how to straighten natural hair without a flat iron

Heat-styling and natural curls usually don’t make a good match. Shampoos containing keratin and argan oil are best as they smooth and strengthen the cuticle for a long-lasting style. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Sure, flowers are nice, but homemade food gifts are the sweetest tokens of affection—especially when they're heart-shaped. Instead, use a finishing product that smooths flyaways or creates definition and separation at the tips. Using a Hair Straightener Start conditioning early. Also, stay away from ingredients like parabens and harsh sulfates," notes MariLynne Cosmillo, Cherry Blow Dry Bar's director of education. There are safer ways to straighten your hair than attacking it with a flat iron. Flat iron your hair using the chase method. 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. Plus, MoKnowsHair constantly proves that natural hair can do this with just a straightening iron and a good heat protector. Start with the lower layers of hair, around the nape of your neck and your ears. Flatiron. I am qualified to show you how to get a professional style at home. Hair straightening irons are particularly damaging … An at-home blow-out is a surefire way to create a straight hairstyle. Too much washing can strip away protective oils and can lead to frizzy hair. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Putting it in a bun or braid will leave creases in your hair, making it appear wavy. It is possible to get your naturally curly hair into a smooth, straight style. Wash and condition your hair. You can straighten your hair just by putting in some large foam or velcro hair curlers. Cloud Nine Original Flat Iron. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Using a Round Brush An at-home blow-out is a surefire way to create a straight hairstyle. These finishing products should also be full of things that will maintain your look. Leave-in conditioner or leave-in hair balm, A mix of 4 oz (120 mL) camellia oil and 1 oz (30 mL) avocado oil. You can use hair clips or bobby pins instead. 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. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Once your hot tool is ready, run the plates of the flat iron over your strands. Start with freshly washed, slightly damp hair. Keep your hair in a low, loose ponytail if you want to put it up. Credit: Help them thrive even when the temperature drops. Electric Hot Brush Round. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. This article has been viewed 11,181 times. Start with freshly washed, slightly damp hair. Too hard on yourself? 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. 2. So I was going through my camera and realized that I had this filmed and I never edited it to post! 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). 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. Apply conditioner to damp or wet hair, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it out. But if you want curly hair, you need to … 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. African American hair is curly and coarse and thus requires high heat temperature to straighten strands. Using a flat iron definitely, gives natural afro curly hair a super sleek straight finish. "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). Tips. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! References. Get some large foam or velcro rollers. Now that your hair is blow-dried, it’s time to straighten your mane with a flat iron. Worried about damaging your hair? Buy a quality flat iron with ion-neutralizing effect, as found in ceramic irons. Today I wanted to flat iron my type 4 natural hair. Set your curly hair straightener on the lowest heat setting possible; remember, the goal is to only have one or two swipes of the flat-iron straighten each section of hair. Opt for a professional treatment for a semi-permanent effect like a Keratin Complex Express Blow Out treatment offered at many salons. Fortunately, there are ways to straighten your natural hair without actually damaging your curls. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. % of people told us that this article helped them. The challenge is that many methods require you to use chemicals or heat. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space. Avoiding Common Mistakes Don't go for perfectly straight hair if your hair won't allow it. This will help you get rid of knots and help you flat iron your hair quickly. 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. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Quit being so ignorant. Biology aside, there is still a way to safely straighten your hair without having to deal with a ton of heat damage. One of the best methods for straightening natural hair without using heat is by roller setting. Rub it into the lower half of your hair, away from the scalp, then brush it in. Keep brushing your hair until it's dry. 1. "And grows back mostly with its natural texture and shape. Women have been straightening their hair long before the invention of the flat iron. Ensure combing your curly hair before you begin straightening it. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Well Hello! "Volumizing," "amplifying," or "body" formulas make it more difficult to keep your hair straight. 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. "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. For more control, use a concentrator attachment on the blow dryer nozzle. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. Bertin "loves" the Cloud Nine flat iron, which is available in four sizes — … By using our site, you agree to our. Use shampoo and conditioner made for straight hairstyles, or labeled "sleek" or "moisturizing." "If you have puffy roots, get a keratin treatment to avoid overuse of the flat-iron. 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If your hair is looking flat as you blow-dry, flip your head downward and blow-dry your hair upside-down for a few seconds before tilting your head upright again and brushing it out. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Opt for an oil-based product that blocks humidity. 