wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. So I was going through my camera and realized that I had this filmed and I never edited it to post! Keep brushing your hair until it's dry. Too much washing can strip away protective oils and can lead to frizzy hair. It's no secret that straightening your hair with a flat iron can cause heat damage if you're not taking the proper precautions; without first prepping your hair properly, using these popular tools can actually lead to some strand breakage. There are safer ways to straighten your hair than attacking it with a flat iron. "Then set the blow-dryer to medium heat, while keeping the dryer above the head and pointed down. Hair straightening irons are particularly damaging … This will rough up the strand and make it harder to achieve a sleek, straight look. You can straighten your hair just by putting in some large foam or velcro hair curlers. Wash and condition your hair. From the essential products used before you start styling to the right techniques to employ, find out what experts swear by to achieve straight hair without the use of a flat iron. Avoiding Common Mistakes Don't go for perfectly straight hair if your hair won't allow it. One of the best methods for straightening natural hair without using heat is by roller setting. Opt for a professional treatment for a semi-permanent effect like a Keratin Complex Express Blow Out treatment offered at many salons. To improve hair moisture and prevent frizzing, use a deep conditioner, or leave your regular conditioner in your hair for an extra two or three minutes. Apply deep conditioner to your hair from roots to tips and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing well. Credit: Shampoos containing keratin and argan oil are best as they smooth and strengthen the cuticle for a long-lasting style. Try making whipped coconut oil, diluting with water, and brushing a small amount into your hair. When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. It lasts anywhere between four to five months and can be repeated without worrying about damaging the hair," he says. Buy a quality flat iron with ion-neutralizing effect, as found in ceramic irons. [1] X Research source Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair. We've asked the experts to help break it all down for you. All Rights Reserved. Learning how to flat iron natural hair, without causing heat damage, is a desire of many naturals. Our third way is to get straight hair. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. While drying, be sure to use a round brush as it allows you to create the kind of tension you need to effectively manipulate the hair to lay the way you want it, notes Kat Lewis, BELLAMI head of education and expert stylist. I hit up Dominican stylists and salon owners Cynthia Henriquez and Carol Urena for some advice. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! Tips. Electric Hot Brush Round. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Quit being so ignorant. From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice. This article has been viewed 11,181 times. These questions are generally due to the horror stories about women damaging their hair. "Proteins that will help hold the style and protect against environmental damage, like macadamia oil, which works to seal the hair's cuticle [are good]. But we’re here to tell you: it’s best to use heat styling in moderation only! All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. An at-home blow-out is a surefire way to create a straight hairstyle. It's a one-hour treatment "that contains a less harsh chemical makeup and a breathable formula that works to eliminate frizz and smooth the hair without completely flattening it out, so there's still body and movement for up to six weeks," says Trey Gillen, a hairstylist at O&M Salon in New York. Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. It’s true that not all hair types can achieve the goal of straightening hair without a flat iron like thick curly hair, but for naturally wavy medium to fine hair – it is possible. Choose rollers that are large enough for your hair to go around just 1.5 times for a large "C" curl. Biology aside, there is still a way to safely straighten your hair without having to deal with a ton of heat damage. Even now that I am natural it is the same thing. Now that your hair is blow-dried, it’s time to straighten your mane with a flat iron. To use a paddle brush with a hair dryer, place the hair dryer nozzle close to the bristles of the brush. Sometimes it is possible for the hair to regain some movement, however, it will never be the same as their natural curl pattern." "Only flat-iron your hair once weekly," instructs Dorsey. Natural newbies, in particular, often have several questions related to heat damage. Wrap scarf around hair and tightly knot. Sure, flowers are nice, but homemade food gifts are the sweetest tokens of affection—especially when they're heart-shaped. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Getting your hair wet is the first step to straightening it, so start by washing and conditioning your hair. Get some large foam or velcro rollers. Too hard on yourself? I would have to run the iron over my hair more times to get it as straight as a section of hair I had not applied protectant to. Always wrap hair at night to maintain straightened hair … Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair. 1. Putting it in a bun or braid will leave creases in your hair, making it appear wavy. "Specifically, a boar bristle round brush helps drag your natural oils down the hair shaft, leaving the hair feeling soft and shiny.". Without being able to control how hot your iron is, you won't be able to adjust heat according to your hair's specific needs. This video talks about how to straighten your hair without using a flat iron. If possible, choose one based on natural oils, not silicone. Getty / Westend61, How to Straighten Your Hair Without a Flat Iron. If you haven't been using a flat iron with adjustable temperature controls, get your hands on one before the next time you intend to straighten your hair. Experts reveal their sleek hair solutions. Mousse and hairspray tend to kink or curl your hair. I am qualified to show you how to get a professional style at home. Bertin "loves" the Cloud Nine flat iron, which is available in four sizes — … Natural hair … Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. If you've already washed your hair recently, just dampen it with water. "Volumizing," "amplifying," or "body" formulas make it more difficult to keep your hair straight. If using hot air, apply heat protectant to your hair first. Also, stay away from ingredients like parabens and harsh sulfates," notes MariLynne Cosmillo, Cherry Blow Dry Bar's director of education. Last Updated: May 31, 2019 But if you want curly hair, you need to … This will help you get rid of knots and help you flat iron your hair quickly. Rub it into the lower half of your hair, away from the scalp, then brush it in. You can also blow-dry your hair in front of a fan, rather than tiring out your arm with a blow-dryer. 