How to straighten your hair with a hair straightener. How to straighten hair with an iron correctly? How to straighten your hair with an iron correctly

It’s probably difficult to find a girl who doesn’t dream of beautiful hair. Although the concept of beauty can be different. Women are paradoxical creatures by nature. Having long thick and straight hair, many try to get curls. Those whose hair is endowed with curly curls dream of a smooth hairstyle. And if straight hair has long been learned to curl with various devices, giving it the desired waviness, then beauties were given the opportunity to straighten unruly curls only in the last century. If you are a representative of the second category, you should know how to straighten hair with an iron(styler) to achieve the desired effect and not cause harm.

What determines the waviness of hair?
A few more tips

Why did nature order it so that some people have curls on their heads, others have only slightly curly hair, and others have straight curls? Human hair, like the entire body, has its own structure.

The outer part, which we all take such zealous care of, is called the core.
The part located under the scalp is the root or as it is also called the hair follicle. The follicle envelops the root and it is its shape that determines what kind of hair grows on the head. Round follicles are found in people with straight hair.
Curly hair grows from oval follicles, while curls grow from kidney-shaped follicles. That is why it is possible to change the structure of the hair for a short time and only thanks to various tricks.

Let's look at the hair straightening process. Today we will not talk about cosmetics, but will describe the process of straightening hair using an iron.

What to look for when choosing an iron

Modern beauties are very lucky that a lot of time has passed since the first straightening iron was patented in 1906. The first prototypes of modern devices greatly damaged hair, which over time became dull and fell out. Therefore, the improvement of stylers did not stop. Over time, irons began to be equipped with additional functions, adjustment of modes, and the material from which they were made changed. Despite this, even now you should be careful when choosing a straightening device. The main element plates have three versions:

metal;
ceramics;
with coating: tourmaline or ionic ceramic.

Nowadays there are still irons with metal plates. But even if you plan to straighten your curls no more than twice a month, do not buy such a device. Its use can lead not only to hair loss of shine and split ends, but also to brittleness and hair loss.

Focus on a device with ceramic coating on plates. It doesn’t matter that it takes longer to heat up, but it won’t do any harm. Gliding easily through the strands, this styler straightens the hair without damaging it. But if you are more concerned about the health of your hair and the cost of the device is not important, opt for a professional straightening iron. In addition to the desired effect of straight curls, such a styler can be beneficial. Devices with tourmaline or ionic ceramic plates, when heated, release negative ions that improve the structure of the hairs. So the straightening process is combined with the restoration process.

So, we do the hair straightening process step by step. In short, everything is in order:

Before straightening your hair, you need to wash it. If you are using a non-professional device, protect your strands with a special thermal protectant.
Dry clean hair completely. If you use a hairdryer, use brushing for a better effect.
Start the straightening process starting from the back of your head. Gather a mop on the top of your head and take one strand at a time. The thinner it is, the better the result.
Having fixed the iron at the roots of the strand, move without stopping until the very ends. Then split off the next strand and repeat the process. And so on.
After you have straightened all your hair, comb it. For long lasting effect, use varnish.

Modern straightening devices have a thermostat.

Be sure to set the temperature taking into account the hair structure. If you have thin and brittle ones, temperatures up to 150 degrees will be enough. It will take longer to straighten, but the hair will not be damaged much.
If you have medium-thick curls, you should not heat the curling iron above 180 degrees. If your hair is unruly and thick, you can use a higher temperature setting.
You should not use the iron too often, a maximum of a couple of times a week.
Do not use it on dirty hair; under hot curling iron, the remaining sebum and dirt will begin to harden and the desired effect will not be obtained.
If you straighten your hair every day, then use nourishing masks or special restorative products.
Burdock oil is very useful for damaged hair. Apply it to the scalp and the entire surface of the hair. Then wrap your head for 1 hour and rinse with warm water with a small splash of vinegar. It is worth doing this procedure every week. You can add the yolk to the butter. This mask will not only restore the hair structure, but also accelerate its growth.

When making your hair perfectly straight, use professional straightening irons and do not forget about various restorative procedures, then your hair will always be beautiful and healthy.

