Most of the women who have curly hair want it to be straight and those with straight hair want it to be curly and that’s something normal. One of the easiest ways to straighten your hair is using straightening irons, /flat irons as they are also called/. They use heat to straighten the hair and are made of metal or ceramic. The ceramic straighteneres are less damaging than the metal ones, because they evolve steam that add moisture to the hair, generate negative ions and straighten hair quickly and effectively. The ceramic irons are preferable to the metal ones as the heat is less damaging and cause no pulling on hair.Ceramic plates conduct heat fast and retain it so you can achieve optimum styling control and create poker straight hair. The infrared heat will seal in your hairs natural oils, moisture and colour so your tresses look shiny and healthy no matter what style you choose.
How to straighten your hair using a flat iron:
Step 1 Wash your hair
Wash your hair using a mild shampoo appropriate for your hair type. Shampoo gently. Wet the hair thoroughly with water that isn’t too hot. Rinse with cool water to remove all traces of shampoo residue.
Step 2 Apply hair mask
Apply a small amount of hair mask to wet hair, concentrating on ends. Let it penetrate deeply for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly. The hair mask will nourish and replenish your hair leaving it improved texture, more body, easy to manage and with luminous shine. In my opinion a hair mask should always be applied before straightening hair with flat iron or chemicals.
Step 3 Condition hair
Use a conditioner following the shampoo. It’s essential because heat damaged hair needs more moisture. A conditioner will coat the hair shaft with a thin film that smoothes down roughened cells and fills in the uneven surface. A good conditioner will feed the root and repair structure to prevent dry, breaking, frizzy and splitting.
Step 4 Towel wet hair
Towel wet hair to remove as much water as possible. Comb wet hair with a wide toothed comb but never brush wet hair and never rub it. Carefully part and separate your hair into sections.
Step 5 Apply a heat protection spray
Applying heat-protection spray is essential, especially when straightening. These sprays are specifically designed to protect the hair from the heat when using straightening irons or curling irons and act as a barrier between hair and heat. Always spray the product before straightening your hair. Some of these products also help to straighten the hair, retain the moisture in your hair and protect hair from splitting. Put small amount of the product into your palms and smooth lightly over the tops of your hair.
Step 6 Blow-dry your hair
Blow-dry your hair thoroughly. Hold the hair sections out taut and point the hairdryer down to dry it. Use the brush to pull the sections of your hair straight at the ends. Never expose one section of your hair to intense, sustained heat from the hairdryer.
Step 7 Start ironing
Start ironing smaller portions, working your way up the head and set the right temperature for your hair. Apply even pressure and slowly move the iron down your hair. Avoid direct scalp contact to avoid potential burns and never pass the same section more than two times. Make sure you maintain an even, gentle tension on your hair.
Step 8 Apply styling product
At the end apply hair serum, hair gel or hair wax but make sure you apply it evenly otherwise your hair may look lank and greasy. Use your fingers to carefully arrange your hair. The product will maintain your hair in the desired position and will help it last longer.
Useful Beauty Tips:
Remember: heat that is strong enough to change the natural style of your hair is damaging.
Limit the use of flat iron and apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week to combat damage.
Always use heat protection spray, otherwise your hair will get damaged.
Don’t use too much hair products because your hair will look lank and greasy.
Invest in good flat iron.
Keeping the sections small will avoid ridges forming at the roots.
Don’t try to straighten too much hair at once.
To camouflage the regrowth line, part hair on the sides create a zigzag parting or pull hair back into a ponytail.
Give your hair a break and let it rest, but keep it clean and well-conditioned.
Purchase the same line of hair products – they are formulated to work together.
Applying harsh products, providing improper hair services can cause the hair structure become weakened and damaged.
Always apply conditioner or hair mask before hair straightening.
Never straighten your hair if it is still wet – the hair will burn and will be seriously damaged.
Never repeat straightening the same section of hair over and over again.
Make sure the products you use are appropriate for your hair type.
Never brush wet hair – it stretches and breaks the hair.
A good haircut is essential to achieve the perfect style.
Always blow-dry before straightening your hair.
Always clean the flat iron plate with a cleaner after each styling session.
Never straighten your hair every day – reserve it for special occasions.
Always unplug the flat iron immediately after use.
Never use flat iron in bathroom.
Try not to touch your hair too often.
Regular heat-styling robs the hair of moisture and oil, leaving it more prone to split ends and breakage.
Recommended Products:
GHD Hair Straightener MK3 ($197) – straighten and smooth hair, create luscious curls,the ceramic plates protect hair from heat damage.
Sedu Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Straightener ($120) – flat iron ideal for short hair, straightens hair fast and effectively without damaging.
Alberto VO5 Make it Straight Straightening Gel ($3.90) – Protects hair from flat iron and blow dryer damage, smoothes and shines curly or wavy hair without harsh chemicals.
SunSilk Iron Effect Straightening Cream – a non-greasy cream that makes blow-drying hair straight so much easier
SunSilk Blow-Drying Aid Mousse - protects hair from heat-styling and brushing damage. Plus, it gives long-lasting natural hold to the style
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($7) – effective treatment of extra dry or over-processed hair, restore dried out strands to be soft, lustrous and shining in minutes
Dove Advanced Care Repairing Treatment Therapy ($5) – delivers therapy to hair with symptoms of severe dryness or damage with intense moisturizers that go deep inside the hair and repair the surface, without weighing it down.
Pantene Pro-V Style Ice Shine Hairspray, Maximum Hold ($4.10) – enhance your style with lustrous shine, provide all-day hold and control.
source :beauty advise
