7 Steps To Straighten Your Curly Hair At Home

There are two excellent options available if you want to drastically change your appearance and pleasantly surprise your family and friends: opting for either straightening or curling, depending on your hair type. However, the process of straightening curly hair can be demanding and time-consuming. Many individuals hesitate to straighten their hair due to concerns about potential damage, while others avoid it altogether to avoid the risk. Nonetheless, these worries can be alleviated by employing the appropriate tools, techniques, and procedures. This article will provide insights into some of the most effective methods for straightening your locks without causing damage, explain what keratin straightening treatment entails, and offer a few essential precautions to bear in mind. Let's delve into it.

# Rinse Your Hair With A Gentle Shampoo

Curly hair tends to be more susceptible to frizz and necessitates the use of a mild shampoo and a hydrating deep conditioner to shield it from damage and frizz. When preparing your hair for the straightening procedure, wash it with shampoo and conditioner specifically designed to combat frizz, using lukewarm water. Hot water can strip away moisture and natural oils from your hair, so it's advisable to always opt for lukewarm water when rinsing your hair. Choose hair care products that are gentle on your strands and can assist in safeguarding against damage from straightening tools.

# Detangle Your Knotty And Tangled Hair

Because curly hair tends to lose moisture easily, resulting in dryness and increased susceptibility to tangles, it's essential to use a wide-toothed comb for detangling before straightening. Achieving smooth locks is the goal, so gently comb through your hair with the wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends and gradually moving towards the roots. This method effectively removes knots without causing hair breakage. It's advisable to detangle your hair before showering to prevent tangling during washing. Additionally, avoid brushing wet hair, as it is more prone to breakage.

# Prepare Your Locks For Straightening

Correctly preparing your damp curly hair before blow-drying is a crucial aspect of the straightening routine. Apply a heat protectant product before using the blow dryer to shield your hair from heat damage. This product offers heat protection of up to 450 degrees, locks in shine, and controls frizz. However, be cautious not to overapply the heat protectant, as excessive usage can leave your hair feeling weighed down and sticky.

# Use A Blow Dryer

Blow-drying thick, curly hair can be time-consuming. To tackle this, arm yourself with a blow dryer and a round bristle brush, and divide your hair into sections to dry each part individually. Slowly brush through each section while blow-drying, opting for a low heat setting to reduce heat exposure. Ensure each section is thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step.

# Prepare Your Hair Straightener

Take a small section of your hair and secure the remaining strands with clips. Adjust your hair straightener to a low or medium heat setting. Once it's heated up, carefully glide it through the section of hair. Remember, never use a flat iron on wet or damp hair.

# Employ the Chase Technique

If your straightener doesn't provide the desired straightness, you can employ the chase method for better results. This technique involves simultaneously using a rat-tail comb and a straightener to straighten your hair. It ensures every strand is reached while minimizing heat exposure. With this method, you should achieve smooth hair with just one pass.

Position the rat-tail comb an inch or two below your roots, with the flat iron positioned just above it. Gently comb through your hair while running the plates of the straightener over it to straighten your locks. Repeat until you achieve the desired smoothness.

# Apply Finishing Touches with Hairspray

For added volume, apply a volumizing spray at the roots before straightening each section. Once finished, use a small amount of hair serum (ideal for thick, coarse hair) or spray (suitable for normal to fine or thin hair) for a polished appearance. Remember not to overuse leave-in hair products, as they can weigh down your hair and make it appear greasy.