Manufacturers of cosmetic products and hair devices greatly simplify the life of the fair half of humanity. A variety of straightening irons with temperature control options allow you to style your hair in minutes. However, before starting the procedure, it is important to learn all the intricacies of working with hairdressing tools.

Styling products

Thermal protection and means of fixing curls are essential when straightening hair with an iron. The product is selected purely individually depending on the type and structure of hair. The purchased products will not be used only for straightening; they can also be applied to curls when drying with a hairdryer.

Give preference to products containing vitamins A, E, ceramides, silk proteins and plant extracts. The components of styling products will make your hair soft, voluminous and protect it from regular exposure to high temperatures. Before applying the composition, carefully read the instructions.

Spray. The components moisturize and nourish the hair, covering it with a protective film. If you have dull and brittle curls, choose a spray. Before purchasing, read the “Composition” column, the product must contain panthenol, it penetrates the hair structure, protecting it from the inside. The spray is applied to wet and dry curls, there is no fundamental difference, it can also be used separately as a fixative for damaged hair. The product is inexpensive and is sprayed in a thin layer, so one bottle will last for a long period.
Mousse. Hair foam is needed to create voluminous curls; it perfectly fixes the hairstyle and preserves the result for a long time. When purchasing a high-quality mousse, your hair will not stick together; it is advisable to give preference to options with thermal protection. They are suitable for all types and are useful for using not only a straightening iron, but also a curling iron, hair dryer, and curlers. There is one important feature: the foam is applied to damp hair, then dried and distributed again onto dry hair.
Mask. Special cosmetics of this type are designed mainly to nourish hair. Masks are used as an additional styling method; they are applied while taking a bath or shower and left for 20 minutes. You need to cover the strands moving from the middle to the ends, without touching the roots. It is advisable to combine masks with a spray or mousse; on their own, they are ineffective in terms of thermal protection. They cannot be used daily; the optimal frequency of use ranges from 1 to 3 times a week.
Shampoo. The product is used both as a main styling product and as an auxiliary product. Manufacturers produce shampoos with a thermal protection effect, which create an invisible layer on the hair. The product perfectly protects curls when exposed to any thermal devices. A shampoo of this series maintains shine to the hair, saturates it with vitamins and retains moisture, due to which damaged strands are restored.
Balm. Hair conditioner perfectly seals ends, nourishes curls and makes combing easier. The balm is used as an additional product to shampoo; it is available with a thermal protection function. Give preference only to the professional series, choose conditioner of the same brand as the shampoo. After it, masks are used, a triple effect is obtained. The balm is applied along the entire length without affecting the root zone. It is advisable to keep the composition not for 3 minutes, as stated by the manufacturer, but for a quarter of an hour.
Serum. There are many products that make straightening with an iron easier. Serums can be nourishing, moisturizing, straightening and healing. All of them, as a rule, have thermal protection, so after washing your hair, you can apply them to your hair, dry it and start working with the iron. Each manufacturer includes instructions for use; you should definitely read them. The serum can be applied to both dry and wet hair; this point is worth considering.

The styling product you choose depends on how much curl your hair has. During the straightening process, each strand will be subjected to prolonged exposure to temperature, so you will need a strong product like a serum, mask or mousse. If your hair is slightly curly, it is better to choose a spray.

Wash your hair with warm water and apply shampoo. Massage the mixture into your scalp and then rinse. Then apply the product again and distribute it over the entire length, not in circular movements, but in the direction from roots to ends.
After shampoo, a balm is always used. Distribute it evenly along the entire length, without treating the root area. Keep the mixture on your hair for about 10 minutes, then rinse.
If you decide to use a mask, apply it from the middle to the ends. Carefully treat split hairs and wait 15 minutes. After washing your hair, wrap it in a towel and wait 20 minutes until the moisture is absorbed. Do not pull your hair, such movements contribute to its splitting.
Be sure to apply styling products with heat protection, and then proceed to blow-dry. Dry off any moisture thoroughly, otherwise you risk damaging your curls during the straightening process.
Take a flat comb, divide the hair into 4 equal parts, moving from temple to temple and from the middle of the forehead to the neck. Pin the top two sections with barber clips at the top of the head. Comb the lower curls well, starting from the ends and gradually moving up.
Take a section from the back of your neck and run the iron over it. Do not pinch the curling iron too hard, otherwise the hair will not be straightened equally. Walk 3-5 times until fully straightened. If your curls are very frizzy, take breaks to let them cool down.
Next, move in a horizontal direction, first one ear, then the other, repeating the previous manipulations. Once you're done with the bottom row, pin it up with flat clips, separating it from the top curls. You need to create a kind of wall between straightened and unstraightened hair.
Unravel one upper part, separate a curl at the back of the head with a comb and go over it several times with an iron. Try not to snag already straightened hair. For convenience, you can put a strand on a comb and pick it up with tongs from there. After one part has been straightened, unravel the second and do the same.
Now you need to go through the hair growing along the forehead and temples, grabbing strands from the top and bottom at the same time. In this way, styling will look harmonious, emphasizing the cheekbones, jaw, and chin.
After the procedure, spray your hair with hairspray at a distance of 20 cm, or use wax, first rubbing it between your palms.

