How To Properly Straighten Natural Hair

How to Straighten Natural Hair Without Damaging Your Curls

PeopleImages/Getty

Every in one case in a while, those of us who unremarkably rock our curls want to show off a new look (because permit'south face information technology: shrinkage is very real). Even so, straightening natural hair has e'er been a touchy subject since putting any sort of oestrus on information technology is usually a major no-no. In fact, it'due south a big reason why many people have fabricated the transition to get natural (so they tin can prevent estrus impairment and keep their strands good for you).

Information technology besides sparked a longstanding debate nigh whether straight pilus is inherently "amend." Politics bated, nosotros say you're allowed to showcase your gorgeous kinky curlsandstone straight styles, because there'south no shame in switching it up (at the finish of the day, it'syour hair). Whatever wait yous choose, simply make sure you're tracking the health of your pilus and understanding what works best to avoid harm in the long run.

What are the all-time methods to straighten natural pilus?

Before picking an option and applying heat, brand sure you prep your pilus. Beginning past washing your pilus thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner to make the straightening procedure easier. (Tip: Use a deep conditioner or handling if you're prone to dryness. Moisture is key to a smoother finish.)

Once your pilus is clean, apply a nickel-size amount of heat protectant (we like TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, HSI Professional Argan Oil Estrus Protector or Brigeo Farewell Frizz Accident Dry out Perfection Heat Protectant Creme) through the clammy strands. Whether you prefer serums, sprays or creams, it's important not to skip this step as it prepares your hair for the heat and prevents future damage or frizz. Information technology also keeps your hair shiny and soft (and who doesn't want that?).

At present that your pilus is ready, y'all can determine which pick works best for y'all.

1. Flatiron

When purchasing a flatiron, look for one with customizable settings. Y'all want to keep your iron at the lowest setting required to straighten your hair (nearly irons go up to 450 degrees, but reaching for at to the lowest degree 360 degrees is beneficial). Flatirons like Babylisspro Nano Titanium Ultra-Sparse Straightening Fe, HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron, and CHI Tourmaline Ceramic Hairstyling Iron all have a broad range of settings and make information technology easier to be in control.

How to flatiron your hair:

Heat up your iron, commencement sectioning off your hair and apply your protectant product.
Grab a section and clamp the hair tool as shut to the root every bit you can and gently glide information technology downward the mid-lengths and ends. (Option to use a fine-toothed rummage with the atomic number 26 to get a sleeker expect.)
Get over each department once or twice more. If you lot hear sizzling or smell something called-for, yous probably want to dial the heat downwardly a bit before resuming.
After you've straightened every department, finish the await with a hydrating serum or humidity-resistant gel like Ouidad Avant-garde Climate Control Rut & Humidity Gel, DevaCurl Frizz Complimentary Volumizing Foam or It's A ten Phenomenon Leave-In Plus Keratin to go along the flyaways at bay and prevent frizz from forming.

It's of import to note that if your hair is already pretty damaged to showtime, the flatiron might non exist the best choice.

2. Blow-Dryer

Using a accident-dryer to straighten your hair will give yous a more voluminous look. Similar to the flatiron, you'll want to option a blow-dryer that lets you control the heat settings. The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and the DevaDryer take customizable settings and come up with a nozzle attachment made for achieving a straighter manner.

How to accident-dry your pilus straight:

Prep your hair with a oestrus protectant and divide in to sections.
Turn your dryer on a cool-to-medium setting.
Apply a round bristle brush or a Denman brush to avoid tangles.
Hold the dryer 2 to three inches from your head and glide the brush (and the heat) down from root to tip. You want to brush your hair upward at the crown (for added volume) and downwards for the residual of your hair (for optimal smoothness and shine).

three. Rollers

The best mode to use rollers is to apply them to wet hair. When it comes to finding the right rollers, it's all about the texture of your pilus and the look you're going for. The thicker your hair, the bigger the roller should be (a bigger roller ways a looser gyre). There are a ton of options like Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter (it heats the rollers for you), Conair Magnetic Rollers (a swell preparation for straightening with the assist of pins) and Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers (which use Velcro instead of pins and are perfect for women with shorter hair).

How to apply rollers to straighten your hair:

Prep wet hair with a heat protectant and department it off.
Roll up each department and secure rollers in place with pins if needed.
One time you stop rolling your hair, let information technology air-dry out or apply a hood bonnet on low/medium heat for xxx minutes to an hour (depending on your hair texture and length). If your hair is on the thicker side, you might desire to consider using a hood bonnet for the all-time results.
Wait until your pilus is completely dry before removing the rollers (for both techniques).

The best part about rollers is that yous can use a flatiron or accident-dryer to straighten your hair fifty-fifty more afterwards. If not, you can exit your hair curled or brush it through to maintain book.

A few things to continue in mind

Regardless of which straightening approach you make up one's mind on, make sure to wrap your pilus with a satin or silk scarf before you go to bed. This will protect your newly smoothed strands from any friction while you sleep (which tin cause it to roll support). Y'all can too utilise a bit of dry shampoo on your roots to keep your way fresh for the rest of the week.

Another affair to consider: Depending on your hair texture, the products and tools you use, and any the weather condition is doing at the moment (hi, summer frizz), a method that works well for your friend might not be right for you. Everyone's hair is different then experiment with the hair tools outlined above to find what works all-time for your hair.

RELATED:The Best Anti-Frizz Hair Products for the Nearly Humid Days of Summertime