How To Straighten You Hair – With or Without Heat

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Basically, there are two ways for how to straighten your hair. The first one is using heat, meaning using straightening iron or a hairdryer, and the other is using natural ways to achieve straight look. Now, we have nothing against curls and waves. They are exciting and fun. However, they are also hard to keep neat. And if you want to switch up your look, straightening your hair is always a good idea.

Silky straight hair gives you an elegant, sleek, and sophisticated look. It is something you want when you are out on a date. We have to note that we are well aware of the challenges of straightening your hair, as it can cause damage to the hair. However, what we also preach is the use of proper equipment and technique in order to preserve your hair’s health as much as possible. And in that spirit, we hope that you will find our guides for how to straighten hair very helpful.

How To Straighten Your Hair Using Heat

Using A Straightening Iron

Using a straightening iron is probably the most common way to get straight hair. It is something every hairdresser learns in school. And it is probably something every woman alive learns to do at one point. But a straightening iron can cause a lot of damage to your hair if you are not using a proper technique. With that in mind, we would love to help you achieve the look you want, but at no cost of your hair’ health. Here is a step by step guide how to get straight hair using an iron.

1. Wash and blow-dry your hair, as straightening works best on freshly washed hair. While washing, make sure you use products that are designed for your hair type, for example, smoothing shampoo for thick and frizzy hair. When drying your hair, dry the roots first, and then work through the lengths. If you want to add more volume, turn your head upside down.

2. Apply a heat protection spray to make sure your hair is not suffering too much damage. This spray is designed to lock in moisture and prevent hair from becoming dry. Apply it evenly on your dry hair. Do not apply to the roots, as it can cause them to look greasy.

3. It is now time to straighten your hair, and you have to divide it into sections. This will ensure you straighten your hair properly without missing any strands. Start by taking the front sections to create your first layer, and scooping them back with your thumbs to grab all of the hair on the crown of your head. Twist it and secure this layer with a butterfly clip to separate it. For your second layer, scoop up the hair that remains above your ears. The third layer is any hair which remains unclipped, which is usually hair at the back of your hair. Continue as needed.

4. The trick when using the straightening iron is to set the correct temperature. This ensures you get the best results and do not cause any unnecessary damage to your hair. For example, for fine or damaged hair, set the temperature between 200 and 300F. For hair of average thickness in good condition set the iron between 300 and 350F, and for thick or coarse hair, go with a temperature between 350 and 400F.

5. For best results, straighten your hair in strands that are 1 to 2 inches wide and no more than half an inch thick. Hold the hair taut, and use one hand to hold the section of the taut, while you clamp the straightening iron around it with your second hand. If your hair is not straight, go with the iron again. To leave a little volume in your hair, and make sure it doesn’t look flat, begin about an inch away from the roots. Always use smooth, not jerky movements. Try to run the iron in one smooth and fluid movement. Continue to the next layer.

6. Watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you do not miss any sections. Once you are done, style your hair as you wish, and top it off with a finishing product, like a silicone-based serum for shine.

Using A Hairdryer

If you do not have a flat iron at your home, you can also use a hairdryer. Here are the steps by steps guide.

1. As with the flat iron, you need to wash your hair first. Only apply conditioner to the ends of your hair to prevent greasiness. Once you apply conditioner, use a wide-toothed comb to work through any tangles.

2. If you want to straighten your hair with a dryer, you need to towel-dry your hair. Once you step out of the shower, just wrap your hair in an absorbent, microfiber towel and leave it for a few minutes.  Remember, do not rub your hair, as it can cause breakage.

3. Once your hair is damp, comb out any tangles. Be gentle, you do not want to cause breakage. Apply a detangling mist if your hair is knotted.

4. At this point, you need to apply a small amount of straightening serum or cream to the ends of your hair, and then gently massage it.

5. Turn the hairdryer on to a high speed and heat, and begin roughly drying your hair. Focus on the roots, and use your fingers to lift and separate the hair. Do not brush yet. Point the hairdryer downwards to keep the hair smooth and frizz-free.

6. Now, divide your hair into sections before you finish with blow drying. Straighten one layer at the time. Split the hair into three layers, one at the crown of your head, one at the middle, and one at the back. Use butterfly clips to make sure each layer stays in place while you work.

7. Take a section that is between 2 and 4 inches wide and hold it taut with a hairbrush. Direct the airflow downwards while you are blow drying the hair and holding the hair with a brush. Dry each section of hair, and then finish off with a blast of cool air to add shine.

How To Straighten Hair Without Heat

If you are against using heat for straightening your hair, we have good news for you. It is doable. Now, you cannot get completely tangled hair straight without some heat. But if you have finer hair that carries a bit of wave, you can completely straighten it.

Use a blow dryer with cold air

If you’ve mastered the blowout technique, try an alternative. Instead of hot air, blow cold air. After you dry your hair about three quarters, divide into sections as you would normally do. Set the blow dryer on the “cool” setting, and move a round hair brush continuously from root to tip. While it will not take a lot more time, you do need to apply straightening serum. Cold air will cause less damage to your hair.

Wrap your hair

This is one of the more popular techniques for how to straighten hair without heat. The trick is doing it effectively. The basics are pretty much the same, as you will need long bobby pins, and a satin hair wrapping turban or scarf. Separate the top section where you part your hair, and use a fine-toothed comb to make it flat. Hold the hair taut, bring it around to the opposite side of the head where it naturally falls, pin it tightly, and repeat for each section of the hair. Secure it with a hair turban before you go to sleep, and it will be straight in the morning. You can check some tutorials if you are a beginner.

Sleep with your hair wet

Now, this might sound ironic, as most hair experts will tell you never sleep with hair wet. But Kendall Jenner does this, in order to get a nice texture to her hair. The trick here is to use a hairband to tie loose ponytail at the top of your head, and then wrap your hair around to create a bun shape. Secure it in the end with a hair tie. Make sure you have a satin pillowcase for this to work or use an ultra-fine microfiber hair towel.