If you have soft hair that is easy to style, set the temperature to no more than 150 degrees. For those with thick and thick hair, the 190 degree setting is suitable.
Do not try to straighten split ends that stick out in different directions. By focusing on them, you will ruin your hair even more. Visit your hairdresser once a month to have damaged hair trimmed.
Daily straightening puts your hair under a lot of stress; in this case, neither masks, nor serums, nor professional treatments in the salon can save it. The only option would be scissors. Carry out the procedure a maximum of 3 times a week.
During the straightening process, do not clamp the plates tightly; movements should be smooth, measured, without a long delay at one point.
Ladies who use tourmaline, ceramic or metal plates should carefully monitor them. Styling products stick to the surface, causing them to burn and damage your hair. In such cases, it is better not to use mousse, serum, spray and other water-indelible cosmetics.
Straighten only clean hair; dirt and dust also stick to the surface, rendering the hair and the device unusable.
Don't listen to those who say that straightening irons are better at straightening wet hair. This is the biggest mistake you can make. The device heats water, which conducts heat well, causing hair to deteriorate 3 times more.
After a successful straightening procedure, avoid moisture. In the shower, use a silicone or plastic cap; when it rains, cover your head with a scarf or hood, even while under an umbrella.
Never adjust a procedure a second time. Due to the use of varnish or wax, the curls will stick together and form a stake.
If you have severely damaged hair, avoid straightening it. Otherwise, use shampoo, conditioner, mask and thermal protection spray; the products must be from the same series.
When choosing curling irons, give preference to Teflon and titanium plates; they heat up evenly, as a result of which they straighten the strands over the entire surface.

Can't straighten your hair with an iron? Wash your hair thoroughly, apply conditioner and a mask with thermal protection. Buy a spray, mousse or serum for better results. Before the procedure, thoroughly dry your hair with a hairdryer, making sure that there are no wet strands left. Always divide your hair into 4 parts, and start the procedure from the bottom rows.

Video: how to straighten your hair without ironing

One of the most popular ways to straighten hair at home is to use a straightener (straightener, styler, tongs). However, not everyone is familiar with the intricacies of working with it. The consequence of this may be overdried strands, their untidy appearance, and insufficient efficiency of using the device. You can avoid negative consequences by choosing the right iron and following the recommendations for its use.

Preparation

Choosing a straightener is the main step towards beautiful, smooth hair. It will depend on him:

the effectiveness of this straightening method;
maintaining hair health;
ease of use;
the ability to select the optimal temperature;
safety of using the device.

There are different types of irons. The main thing you need to pay attention to is the material from which the plates are made. The functionality of the device largely depends on this. Let's look at the most common of them.

Metal

This is the most budget option. However, it is dangerous for hair health. The metal plates in the device have uneven thermal conductivity. The result will be overdried, damaged strands. It is impossible to sufficiently minimize the negative impact of such ironing.

Teflon

These are metal plates coated with Teflon. It provides easier glide through the strands. They do not stick to this material and look healthier after the procedure. Unlike metal plates, Teflon plates neutralize static and lead to a more effective result. A significant disadvantage of these irons is their short service life, on average 1 year.

Ceramic

Ceramic straighteners are always equipped with a thermostat. May have various useful functions, such as ionization or steam supply. Such devices will last for a long time, depending on the quality of the ceramics and assembly.

