Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. Use shampoo and conditioner made for straight hairstyles, or labeled "sleek" or "moisturizing." This article has been viewed 11,181 times. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Get some large foam or velcro rollers. Make sure the products you are using on your straight hair are water free (that means oil based or silicone based). "And grows back mostly with its natural texture and shape. Putting it in a bun or braid will leave creases in your hair, making it appear wavy. % of people told us that this article helped them. Wash your hair with a straightening shampoo and rinse completely. Quit being so ignorant. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. 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. I hit up Dominican stylists and salon owners Cynthia Henriquez and Carol Urena for some advice. 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. Help them thrive even when the temperature drops. Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Natural hair … Cloud Nine Original Flat Iron. It is possible to get your naturally curly hair into a smooth, straight style. Heat-styling and natural curls usually don’t make a good match. From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice. 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. Bertin "loves" the Cloud Nine flat iron, which is available in four sizes — … Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. Not interested in using any heat at all? 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. Minimize Heat Exposure. Last Updated: May 31, 2019 Here are a few alternatives, ranging from thorough treatments to easy, low-investment options. If using hot air, apply heat protectant to your hair first. To use a paddle brush with a hair dryer, place the hair dryer nozzle close to the bristles of the brush. Hair straightening irons are particularly damaging … Our third way is to get straight hair. Opt for a professional treatment for a semi-permanent effect like a Keratin Complex Express Blow Out treatment offered at many salons. We love the Cantu Heat Protectant Spray ($4). The key to flat ironing is consistent heat, so repetition is very effective in straightening hair. Once your hot tool is ready, run the plates of the flat iron over your strands. "Specifically, a boar bristle round brush helps drag your natural oils down the hair shaft, leaving the hair feeling soft and shiny.". Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Try a coin-sized amount of natural oil instead. Avoiding Common Mistakes Don't go for perfectly straight hair if your hair won't allow it. Save the flat iron for little touch up's (like stubborn hairline curls) but don't use it on the whole head. 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. Flatiron. Credit: Learning how to flat iron natural hair, without causing heat damage, is a desire of many naturals. Tips. Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to control a fan than a blow-dryer. "Only flat-iron your hair once weekly," instructs Dorsey. "For long to medium styles that straighten easily, brush wet … 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. Natural newbies, in particular, often have several questions related to heat damage. Worried about damaging your hair? If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Start with freshly washed, slightly damp hair. If you’re transitioning, heat is really the enemy, so if you must use it, try to … Women have been straightening their hair long before the invention of the flat iron. You can use hair clips or bobby pins instead. If you've already washed your hair recently, just dampen it with water. You can straighten your hair just by putting in some large foam or velcro hair curlers. This article has been viewed 11,181 times. "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). One of the best methods for straightening natural hair without using heat is by roller setting. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair. Get the largest curlers you can find. Getty / Westend61, How to Straighten Your Hair Without a Flat Iron. Plus, MoKnowsHair constantly proves that natural hair can do this with just a straightening iron and a good heat protector. If possible, choose one based on natural oils, not silicone. Start with the lower layers of hair, around the nape of your neck and your ears. African American hair is curly and coarse and thus requires high heat temperature to straighten strands. Apply deep conditioner to your hair from roots to tips and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing well. "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]. Try making whipped coconut oil, diluting with water, and brushing a small amount into your hair. There are safer ways to straighten your hair than attacking it with a flat iron. Adjust the heat control of your flat iron to get the heat that is required to straighten your hair. Start with freshly washed, slightly damp hair. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. 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. [1] X Research source Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair. Learn how to have kinder self-talk. Today I wanted to flat iron my type 4 natural hair. 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. 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. 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. 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