Get the trendiest hairstyles with these simple guidelines.
Love straight hair? We’ve got good news for you! Now you can straighten and style your hair at the comfort of your home. Though modern technology makes hairstyling convenient, one needs to know the basics of how to go about doing it properly.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, here are 20 simple tips on how to use a hair straightener to get that remarkably professional look.
1) Shampoo and condition your hair
Wash your hair with warm water. Take a small amount of shampoo and gently massage it into your scalp using your fingertips. Rinse hair with warm water. Apply conditioner from the mid-length to the tips. Rinse with cold water.
2) Towel your hair dry and use a small amount of hair moisturizer or straightening balm
Use a clean, dry towel and pat the hair at the scalp to blot excess water. To remove water from the length of your hair, press the hair between the towel folds. Wrap your hair in a towel for 10-15 minutes to soak up as much moisture as possible.
3) Blow dry your hair
For a glossy and smooth finish make sure to dry your hair section by section using a round brush. Avoid setting the dryer at a high temperature.
4) Know what kind of straightener to use for your hair type
When choosing a hair straightener, it’s vital to consider your hair type, texture and length. A person with fine curly hair needs a different straightener than someone with thick long hair. The following link will help you determine which plate, temperature and iron are best suited for you.
5) Comb your hair
Combing your hair right is extremely important. Brushing your hair the wrong way could lead to hair breakage, split ends and hair fall.
6) Part your hair into sections
Divide your hair into small sections and begin straightening from the bottom layers to the top to ensure that you straighten your hair properly, without missing any strands.
7) Use a heat protectant or a thermal protectant spray
A heat protectant spray or lotion not only prevents damage but often boost your hair’s shine and helps beat the frizzy look.
8) Set the straightener to the right temperature
Though your hair texture and type determines your heat setting, researchers say 365°F is the ideal temperature for your flat iron. This temperature allows the most styling benefits in the fewest strokes.
9) Use the straightening iron through each layer like a comb
Hold each layered hair section tightly. Work from the bottom section up and use the hair straightener through your hair like a comb.
10) Repeat to get the desired effect
If you have frizzy or thick hair that needs more work repeat this process for all the layers to get the desired results.
11) More volume at the crown
Add the perfect amount of volume to your crown area quickly with this simple technique. Check out the video here.
12) Bouncy curls
Did you know that hair straighteners can also be used for curling your hair? Get the perfect curls and look glamorous like your favourite celebrity with a couple of easy-to-master techniques.
13) Mermaid curls
Want those trendy, sexy, mermaid curls in your hair? Create a mermaid look with a flat iron, some hair spray and these simple steps.
14) Beachy waves
Here is a fool-proof method to get those stylish and perfect beachy waves look for your hair.
15) Crimp your hair
Want to get the sassy crimped hair look? It is super easy to crimp your hair using a flat iron straightener.
16) Colour it up
Apply hair chalk on your tresses and run the flat iron over your strands to make the colours pop.
17) Apply a hair spray post straightening
Give your hair some TLC post straightening. Use silicone based serum or spray to prevent your hair from getting entangled.
18) How to keep your hair straight all day long
After you’ve straightened your hair make sure you keep it dry. Moisture, humidity and showers tend to make your hair wavy and frizzy.
19) Wrap it with silk
Do you have thick, frizzy and curly hair? This relatively new silk wrapping technique will help you get straight, light and flowy natural hair.
20) Cleaning your hair straightener
The oil build-up from your hair and other hair products leaves a residue on your curling or flat irons. Add longevity to the life of your hair straightener by cleaning it regularly.