Ideally, you want to use a flat iron that has a temperature gauge with numbers rather than simple On, Off, Low, and High settings. This way you can gauge exactly how much heat your hair is getting. [2] X Research source Find an iron that is an inch and a half wide or smaller. Irons larger than that won’t be able to get closer enough to your scalp. [3] X Research source Ceramic plates ensure that the heat is evenly distributed across your hair as you straighten, and ceramic is good for most hair types and textures. Stay away from “ceramic coated” flat irons, which can dry out your hair. [4] X Research source If your hair is curly, however, you may need gold or titanium plates. [5] X Research source
Some frequently recommended choices included Living Proof’s Straight Spray, Moroccan Oil (for thick or coarse hair), or products made with silicone.
Alternately, you may want to try a strengthening shampoo if you find that frequent straightening makes your hair weak
Some options include Luster’s Pink Original Oil Moisturizer and Aveda’s Dry Remedy.
If you really don’t want to cut your hair, it may be possible to repair some damage over time with products containing oils and moisturizers. This is not a quick-fix, though—it could take two to three months to see improvements. [8] X Research source
Use only as much product as you need for your specific hair type and length. Using too much product could result in hair that is weighed down and looks greasy, rather than sleek and shiny.
To create volume, blow-dry by lifting at the roots. [9] X Research source If you have thick hair, you will want to apply tension with a brush as you dry—this will help to get the hair as smooth as possible. [10] X Research source Do not attempt to straighten your hair until it is absolutely dry. If you hear a sizzle, stop![11] X Research source
The finer your hair, the lower the setting you should go with. [12] X Research source For fine or very damaged hair, use the “low” setting or 250–300 degrees. For medium (average) hair, use a mid-range setting or 300–350 degrees. [13] X Research source Even if you have very thick or coarse hair, you should be able to use a setting below the very highest one. Try 350–400 degrees if your flat iron has a temperature gauge. [14] X Research source Experiment with settings in the middle–high range before opting for the very highest one because repeatedly using that amount of heat can be very damaging to your tresses. If you have chemically processed hair, then your heat tolerance will be reduced. [15] X Research source The same goes for badly damaged hair.
The more hair your have, the more sections you will need. Don’t try to straighten your hair by randomly grabbing pieces from all over your head; this will take forever and you’ll end up with an uneven looking result.
Apply some tension as you go from top to bottom so that you can get the desired straightness. [18] X Research source
Try not to go over the same section of hair multiple times, as this increases the likelihood of damage to those particular strands of hair. If you have curly hair, however, you will most likely have to go over your hair multiple times to get it to become straight.