Tourmaline

These plates are made of tourmaline-coated ceramic, which significantly improves the quality of the irons. They do not need an ionization function, since tourmaline releases negatively charged particles when heated. This allows you to remove static.

The surface of tourmaline straighteners is smooth and provides easy glide. Styling agents do not stick to it. Characterized by their gentle action, these straighteners are suitable for weakened and colored hair. Their cost is higher than ceramic ones, but their long service life justifies the cost.

Titanium

Titanium is the lightest and strongest metal. Plates made of this material heat up quickly and evenly. They also neutralize static electricity. These irons do not have a harmful effect and are effective in use.

Combined

Such plates include titanium-tourmaline, ceramic-marble and other types of irons. Combination plates combine the best properties of different materials to achieve wear resistance and improve straightening quality.

When choosing, you must take into account the presence of a thermostat, the absence of sharp corners on the plates, the mobility, smoothness and width of the plates depending on the length and structure of the hair. The longer the length, the wider the plates can be. For coarse hair, it is better to choose narrower plates for better processing. To straighten bangs and multi-level hairstyles, you also need to choose a straightener with narrow plates so that creases do not form during stretching.

Before you start styling, it is important to remember that an incorrect procedure will lead to hair damage. Straightening should be done on a clean and almost dry head. Dirty hair after a styler will look untidy. The preparatory stage consists of two main points: washing and drying hair.

Washing head

It is necessary to rinse your hair thoroughly, paying special attention to the root area, and then apply conditioner. It would be better if it had a smoothing property to make further work easier. All products should be rinsed well in warm water to smooth out the scales. After this, the hair should be lightly wrung out with a towel and combed using a brush for wet hair.

Drying hair

You can dry your hair naturally or with a hairdryer. It is better to avoid any styling products before straightening. When exposed to high temperatures, they begin to bake on the hair, damaging it.

The exception is heat protection spray. It glues the hair plates together and prolongs the straightening effect. It is better to apply the spray to wet hair before using a hair dryer. This makes it easier to distribute.

The main thing is not to dry out your head at this stage. If you use a straightener on completely dry hair, then during the procedure it will begin to use vital moisture from its structure. However, it is also not worth carrying out the procedure on damp hair, otherwise the effect of the device on it will be too long.

Hair should be about 5% damp after blow drying. This percentage is difficult to determine tactilely. During drying, you need to control the humidity with your hand. At the moment when moisture is no longer felt on the treated area, you need to stop using the hair dryer. The residual excess water will remain and will not only minimize the impact on hair health, but will also help the iron do its job well.

The entire preparatory stage should be limited to ensuring that the iron glides easily and its impact on the strands is short. Therefore, your hair needs to be well prepared for straightening. Especially if you have to straighten curly strands. In this case, it is better to start pulling them out while drying with a hairdryer using brushing.

As soon as the preparation stage is over, you must immediately move on to straightening to preserve the excess moisture left behind.

Step-by-step instruction

The procedure can be easily performed at home by yourself. It’s enough to take your time and carry out all the steps step by step.

First of all, the hair needs to be fixed correctly. If they are short, then you can collect them in two tails: at the back of the head and at the top. If your hair is long, you can make one ponytail higher. The tail should be weak so that the strands can be pulled out easily. After this, you should move on to the main stage.

Straightening begins with the lowest strands near the neck. You must first move horizontally until the bottom row ends, then go up one row. The thickness of one strand is on average 3-4 cm. The straightener is carried out from the roots with a slight indentation, so as not to burn the scalp or damage the hair follicles, to the ends. And this is how each row of strands is processed from bottom to top.

After using a styler on the root area, the hair subsequently gets dirty faster. Therefore, if your hair is naturally straight, and the styler is used to give it additional smoothness, then you can start straightening not from the very roots, but a little lower.

On curly hair the transition will be noticeable, so you need to pull the strands from the base.

The same recommendation is suitable for those who ultimately want to get a hairstyle with volume. In this case, owners of curly hair can avoid touching the root area on the inner strands of the hairstyle. And straighten the upper strands from the roots with a safe minimum indentation.

