The search for the most efficient and effective way to straighten curly hair can be a long and winding journey, but worry not, because the solution may be right here! You might already have the right tool or product to help you achieve the perfect sleek and straight look, with the right lasting hold. While there are many products and options that can help you tame those wild locks and make your hair look sleek and straight, the trick is to find the best way to keep it straight. Whether you’ve got closely coiled corkscrew curls or slightly wavy tresses, this guide will provide you with the ultimate tips and tricks for keeping your hair straight and smooth all day long! Keep reading to learn the best way to straighten curly hair, and keep it looking fabulous!
Washing Curly Hair
No matter your hair type and what style you’re looking for, there’s one crucial step you need to take to get a straight look and keep it that way—and that’s washing your hair the right way.
If you’ve got curly locks, you already know that your hair is naturally predisposed to be drier than other hair types. That means, when you’re washing your locks, you need to take a gentler approach—in terms of both the products you use and the frequency of washing.
In order to keep yourself from damaging your hair, the optimal frequency should be no more than twice a week. When it comes to products, there’s a whole universe of possibilities ripe for the picking. Try to use something that’s about to disappear, but still has a bit of life left in it.
Silicone-containing products, for example, tend to build up on the hair, making it difficult to rinse and resulting in hair that’s weighed down and weaker. The best bet for curly hair would be something water-based so that it won’t clog up your hair’s follicles and weigh down your curls.
When it comes to washing your hair, it’s all about options for the amount of product you use. For example, if you use a conditioner, you want to start by adding a small amount of product to your hair and then increasing the amount as necessary.
And when you’re done, you want to make sure you rinse your hair well. Doing so will ensure that you remove any leftover product and prevent a buildup that will make your hair look greasy.
When it comes to washing your curls, the key is all about finding the perfect balance between too much and too little. It’s important to be gentle, use the right products, and rinse your hair well to keep your hair looking its best and prevent any damage.
So go ahead and flaunt those curls—just be sure to treat them with some TLC!
Combing and Brushing Curly Hair
You thought it couldn’t get any easier, huh? Combing and brushing your curly hair can be a time consuming and tedious process, but it doesn’t have to be! Sure, it might take some arm strength from time to time if it’s really kinky, but by using the right tools you can make it a much smoother process.
The first thing you need is a good ol’ brush. Sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? However, a brush catered to the needs of your specific hair type is key. A wide tooth comb or detangling brush easily moves through the strands of your hair and reduces the amount of time combing through your curls. The larger the teeth, the more hair your brush can tackle!
You’ll want to start with wet hair, but not sopping wet – freshly showered and damp. Work in small sections and be sure to comb through only the ends first, then progress to combing through the length. Starting at the base of your hair, brush downward, until your chair is free of snarls. This part is important, as having unsightly tangles causing problems further down the line can cause undue stress throughout the time your locks remain straight.
Don’t use too much force. Combing or brushing your hair too hard won’t help straighten it, it’ll just be another challenge for you to either repair or wash and re-start. In addition, be careful and thoughtful about the hair accessories you use. Hair ties or elastics can cause breakage, and clips can create strained areas in your hair from the added tension.
But, of course, patience is essential. You’ll want to take the time to enjoy the process and remember your techniques. As long as you’re gentle and thorough, you’ll have a successful curl-straightening session!
Towel Drying Curly Hair
So you’ve got all these wild and wily curls, and no matter what you do, all you can manage is a head full of crazy spirals. Trying to keep them straight and smooth is practically impossible, but towel drying can help the process a bit.
Once you step out of the shower, gently pat down your hair with your towel. It is so important not to rub wildly with your towel – that can just make the curls even tighter! By rubbing gently with a towel, you can help to reduce the amount of curl that you have. Plus, the gentle friction from the towel can help to give your hair a more up-scale glossy look.
Once the hair has been gently dried off with a towel, the next step is to go with the comb. Again, it is important not to be too rough with this step – remember, too much force and you could be undoing all the work you put in with the towel! Start at the bottom and use a wide-tooth comb to gently run through. Make sure to section out your curls as you go, and let the comb run all the way through the length of hair while holding the middle and end between your fingers.
Once you’ve gone through with the comb, it is time to maximize the potential of your curl-free-eriffic look. Blowdrying your long locks is the final step of the process. This can be used to help straighten your hair and smooth out any frizz. Holding the end between your fingers, use a dryer on a low heat setting and a round brush to gently comb the hair as you dry. This will help straighten out the curls and keep them where you want them to stay!
For those seeking to make their curls look straight and glossy, towel drying curly hair and following it up with a comb and dryer is the best way to take the battle with your curls head-on.
Applying Heat Protectors
You know how your hair can just get that certain type of curl that just won’t let go? Well, if you want to do away with your unruly curls, the first step is to apply a heat protector!
This is a special product designed to protect your hair from heat damage as you work to straighten it out. It creates a barrier between your hair and any heated appliances that you use, helping to prevent damage and keeping your hair looking healthy and shiny.
But not just any old heat protector will do. You want to look for one that includes ingredients like amino acids and vitamins that can nourish your hair and make it look healthy. It should also be lightweight enough to not weigh your hair down.
