate flat iron. It is expensive, but nothing is pricier than your beautiful gorgeous tresses, right? So, get your hands on a tool that comes with the following exclusive features:
- Ceramic plates for even distribution of heat
- Timer for auto shut-off facility
- Multiple heat settings for the adjustment of temperature
- Simple and easy to handle/operate
- Manageable size with wide plates
- Lightweight (should be dragged effortlessly through the locks)
- Long-lasting (should last as long as ten years)
Get Your Hair Prepared for It
Prepare your hair for the most effective yet damage-free at-home straightening treatment right in the shower. Clean, well-conditioned, and slightly damp manes are less prone to damage when straightened with a flat iron. Hence, you should:
- Wash and cleanse your hair with a straightening shampoo that is gentle on the strands.
- Apply a good conditioner to make it smooth and frizz-free. This will also help you protect your locks to some extent during straightening.
- Use a simple t-shirt or a microfiber towel to soak the excess water from your hair.
Also Read – Hair Relaxer or Keratin Treatment – Which is Better for Getting Straight Hair?
Swear By a Good Heat Protector
Apply a highly effective heat protector. It is necessary for any heat treatment, including blow-drying and hair straightening. Always keep the following things in mind:
- It should not contain oils and silicone in massive amounts.
- Must have frizz-control qualities.
- A dime-sized drop should be enough.
- Rub the product between your palms and apply it to your hair from the bottom up while combing it with your fingers.
- Skip 2.5″ to 3″ section of hair from your scalp while applying it.
Blow-Dry the Right Way
The way you use your blow-dryer before straightening may turn out to be highly damaging to your tresses. You can never use the flat iron on damp hair directly, so blow drying is necessary. But make sure that you obey the following rules and use the tool the right way:
- The direction of the blows matters the most when it comes to avoiding frizzes. Keep the nozzle downwards while pulling the hair flat with a round-bristle brush during the task.
- Change the dryer’s hot and cool settings whenever required to prevent overheating or burning of hair.
Section Off Your Hair
Do you randomly grab a fistful of hair and try to straighten it with your flat iron? Stop the practice immediately as it not only lengthens the process but also causes lots of damage to the mane. Below given are the tricks:
- Part your hair in the middle from ear to ear. Then, part those two sections into two more halves to create four equal sections of hair.
- Clip all four sections separately to keep them apart so that you can work on them individually and get better results without damage.
Select the Right Heat Setting
Now, it is time to prepare the flat iron by choosing the suitable temperature settings. Identify the type and condition of your hair first and select the temperature setting based on these. We provide you with the general guidelines:
- Use a low setting (less than 300 degrees) for ironing chemically treated, damaged hair with fine or superfine texture. It can go up to 350 degrees if the hair texture is thick and curly.
- The ideal ironing temperature for natural hair of regular texture should be between 300 and 380 degrees.
- Go for a higher setting (from 350 to 400 degrees) if your hair is thick and super curly in texture.
Follow the Appropriate Method
Following the appropriate hair straightening method is of utmost importance for averting damage. Here is what you need to do:
- Focus on one section of hair at a time and divide each even into smaller sections (width around 1″- 2″) during the procedure.
- Use a brush or your fingers to pull the sections taut and quickly drag the iron through them.
- Start ironing at your hair roots and moving towards the ends. Never touch the iron with your scalp.
- Do not move the iron over and over the same section of hair.
Finish It Off Properly
Finish your job tactfully so that your just-straightened hair does not curl up over time, and you do not end up spoiling all your efforts.
- Let your straightened hair cool down properly.
- Apply a de-frizz serum or cream to keep up the sleek and polished look.
- Spray a light-hold hairspray onto a boar-nylon brush and comb it through your hair for uniform distribution.
Summary
A quality flat iron is essential for safe hair straightening. Invest in one with ceramic plates, adjustable temperature settings, and an auto shut-off timer. Before straightening, prep your hair by washing, conditioning, and towel-drying. Apply a heat protector with frizz-control properties—blow-dry using proper techniques, avoiding overheating. Section your hair, select the proper heat setting based on your hair type, and follow the appropriate straightening method. Finish by letting your hair relax, applying a de-frizz serum, and using a light-hold hairspray for a polished look.
