Hair Straightening: How-To Guide for Beginners

Do you love the look of ribbons of long, shiny straight hair, but are intimidated by the idea of straightening it? Some of us feel that our hair is just too naturally curly to even make the attempt, and others may feel that their naturally straight hair doesn’t require a straightener. However, it’s important to note that the beautiful sheets of glossy straight hair we see swinging from the heads of our favorite celebrities don’t occur naturally, even to those with straight hair.

Even very curly hair can be successfully straightened with the proper use of your straightener, and hair that is already straight will rarely fall in perfectly straight smooth lines without a straightener. So how do we get professional results at home with our best hair straightener?

Hair Prepare: what to do before using a hair straightener

It’s important to start your straightening with clean, prepared hair. Natural oils in the hair and any dust or dirt picked up during your day or night will interfere with your straightening experience, and will result in less than optimal styling and even damage. Be sure to use a moisturizing and nourishing shampoo and a good conditioner. It is helpful to comb the conditioner through your hair prior to rinsing if you plan to use your straightener.

Be certain your hair is completely dry before beginning to use your straightener. Flat ironing wet or even damp hair will fry your hair strands and can cause irreversible damage. The resulting steam magnifies the intensity of the heat well beyond a safe temperature, so never use a straightener until your hair is completely dry. Either blow dry or allow your hair time to completely air dry before using your straightener.

To protect your hair, it’s best to apply a heat protectant product before beginning. This will protect your hair from split ends or other signs of damage, and even the best hair straighteners will function more efficiently on clean, protected hair.

Section for hair-straightening Perfection

It’s important to wait until your hair straightener is completely heated to the optimal temperature before you begin. Typically, thicker, more coarse hair will need a higher heat setting than thinner, finer hair.

While your straightener is heating, it’s important to separate your hair into sections. Using clips, divide the hair into sections and begin your straightening with the bottom, or under-sections of your hair before moving up to the top sections.

Hot to Taut hair straightening

When you start on each section of hair, pull a one- to two-inch section of hair taut by holding onto the bottom and adding a little tension. The best hair straighteners are made to function at their most efficient when they can slide evenly down the hair shafts. Holding the sections taut will mean your straightening will be achieved with fewer pass-throughs with your straightener, meaning less stress and damage to your hair.

Begin straightening as close to the scalp as possible, being careful not to touch the scalp with your hot straightener, and then slide smoothly down the hair section. Avoid holding one place for too long, or you’ll end up with a crimp or crease in your hair. Move slowly and smoothly along the sections, being sure to consistently use the same motions for each section so your hair will be evenly straightened.

Work methodically around your head until all sections have been straightened, working from back to front.

Tip! Pulling each front section to the opposite side of your scalp before straightening will give the front of your hair a little lift and volume so it doesn’t lie too flat against the scalp.

Finishing Touches after straightening your hair

Once your hair is completely straightened and hanging in glossy, shiny sheets, finish with a very light amount of hairspray, or use a tiny amount of hair oil, blended into your hair to keep it smooth, shiny, and so professional-looking you’ll look like you just walked out of a salon!

Be sure to keep your hair straightener clean of oils and stray hairs. The best hair straighteners work most efficiently when they are clean and well-maintained.

Resources— StyleCraze, DermStore

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