One of the best ways to apply heat protectors is to spray them on your hair in sections, starting at the ends and working your way up. This will help ensure that all of your hair is evenly coated and protected. Don’t forget to use a brush or comb to evenly distribute the product.
After your hair is sprayed down and ready to go, you can reach for the curling iron or straightening iron and get to work. Just remember not to go overboard with the heat – it’s best to use the lowest setting that will still get the job done.
And before you know it, your hair will transform from curly to straight in no time. But most importantly, you’ve done it in a way that safeguards your hair’s health. Safe and stylish? It’s a win-win!
Flat Ironing Curly Hair
Flat ironing curly hair seems like a daunting task — it can be nearly impossible to tame those tough curls! Don’t worry — with a little preparation, the right equipment and a few tips, you can turn those wild curls into perfect, poker straight locks.
To start, it’s important to make sure you’ve sufficiently prepped your hair for the job at hand. If your hair is particularly dry, rough or brittle, sadly, the flat iron won’t do much for you — instead, opt for nourishing pre-treatment products like a deep conditioner or a hair mask to give your hair the moisture it needs to hold a style. To keep the strands healthy, a thermal protectant spray is also essential — it will keep your hair from getting fried, letting you create the look you want without having to worry about a bad hair day.
When you think you’ve finished prepping, it’s time to bring out the big guns – namely, the flat iron. Get a flat iron that has a digital temperature display, so you can set the heat level according to your hair type — naturally curly hair will require a higher temperature than finer strands. Most flat irons can be set anywhere between 140 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit — but always remember to start low, and gradually increase the temperature if needed. Play around with the settings, and hone in on the perfect heat level for your hair.
Once the flat iron is prepped and ready, it’s time to put it to work. Arm yourself with a tail comb and some hair clips, and begin to straighten your hair by sections. Start with the top layers, and take horizontally parted sections before flat ironing each one from root to end. Before you move onto the next section, try to brush out any tangles with the comb or your fingers for an even look. With every pass of the iron, pull the strands taut downwards and glide the iron downwards in a smooth and constant motion — keep going until you’ve gotten all your hair to the desired level of straightness.
Voila—you have smooth, straight locks! Keep the straight hair intact by spray generously with hairspray, and if you’re going to be out in humid weather, don’t forget to use a little shine serum to keep it looking fabulous.
Using Rollers
You’re a proud possessor of some voluminous curls, and you want to show them off in all their straight glory. But how should you do it? You’ve heard about how to straighten hair and keep it straight, and you’re ready to try it. Well, we’re here to tell you about one of the surefire ways you can achieve the look you desire: using rollers!
For starters, it’s important to buy the right kind of rollers. While you might be tempted to choose the big jumbo rollers, they might not necessarily give you the result you’re after. Instead, try medium-sized foam rollers as they won’t damage your delicate locks. Second, it’s important to heat the rollers before using them. This will help open the cuticles to ensure your hair is as straight and smooth as possible.
Once you’ve got your rollers in place, you might feel a little overwhelmed. After all, your curls are now covered in all manner of contraptions! Put your nervousness aside, for we are here to guide you. Start by rolling your hair inwards from the ends. Do this gently and make sure you don’t tug on your hair too much. This can cause it to stretch and lead to split ends. As you roll, make sure that the rollers are as parallel to the scalp as possible in order to prevent any uneven results.
When your curls are firmly in place, go ahead and use a blow dryer to seal the deal. This will ensure that your hair is straight and soft. After that, all you have to do is wait for the rollers to cool. Then, take them out and admire your results: beautifully straight and voluminous hair!
So there you have it – all the tips and tricks you need to straighten your hair and keep it straight with ease. Time to put those rollers to good use and show off your new hairstyle!
Final Step: Hair Spray and Styling Products
Once you have straightened your curls, it’s time to take care of the finishing touches to keep your hair looking its best. Applying hair spray and styling products is the perfect way to complete your look.
To give your hair the finishing touches, start off with a light layer of hairspray or mousse. This will help keep your style in place, even in humid weather. As you apply the hairspray, lightly run your fingers through your hair, this will help to evenly distribute the product.
Think about using a pomade or wax to really give your finished hairstyle some staying power. These products work best when you apply a small amount and then use a comb or your fingers to work it through your hair. This will help to define your curls, and keep your style in place.
Once you have the product in place, use a blow dryer and a round brush to smooth out your curls. This final step will add a touch of shine to your hair, and give you the look you have been going for. To finish off, add one more layer of hairspray or mousse.
Using hair products is an important part of achieving the perfect curl. Not only will they help keep your style in place, they will also add a touch of shine and give you the look you have been going for.
Conclusion
The most important take away from this article is that taming curly hair is not easy, but it can definitely be done. With the right combination of technique, shampoo and product, you can keep your curls looking straight and sleek all day. Whether you’re heading to a special event or just want to spice up your daily look, you now know the best way to straighten your hair and keep it looking that way. So heat up your flat iron, grab a good conditioner and a trusty hairspray, and you’ll be ready to tackle the hairy beast that is your curly hair! Good luck!
References:
https://www.wikihow.com/Straighten-Curly-Hair-and-Keep-It-Straight
https://www.millarcomhair.com/flat-iron-tutorial/
https://www.matrix.com/blog/how-to-flat-iron-curly-hair Charles, L. (2018, June 13). How to Straighten Curly Hair.