2. Heat-styling and natural curls usually don’t make a good match. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Learn how to have kinder self-talk. Instead, use a finishing product that smooths flyaways or creates definition and separation at the tips. You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. African American hair is curly and coarse and thus requires high heat temperature to straighten strands. Ensure combing your curly hair before you begin straightening it. Plus, MoKnowsHair constantly proves that natural hair can do this with just a straightening iron and a good heat protector. When purchasing a flatiron, look for one with customizable settings. "For long to medium styles that straighten easily, brush wet … References. Some of the stupidity in the comments are stifling. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. Wash your hair with a straightening shampoo and rinse completely. Once you're done brushing, it's important to avoid any watery hair products, like leave-in conditioners or gels. Start with freshly washed, slightly damp hair. Get the largest curlers you can find. Flat iron your hair using the chase method. Hey GlamFam! wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Never attempt to use a flat-iron on wet or even damp hair. This article has been viewed 11,181 times. Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing. Start with the lower layers of hair, around the nape of your neck and your ears. Using a Round Brush An at-home blow-out is a surefire way to create a straight hairstyle. Using a flat iron definitely, gives natural afro curly hair a super sleek straight finish. Try a coin-sized amount of natural oil instead. Use shampoo and conditioner made for straight hairstyles, or labeled "sleek" or "moisturizing." With these tips from industry experts, getting glossy, silky, straight hair is as simple as following a few steps. Using a Hair Straightener Start conditioning early. Use flat hair clips to secure hair to head. The key to flat ironing is consistent heat, so repetition is very effective in straightening hair. Save the flat iron for little touch up's (like stubborn hairline curls) but don't use it on the whole head. Flatiron. Help them thrive even when the temperature drops. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. From the essential products used before you start styling to the right techniques to employ, find out what experts swear by to achieve straight hair without the use of a flat iron. Worried about damaging your hair? There are also options that contain low levels of formaldehyde and even some that are formaldehyde-free, like the Lasio keratin treatment, says celebrity hairstylist Nunzio Saviano. Make sure the products you are using on your straight hair are water free (that means oil based or silicone based). Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. The challenge is that many methods require you to use chemicals or heat. Keep your hair in a low, loose ponytail if you want to put it up. We love the Cantu Heat Protectant Spray ($4). It's also important to avoid mineral oils and phthalates because they can strip your hair of natural oils—leaving hair dry, the scalp damaged and unable to straighten, explains Mindy McKnight, founder of Hairitage. You can straighten you hair, however, without heat and still get quality results -- and you can do it at home. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to control a fan than a blow-dryer. Cloud Nine Original Flat Iron. If you’re transitioning, heat is really the enemy, so if you must use it, try to … The other must-have tool for straightening your hair with a blow dryer is a flat paddle brush if your hair is long enough otherwise a small tooth comb works just fine. These finishing products should also be full of things that will maintain your look. Minimize Heat Exposure. Not interested in using any heat at all? Fortunately, there are ways to straighten your natural hair without actually damaging your curls. Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. "Every case is unique and depends on lots of factors (is the hair color-treated, did the heat damage come from a flat iron or blowouts). Start with freshly washed, slightly damp hair. Here are a few alternatives, ranging from thorough treatments to easy, low-investment options. Her channel is TheChicNatural. Once your hot tool is ready, run the plates of the flat iron over your strands. You can use hair clips or bobby pins instead. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. I found using a heat protectant slowed down the irons ability to straighten my hair, and that was when I was relaxed (I never had bone straight hair). Don't point the blow dryer nozzle up towards the ceiling. Women have been straightening their hair long before the invention of the flat iron. Now that your hair is ready, you can decide which option works best for you. Too much exposure to heat can cause long-lasting damage to your delicate natural curls … 5. "And grows back mostly with its natural texture and shape. % of people told us that this article helped them. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. "This will add moisture and open the hair follicle and revert the hair to the texture it had before being dried," notes Giovanni Vaccaro, Glamsquad artistic director. Leave-in conditioner or leave-in hair balm, A mix of 4 oz (120 mL) camellia oil and 1 oz (30 mL) avocado oil. Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space. Apply conditioner to damp or wet hair, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it out. 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