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. Now that your hair is ready, you can decide which option works best for you. Don't point the blow dryer nozzle up towards the ceiling. We've asked the experts to help break it all down for you. "Specifically, a boar bristle round brush helps drag your natural oils down the hair shaft, leaving the hair feeling soft and shiny.". By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 5. If possible, choose one based on natural oils, not silicone. "For long to medium styles that straighten easily, brush wet … 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. Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair. I hit up Dominican stylists and salon owners Cynthia Henriquez and Carol Urena for some advice. You can also blow-dry your hair in front of a fan, rather than tiring out your arm with a blow-dryer. Natural hair … This will rough up the strand and make it harder to achieve a sleek, straight look. Learn how to have kinder self-talk. Wrap scarf around hair and tightly knot. [1] X Research source Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair. Sometimes it is possible for the hair to regain some movement, however, it will never be the same as their natural curl pattern." In terms of heat damage, Dorsey recommends using a heat protectant when flat-ironing your hair. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Once you're done brushing, it's important to avoid any watery hair products, like leave-in conditioners or gels. If using hot air, apply heat protectant to your hair first. Always wrap hair at night to maintain straightened hair … Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free. You want to keep your iron at the lowest setting required to straighten your hair (most irons go up to 450 degrees, but reaching for at least 360 degrees is beneficial). These questions are generally due to the horror stories about women damaging their hair. If you’re transitioning, heat is really the enemy, so if you must use it, try to … Some of the stupidity in the comments are stifling. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Too much exposure to heat can cause long-lasting damage to your delicate natural curls … Your hair may not be pin straight if you have curly or textured hair, but it will look straighter. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 11,181 times. 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. This video talks about how to straighten your hair without using a flat iron. Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. Getty / Westend61, How to Straighten Your Hair Without a Flat Iron. Natural newbies, in particular, often have several questions related to heat damage. "Only flat-iron your hair once weekly," instructs Dorsey. Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to control a fan than a blow-dryer. 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. Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. But we’re here to tell you: it’s best to use heat styling in moderation only! Learning how to flat iron natural hair, without causing heat damage, is a desire of many naturals. This article has been viewed 11,181 times. Try a coin-sized amount of natural oil instead. With these tips from industry experts, getting glossy, silky, straight hair is as simple as following a few steps. Her channel is TheChicNatural. Hey GlamFam! Getting your hair wet is the first step to straightening it, so start by washing and conditioning your hair. Save the flat iron for little touch up's (like stubborn hairline curls) but don't use it on the whole head. When purchasing a flatiron, look for one with customizable settings. Never attempt to use a flat-iron on wet or even damp hair. The key to flat ironing is consistent heat, so repetition is very effective in straightening hair. Adjust the heat control of your flat iron to get the heat that is required to straighten your hair. Get the largest curlers you can find. Our third way is to get straight hair. But there's no need to trade in your favorite sleek, straight hairstyle quite yet. 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. 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. To use a paddle brush with a hair dryer, place the hair dryer nozzle close to the bristles of the brush. You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? "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]. Minimize Heat Exposure. Apply deep conditioner to your hair from roots to tips and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing well. Make sure the products you are using on your straight hair are water free (that means oil based or silicone based). Use flat hair clips to secure hair to head. Use water based products the days after: Water will revert the hair back to curly. Even now that I am natural it is the same thing. If you've already washed your hair recently, just dampen it with water. It lasts anywhere between four to five months and can be repeated without worrying about damaging the hair," he says. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing. All Rights Reserved. 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. Choose rollers that are large enough for your hair to go around just 1.5 times for a large "C" curl. 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. Wash your hair with a straightening shampoo and rinse completely. Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. Experts reveal their sleek hair solutions. Not interested in using any heat at all? Try making whipped coconut oil, diluting with water, and brushing a small amount into your hair. Here are a few alternatives, ranging from thorough treatments to easy, low-investment options. When you blow-dry the head downwards, you are not roughing up the [hair] cuticle, and it lays smoother, so less damage is done and the hair is left smooth and straight," says Marilisa Sears, artistic director at Marc Anthony True Professional. You can straighten you hair, however, without heat and still get quality results -- and you can do it at home. "Then set the blow-dryer to medium heat, while keeping the dryer above the head and pointed down. We love the Cantu Heat Protectant Spray ($4). 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