To make your hairstyle perfectly straight and smooth, you need to move the iron exactly in a straight line, without turning it around its axis. The stiffer the structure, the thinner the strand should be. You need to move slowly, without staying in one place for more than two seconds. It is advisable to run the styler on one strand no more than once. The ends of the hair can be slightly curled - the hairstyle will look natural.

In general, this installation is done quite quickly, and the effect is very noticeable. But you need to remember that this effect will quickly disappear in a humid environment. Rain, snow, and even styling or hair care products can quickly ruin your hairstyle. Especially if your hair is naturally curly.

In general, this procedure has become familiar and loved by many. At the same time, you need to understand that there are no absolutely safe irons, and you need to take a responsible approach not only to its choice, but also to the technique of its use. One of the most important parameters that you need to pay special attention to is the temperature of the iron, which is optimally suited to your hair type.

Optimal temperature

Each hair type has its own temperature range. For thin, weakened or painted ones, a heating temperature of 130°C to 160°C is suitable. Normal hair can be straightened at temperatures between 160°C and 175°C. For strong, hard ones, you can set the temperature from 175°C to 200°C.

Having chosen your range according to the structure, you need to start straightening along its lower boundary. If, for example, a strand of fine hair is effectively smoothed at 130°C, no further increase in temperature is required. If the result is insufficient, you should increase the temperature by one thermostat step. And so you can move in your range until the most acceptable mark is selected.

It is worth noting here that the higher the temperature, the stronger the effect and speed of straightening. Therefore, the temptation to set the temperature higher is quite great. But even a slight excess from the sufficient level affects the condition of the hair. And since the procedure is not absolutely safe, you should not subject your hair to more testing.

Having chosen the safest temperature for hair, knowing the technique of working with a styler, it is important not to forget about safety precautions when using it.

Safety precautions

The rules for using a straightening iron include both general requirements for electrical appliances and individual recommendations to minimize its negative impact on hair. The list includes a number of items.

Do not allow water to get on the iron.
It must be kept away from children.
Do not touch its hot parts. If necessary, you can use a heat-protective glove.
The device can only be placed on a heat-resistant surface.
Do not leave the rectifier switched on unattended.
It is not recommended to use the iron at maximum temperature.
After each use, it should be wiped first with a damp cloth and then with a soft, dry cloth.
Do not wrap the cord around the appliance. It is necessary to periodically check its serviceability.
It is not advisable to use the straightener frequently. It is recommended to straighten their hair no more than once a week.

In addition to the rules for using the device, there are recommendations for the care and restoration of hair after the procedure.

Hair care after the procedure

After exposure of hair to high temperatures, it inevitably loses its vitality and becomes more vulnerable. Therefore, it is necessary to protect them from additional negative external influences. Among them, the following have a harmful effect:

direct sunlight;
chlorinated water;
aggressive substances in hair care products;
metal brushes and hairpins;
tight hairstyles;
aggressive styling;
diets;
procedures to change the appearance of hair, for example, dyeing, lamination.

There is a wide selection of hair restoration products on the market. It must be remembered that many of them only mask the problem, but do not have a beneficial effect on the hair. In order not to aggravate the situation, you must definitely become familiar with their composition. Among various remedies, masks and oils have proven themselves well.

Masks can be mixed from natural products at home. This is an economical care option without harming your hair. Among the ingredients most often used are egg white or yolk, honey, herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula, burdock and others), kefir, cognac, and capsicum tinctures. Capsules with vitamins A and E, which are added in the amount of two drops to the selected mixture, have proven themselves well.

Particular attention should be paid to oils. They are applied to half the length of the hair or to the ends, added to hair care cosmetics and homemade masks.

The most effective for hair are several types of oils.

Hair straightening at home can be done quickly and easily using a flat hair straightener. Ceramic flat irons are generally considered better because they cause less damage to the hair. Professional ceramic straightening irons emit negative ions and infrared heat, which retains moisture in hair while straightening. By using the right straightening technique and the right hair products before and after straightening, you can keep your hair straight all day long and protect it from heat damage. Follow our tips to learn how to properly straighten your hair from start to finish.

Steps

Part 1

Preparing hair for heat treatment

Use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for straightening or smoothing hair. You don't have to buy expensive products: any you can find in your nearest cosmetic store, supermarket or pharmacy will do. Just choose products that are designed to straighten and/or moisturize.

