How to Straighten Hair like a Pro!
I decided to do a post on straightening hair because I find myself still asking the best ways to flat iron Coarse/Thick hair.
My Hair is very fine and very naturally straight so I don't use flat irons that often on myself
But I do have tons of clients who are avid about straightening their hair
I hope these tips help, let me know what additional tips you have!
{Pick the right size Flat Iron}
Flat irons are like clothes, they are not one-size fits all. The length and thickness of your hair should determine the size of your iron. The right size iron will be easier to maneuver, straighten your hair more efficiently, and decrease the risk of overheating and damaging hair.
For short, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with narrow plates ranging in size from half-an-inch to one-inch thick. This will allow you to iron smaller sections.
For long, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with wider plates ranging in size from one-and-a-half inches to two-inches wide so you're able to cover more surface area in less time.
{Heat Setting}
Your hair texture and type should determine your heat setting. Most professionals use an iron with variable heat settings, but a drugstore iron (if you are on a tight budget) will work on some hair types as they are set to a higher, workable temperature and if the density of your hair is average, than you should be okay. If you do have the ability to purchase an iron with a variable heat setting, then do so. The more your iron caters to your specific hair needs, the less likely you will be to damage your hair.
For fine or damaged hair: 250-300 degrees
For medium/average hair: 300-350 degrees
For thick or coarse hair: 350-400 degrees
{Material}
Look for flat irons that use ceramic, tourmaline or titanium metals. They will heat more evenly causing less heat damage to your hair. They are the "gentlest on the hair" because they release negative ions which work to tighten the hair's cuticle. This produces a shinier, healthier, less frizzy look and feel. On the flip side, be weary of irons that are ceramic coated or Teflon coated as they will heat a little more unevenly, and tend to have a more drying effect.
{Top Irons according to Total Beauty readers}
{Prepping the Hair}
Once you've found the best iron for your hair, the next crucial step to straightening your strands like a pro is preparing your hair for the heat it's about to undergo. Here's how:
Preparation for fine hair: Wash hair with a lightweight hydrating shampoo like
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner
$27 Each
. Once out of the shower use a Heat Protectant like
Pureology Heat Protectant Spray
$24
Blow dry hair to create volume by lifting at the roots. Smooth hair from the mid-shaft to your ends using tension and a natural boar bristle brush
My favorite brush is
Phillips Monster Vent Round Brush
{Super Sleek Style}
Step 1: Start by clipping your blow dried hair into manageable sections -- the thicker your hair, the more sections you should create. Starting on the bottom half of your head, near the nape of your neck, grab a half-an-inch to two-inch section of hair.
Step 2: Starting half-an-inch down from your roots (this will help your hair maintain some volume), quickly smooth the iron down the hair shaft making sure to move at a steady pace. Continue this until you have straightened the bottom and mid-sections of your head.
Step 3: For the final sections near the crown of your head, lift hair off your scalp and get the iron as close to your roots as possible, pressing firmly while drawing the iron straight outward from your head to achieve a flat, smooth finish.
Step 4: Mist with shine spray.
{Straight Look With Volume}
For a fuller, more voluminous look -- like the one seen here on Jennifer Aniston, you will want to hold the iron a bit differently. Iron from the mid-shaft to ends, still moving the iron straight out to the sides, lifting from the scalp. For added flip, twist your wrist slightly away from your face once you've reached the end of a straightened section for a bit of bounce. Mist with a shine spray or flexible hold hairspray.
{Things to Avoid}
- Do not iron hair when wet, as this is a sure way to fry your strands.
- Do not use broken or chipped hot tools, as they can be dangerous.
- Do not use a flat iron everyday as any tool or procedure involving high heat will dry the hair and make it brittle over time, especially with prolonged and frequent use.
{Clean your Iron}
After every use you should always clean your hot tools with an iron cleaner or lukewarm water and a cloth when the iron is cooled off in order to remove any product buildup on the plates.
Hot Tools Styling Iron Cleaner
$10
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