After washing, dry your hair with a towel. Use a towel to remove excess water from your hair by gently squeezing it out strand by strand. Do not roughly rub or ruffle your hair. Drying your hair with a towel will help you cope with the excessive tendency of your hair to become frizzy and frizzy after a shower.

Apply a heat protection serum or other protectant to damp hair. You should apply the product to damp hair: this will make it easier for you to distribute it evenly throughout your hair, without allowing the product to accumulate in certain places. After applying the product, comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb.

Blow dry your hair. To straighten, your hair must be completely dry. This will not only allow you to use the iron more efficiently, but will also prevent you from burning your hair.

The air flow from the hair dryer should be directed downward when drying hair. Air movement away from the roots helps hair dry straight.
Set the hair dryer to the lowest temperature. If you have particularly curly, frizzy hair, dry it for longer at a low temperature to prevent it from becoming frizzy during the drying process.

Part 2

Correct technique

Connect the iron to the mains and press the power button. Next to the power button on the iron there should be a regulator that allows you to set the desired heating temperature. The thicker and curlier the hair, the higher the temperature should be. If your hair is thin and brittle, use the lowest temperature possible to avoid damaging it.

Divide your hair into sections. The number of strands depends on the thickness of your hair. The main thing is to take strands 2.5–5 cm wide, which can easily pass through the straightening iron.
- While you straighten a single strand, pin the rest with pins or a hair clip so that they do not interfere.
- An easy way to keep your locks in place is to pin them up or behind your back. Then pull individual strands forward and straighten.
Place the straightening iron as close to the roots as possible without getting burned. Typically, the distance between the scalp and the iron should be about 2.5 cm.

Press the iron so that the heated flaps close together and the hair is between them. Don't squeeze the iron too hard as this will create a kink where you started straightening. Also, do not keep the iron in one place for a long time: this also leads to the appearance of kinks in the hair.

Run the iron down the entire length of the strand. The movement should be smooth and even from roots to tips. The most important part of proper technique is not to leave the iron in one place too long. This can damage your hair and create unwanted kinks.
Run the iron over the strand several times until it is completely straight. Depending on the thickness of your hair, you may need to do this once or more.
- The ironing temperature setting also affects how many times you have to iron each individual strand.
- The lower the temperature, the more times you will need to run the iron through the hair strand.
- Don't worry if you notice steam coming from the iron. The steam comes from the contact of hot ceramics and residual moisture in your hair. If you smell your hair burning, immediately turn your iron to a lower temperature.
Move the straightened strand aside and release the next one for straightening. It's usually easier to go from one side of your head to the other rather than picking strands at random, which makes it easier to separate the treated strands from the untreated strands. If a strand gets tangled while pinned, it will need to be combed before straightening.
- If your hair tends to get frizzy, apply hairspray or setting serum to each strand immediately after straightening.
- Do not apply any products to your hair before straightening. This may interfere with the straightening process, damaging the hair or the iron.

Part 3

Keeping your hair straight

Use a comb. When straightening the strand, run a wide-tooth comb over it a couple of centimeters in front of the iron as it moves down.
Before using the straightener, your hair should be clean, dry and combed.
Try not to touch your hair too much, as there is usually a lot of oil on your fingers.
Before using the iron, check the temperature conditions. While it was turned off, you could accidentally move the switch.
To prevent frizz, use a leave-in conditioner before drying and straightening.
Brush your hair slowly and thoroughly to avoid leaving any tangled strands.
Don't straighten your hair every day: it's harmful.
When you straighten your hair, don't immediately put the straightener in a box or closet. Place it on the counter and let it cool. This way you will avoid the risk of fire.
Do not bring the iron too close to the skin to avoid getting burned.
Set your iron to the temperature that suits your hair. Don't make it too high to avoid burning your hair. However, if you have curly hair, don't set the temperature too low or it won't straighten.

An iron is a universal hairdressing tool: you can use it to both curl and straighten your hair, but you need to do it correctly.

How to straighten your hair correctly: where to start

The path to straight hair starts in the store. Here is a small list of things that will be useful for an effective procedure.

Balm or mask

If your hair is very frizzy, be sure to use a special leveling balm. It is applied to damp curls and immediately washed off with water.

You will have to keep the mask on longer (the duration of action depends on the recommendations of the manufacturer of the product), but the hair will also be more deeply saturated with useful substances.

Preliminary procedures are necessary to ensure that the styling effect lasts for a long time. This is especially true at high air humidity.

Sprays and mousses

Special sprays will help straighten your curls. They are applied immediately before the start of the procedure. Some products contain additional heat protection, while others simply smooth out frizz.

The main advantage of mousses is protection from getting wet. Wet hair immediately returns to its previous shape, so it is important to keep it dry.

Brushing comb

It is difficult to completely straighten curls using only a comb and a hairdryer. However, using brushing during drying will make further work with the iron much easier.

Pry the strands with a comb and “pull” them from top to bottom. Apply a stream of warm air from a hair dryer in the same direction.

Choose brushes with natural bristles; they are most effective for straightening.

Hairpins or elastic bands

When straightening your hair yourself, you will need to divide it into several parts. To secure the curls, use small crab clips or small elastic bands.

Iron

How successful straightening using an iron will be depends largely on the tool itself.

If you are just going to purchase it, pay attention to the coating of the working surface, the presence of overheating protection and the overall convenience of the design.

The most popular material for heating plates is ceramics.

Devices with additional spraying are more expensive, but, for example, silver ions will make the strands smoother and shinier.

Straightening with an iron: choosing a heat protectant

Whatever material you choose, it is quite difficult to avoid overheating, so heat protectants are needed for any styling, especially for straightening with an iron. They are divided:

By method of use:

Needs to be washed off with water

Heat protection can be included in your shampoo, conditioner or conditioner. Vitamins E and B5 protect the hair from overheating. Protein and green tea extract also help a lot.

If your cosmetics already contain such nutritional elements, you do not need to use additional products.

No need to rinse off

How to straighten curly hair

The more curled your curls are, the longer it will take to warm them up. Accordingly, you will need a stronger product, such as a mask or nourishing serum. To even out small curls, you can get by with a light spray.

How to properly straighten your hair with an iron: step-by-step instructions

To simplify your task and get the desired result, proceed step by step:

Wash your hair with shampoo;
Apply a balm or mask and rinse thoroughly with water after completing the procedure;
Dry your curls well with a towel;
Apply straightening aids (mousses, sprays, etc.) and thermal protection;
Using a hairdryer, completely dry the strands (use brushing!);
Divide the hair into two parts - upper and lower (if its volume is large enough, increase the number of parts to 3-4);
Pin the upper part with a hairpin, comb the lower part thoroughly;
Separate a small strand from any side convenient for you and iron it until completely straightened (pass the heated plates several times along the strand from top to bottom). Continue the procedure with each subsequent curl;
When the bottom row is finished, carefully gather it with an elastic band and unravel the top one;
Repeat for the next row;
Use a strong hold varnish to maintain your hairstyle for a long time.

How to straighten your hair with an iron without damaging it

Even if you use all the suggested products, sooner or later, using a straightener will have a negative impact on your hair.

You can determine whether your hair is damaged by the condition of its ends. If you discover an unpleasant phenomenon, go to your hairdresser for an extraordinary haircut. There is no need to feel sorry - forked ends spoil the appearance of the styling.

To put off going to the salon for as long as possible, read the recommendations on what not to do when straightening with a flat iron:

Don't straighten your hair more than twice a week. Frequent use of a straightening iron can lead to brittle and dry hair;
If you have a thermostat, do not switch it above 120 degrees;
Do not hold the iron in one place for more than 2-3 seconds, move smoothly along the strand with the same intensity;
If you use Teflon or metal coated irons, discard any cosmetics that do not wash off with water. Otherwise, the instrument will quickly become dirty and unusable;
Do not style on dirty curls: heating plates can become greasy and work worse;
Do not use the iron on damp or wet strands (except for special models of the tool with a built-in drying system). You risk damaging their structure and burning your scalp.

Proper straightening of your curls will not only create a new look, but will also give your hair a healthy look. Under the influence of a straightening iron (with a properly selected coating), the strands become soft, smooth and shiny. To maintain the effect for a long time, do not forget to nourish your hair, use thermal protection and modern care products.